Spasmolytic effect of traditional herbal formulation on guinea pig ileum

Background:

The herbal formulation consisting of Andrographis paniculata Nees., Cassia fistula L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Cuminum cyminum L. is widely used by the local traditional practitioners in rural Northern Karnataka for spasmodic abdominal pain.

Objective:

The present study was undertaken to evaluate safety and spasmolytic effect of poly-herbal formulation.

Materials and Methods:

Acute toxicity studies were carried out in Swiss mice, as per the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The spasmolytic activity of the formulation was studied in isolated guinea pig ileum model using histamine and acetylcholine as agonists. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Dunnetts post-hoc test and P ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results:

The formulation did not show any adverse toxic effects and found to be safe. It also showed significant (P < 0.05) relaxation in different agonist like histamine and acetylcholine-induced contractions in guinea pig ileum.

Conclusion:

Antispasmodic activity of the herbal formulation can be attributed to its atropine-like activity. The present findings, therefore, support its utility in spasmodic abdominal pain.

Shewanella algae in acute gastroenteritis

Shewanella algae is an emerging bacteria rarely implicated as a human pathogen. Previously reported cases of S. algae have mainly been associated with direct contact with seawater. Here we report the isolation of S. algae as the sole etiological agent from a patient suffering from acute gastroenteritis with bloody diarrhoea. The bacterium was identified by automated identification system and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Our report highlights the importance of looking for the relatively rare aetiological agents in clinical samples that does not yield common pathogens. It also underscores the usefulness of automated systems in identification of rare pathogens.

Androgen receptor as a regulator of ZEB2 expression and its implications in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer

Zinc finger E-box-binding protein 2 (ZEB2) is known to help mediate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and thereby it facilitates cancer metastasis. This study was initiated to explore whether ZEB2 expression differs in prostate cancer (PCa, n=7) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, n=7) tissues. In PCa tissues, the levels of both immunoreactive ZEB2 and androgen receptor (AR) were found to be significantly higher (P<0.05) when compared with BPH tissues. Co-regulation of AR and ZEB2 prompted us to investigate the role of androgenic stimuli in ZEB2 expression. ZEB2 expression was found to be significantly (P<0.05) upregulated after androgen stimulation and downregulated following AR silencing in LNCaP cells, an androgen-dependent PCa cell line. This finding suggested AR as a positive regulator of ZEB2 expression in androgen-dependent cells. Paradoxically, androgen-independent (AI) cell lines PC3 and DU145, known to possess low AR levels, showed significantly (P<0.05) higher expression of ZEB2 compared with LNCaP cells. Furthermore, forced expression of AR in PC3 (PC3-AR) and DU145 (DU-AR) cells led to reductions in ZEB2 expression, invasiveness, and migration. These cells also exhibited an increase in the levels of E-cadherin (a transcriptional target of ZEB2). Co-transfection of AR and ZEB2 cDNA constructs prevented the decline in invasiveness and migration to a significant extent. Additionally, ZEB2 downregulation was associated with an increase in miR200a/miR200b levels in PC3-AR cells and with a decrease in miR200a/miR200b levels in AR-silenced LNCaP cells. Thus, AR acts as a positive regulator of ZEB2 expression in androgen-dependent cells and as a negative regulator in AI PCa cells.

Activity of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. root and Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb. bark pastes in acute and chronic paw inflammation in Wistar rat

BACKGROUND

The pastes prepared from roots of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. and barks of Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb. are widely used by traditional healers for the treatment of arthritis in rural northern Karnataka.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was undertaken to scientifically evaluate the safety and efficacy of traditionally used formulations in experimental animals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study, approved by IAEC was carried out in male Wistar rats and dermal toxicity in rabbits. Carrageenan model was used to assess effect on acute inflammation. Paw volume were measured at 1, 2, 4, and 6(th) hour postchallenge. Chronic inflammation was developed by using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). Paw volume, ankle joint circumference, and body weight were assessed on 1(st), 4(th), 8(th), 14(th), 17(th), and 21(st) day. Paste was applied once every day to the inflamed area of the paw of respective groups of animals, continuously for 14 days.

STATISTICS

The data were analyzed by one way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's post hoc test. P ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant.

RESULTS

The formulations did not show any dermal toxicity and found to be safe. Both the pastes significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed, carrageenan-induced paw edema at 6(th) hour and Holoptelea integrifolia appears to be more effective than Plumbago zeylanica. Significant reduction was observed in paw volume, ankle joint circumference and animal body weight gained.

CONCLUSIONS

The tested formulations (P. zeylanica root and H. integrifolia bark pastes) showed significant antiinflammatory activity. The present findings therefore support its utility in arthritic pain, inflammation and the claim of traditional practitioners.

Antiulcer activity of water soaked Glycine max L. grains in aspirin induced model of gastric ulcer in Wistar rats

INTRODUCTION

Glycine max L. with Drakshasava, widely used by traditional healers as a formulation for the treatment of peptic ulcer in rural northern Karnataka in India, appears to be effective as assessed by patients and in our previously published research work of traditionally used formulation.

