Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of new 2,4-diaryl-4H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c]benzopyran-5-ones on MCF-7 cells

A series of eight halogenated 2,4-diaryl-4H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c]benzopyran-5-ones have been synthesized, characterized and their stereochemistry determined. In a second stage of our work, the reported molecules were tested for their antiproliferative activity on MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells. Pharmacological results were compared with those of diethylstilbestrol (DES), an estrogen, as well as ICI 182,780, a pure antiestrogen. Then, these derivatives were evaluated for their capacity to activate the transcription of a reporter gene and for their affinity for human recombinant estrogen receptors alpha (hER alpha). These results were compared with those of coumestrol, a phytoestrogen structurally close to 2,4-diaryl-4H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c]benzopyran-5-ones, and with RU 58668, a pure antiestrogen. Although these derivatives exhibit a significant antiproliferative activity higher than that of ICI 182,780, neither of them displayed a significant estrogenicity or an affinity for hER alpha. Such results may suggest that their antiproliferative activity is not dependent of an antiestrogenic response.

17beta-estradiol inhibits forskolin-induced vascular endothelial growth factor promoter in MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor whose expression is induced by the cAMP-dependent signalling pathway in several cell types, and by estrogens in some human breast cancer cells. Here, we investigated the cross-talk between estrogens and cAMP/PKA-dependent signalling pathway in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The results show that, in the absence of any CRE and ERE, forskolin induces whereas estrogens have no effect on VEGF promoter. Moreover, estrogens, through estrogen receptors, partly inhibit the forskolin-induced VEGF promoter in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Therefore, in breast cancers, estrogens could partly inhibit the effect of ligand-activated G protein-coupled receptors on VEGF expression.

Relationship between expansion of the CAG repeat in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene and idiopathic male infertility

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether expansion of CAG repeats in exon 1 of the androgen receptor is correlated with impaired spermatogenesis in patients with male idiopathic infertility.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

SETTING

Medical school in Besançon, France.

PARTICIPANT(S)

Thirty-seven infertile patients with azoospermia or oligospermia and 50 fertile controls.

INTERVENTION(S)

History, physical, hormonal assays, semen analysis, and collection of blood samples in order to study the androgen receptor's gene.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Blood samples were collected from each infertile patient and control. The length of the CAG repeat segment was evaluated by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) electrophoresis in exon 1 and PCR single-strand conformation polymorphism in exons 2-8.

RESULT(S)

The mean length of the CAG repeats was significantly different between infertile and fertile patients (23.91 +/- 0.5 vs. 22.20 +/- 0.4). No mutation was detected in exons 2-8 of the androgen receptor gene in infertile patients.

CONCLUSION(S)

Expansion of the CAG repeat segment of the androgen receptor is correlated with male idiopathic infertility. The number of CAG repeats may therefore have a modulatory effect on normal androgen receptor function.

Influence of cigarette smoking on P53 gene mutations in bladder carcinomas

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of cigarette smoking on bladder carcinomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

98 cases of bladder cancers were examined by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis of exons 5 to 9, followed by DNA direct sequencing.

RESULTS

The incidence of p53 gene mutations was not significantly influenced by habitual smoking. However, the p53 mutation spectrum of current smokers differed significantly from the pattern for non-smokers and ex-smokers. Differences between the two populations included multiple mutations in the current-smokers and an absence in non- and ex-smokers (p<0.01), with the predominance of G:C to A:T transitions at CpG sites in non-smokers (60.0%) in comparison with current smokers (7.6%) (p<0.02). Moreover, G:C to T:A and G:C to C:G transversions were found solely in current smokers.

CONCLUSION

It would appear that, in current-smokers, the spectrum of p53 gene mutations is related to tobacco-smoke carcinogens and that the habit of smoking increases the extent of DNA damage.

Early detection of pancreatic cancer in patients with chronic pancreatitis: diagnostic utility of a K-ras point mutation in the pancreatic juice

OBJECTIVE

Point mutations of the K-ras oncogene at codon 12 have been described several months before the onset of pancreatic cancer in isolated cases of chronic pancreatitis (CP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the interest of a prospective follow-up of patients with CP and K-ras mutations at codon 12 in the detection of early pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

From February 1996 to March 1998, 36 patients (mean age 52.6 yr, 31 men, five women) with CP (alcoholic: 61.1%, pancreas divisum: 5.6%, autoimmune: 5.6%, unknown origin: 27.7%) were included and then prospectively monitored (median duration of 22 months) for detection of pancreatic carcinoma. K-ras point mutations were examined by two-step polymerase chain reaction combined with restriction enzyme digestion in pancreatic juice collected during endoscopic retrograde pancreatography.

RESULTS

Ten patients (27.8%) were positive for K-ras mutation. Patients with and without the mutation were not different with respect to age and sex ratio. K-ras mutations were homogeneously distributed according to the etiology (alcoholic vs nonalcoholic) and morphological characteristics (ductal stricture or mass vs none) of CP. A pancreatic carcinoma was discovered at an invasive stage in two patients, respectively at 7 and 17 months after disclosure of a K-ras mutation, versus none in patients without the mutation (p < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of a K-ras gene mutation is not rare in patients with CP and represents an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. However, its utility for the detection of early pancreatic cancer remains doubtful in clinical practice.

Substituted benzopyranobenzothiazinones. Synthesis and estrogenic activity on MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells

In the search for new agents with estrogenic activity mediated by estrogen receptors (ER), six 6,12-dihydro-1-benzopyrano[3,4-b][1,4]benzothiazin-6-ones 3a-f were synthesized. These compounds were readily prepared by the addition of 2-aminothiophenol 2 to substituted 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives 1a-e. The estrogenic effect has been evaluated on the proliferation of MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells and the specificity of described compounds was evaluated by the inhibition of their effect by ICI 182,780, an antiestrogenic compound. Among the compounds tested, 6,12-dihydro-3-methoxy-1-benzopyrano[3,4-b][1,4]benzothiazin-6-one 3e and 6,12-dihydro-3-hydroxy-1-benzopyrano[3,4-b][1,4]benzothiazin-6-one 3f exhibited an ER-dependent proliferation and a high binding affinity to ER, but a moderate capacity to activate the transcription of a reporter gene. Their pharmacological profiles are defined by their binding properties and their mechanism of action by computational modelling studies.

The predictive value of muscularis mucosae invasion and p53 over expression on progression of stage T1 bladder carcinoma

PURPOSE

We determine the significance of muscularis mucosae invasion and nuclear p53 over expression on the progression of stage T1 transitional cell bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pathological findings in 149 cases of T1 tumors diagnosed between 1973 and 1996 were reviewed. Diagnosis was stage T1 in 94 tumors in which the muscular layer was clearly identifiable and disease-free. Mean followup was 64.9 months (range 5 to 288). T1 bladder cancers were subclassified into 2 groups, with (T1b) or without (T1a) muscularis mucosae invasion. The p53 nuclear antibody immunoreactivity was determined with antibody D07 and a cutoff point at 15%.

RESULTS

T1 subclassification was possible in all 94 patients. Of all tumors 37.2% expressed p53 nuclear over expression. Univariate statistical analysis showed that p53 expression (p <0.05) and tumor invasion depth (p <0.001) significantly correlated with progression. However, on multivariate analysis only invasion depth (p <0.0001) and associated carcinoma in situ (p <0.03) remained independently significant as predictors of progression.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study the depth of tumor invasion was a significant independent predictor of progression in patients with T1 bladder cancer. This result suggests that the depth of invasion in stage T1 should be included in the histopathological report.

Insulin up-regulates vascular endothelial growth factor and stabilizes its messengers in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells

Angiogenesis is crucial for tumor growth and dissemination. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor that promotes vascular growth and therefore tumoral growth and metastasis. Overweight, frequently associated with hyperinsulinemia, constitutes the major risk factor for endometrial carcinoma. Thus, elevated insulin levels may partly explain the increased risk of endometrial cancer observed in obese postmenopausal women. The aim of the present work was to test the role of insulin in the control of VEGF expression in endometrial carcinoma cells (HEC-1A). We have shown that insulin induced a biphasic expression of VEGF messenger ribonucleic acid, with an early, but low, induction (4 h of stimulation) and a delayed, but high, induction (24 h). The delayed effect of insulin on VEGF expression involved transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation, as evidenced by the increased rate of VEGF transcription and the prolonged half-life of VEGF messenger ribonucleic acid. Simultaneously we observed higher levels of VEGF protein in the conditioned medium of stimulated cells compared with unstimulated ones. Therefore, insulin could contribute to the increased risk of endometrial carcinoma due to its ability to induce VEGF expression and thus participate in the maintenance of an angiogenic phenotype.

Cell-associated insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins inhibit insulin-like growth factor-I-induced endometrial cancer cell proliferation

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a peptidic growth factor implicated in the proliferation of a wide variety of cell types, and especially endometrial epithelial cells. Its action is modulated by the presence of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) which are secreted by IGF-I target cells. The partition of IGFBPs between cell-associated and soluble form determines the potentiation or the inhibition of IGF-I action. It is commonly accepted that cell-associated IGFBPs potentiate the IGF-I action while the soluble form of IGFBPs has an inhibitory effect. In endometrial adenocarcinoma, IGF-I is involved in tumoral progression and IGFBPs may be key modulators of the IGF-I-induced cell proliferation. Here we showed that the responsiveness of human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells (HEC-IA cell line) to the mitogenic activity of IGF-I was dependent on the pre-incubation conditions. This responsiveness to IGF-I was conditioned by a differential expression of the IGF system components (IGFBPs and IGF-I receptor) and particularly of the IGFBPs. Indeed, the IGF-I-induced proliferation of the HEC-1A cells was attenuated by the presence of cell-associated IGFBPs. Moreover, the IGF-I incubation induced a release of IGFBP-3 in the culture media as the consequence of an interaction between IGF-I and the cell-associated IGFBP-3. This effect was dose-dependent and was associated with the attenuation of the IGF-I action on cellular proliferation. Thus, IGFBP-3 might be initially expressed as a cell-associated form and then released in the interstitial fluid after a direct interaction with IGF-I. Therefore, in HEC-IA endometrial adenocarcinoma cells responsive to IGF-I, the IGFBP-3 is the main binding protein expressed and both soluble and cell-associated forms act as inhibitors of IGF-I-induced cellular proliferation.

Relevance of p185 HER-2/neu oncoprotein quantification in human primary breast carcinoma

The c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene encodes a transmembrane protein tyrosine kinase receptor of 185 kDa (p185) and has been associated with several types of human cancers. In human breast cancer, overexpression of p185 occurs in 15-30% of cases, correlates with poor prognostic factors and characterizes breast cancers with a more aggressive behavior. Overexpression of p185 is usually associated with c-erbB-2 amplification, though it may occur independently and thus define subpopulations of breast cancers which might be of clinical interest. p185 expression is usually detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and few studies have been carried out to evaluate the p185 content of breast cancers with an ELISA technique. In this context, we showed, in 106 breast cancer samples, that p185 was expressed at high levels in 13.2%, intermediate levels in 55.7% and negative ones in 31.1% of cases. All p185 positive samples showed a c-erbB-2 oncogene amplification while none of the p185 negative samples and only 4% of p185 imtermediate samples had an amplification of c-erbB-2. p185 expression is significantly correlated with the negativity of estrogen and progestrone receptors, with high levels of cathepsin D and in some conditions with axillary nodal involvement. Thus, using the p185 ELISA assay, the c-erbB-2 status of breast cancers can be defined and moreover a subset can be discriminated which is characterized by intermediate levels of p185 and absence of c-erbB-2 amplification. The quantitative approach towards p185 in breast cancers affords the possibility of identifying more appropriately patients with high or low risk and thus permits adaptation of therapeutic regimens.

Regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression by insulin-like growth factor-I in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells

Angiogenesis is crucial for tumor growth and dissemination. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor that promotes endothelial cell proliferation and chemotaxis. VEGF occurs as 5 isoforms, as a result of an alternatively spliced transcript that originates from one gene, of which the 2 majors are the VEGF 121 and 165 isoforms. Our aim was firstly to determine the role of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) in the regulation of VEGF expression in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells and then the mechanism by which this regulation occurs. IGF-I treatment of HEC-1A cells provoked an increase of VEGF mRNA expression that peaked at 48 hr with a 165 isoform mRNA more abundant than the 121 isoform. The IGF-I action was confirmed at the protein level, whose concentration was increased in the conditioned media. In experiments using transient transfection of VEGF promoter-luciferase constructs, the IGF-I failed to increase the activity of the VEGF promoter after a 24-hr period of IGF-I treatment, while the addition of Actinomycin D showed an increase of the VEGF mRNA half-life. Most interestingly, Northern blot analysis showed a different stability of the 2 major VEGF isoform mRNAs (VEGF 121 and 165), of which the 121 isoform was more stable than the 165 isoform. The IGF-I treatment prolonged the half-life of both of the VEGF isoform mRNAs. Our results suggest that IGF-I regulates VEGF expression in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells at the post-transcriptional level by enhancing the stabilization of the 2 major VEGF isoform mRNAs (VEGF(121) and VEGF(165)). In addition to its proliferative functions, IGF-I induces VEGF expression and participates in the maintenance of an angiogenic phenotype.