AIM

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the overnight water soaked G. max grains. This is one of the components of traditional formulation. The study, approved by Institutional Animal Ethics Committee was carried out in male Wistar rats after assessing its toxicity in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four groups of rats (n = 6 in each group) were treated with aspirin 200 mg/kg oral. In addition to aspirin control group received normal saline, standard group received 20 mg/kg omeprazole and 3(rd) and 4(th) group received G. max 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively. All treatments were administered orally every 24 h for 7 days. After 24 hours fasting, on the 8(th) day stomach contents were aspirated under anesthesia to estimate free and total acidity. Stomachs were opened along the greater curvature to calculate ulcer index and subjected to histopathology studies.

STATISTICS

The results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed-by Dunnett's post hoc test. P ≤0.05 was considered as significant.

RESULTS

The severity of aspirin induced ulceration was found significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in test groups compared with the control group. Free and total acidity was significantly reduced in 500 mg/kg treated group, compared with the control group and was inferior to omeprazole treated group.

CONCLUSION

The grain of G. max was found to be effective against aspirin induced ulcers.

Endometrial polyps associated with endometrial hyperplasia in an obese bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata): a case report

BACKGROUND

A 10-year-old, female bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) showed abnormal menstrual cycle length with heavy menstrual bleeding for 6-8 days.

METHODS

Uterine ultrasound and histological examinations of endometrium by endometrial biopsy.

RESULTS

An ultrasound examination of the uterine cavity showed presence of an enlarged polypoid mass. Further endometrial histology confirmed the presence of simple endometrial hyperplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

We report for the first time that endometrial polyp is associated with endometrial hyperplasia in obese bonnet monkey.

Uterine secretome and its modulation in rat (Rattus norvegicus)

The present study identifies uterine fluid (UF) proteins that display differential abundance during the embryo-permissive phase in nonconception and conception cycles in rats. UF samples were collected from nonpregnant rats in the proestrous (n=17) and metestrous (n=18) phases and also from pregnant (n=17) and pseudopregnant (n=17) rats on day 4 post coitus. UF protein profile in the metestrous phase was compared with that in the proestrous phase. Similarly, UF protein profile of the pregnant rats was compared with that of the pseudopregnant rats. Two-dimensional PAGE, followed by densitometric analysis of the paired protein spots, revealed differential abundance of 44 proteins in the metestrous phase, compared with that in the proestrous phase. Of these, 29 proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight or liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Functional groups such as proteases, protease inhibitors, and oxidoreductases were enriched in differentially abundant proteins. Total protease activity in UF was found to be significantly (P<0.05; t-test) higher in the proestrous phase, compared with that in the metestrous phase. Furthermore, 41 UF proteins were found to be differentially abundant in pregnant rats, compared with pseudopregnant rats. Of these, 11 proteins could be identified. Immunoblotting analysis confirmed significantly higher (P<0.05; t-test) abundance of β-actin, Rho-specific guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor alpha (Rho-GDIα), and peroxiredoxin-2 and -6 in the metestrous phase, compared with that in the proestrous phase. Compared with pseudopregnant rats, pregnant rats had significantly higher (P<0.05; t-test) levels of UF β-actin and Rho-GDIα. Furthermore, these proteins could be detected in the culture supernatants of endometrial epithelial cell lines, thereby providing an evidence of their secretion from endometrial epithelial cells. Data obtained from the study expand our knowledge on the uterine milieu that favours embryo implantation.

Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat bone fracture from North-Central Western Ghats of India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

North Central Western Ghats in India comprises rich bio-cultural diversity and is also home to varied ethnomedicinal practices. The study was taken up for documentation and analysis of traditional knowledge regarding the practice and use of plants in the treatment of bone fracture. This is an effort to preserve the vanishing wealth of traditional knowledge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Key informants identified in a preliminary survey and collection of information was through semi structured, open ended interviews. The details on age, place of practice, experience of key informants and learning of practice, disease they treat and mode of diagnosis, storage and usage of plants were collected. The identity of plants and their information was confirmed through repeated guided transect walks in different seasons with the informants and focus group discussions. Identified plants were deposited at the herbaria of Regional Medical Research Centre, Belgaum.

RESULTS

Forty four key informants providing treatment for bone fracture in this region were identified. Thirty eight plant species belonging to 24 families have been documented in the present study. Highest number of species representation is found in families Euphorbiaceae and Fabaceae. The habit of the species showed that 45% of the herbal drugs were obtained from trees, followed by herbs, shrubs and climbers and majority of plants used were collected from wild (76%). The stem or stem bark (33%) was most commonly used plant part to prepare medicine. Twenty six formulations of 30 plant species were directly used in treating bone fracture, where Cissus quadrangularis has the highest use-value (0.14). Eleven plants were found to be administered for bone strengthening, pain relieving, inflammation reduction and speedy recovery and Gmelina arborea has the highest use value (0.27).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated the importance of traditional herbal practices in community for their health needs. Both conservational strategies and further validation studies are the need of the hour for better utilization and sustenance of the documented knowledge.

Discrepancies in identification of Vibrio cholerae strains as members of Aeromonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae by automated microbial identification system

AIMS

Incidental observation of a discrepancy in identification of Vibrio cholerae prompted a study to understand the ability of an automated microbial identification system to identify this important pathogen.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty clinical isolates of V. cholerae showing difference in genetic profiles by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting, serologically confirmed as O1, and showing presence of ctxA and tcpA genes in PCR were subjected to analysis by Vitek 2 Compact automated identification system for identification. Vitek 2 Compact detected 10 of 20 isolates correctly, whereas the remaining 10 were identified as various members of Aeromonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that Vitek 2 Compact automated microbial system does not always identify V. cholerae strains correctly.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

These observations should create awareness among end users about possible misidentifications by automated systems and encourage simultaneous use of serology and/or PCR for correct identification at least for V. cholerae, which is one of the most important enteric pathogens.

Antimicrobial activity of the extracts of Craniotome furcata (Lamiaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Craniotome furcata (Link.) O. Kuntze (Lamiaceae) is used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of cuts and wounds indicating antimicrobial activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To validate the traditional medicinal claim, in vitro antimicrobial activity of the extracts was screened against eleven human pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethyl acetate (CE) and n-butanol (CB) extracts of the aerial parts of Craniotome furcata were tested against four Gram-positive bacteria, four Gram-negative bacteria and three fungi species. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the tube-dilution method.

RESULTS

The CE and CB extracts showed antimicrobial activity against all of the tested microorganisms, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 0.41-4.58mg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

The tested microbes Micrococcus flavus and Escherichia coli were highly susceptible to extract CE and antimicrobial activity of CB is comparable to that of extract CE against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus faecalis while it is better than that of extract CE, against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Both the extracts were found less susceptible against tested fungi.

Hospitalisation due to infectious and parasitic diseases in District Civil Hospital, Belgaum, Karnataka

To assess the burden of infectious and parasitic diseases on hospital services at District Civil Hospital (DCH) Belgaum, a retrospective study was carried out using discharge records concerning 8506 inpatients due to infectious and parasitic diseases among 95,655 patients admitted for all causes during the reference period 2000-2003. Out of the 21 causes of infectious and parasitic diseases, only 5 contributed maximally towards hospital admission. The most frequent cause was intestinal infections (44.0%) followed by tuberculosis (35.4%). 57.5% of these admissions were from the productive age group of 20-54 years. Tuberculosis is the most important disease in terms of hospital bed days (59.7%). Tuberculosis and intestinal infectious diseases represent more than three-fourth of the overall burden in terms of hospital bed days.

Estrus behavior and fecal steroid profiles in the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) during natural and gonadotropin-induced estrus

In this paper the behavior of the Asiatic lion was studied during natural and gonadotropin-induced estrus in relation to fecal estradiol and progesterone concentration. The average length of estrus was 5.4 days and no significant difference was observed between natural and gonadotropin-induced estrus. Vocalization and rolling were the major estrus behavioral activities of Asiatic lions and the frequency of these activities were similar in both natural and gonadotropin-induced estrus and treatment with exogenous gonadotropin did not alter estrus behavioral activities. A significant positive correlation was observed between fecal estradiol and frequency of estrus behavior during natural and gonadotropin-induced estrus. Following gonadotropin treatment estrus could be induced in 69% of animals and these induced animals ovulated following hCG treatment. This study reports for the first time the successful use of the non-invasive fecal steroid assay for monitoring the induction of estrus and ovulation in the Asiatic lion.

Herbal care for reproductive health: ethno medicobotany from Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, India

Traditional herbal medicine is predominantly practiced by the rural people of India, especially remote areas such as the Uttara Kannada District in Western Ghats of Karnataka. Local traditional healers play an important role in the management of reproductive health problems of the native population due to socio-economical and geographical factors. In the present study, 92 traditional medicine practitioners/healers from various regions of Uttara Kannada district were interviewed to collect information on the use of herbal treatments for a range of female and male reproductive disorders. Information was also collected on the method of preparation, dose and duration along with the botanical names, family and local names of the medicinal plants. The plants were then collected and identified. A total of 18 formulations from 25 plant species belonging to 17 families were identified, which are commonly used to treat 12 different reproductive ailments. This study identifies herbal remedies not previously documented, that are used by indigenous people in the treatment of reproductive disorders. Additionally, the paper highlights the need to retain and explore the rich biodiversity associated with Indian rain forests that may result in the discovery of new medical treatments. Finally, this paper notes the continuing reliance on herbal medicines and healing traditions by local people in remote areas. Understanding and working with local healers and tribes provides a unique opportunity to learn about the use of potentially new herbal and plant medications.

Conservation of wild animals by assisted reproduction and molecular marker technology

Wild animals are an integral component of the ecosystem. Their decimation due to abrupt natural calamities or due to gradual human intervention would be disastrous to the ecosystem and would alter the balance in nature between various biotic components. Such an imbalance could have an adverse effect on the ecosystem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to put an end to the ever increasing list of endangered species by undertaking both in situ and ex situ conservation using tools of modern biology, to ascertain the degree of genetic variation and reproductive competence in these animals. This review highlights the development and use of molecular markers such as microsatellites, minisatellites, mitochondrial control region, cytochrome b and MHC loci to assess the genetic variation in various Indian wild animals such as the lion, tiger, leopard and deer. The review also presents data on the semen profile of the big cats of India. Reproductive technologies such as cryopreservation of semen and artificial insemination in big cats are also highlighted.