Immunohistochemical detection of p53 protein overexpression versus gene sequencing in urinary bladder carcinomas

PURPOSE

Mutations of p53 tumor suppressor gene and nuclear accumulation of p53 protein are common in bladder tumors. The prognostic significance of p53 alterations in bladder tumors has not been established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate an immunohistochemical (IHC) method for the routine determination of p53 protein overexpression in human bladder tumors and to determine the relation between nuclear accumulation of p53 with the traditional prognostic indicators and patient survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

104 transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder were analyzed simultaneously by immunohistochemistry for p53 protein overexpression and direct DNA sequencing for p53 gene mutations.

RESULTS

The overexpression of p53 protein was reported in 30.8% of the cases and mutations of p53 gene in 23.0%. A significant association was observed between p53 alterations established either by IHC or direct DNA sequencing and stage (p<0.0001), grade (p<0.001), vascular invasion (p = 0.0005), DNA ploidy (p = 0.0002) and carcinoma in situ (p<0.0001). The correlation between the p53 gene mutations and p53 nuclear reactivity as detected by IHC was highly significant (p<0.0001). Univariate statistical analysis showed that the expression of p53 was significantly correlated to poor prognosis (p<0.0001). However, in multivariate analysis, only stage was significantly correlated to prognosis (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The IHC method was highly sensitive and specific and simple to apply for the routine examination of p53 overexpression in bladder tumors. However, overexpression of p53 as determined immunohistochemically, does not appear to have a better predictive prognostic value than stage in bladder tumors.

ERE environment- and cell type-specific transcriptional effects of estrogen in normal endometrial cells

Our previous results have suggested a repression of E2 (17beta-estradiol) effect on the c-fos gene of cultured guinea-pig endometrial cells. To investigate this repression, the expression of three human c-fos gene recombinants, pFC1-BL (-2250/+41), pFC2-BL (-1400/+41) and pFC2E (-1300/-1050 and -230/+41), known to be E2-responsive in Hela cells, was studied in stromal (SC) and glandular epithelial cells (GEC). In both cellular types, pFC1-BL was not induced by E2, even in the presence of growth factors or co-transfected estrogen receptor. The pattern of pFC2-BL and pFC2E expression was strikingly different and depended on the cellular type: pFC2-BL and pFC2E induction was restricted to the glandular epithelial cells and did not occur in the SCs. We argue for a repression of E2 action which is dependent on the estrogen-responsive cis-acting element (ERE) environment and also cell type-specific involving DNA/protein and/or protein/protein interactions with cellular type-specific factors.

Competitive RT-PCR to quantify CFTR mRNA in human endometrium

Because the down-regulation by progesterone of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) expression could be a useful specific marker to define the state of implant receptivity in endometrium, a competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was developed for quantifying the CFTR mRNA concentration in human endometrial samples. A competitor RNA was constructed with the same sequence as the CFTR sequence except for a 20-nucleotide insertion in the middle. The amplified products were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The ratio of CFTR band areas to competitor band areas provided the basis of quantification. Using this competitive RT-PCR, we measured CFTR mRNA in human endometrial samples taken at different periods of the menstrual cycle, in endometriosis, and in hyperplasia. Results show that the method is suitable for measuring the concentration of CFTR mRNA.

Competitive RT-PCR to quantify CFTR mRNA in human endometrium

Because the down-regulation by progesterone of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) expression could be a useful specific marker to define the state of implant receptivity in endometrium, a competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was developed for quantifying the CFTR mRNA concentration in human endometrial samples. A competitor RNA was constructed with the same sequence as the CFTR sequence except for a 20-nucleotide insertion in the middle. The amplified products were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The ratio of CFTR band areas to competitor band areas provided the basis of quantification. Using this competitive RT-PCR, we measured CFTR mRNA in human endometrial samples taken at different periods of the menstrual cycle, in endometriosis, and in hyperplasia. Results show that the method is suitable for measuring the concentration of CFTR mRNA.

Differential EGF action on nuclear protooncogenes in human endometrial carcinoma RL95-2 cells

Our aim was to analyze EGF action on nuclear protooncogenes in RL95-2 since it has not been documented so far. Synchronization and partial' growth arrest were obtained by maintaining cells for 15 hours in L-methionine-free medium. After this depletion, EGF transiently increased fos and jun mRNAs: the expression peaked at 45 minutes for c-fos (5.5 fold induction) and at 60 minutes for c-jun and jun-B (3 fold induction) and the mRNA levels returned to the basal value within 3 hours. Upon EGF addition, c-myc mRNAs peaked at 12 hours (7.6 fold induction) and surprisingly remained higher than the control up to 48 hours. Unlike fetal calf serum, EGF did not increase the cell number and this could be linked to steadily induced c-myc expression. These data provide evidence for a differential EGF action on fos/jun and c-myc in RL95-2 cells.

Gene transfer into subcultured endometrial cells using lipofection

Lipofection using the Lipofectin reagent was optimized to transiently transfect subcultured guinea pig endometrial stromal cells with a beta-galactosidase gene driven by a simian virus 40 promoter. Efficient transfection was obtained in the following conditions: a value of six for the ratio of lipofectin to DNA, a low cellular density (10(5) cells per 35-mm well) at the time of subculture (48 h before lipofection) and a lipofection duration of 12 hours. Lipofection was compared to calcium phosphate precipitation previously optimized in the same culture model. At a low cellular density, the lipofection method was found to be more efficient than the calcium phosphate precipitation. This result gives a great relevance to lipofection since the cultured cells available in an experiment are often limited. Then, using cells at low density and a plasmid containing the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (cat) gene linked to an estrogen response element, it was shown that the lipofection procedure is a suitable tool for the evaluation of gene regulation by estrogen.

Down-regulation by progesterone of CFTR expression in endometrial epithelial cells: a study by competitive RT-PCR

To determine the effect of progesterone on the CFTR mRNA level in glandular epithelial cells of guinea-pig endometrium, a competitive RT-PCR was developed using an an internal standard a competitor with the same sequence as CFTR RNA except for a 20 nucleotide insertion. Using this method, the results showed that the CFTR mRNA level decreased in cells treated with estradiol plus progesterone compared to cells receiving estradiol alone. The decrease in CFTR mRNA level was maximal at 12 h incubation and was 27.3% of the CFTR mRNA level in estradiol-treated cells. The effect of progesterone was mimicked by the progestagen, R5020 and was inhibited by antiprogestins, RU 38,486 and ZK 98,299. Results are discussed in relation to the changes taking place in the endometrium in preparation for implantation of the embryo.

Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate mediates progesterone effect on sulfate uptake in endometrial epithelial cells

We have previously shown that progesterone increased sulfate uptake in glandular epithelial cells of guinea pig endometrium. To investigate whether cAMP might be the cause of the progesterone effect on sulfate uptake, cAMP accumulation and the effect of cAMP on sulfate uptake were evaluated in cells treated with 17 beta-estradiol alone or with progesterone. Progesterone provoked an increase in the intracellular cAMP accumulation in cells treated with 17 beta-estradiol. Moreover, cAMP or forskolin elicited the same marked increase in sulfate uptake as that observed with progesterone. The effect of progesterone on sulfate uptake was abolished by blocking either the cAMP pathway or the genomic action of progesterone and was independent of the cAMP-activatable apical chloride channel. This study is the first evidence of cAMP activation of sulfate uptake and suggests a genomic effect of progesterone on the production of cAMP which activates the sulfate transport system in a short term activation and a long term activation independent of transcriptional or translational events. The endometrium is a unique tissue that undergoes profound highly regulated modifications during the secretory phase in providing a suitable environment for embryo implantation. The regulation of sulfate uptake could participate in this process.

Effect of progesterone on proteins vectorially secreted by glandular epithelial cells of guinea-pig endometrium: modulation by homologous stroma

Endometrial glandular epithelial cells were subcultured on matrix-coated filters in bicameral chambers in a serum-free chemically defined medium. The cells were untreated or treated with 50 nmol progesterone l-1 or 10 nmol oestradiol l-1 or 10 nmol oestradiol l-1 plus 50 nmol progesterone l-1 and the proteins secreted into the basal or apical compartment were analysed after [35S]methionine labelling. Compared with the untreated cells, oestradiol treatment did not affect the electrophoretic profiles of proteins secreted by the glandular epithelial cells in either compartment. Progesterone treatment induced a decrease in the labelling of 88 and 53 kDa proteins secreted in the apical and basal compartments and an increase in the labelling of a 28 kDa protein. Moreover, progesterone specifically induced the apical secretion of a 137 kDa protein. Interaction between the epithelial and stromal cells was also investigated. When stromal cells were cultured in the basal compartment under the epithelial monolayer, the progesterone effect on the apical secretion of the 137 kDa protein and basal secretion of the 88 and 28 kDa proteins were altered, whereas this progesterone effect was not altered when the epithelial cells were cultured alone in media conditioned with stromal cells. Interactions between epithelial and stromal cells modified the effect of progesterone on protein secretion by the epithelial cells.

Effect of progesterone on hydrophobic cell-associated proteoglycans bound to cholesterol sulfate in glandular epithelial cells of guinea-pig endometrium

Sulfate incorporation was studied in subcultured glandular epithelial cells of guinea-pig endometrium untreated or treated with 10(-8) M 17 beta-estradiol alone or associated with various concentrations of progesterone. In the cells treated with progesterone in association with 17 beta-estradiol, the maximum of the 35S-labelled cell-associated macromolecules failed to bind with an anion-exchange resin (53% of total radioactivity) and had a hydrophobic character. This fraction was separated as an aggregate when the cells were extracted with 4 M guanidine-HCl, and separated as a single component in the presence of Triton X-100, suggesting that it aggregates with cellular lipid. The guanidine-extracted material contained 23.5% proteoglycans. However, the bulk of the radioactivity was in the sulfated lipids (68-75%), essentially represented by cholesterol sulfate. In the progesterone-treated cells, the amount of cholesterol sulfate was significantly higher than in 17 beta-estradiol-treated or untreated cells (1.35-1.5-fold). Thus, the effect of progesterone is located on a lipophilic proteoglycan associated with cholesterol sulfate. These results are discussed in relation to the preparation of the endometrium for embryo implantation.

Epidermal growth factor and insulin induce the proliferation of guinea pig endometrial stromal cells in serum-free culture, whereas estradiol and progesterone do not

Guinea pig endometrial stromal cells were cultured in serum-free medium to assess the effects of growth factors and ovarian steroids on cell proliferation. When the cells were made quiescent by serum depletion, [3H]thymidine incorporation was increased by the addition of insulin plus epidermal growth factor (EGF), reaching a peak after 24 h of stimulation. This effect was dose-dependent. Both factors acted synergistically. Estradiol-17 beta (E2), either alone or with various concentrations of growth factors, had no mitogenic effect. Thus, cell proliferation appeared to be estrogen-insensitive, despite a high level of estrogen receptors (19,000 sites per cell). The integrity of these receptors was checked by transfecting cells with a plasmid containing an estrogen-responsive element linked to a CAT gene: E2-induced CAT activity was reduced by the antiestrogen ICI 164,384. Despite the presence of progesterone receptors, the cells, either primed with E2 or not, were not growth-stimulated by progesterone. E2 had no effect on cells cultured in the presence of dextran-coated charcoal-stripped serum. Thus, whatever the culture conditions, stromal cells with functional estrogen receptors were insensitive to the putative mitogenic effects of E2 and progesterone. However, they were highly responsive to the mitogenic effects of insulin and EGF.

[Restriction polymorphism of C-HA-ras-1 locus in bladder tumors]

The c-Ha-ras-1 polymorphism was studied in 92 bladder tumor samples (newly diagnosed and/or recurrent) obtained from 73 patients and in the paired white blood cells (WBC). A heterozygous state was detected in WBC DNA of 38 patients (52%). The statistical analysis (univariate and multivariate) demonstrated an association between the heterozygous state of the patients and a lymphatic invasion. In patients with a pTa tumor, there was a relation between the heterozygous state and a younger age at diagnosis. A loss of heterozygosity for c-Ha-ras-1 locus was detected in seven out of the 38 informative tumors (18.4%). No significant correlation was observed with the prognostic factors. These results address the relation between the heterozygous genomic state and the risk of lymphatic invasion in the patients with a bladder tumor.