Effects of an antiprogestin onapristone on the endometrium of bonnet monkeys: morphometric and ultrastructural studies

Our previous studies demonstrated the ability of low doses of antiprogestin ZK 98.299 (onapristone) to inhibit fertility in bonnet monkeys. In the present study cumulative effects of low doses of ZK 98.299 on the endometrial cytoarchitecture of bonnet monkeys were analyzed. Treatment with either the vehicle (n = 3) or onapristone at 2.5 mg (n = 4) or 5.0 mg (n = 3) was initiated on Day 5 of the first menstrual cycle and thereafter repeated every third day for four to seven consecutive cycles. The last treatment cycles were anovulatory in two animals treated with 2.5 mg and all animals treated with 5.0 mg. Endometrial biopsies were collected on Day 8 after the midcycle estradiol peak in ovulatory menstrual cycles and on Day 20 in anovulatory menstrual cycles during the last treatment cycle. Ultrathin sections of the fixed endometrium were stained with toluidine blue for morphometric analysis and uranyl acetate and lead citrate for ultrastructural analysis. The ZK 98.299-treated animals showed a dose-dependent endometrial atrophy as evident by a decrease in the height and diameter of the glands and early signs of compaction in the stroma. Ultrastructural analysis also revealed dose-dependent degenerative changes in the subcellular organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, and Golgi apparatus. This suggests that long-term treatment with low doses of ZK 98.299 leads to the suppression of estrogen-dependent endometrial proliferation. However, this blockade operates independent of estradiol receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) concentrations as the expressions of these steroid receptors did not show any significant changes even after prolonged treatment. The study demonstrated an antiestrogenic effect of ZK 98.299 on endometrium after prolonged treatment in bonnet monkeys.

Expression profiles of endometrial leukemia inhibitory factor, transforming growth factor beta2 (TGFbeta2), and TGFbeta2 receptor in infertile bonnet monkeys

The expression profiles of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), transforming growth factor beta2 (TGFbeta2), and transforming growth factor beta2 receptor (TGFbeta2R) were analyzed during the peri-implantation period in regularly menstruating, fertile bonnet monkeys and in animals in which endometrial nonreceptivity was induced by administering an antiprogestin, onapristone. Based on our previous experiences, a dose of 2.5 or 5 mg of onapristone was administered s.c. every third day during the menstrual cycle, because these dosages impair endometrial development without upsetting the normal gonadal endocrine profiles. Endometrial biopsy specimens were collected during the proliferative phase (estradiol levels about 200 pg/ml, n = 5) and peri-implantation period (Day 8 after midcycle peak in estradiol levels, n = 5) from normal ovulatory animals and during the peri-implantation period from onapristone-treated animals (n = 10). The biopsy specimens were processed to determine the expression patterns of LIF, TGFbeta2, and TGFbeta2R by immunohistochemical and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods. Levels of both protein and mRNA for LIF, TGFbeta2, and TGFbeta2R (analyzed by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively) were greater in the endometrial samples collected during the peri-implantation period compared to samples collected during the proliferative phase in control animals. Treatment with either of the two doses (2.5 or 5 mg) of onapristone caused a significant (P < 0.05) down-regulation in the expression of LIF in the peri-implantation endometria. The endometrial expressions of TGFbeta2 and TGFbeta2R mRNAs were reduced significantly in animals treated with 5 mg of onapristone, but not in those treated with the lower dose. However, immunoreactive TGFbeta2 and TGFbeta2R proteins were significantly (P < 0.05) down-regulated in the endometrial samples from both the 2.5- and 5-mg-treated groups. The alterations observed in the expression patterns of LIF, TGFbeta2, and TGFbeta2R were specific, because the expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor remained unaffected in the endometria from the treated groups. The present study demonstrates derangement in the expression profiles of LIF, TGFbeta2, and TGFbeta2R during the peri-implantation period in infertile bonnet monkeys. It may be hypothesized that TGFbeta2 function is one of the early steps in the regulation of the progesterone-driven cascade of events leading to endometrial receptivity, and that any aberration in this step may adversely affect the subsequent molecular events (i.e., expression of LIF). These data also suggest that potential aberrations in the functional network of locally produced cytokines and growth factors even may occur in an endometrium exposed to the optimal peripheral hormonal levels.

Apoptosis in endometrium of mouse during estrous cycle

The present study was carried out to evaluate apoptosis in endometrium and to correlate these changes with the circulating levels of estradiol and progesterone in the mouse. Apoptosis was observed in various compartments of mouse uterus i.e. stroma, glandular epithelium and luminal epithelium depending on the stage of cycle. Stromal cell apoptosis was observed during various stages of cyclicity except on estrus day. Luminal epithelial cells showed apoptotic changes during all stages of cyclicity except on diestrus day. During metestrus, apoptosis was observed in glandular and luminal epithelia as well as stromal cells. Steroid antagonists such as tamoxifen and onapristone altered the apoptotic changes in the uterus. The results suggest that epithelial cell apoptosis is regulated by estrogen while stromal cell apoptosis is under the control of progesterone.

Variations in seminal parameters over a 12-month period in captive bonnet monkeys

Semen samples were collected from adult fertile bonnet monkeys twice a month by penile electroejaculation for twelve consecutive months. Various parameters like semen volume, weight of ejaculate and coagulum, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and functional parameters e.g. plasma membrane integrity,in vitro nuclear chromatin decondensation and acrosomal status were evaluated to assess within and between animal variations. Effects of seasonality, if any, on quantity and quality of semen were also studied. Considerable intra- and inter-individual variations in the geometric mean values were observed for semen volume, weights of ejaculate and coagulum, and sperm counts during the study period. On the other hand, sperm motility, morphology, and functional parameters showed less within and between animal variations. Results on motility, morphology, and functional parameters indicated that good semen quality was maintained throughout the year. Various routine and functional parameters did not show any annual variations. The diurnal rhythmicity in circulatory testosterone levels was observed throughout the year. The study shows lack of seasonality in exocrine and endocrine testicular functions and further suggests that motility, morphology, and functional parameters are better indicators of semen quality in captive bonnet monkeys.

Endometrial contraception: modulation of molecular determinants of uterine receptivity

Modulation of endometrial receptivity is a promising approach for fertility regulation since it allows a contraceptive to act specifically at the endometrium. This was corroborated by our previous observations that treatment with low doses of a pure progesterone antagonist (PA, antiprogestin), onapristone (ZK 98299), in bonnet monkeys inhibited fertility by selectively retarding endometrial development, without affecting the hypophyseal-hypothalamic function. In the present study, further investigations, undertaken to analyze the molecular repertoire of a nonreceptive primate endometrium, determined expression of: steroid hormone receptors, i.e. progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor (ER); cytokines, i.e. leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF): transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and its receptor (TGFbetaR); and cell adhesion molecules, i.e. integrins (alpha(v)beta(3), alpha(1)beta(1)). These studies were conducted during the different phases of the normal menstrual cycle and following treatment with different doses of onapristone (2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg every third day for one cycle) in bonnet monkeys. The molecules were analysed collectively to explore the possibility of a correlation between expression of these markers and endometrial receptivity and to investigate whether there exists a regulatory link between expression of these molecules under in vivo conditions. Three types of expression patterns of endometrial factors were observed during the peri-implantation period following onapristone treatment: 1) LIF, alpha(v)beta(3), and alpha(1)beta(1) showed significant (P < 0.02) down regulation in glandular epithelium of endometria in animals treated with all three doses of onapristone as compared to the control group. This was indicative of their critical role in the progesterone-driven cascade leading to implantation. 2) PR, TGFbeta, and TGFbetaR remained unaffected in the endometria from 2.5 mg treated animals and showed down regulation in animals treated with 5 and 10 mg onapristone as compared to the control group, thereby suggesting that the expression of these markers may not truely reflect endometrial receptivity per se. However, their facilitatory role in preparing the endometrium for implantation can not be ruled out since continued perturbation in the expression of these molecules may affect endometrial growth, remodelling, and differentiation, which in turn may render the endometrium nonreceptive; 3) ER remained unaltered in endometria of animals rendered infertile with 2.5, 5, and 10 mg onapristone. This observation indirectly suggests that onapristone-induced endometrial changes are mediated via some specific mechanisms. The present study clearly demonstrates that endometrial non-receptivity induced at low doses of onapristone is associated with changes in the expression pattern of specific molecular markers. However, no direct correlation was observed between in vivo expression of TGFbeta, LIF, and integrins, thereby lending support to the concept that there exists redundancy or multiple pathways which regulate implantation events.

Detection of progesterone receptor transcript in human spermatozoa

The present study, to our knowledge, is the first to demonstrate presence of progesterone receptor (PR) transcript in human spermatozoa. The study shows the presence of low copy number PR mRNA in mature human spermatozoa. The PR transcript in spermatozoa was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using primers specific for the hormone binding domain and the DNA binding domain of the conventional uterine PR. Further, the cDNA sequence of the partial PR transcript from spermatozoa was found to be identical to the region spanning nucleotides 2694 to 3230 of the conventional PR full-length cDNA sequence. This study also indirectly suggests that the PR protein indeed is an intrinsic sperm protein and is not acquired through proteinaceous secretions of accessory reproductive organs.

Localization of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the endometrium of common marmosets Callithrix jacchus

In the present study, changes in the immunohistochemical localization of endometrial estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) during various stages of the ovarian cyclicity in common marmoset, have been reported. Ovarian cyclicity was monitored by estimating plasma estradiol and progesterone. During the early follicular phase, weak ER immunolocalization was observed in the endometrial stroma. During the late follicular phase under the influence of rising estradiol levels, stromal ER localization was intense. During the luteal phase, ER localization was absent in the stroma indicating that high concentrations of progesterone suppressed ER. PR localization was not observed in the stroma during the early follicular phase, while weak staining was seen in the stroma during the late follicular phase. PR localization was maximum during the mid luteal phase. However in marmoset, endometrial ER and PR localization was restricted only to the stroma. This unique feature may be due to the characteristic reproductive profile of this nonmenstruating species and needs to be studied further. Thus it can be hypothesized that in the marmoset endometrium, steroid hormone mediated effects possibly occur directly in the stroma and are then transmitted to the epithelium by autocrine/paracrine action of growth factors and cytokines.