Human breast cancer: correlation study between HER-2/neu amplification and prognostic factors in an unselected population

In 199 breast cancers, HER-2/neu amplification was analyzed by Southern blotting (149 cases) and by slot blotting (149 cases), with 99 cases studied using both techniques. There were 18.8% amplified tumors (> or = 2 copies) by Southern blotting and 15.4% by slot blotting. The difference in the percentages of amplified tumors was not statistically significant (p = 0.44). There was a correlation between HER-2/neu amplification and the SBR grade (p = 0.046): this correlation relied on the absence of amplification in the GI tumors. In a subset study, the negativity of the progesterone receptor content was correlated with HER-2/neu amplification in the node positive (p = 0.02), the pre-menopausal (p = 0.04) and the pre-menopausal node positive (p = 0.002) patients. In the literature as in our results, amplification appears to be correlated with poor prognostic factors. However, in a subgroup with most of the favorable prognostic factors: positive estrogen and progesterone receptor contents and node negativity, the frequency of amplified tumors (19.4%, n = 67) was the same as that observed in the whole group (16.6%, n = 199). This result may suggest that the HER-2/neu amplification could act as an independent prognostic factor.

Identification and characterization of an early estrogen-regulated RNA in cultured guinea-pig endometrial cells

A cDNA library was prepared from quiescent guinea-pig endometrial glandular epithelial cells stimulated for 2 h with estradiol-17 beta (E2) in the presence of cycloheximide. It was screened by differential hybridization for estrogen-regulated sequences. Six recombinants containing E2-regulated sequences were identified. One of them, called gec1 was then characterized by Northern blot hybridization. The gec1 mRNA was 1,800 bases in size. A 2-fold increase in the gec1 mRNA level was achieved at 120 min after E2 treatment. The E2 action on gec1 gene required the presence of cycloheximide. The cloned gec1 cDNA was 1 kb in size. The sequence so far determined did not show similarity with well characterized genes. This is the first report on a cloned cDNA probe of early estrogen-induced mRNA in a primary culture of endometrial epithelial cells.

Progesterone stimulates sulfate uptake in subcultured endometrial epithelial cells

The effect of progesterone was studied on the sulfate entry in glandular epithelial cells of guinea-pig endometrium subcultured in bicameral chambers on matrix-coated filters in a chemically defined medium. At post-confluency (8 days of subculture), cells were treated with 10 nM estradiol alone or in association with various concentrations of progesterone. Optimal progesterone action was at a 16 h incubation time and a 10 nM hormonal concentration. Progesterone increased in a dose-dependent fashion the sulfate uptake specifically in glandular epithelial cells, preferentially from the basal surface. Progesterone effect on the sulfate uptake occurred only in estradiol-primed epithelial cells and was inhibited by the antiprogestin steroid RU-486. The progesterone-dependent increase in sulfate uptake was inhibited by the inhibitor of anion exchange, 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS). At physiological sulfate concentrations, progesterone essentially induces a high-affinity DIDS-sensitive transport system.

Progesterone control of fibronectin secretion in guinea pig endometrium

Immunohistochemistry with a polyclonal antibody raised against human plasma fibronectin (Fn) was used to determine the localization of Fn in endometrial sections of guinea pig uteri isolated at the first, fourth, sixth, or tenth day of the estrous cycle. Immunoreactive Fn was constantly visualized in the endometrial stroma but absent from the epithelial layer. Fn was detected in the uterine lumen on the first or fourth day of the estrous cycle and was absent from the other sections. To determine the origin of this luminal Fn the ability of subcultured endometrial cells to produce Fn was tested, and the hormonal regulation of Fn secretion was studied. Cells were treated by estradiol alone or in association with progesterone, progesterone alone, or untreated. Whatever the hormonal treatment, stromal cells constantly secreted immunoreactive Fn into the culture medium. In the same way, the amount of Fn synthesized and basally secreted by epithelial cells was not affected by any hormonal treatments. However, Fn was found in the apical secretions of the untreated or estradiol-treated epithelial cells but was undetectable in the apical compartment when the epithelial cells were treated by progesterone alone or in association with estradiol. These results indicate that Fn is constitutively secreted by stromal cells and that subcultured epithelial cells of guinea pig endometrium secrete Fn from both their basal and apical membrane domains. However, the apical secretion of Fn is specifically suppressed by progesterone.

Ultrastructural changes in guinea pig endometrial cells during the estrous cycle

In the guinea pig, the estrous cycle is characterized by a constant measurable level of plasma progesterone with two peaks: the first one associated with the peak of plasma estradiol-17 beta occurring at proestrus and the second, during diestrus, more pronounced at the time at which the level of estradiol-17 beta is undetectable. The progesterone receptor content is the highest on day 1 and the lowest on day 10 of the estrous cycle, which lasts 16.3 +/- 1.5 days (n = 37; mean +/- SD). There is a positive correlation between the plasma level of estradiol-17 beta and the progesterone receptors detected immunocytochemically in both endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. The general morphology of the endometrium during proestrus and estrus is consistent with an estrogenic stimulation, i.e., a smooth and regular surface of the endometrium and the presence of numerous microvilli on the cell surface. However, a moderate secretory activity also occurs in proestrus and estrus. During postestrus, the glandular cells display an increase in characteristic secretory features which parallels the rise of progesterone in the plasma.

Transfected endometrial cultured cells: a system to study gene-regulation by estrogens

Glandular epithelial (GE) and stromal cells were isolated from guinea-pig endometrium, cultured and subcultured separately. At the end of subculture, the purity of each cell population was higher than 95% and cells displayed a high level of estrogen receptors. Calcium phosphate transfection conditions were defined using a control plasmid containing the bacterial CAT gene driven by viral promoter and enhancer sequences. Transfection experiments were performed with other plasmids in which CAT gene was linked to different estrogen response elements (EREs) derived from those of vitellogenin genes. CAT activity was significantly increased by estradiol-17 beta treatment only when GE or stromal cells were transfected with plasmids containing EREs previously reported as functional EREs in other cell types. This induction was abolished by ICI 164,384 diethylstilbestrol was as effective as estradiol-17 beta for CAT induction and estradiol-17 alpha was ineffective. Transiently transfected endometrial cells in subculture are a suitable system to study the estrogen effect on gene regulatory elements.

Purification and characterization of a binding protein related to the Z class of cytosolic proteins in guinea-pig liver cytosol (guinea-pig Z protein)

The purification and characterization of a low-molecular-mass binding protein from female guinea-pig liver cytosol is reported. Its molecular mass (14.4 kDa), amino acid composition, abundance and biological properties identify it as belonging to the Z class of liver cytosolic proteins [Levi, A.J., Gatmaitan, Z. & Arias, I.M. (1969) J. Clin. Invest. 48, 2956-2167]. Among the most important members of this class of proteins are the fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABPs) and the sterol carrier protein2 (SCP2). The guinea-pig Z protein (G-ZP) has some similarities in its amino acid composition and NH2-terminal sequence with those of the rat liver FABP, but its isoelectric point is basic (pI 8.85), like that of SCP2. We also examined its binding affinities for a number of ligands bound by these two proteins. The results show that the purified G-ZP binds dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estrone sulfate, oleic acid and cholesterol, but shows no affinity for free steroids such as estrone and DHEA. Thus it can be said that G-ZP has some characteristics of FABPs and some of SCP2 but seems, however, to be different from both these proteins. The purified G-ZP inhibits microsomal DHEA sulfate sulfatase activity in a mixed noncompetitive way. This protein could be involved in the transport and/or metabolism of sulfated steroids.

Expression of c-fos and c-myc genes in uterus and nonreproductive organs during the implantation period in the rat

The c-fos and c-myc mRNA levels were investigated in the uterus and nonreproductive organs of rats during the implantation period (from day 5 to 7 of pregnancy). They were determined by densitometric analysis of slot blots and the mean values (n = 4) at a defined age of pregnancy were compared with those observed in nonpregnant control rats (NP group). No significant variations of c-fos level were observed in the liver and brain of pregnant rats. In the uterus, the c-fos level decreased, reached a minimum on day 6 (4-fold decrease compared with the NP group), and then increased. The c-fos level significantly increased in the kidney (2- and 2.5-fold on days 6 and 7), and in the lung (2.5-fold on day 7). The c-myc level did not significantly vary in the uterus, liver, and lung. It significantly increased in the kidney (3-fold on day 7) and in the brain (4.1-, 3.8-, and 6-fold, on days 5, 6, and 7). The changes in c-fos and (or) c-myc gene expression in the uterus and nonreproductive organs could be due to sexual steroids and (or) systemic factors from uterine cells or blastocysts.

Serum-free culture of stromal and functionally polarized epithelial cells of guinea-pig endometrium: a potential model for the study of epithelial-stromal paracrine interactions

Stromal and glandular epithelial (GE) cells were isolated from guinea-pig endometrium and growth to near confluency (6-8 days) in primary culture on plastic surfaces in a serum-supplemented medium (SSM). The stromal cells were subcultured on plastic dishes and maintained for 72 h in SSM. Then SSM was replaced by a chemically defined medium (CDM) and the stromal cells grown to confluency (5-7 days). The GE cells were subcultured in CDM, on a basement membrane matrix (Matrigel) applied to permeable Millicell-PC filters, and grown to confluency (5 days). Homogeneity of the subcultured endometrial cell populations was ascertained immunocytochemically. The filter-cultured GE monolayers were polarized morphologically, and displayed epithelial-specific specialized structures. These monolayers had functional tight junctions as verified by a measurable transepithelial resistance. The subcultured cell populations were distinguished by an analysis of their cellular and secretory proteins after labelling with [35S]-methionine and analysis by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The filter-cultured GE monolayers allowed identification of the proteins released vectorially in the apical or the basal secretory compartment, thus demonstrating the functional polarization of GE cells in this bicameral culture system. Within the defined conditions of this culture system, the paracrine factors released by the two endometrial cell populations as well as the interplay of stromal-epithelial interactions and ovarian hormones could be investigated.

In vitro effect of synthetic progestogens on estrone sulfatase activity in human breast carcinoma

The effect of progesterone and nine synthetic progestogens on the activity rate of microsome estrone sulfatase obtained from human breast carcinoma tissues was studied. The progestogens were classified into three groups: group I with a strict inhibitor effect: demegestone and chlormadinone acetate; group II with a strict activator effect: medroxyprogesterone acetate, quingestanol acetate, lynestrenol and progesterone and group III with a nonsignificant effect: dydrogesterone, promegestone, norgestrel and danazol. Demegestone was the most potent inhibitor and medroxyprogesterone acetate and quingestanol acetate had the highest activator effect. The effect of Triton X-100, a nonionic detergent, was also tested. This detergent consistently increased the microsome estrone sulfatase activity. A comparison was made between the effects of demegestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate and danazol on estrone sulfatase activity measured with or without Triton X-100 in the incubation medium. The presence of the detergent modified the progestogen action. Our results suggest that synthetic progestogens can influence the estrone sulfatase activity measured in human breast carcinoma tissues. However, the effect of progestogens was dependent on experimental conditions. Progestogens such as demegestone and chlormadinone acetate which inhibited estrone sulfatase activity in intact preparations, can reduce the intracellular production of biological active estrogen via the sulfatase pathway.

Additive effect of oestradiol-17 beta and serum on synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid in guinea-pig endometrial cells in culture

Normal guinea-pig endometrial cells, grown in primary culture, were made quiescent by serum depletion. Quiescent cells cultured in the control medium (containing 1% fetal calf serum treated with dextran-coated charcoal, DCC-FCS) showed a steady and weak rate of [3H]thymidine incorporation, but the addition of 15% fetal calf serum (FCS) or 10% DCC-FCS to the control medium induced a significant increase of DNA synthesis, demonstrating the responsiveness of the quiescent cells to stimulation. A lower but significant increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation was elicited by epidermal growth factor (EGF, 100 ng/ml) or insulin (10 micrograms/ml) added to the basal medium. Oestradiol-17 beta added to the control medium at concentrations ranging from 10(-10) to 10(-5) mol/l not only failed to increase but even inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation at the highest concentrations tested. An additive effect was noticed when quiescent cells were incubated with oestradiol-17 beta (10(-9) mol/l) in the presence of 10% DCC-FCS, but no synergistic effect occurred when 2 x 10(-9) mol oestradiol-17 beta/l was combined with either EGF (100 ng/ml) or insulin (10 micrograms/ml). Oestradiol-17 beta appears unable alone to stimulate DNA synthesis in normal endometrial cells, but requires factor(s) present in fetal calf serum.

Progesterone effect on intracellular inorganic sulphate in uterine epithelial cells

The effect of progesterone on the available intracellular sulphate pool in subcultured glandular epithelial cells from guinea-pig endometrium is reported. Progesterone in concert with 17 beta-estradiol was shown to cause an increase in the available intracellular sulphate pool. The maximum effect was obtained for 10(-8) M and 10(-7) M progesterone. This effect of progesterone on the available intracellular sulphate pool essentially concerned the intracellular inorganic sulphate and was inhibited by the antiprogesterone steroid RU 486 (5 x 10(-7) M). Sulphate incorporation into the endometrial epithelial cells was suppressed by the inhibitor of anion transport diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) and the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. These results would suggest that a sulphate transport system may be involved in the accumulation of the intracellular sulphate, stimulated by progesterone. This phenomenon could be an early process in the preparation of the endometrium for implantation.