Leukaemia inhibitory factor in the endometrium of the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus: localization, expression and hormonal regulation

In the present study, changes in the immunohistochemical localization of leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in the endometrium during various phases of ovarian cyclicity of the common marmoset have been reported. LIF was absent during the early and late follicular phases. LIF was observed mainly in the cytoplasm of the endometrial glands during the early luteal phase, reached maximum intensity during the mid-luteal phase and declined again during late luteal phase. In-situ hybridization also showed a similar cyclic pattern in the expression of LIF. Stromal cells only showed signals for LIF during the mid-luteal phase. In ovariectomized marmosets, graded dosages of oestradiol alone failed to induce the appearance of LIF protein. Progesterone treatment following oestradiol priming, however, induced distinct glandular localization of LIF, indicating that LIF is a progesterone-dependent protein. Thus endometrial LIF is under maternal control and is secreted in response to the increased progesterone concentrations in circulation. It is possible that high concentrations of LIF during mid-luteal phase may prepare the endometrium for blastocyst implantation in marmosets.

Reproductive toxicity of Aroclor-1254: effects on oocyte, spermatozoa, in vitro fertilization, and embryo development in the mouse

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been reported to adversely affect reproduction in laboratory and wild animals. The present study was undertaken to determine the toxic potential of Aroclor-1254 (A-1254) on in vitro fertilizing ability of oocytes and epididymal sperm and on preimplantation embryo development in the mouse. A-1254 was added to the IVF medium at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 micrograms/mL. Cumulus masses containing the oocytes were obtained from superovulated B6D2F1 mice and were placed in the culture medium containing A-1254 to which epididymal sperm, capacitated in a medium without A-1254, were added. The IVF rate was assessed 20 to 24 h after insemination. A-1254 significantly reduced the mean percent ova fertilized even at 0.1 microgram/mL. Incubation of the cumulus masses in various concentrations of A-1254 for 6 h, followed by insemination with sperm capacitated in the presence of A-1254, also significantly reduced the IVF rate. Capacitation of sperm in A-1254-containing medium, followed by coculture with untreated oocytes, failed to affect the IVF rate. No significant effect on sperm motility was observed following exposure to 1 and 10 micrograms/mL of A-1254. Estradiol-17 beta also reduced the IVF rate, however, the effect of A-1254 was more severe compared to the estradiol treatment. Furthermore, addition of A-1254 to the embryo culture medium was associated with a significant decrease in embryo growth at 48 h and 96 h. These results demonstrate adverse effects of A-1254 on oocytes, IVF, and embryonic development in the mouse.

The effects of polybrominated biphenyls and perchlorinated terphenyls on in vitro fertilization in the mouse

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and perchlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) are industrial chemicals that are long-lasting environmental contaminants. Although in vivo effects of PBBs on reproduction are documented, no information is available on the effects of these chemicals on sperm-egg interactions or fertilization. The present study was undertaken to determine the toxic potential of PBBs and PCTs on in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the mouse. 2-Bromobiphenyl, 4-bromobiphenyl, o-terphenyl, m-terphenyl, and p-terphenyl were added to the IVF medium at various concentrations. Oocytes collected from superovulated B6D2F1 mice were maintained in a medium containing the chemicals. Capacitated sperm were then added and the dishes cultured in a humidified atmosphere at 37 degrees C in 5% CO2 + 95% air. Oocytes were assessed for fertilization 20-24 h after insemination. polybrominated biphenyls and PCTs reduced the IVF rate at the higher dosages. Furthermore, an increased incidence of abnormal two-cell embryos and degenerative oocytes was observed at the 1 and 10 micrograms/ml concentrations of PBBs and PCTs. These results indicate that PBBs and PCTs adversely effect IVF and increase the incidence of abnormal embryos and oocyte degeneration in the mouse.

Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on in vitro fertilization in the mouse

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial chemicals that are long-lasting global environmental contaminants. PCBs have been reported to adversely affect reproduction in laboratory and wild animals by reducing the incidence of breeding and the survival rate of young. The present study was undertaken to determine the toxic potential of PCBs on in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the mouse. Aroclor 1221, 1254, and 1268, and 3, 3', 4, 4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB), a PCB congener, were added to IVF medium at various concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 micrograms/mL). Cumulus masses containing oocytes were obtained from superovulated B6D2F1 mice and cultured in medium containing PCB to which capacitated sperm were added. Oocytes were assessed for fertilization 20 to 24 h after insemination. A-1221, A-1268, and TCB reduced the fertilization rate at the 1 microgram/mL and 10 micrograms/mL doses, while inhibition of fertilization by A-1254 reached significance at 0.1 microgram/ml. Furthermore, all of these chemicals caused an increased incidence of degenerative ova and abnormal 2-cell embryos at the higher dose levels (1 microgram/mL and 10 micrograms/mL). The results suggest that higher dosages of PCB and TCB adversely affect fertilization and cause an increased incidence of degeneration of oocytes and abnormality in the early mouse embryos.