Proliferation of guinea-pig uterine epithelial cells in serum-free culture conditions: effect of 17 beta-estradiol, epidermal growth factor and insulin

The effects of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin, alone or in association on guinea-pig uterine epithelial cell proliferation were examined in serum-free culture conditions. Primary cultures of epithelial cells were made quiescent by serum depletion, then incubated in a chemically defined medium. In this medium, insulin increased DNA synthesis but not in a dose-dependent manner for concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 10 micrograms/ml. A significant effect of EGF was found only for the highest concentration tested (100 ng/ml). E2 alone or in the presence of insulin (1 microgram/ml) had no effect whatsoever on the concentration tested (10(-10)-10(-5)M). Insulin (10 micrograms/ml) plus EGF (100 ng/ml) exerted on DNA synthesis and cell proliferation a significant additive effect which was identical to the growth stimulation induced by 10% fetal calf serum. The effects of insulin plus EGF were not modified by the addition of E2. These findings suggest that E2 is not directly mitogenic for uterine epithelial cells in defined culture conditions and that the mitogenic response to optimal concentration of insulin plus EGF is independent of E2.

Establishment of endometrial glandular epithelial cell subculture in a serum-free, hormonally defined medium, on a basement membrane matrix

Epithelial glands were isolated from guinea-pig endometrium. In order to reduce the requirement for a serum supplement and the contamination by non epithelial cells in primary culture, various coatings of the culture dishes were tested using serum-free Ham's F12 containing defined chemicals including 17 beta-estradiol. While epithelial glands seeded on culture dishes coated with Matrigel, a basement membrane matrix-failed to spread, they formed on poly-D-lysine plus serum-coated dishes, a subconfluent monolayer (5-7 days) enriched in cytokeratin-immunostained cells (78%). Cells from subconfluent primary cultures, obtained on poly-D-lysine plus serum-coated dishes in serum-free hormonally defined medium, were passaged on Matrigel-coated dishes in serum-free hormonally defined medium. These subcultures contained, at confluence (4-5 days), a high percentage (greater than 95%) of cytokeratin-immunostained cells. These monolayers consisted of well-differentiated cells which exhibited ultrastructural features characteristic of endometrial epithelial cells. Moreover, these confluent cells contained 50% immunostained nuclei for progesterone receptors. Progesterone receptor amounts decreased in confluent subcultures treated with progesterone and became undetectable after long-term treatment, suggesting responsiveness of these cells to progesterone. This culture system provides a well-defined model for the study of protein synthesis and secretion by endometrial glandular epithelial cells under hormonal control.

Effects of 17 beta-estradiol and growth factors on c-fos gene expression in endometrial epithelial cells in primary culture

Primary culture of guinea-pig endometrial cells was made quiescent by serum depletion. When added to quiescent cells, 17 beta-estradiol (E2) alone affected neither c-fos and c-myc gene expression, nor DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Insulin or epidermal growth factor (EGF) only induced DNA synthesis. An association of both growth factors allowed significant cell proliferation without inducing c-fos or c-myc expression. A response including c-fos induction (maximal expression at 75 min), but not c-myc expression, DNA synthesis and a marked cell proliferation was only obtained when 17 beta-estradiol was associated with insulin plus EGF. In this case, cycloheximide raised the c-fos gene expression. These data suggest that in endometrial epithelial cells, E2 is mitogenic only when it acts in association with EGF plus insulin and the c-fos gene expression may not be correlated with cell proliferation.

Regulation of c-fos expression in primary culture of guinea pig glandular epithelial cells stimulated by growth factors and estradiol

The c-fos expression was investigated in primary culture of guinea pig glandular epithelial cells. These cells were made quiescent by serum deprivation and stimulated with fetal calf serum (FCS, 15%), 17 beta-estradiol (E2 10(-8) mol/l) alone or in combination with epidermal growth factor (EGF, 100 ng/ml) and insulin (I, 10 micrograms/ml). Low levels of c-fos mRNA were detectable in quiescent cells and were not increased in cells stimulated with either E2, EGF, I, or EGF plus I. On the contrary, the c-fos mRNA were early and transiently increased by FCS or E2 plus EGF plus I (4.5 and 9.5 fold induction, respectively). This effect was independent of de novo protein synthesis since it was not abolished in the presence of cycloheximide. It appears that E2 acts in a multiple step process including the stimulation by EGF plus insulin.

Effects of oestrone sulphate, oestradiol and progesterone on protein sulphation in the guinea-pig uterus

Ovariectomized guinea-pigs were treated with oestradiol-17 beta (ES), oestrone sulphate (E1S) and progesterone (P) and the in-vitro incorporation of 35SO4 was studied in uterine fragments. The net uptake of 35O4 into tissue was only increased by oestradiol-17 beta plus progesterone. The incorporation of 35SO4 in the tissue-associated proteins was increased after treatment with E2 and E1S compared with untreated controls (3.1- and 2.5-fold, respectively). For secreted proteins, all hormone treatments induced an increase in protein sulphation, the highest increase occurring when progesterone was administered after oestrogens. Tyrosine 35SO4 was identified in protein extracts from tissues and media and values were greater after hormone treatments. The biggest increase in tyrosine 35SO4 was observed in secreted proteins in the E1S + P treatment group. The patterns of 35S-sulphate-labelled proteins were examined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In tissue extracts, the most striking differences related to the hormone treatments were observed in the Mr 94,000-190,000 region. A sulphated protein band of Mr 102,000 was specifically found in the E2 + P group and a band of Mr 125,000 only in the E1S + P group. The Mr 125,000 band was also found in tissue proteins from the E1S + P-treated animals after the incorporation of 35SO4 in vivo. This protein band may be a marker of the action of oestrone sulphate plus progesterone. For secreted proteins, those with a molecular weight greater than 100,000 were more abundant in the oestrogen plus progesterone-treated groups than in the oestrogen-treated groups. The content of tyrosine sulphate in each protein band ranged from 8 to 25% of the total radioactivity. No protein sulphated exclusively on the tyrosine residues was found. These studies provide the first description of the effects of steroid hormones on sulphated proteins in the guinea-pig uterus and suggest that oestrone sulphate is a potent biologically active hormone in the uterus.

Specific effect of oestrone sulphate on protein synthesis and secretion by cultured epithelial cells from guinea-pig endometrium

Patterns of induced protein synthesis and secretion in guinea-pig endometrial epithelial cell cultures in response to oestrone sulphate alone and oestrone sulphate plus progesterone were investigated. Epithelial cells were cultured for 3 days in growth medium, then washed three times in a steroid-free medium. For each experiment, anticytokeratin immunostaining was used to discriminate the epithelial cells from the stromal cells. Only experiments in which the control dishes displayed more than 80% of anticytokeratin-immunostained cells were further processed. After this period oestradiol-17 beta (20 nmol/l; control), oestradiol-17 beta (20 nmol/l) plus progesterone (0.5 mumol/l), oestrone sulphate (1 mumol/l) or oestrone sulphate (1 mumol/l) plus progesterone (0.5 mumol/l) were added to the medium for 48 h. An immunocytochemical progesterone receptor assay showed that oestradiol-17 beta increased the progesterone receptor content of cells, and progesterone added to cultured cells in the presence of oestradiol-17 beta induced a significant increase in oestrogen sulphotransferase activity assessing the hormone responsiveness of the cultured cells. In these culture conditions and after 16 h of incubation, oestradiol-17 beta induced a 1.7-fold increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA, and [35S]methionine incorporation into cellular proteins was linearly increased up to 8 h. Biochemical changes induced by the different hormone treatments were studied by labelling the proteins with a 6-h pulse of [35S]methionine. The proteins present in the medium and in cells were analysed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by fluorography.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ultrastructural changes induced by oestradiol-17 beta, progesterone and oestrone-3-sulphate in guinea-pig endometrial glandular cells grown in primary culture

The effects of oestradiol-17 beta, progesterone and oestrone-3-sulphate were studied in primary cultures of guinea-pig endometrial glandular epithelial cells. Comparative ultrastructural studies were performed by means of transmission electron microscopy on cells grown either without hormones or with oestradiol-17 beta (2 nmol/l), oestradiol-17 beta (2 nmol/l) plus progesterone (50 nmol/l), or oestrone sulphate (0.1 mumol/l). In the control medium, without steroid hormones, the majority of epithelial cells were poorly differentiated, although numerous small mitochondria were present and abundant lipid droplets could be observed. Oestradiol-17 beta stimulated metabolic activity in the cells. Progesterone added to oestradiol-17 beta-primed cells stimulated the development of the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi system. Oestrone sulphate induced a higher level of differentiation characterized by large clear mitochondria, well-developed Golgi complexes, and active nuclei, suggesting secretory activity. In all cases, the cultured cells displayed deep invaginations of the nuclear membrane associated with nuclear pores, known as nucleolar channels. After treatment with oestrone sulphate these channels were associated with a characteristic reticular nucleolus. We conclude that cultured endometrial epithelial cells display secretory activity in response to treatment with oestradiol-17 beta plus progesterone, or with oestrone sulphate.

Effect of progesterone on protein synthesis and secretion by cultured epithelial cells from guinea-pig endometrium

The pattern of proteins synthesized and secreted in response to progesterone by guinea-pig endometrial epithelial cell cultured with estradiol-17 beta was investigated. Glandular epithelial cells were maintained in culture for 3 days on growth medium, then washed three times with a steroid-free medium. After this period, 2 x 10(-8) M estradiol-17 beta or 2 x 10(-8) M estradiol-17 beta plus 5 x 10(-7) M progesterone were added to the medium for 48 h. To study biochemical changes, the proteins in medium and in cells were analyzed by one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by fluorography. The addition of progesterone to estradiol-17 beta in the culture medium caused a change in the patterns of cellular and secreted proteins: one-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that variation of 8 cellular proteins and 12 secreted proteins was caused by progesterone. Induction of individual proteins by progesterone treatment was observed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis: one cellular protein (Mr 49,000; pI 5.90) and one secreted protein (Mr 14,300; pI 4.80) were specifically induced and might serve as markers of progesterone action.

A sulfone group-labeled TEM-DNA probe: comparison with a 32P-labeled probe in dot-hybridization

A non-radioactive DNA probe for the TEM-type beta-lactamase gene was obtained by using the 'Chemiprobe' system. It was used along with a 32P-labeled TEM probe to screen for TEM beta-lactamase gene in 107 bacterial isolates representing 7 Gram-negative genera and previously classified as TEM-positive or negative. The DNA to be tested was extracted from these bacterial isolates by the Birnboim-Doly method and, after blotting into charged nylon membranes, it was submitted to hybridization with either the TEM 'Chemiprobe' or the 32P-TEM probe. The TEM 'Chemiprobe' could detect as few as 25 pg specific DNA if it was used at a concentration of 5 ng per cm2 of membrane. The results obtained by both probes were concordant in 93.5% of the entire sample. The TEM 'Chemiprobe' was specific since only one false positive was observed. Furthermore, it appeared at least as sensitive as the 32P-labeled TEM probe. As the dot-hybridization with the sulfone-labeled probe was sensitive, simple and easy to perform, it will be useful for large-scale screening in clinical laboratory.

Oestrone sulphate metabolism in normal human endometrium grown in organ culture

Samples of human endometrium were maintained in organ culture for 6 days on growth medium. On Day 6, ultrastructural studies were performed on endometrial explants, demonstrating that human endometrium grown in organ culture preserved its normal structure. The effect of oestrone sulphate was studied on the endometrium explants. The endometrium was cultured on harvest medium for 4 days to ensure the complete removal of endogenous steroids, the tissues were then incubated with 10(-7) M oestrone sulphate for 24 h. The oestrone sulphatase known to interfere with oestrone sulphate metabolism was present in endometrial organ culture. By incubation with estrone sulphate for 24 h it was demonstrated that oestrone sulphate is hydrolysed to active oestrogens.

In vitro metabolism of androstenedione and identification of endogenous steroids in Helix aspersa

In vitro metabolism of androstenedione in gonads of juvenile and adult Helix aspersa has been investigated. The conversion of [3H]androstenedione into testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, androsterone, and estriol was demonstrated. In juvenile animals testosterone (59.8%) is the major metabolite whereas in adult animals androsterone (18.8%) is. The following endogenous steroids have been identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in adult gonads: androsterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, 3 alpha-androstanediol, estrone, estradiol-17 beta, and estriol. The levels of testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, and progesterone have been measured by RIAs in gonads and hemolymph. Their levels vary with the physiological stage: the gonadal and circulating levels of testosterone decrease with the sexual maturation whereas the 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone increases. These differences observed in metabolism and in level of steroids between the juvenile and the adult snails allow us to suppose that these steroids have a biological role.