Interference with ovulation and luteal function by human ovarian follicular fluid peptide in bonnet monkeys, Macaca radiata

Partially purified human ovarian follicular fluid peptide (hGF2) was administered during follicular phase in 5 bonnet monkeys. In control as well as hGF2-injected animals, ovulation was synchronized by treatment with FSH, Pergonal and hCG. All the 5 control bonnet monkeys showed plasma estradiol peak followed by increased progesterone levels. In 4 out of 5 hGF2-injected animals, plasma progesterone levels were drastically reduced. Plasma estradiol levels were decreased only in 3 animals in which amenorrhea was observed. These data reveal that hGF2 injection disrupted ovarian function in bonnet monkeys.

Capacitation and the acrosome reaction in sperm from men with various semen profiles monitored by a chlortetracycline fluorescence assay

Sperm obtained from groups of men with various semen profiles were incubated for 8 h in BWW medium containing human serum albumin to promote capacitation. Capacitation and the acrosome reaction were monitored by a chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescence assay. Four distinct CTC patterns were observed on the sperm head. No significant difference was observed in the time-course curve of these CTC patterns in sperm obtained from normozoospermic, asthenozoospermic and oligozoospermic men. Spontaneous and A23187-induced acrosome reactions were also comparable in these groups. However, in sperm obtained from teratozoospermic and polyzoospermic men, the increase in CTC pattern associated with capacitation appeared slower and sluggish. In these two groups, the induced acrosome reaction was also significantly lower when compared to that in the other three groups of men. In polyzoospermia, the spontaneous acrosome reaction was significantly lower when compared to all the other groups. Fresh sperm would not undergo the acrosome reaction following A23187 treatment. The results of this study indicate sluggish (defective) capacitation and inability of capacitated sperm to undergo induced acrosome reaction in teratozoospermic and polyzoospermic men as evaluated by the CTC method.

Suppression of bioactive luteinizing hormone and testosterone by a progesterone antagonist ZK 98.734 in adult male common marmosets, Callithrix jacchus

The effects of a progesterone antagonist ZK 98.734 on release of bioactive luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were studied in adult male common marmosets by using the following experimental protocols: (1) the blocking of the nocturnal rise in testosterone levels by ZK 98.734, (2) the pharmacodynamic effects of ZK 98.734 on testosterone and LH levels, (3) the reversal of ZK 98.734-induced decrease in testosterone by treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and (4) the blocking of estradiol-induced positive feedback release of LH by ZK 98.734. Sixteen adult male common marmosets were used for different experiments after resting them for at least 4 wk between experiments. Testosterone and bioactive LH levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassay and in vitro bioassay methods, respectively. Treatment (i.m.) of male common marmosets (n = 6/group) with ZK 98.734 (1 mg or 5 mg/day) at 1700 h for 3 consecutive days significantly (p less than 0.05) suppressed the nocturnal (2200 h) rise in testosterone levels. The effects of the two doses were not dose-related; however, the decrease on the first day of treatment was more pronounced with the 5-mg dose than with the 1-mg dose. Diurnal rhythms were restored during the post-treatment period. Similarly, treatment with ZK 98.734 (5 mg, n = 8/group) at 1000 h caused a decrease in testosterone and LH levels. The levels were significantly (p less than 0.05) lower at 3 and 6 h after treatment compared to pretreatment levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Shortening of luteal phase in common marmosets by sheep ovarian follicular fluid peptide

A low molecular weight peptide has been partially purified from sheep follicular fluid. It inhibited FSH binding to granulosa cells from ovarian follicles of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). When injected into cycling marmosets during the follicular phase, it reduced the area under the curve (AUC) of circulating progesterone. The peptide also shortened the luteal phase in all marmosets during the treatment cycle compared to the pretreatment control cycle. These results indicate that the ovarian follicular fluid peptide inhibited FSH binding to granulosa cells thereby probably resulting in decreased progesterone secretion (AUC) from these cells and subsequently inducing luteal insufficiency.

Luteal deficiency caused by human ovarian follicular fluid peptide in post-partum marmosets, Callithrix jacchus

A peptide purified from human ovarian follicular fluid (hOFFP) was administered during the follicular phase of post-partum marmosets. Four of the five animals treated with hOFFP, ovulated as evidenced by the presence of ovarian stigmata at the time of laparotomy. However, only 2 of these animals became pregnant, one had a normal delivery while the other aborted. A shortening of the luteal phase was observed in the other three animals and all animals conceived in subsequent cycles. The results indicated that treatment with the ovarian follicular fluid peptide resulted in impairment of fertility as a result of luteal insufficiency.

Progesterone antagonist lilopristone: a potent abortifacient in the common marmoset

The effects of a progesterone antagonist ZK 98.734 (lilopristone) on implantation, early pregnancy, and midpregnancy were studied in the common marmoset, Callithrix jacchus jacchus. Treatment (5 mg/da intramuscularly for 3 consecutive days) on day (n = 8) after the midcycle peak in estradiol levels in mated animals induced a premature drop in plasma progesterone levels and shortened the ovarian cycle length. Treatment on day 20 (n = 5) or day 40 (n = 5) induced a drop in progesterone levels and decidual collapse. In three animals treated on day 40, vaginal bleeding was observed within 46 hours of the initiation of treatment. Treatment on day 80 resulted in expulsion of the fetuses with a mean induction abortion interval of 39 hours (range, 20 to 48 hours). The progesterone antagonistic effects of ZK 98.734 could be a result of the decrease in progesterone synthesis by the corpus luteum and/or placenta in addition to the interference with the progesterone binding to its cellular receptors in the target organ. Our study suggests that ZK 98.734 has potential for fertility regulation. Clinical trials for postcoital contraception, induction of menstruation, and early abortifacient effects are warranted.

Termination of pregnancy in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) following administration of antiserum to chicken riboflavin carrier protein

The presence of protein(s) which is immunologically and functionally similar to the well characterised avian riboflavin carrier protein has been demonstrated in female common marmosets during pregnancy. The protein(s) that interacts with [14C]riboflavin has an immunological homology to chicken riboflavin carrier protein. The termination of pregnancy in four out of six marmosets following administration of antiserum to chicken riboflavin carrier protein supports the hypothesis that vitamin carrier protein ensures an uninterrupted supply of the vitamin to the growing embryo and that immunoneutralization of maternal riboflavin carrier protein leads to fetal death and termination of pregnancy.

Effect of antiprogestin ZK 98.734 on the ovarian cycle, early pregnancy, and on its binding to progesterone receptors in the myometrium of marmoset Callithrix jacchus

The antiprogestin ZK 98.734 (11 beta-(4-dimethylaminophenyl-17 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-(3-hydroxy-prop-1(Z)-enyl-4,9(10)-estradien-3-one) was administered i.m. (5 mg/day) for three consecutive days to two groups of common marmosets. In one group (nonpregnant, n = 6), it was injected during the luteal phase, and to the second group (pregnant, n = 7), it was injected during early pregnancy, on Days 24-26 of the mid-cycle estradiol peak. Administration of ZK 98.734 during the luteal phase caused a sharp drop in plasma progesterone levels. The luteal phase was shortened whether the drug was administered during the early or the late luteal phase. Similarly, administration of ZK 98.734 during early pregnancy caused a significant drop in progesterone levels, and pregnancy was terminated in all of the animals. The post-treatment cycles in both groups of animals were ovulatory and of normal duration. 3H-ZK 98.734 showed specific binding to myometrial cytosol fraction. ZK 98.734 also displaced the binding of 3H-progesterone to progesterone receptors. However, progesterone had higher binding affinity than did ZK 98.734. The antifertility action of ZK 98.734 could be a result either of its luteolytic action or of its blocking the progesterone receptors in the target tissue. This study, therefore, indicates that in the common marmoset ZK 98.734 is a progesterone antagonist with a potential to terminate early pregnancy.

Continuous light environment has no effect on the circadian testosterone rhythm, spermatogenesis or fertility of the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Maintenance of adult male marmosets in continuous light for 60 days had no effect on the circadian rhythmicity of plasma testosterone levels, spermatogenesis or fertility. The results indicate that photoperiodicity is not the environmental determinant that regulates reproduction in male marmosets.

Diurnal and annual variations in plasma androgen levels in the adult male marmoset (callithrix jacchus)

Diurnal and annual variations in plasma androgen levels were studied in adult male marmosets. A distinct diurnal pattern, characterized by low androgen levels during the lights-on period and high levels during the lights-off period was observed (n = 7). In contrast to this, no definite circannual pattern in androgen levels was observed (n = 6).

Plasma testosterone response to hCG stimulation in the male marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus jacchus)

In adult animals the intramuscular injection of hCG was followed by a rapid rise in plasma testosterone levels within 2-3 h and at doses of 40 and 80 i.u. hCG this primary response was followed by a second peak of testosterone at 48 h. Prepubertal marmosets also responded to hCG stimulation with a rapid increase in plasma testosterone levels within 3 h, but the magnitude of this peak was lower than that observed in adult animals and no biphasic pattern was observed. In adult and prepubertal animals a second dose of hCG (40 i.u.) administered 24 h after the initial injection failed to produce a further rapid increment in plasma testosterone levels.

Release of norethisterone from a bioabsorbable implant in female bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata)

Bioabsorbable implants prepared by fusion of 85% norethisterone (NET) and 15% cholesterol were inserted subdermally in four cycling bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata). No skin reaction or inflammation was observed at the site of implantation. Plasma concentration of norethisterone (NET) measured by radioimmunoassay were monitored for 14 to 16 months at monthly intervals. In the first month weekly samples were analysed. NET was released into circulation within 24 hours after insertion of the implant. In all the monkeys, except one, a sharp rise in NET (1.9 to 20 ng/ml) occurred immediately after insertion. Levels then remained between 1.7 and 0.6 ng/ml for about 4 months. Thereafter they remained steady up to about 9 months in two monkeys and gradually declined to about 0.4 ng/ml in the remaining two. In all except one, there was a sudden burst of NET release between the 10th and 11th month. The hormone almost cleared out of circulation by the 14th to 16th month. Initial menstrual cycles after pellet insertion were disturbed, leading to spotting and irregular bleeding. Regular cycles appeared from 5 to 8 months after the insertion of the implant. These cycles were ovulatory, as determined by the progesterone levels.