Apelin-13 modulates the endometrial transcriptome of the domestic pig during implantation

BACKGROUND

The peri-implantation period is a critical time during pregnancy that mostly defines the overall litter size. Most authors agree that the highest percentage of embryo mortality occurs during this time. Despite the brevity of the peri-implantation period, it is the most dynamic part of pregnancy in which the sequential and uninterrupted course of several processes is essential to the animal's reproductive success. Also then, the maternal uterine tissues undergo an intensive remodelling process, and their energy demand dramatically increases. It is believed that apelin, a member of the adipokine family, is involved in the control of female reproductive functions in response to the current metabolic state. The verified herein hypothesis assumed the modulatory effect of apelin on the endometrial tissue transcriptome on days 15 to 16 of gestation (beginning of implantation).

RESULTS

The analysis of data obtained during RNA-seq (Illumina HiSeq2500) of endometrial slices treated and untreated with apelin (n = 4 per group) revealed changes in the expression of 68 genes (39 up-regulated and 29 down-regulated in the presence of apelin), assigned to 240 gene ontology terms. We also revealed changes in the frequency of alternative splicing events (397 cases), as well as single nucleotide variants (1,818 cases) in the presence of the adipokine. The identified genes were associated, among others, with the composition of the extracellular matrix, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results indicate a potential role of apelin in the regulation of uterine tissue remodelling during the peri-implantation period.

Plasma level of omentin-1, its expression, and its regulation by gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropins in porcine anterior pituitary cells

Omentin-1 (OMNT1) is an adipokine involved in the regulation of energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and reproduction. The present study was the first to investigate the plasma levels and expression of OMNT1 in the anterior pituitary (AP) gland on days 2-3, 10-12, 14-16, and 17-19 of the estrous cycle of normal-weight Large White (LW) and fat Meishan (MS) pigs. Next, we determined the effect of GnRH, LH, and FSH on the OMNT1 levels in cultured AP cells. The gene and protein expression of OMNT1 in AP fluctuated during the estrous cycle, with a higher expression in MS than in LW (except on days 10-12). However, plasma levels of OMNT1 were higher in LW than in MS. OMNT1 was localized in somatotrophs, lactotrophs, thyrotrophs, and gonadotrophs. In LW pituitary cells, GnRH and gonadotropins stimulated OMNT1 protein expression (except FSH on days 14-16) and had no effect on OMNT1 levels in the culture medium. In MS pituitary cells, we observed that GnRH and LH increased while FSH decreased OMNT1 protein expression. These findings showed OMNT1 expression and regulation in the porcine AP and suggested that OMNT1 could be a new player modifying the pituitary functions.

Expression of visfatin in the ovarian follicles of prepubertal and mature gilts and in vitro effect of gonadotropins, insulin, steroids, and prostaglandins on visfatin levels

Recent studies have demonstrated that visfatin participates in the regulation of female reproduction. Due to the lack of data concerning the level of visfatin in the ovarian follicles of pigs, one of the most economically important livestock species, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression and localisation of visfatin and the follicular fluid concentration in the ovarian follicles of prepubertal and mature gilts. We also aimed to examine the in vitro effects of gonadotropins (LH, FSH), insulin, progesterone (P4), oestradiol (E2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and F2α (PGF2α) on visfatin levels. In the present study, we have demonstrated that visfatin expression is dependent on the maturity of the animals and the stage of ovarian follicle development. Visfatin signal was detected in individual follicular compartments from primordial to antral follicles and even in atretic follicles. We have shown that the expression of visfatin in granulosa cells was higher than in theca cells. The level of visfatin is upregulated by LH, FSH, E2, and P4 and downregulated by insulin, while prostaglandins have modulatory effects, dependent on the dose and type of ovarian follicular cells. To summarise, our research has shown that visfatin is widely expressed in the ovarian follicles of prepubertal and mature pigs, and its expression is regulated by gonadotropins, insulin, steroids, and prostaglandins, suggesting that visfatin appears to be an important intra-ovarian factor that could regulate porcine ovarian follicular function.

Expression and regulation of visfatin/NAMPT in the porcine corpus luteum during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy

Visfatin/NAMPT creates a hormonal link between energy metabolism and female reproduction. A recent study documented visfatin expression in the ovary and its action on follicular cells; however, the expression of visfatin in luteal cells is still unknown. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate the transcript and protein expression of visfatin as well as its immunolocalization in the corpus luteum (CL) and to examine the involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) in the regulation of visfatin level in response to LH, insulin, progesterone (P₄), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and F_2α (PGF_2α). Corpora lutea were harvested from gilts on days 2-3, 10-12 and 14-16 of the estrous cycle and on days 10-11, 12-13, 15-16 and 27-28 of pregnancy. The current study demonstrated that visfatin expression depends on hormonal status related to the phase of the estrous cycle or early pregnancy. Visfatin was immunolocalized to the cytoplasm of small and large luteal cells. Moreover, visfatin protein abundance was increased by P₄, and decreased by both prostaglandins, while LH and insulin have modulatory effects, depending on the phase of the cycle. Interestingly, LH, P₄ and PGE₂ effects were abolished in response to the inhibition of ERK1/2 kinase. Thus, this study demonstrated that expression of visfatin in the porcine CL is determined by the endocrine status related to the estrous cycle and early pregnancy and by the action of LH, insulin, P₄ and prostaglandins via activation of the ERK1/2 pathway.

Plasma-Glucocorticoids and ACTH Levels During Different Periods of Activity in the European Beaver (Castor fiber L.)

Glucocorticoids (GCs) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) are major components of the classic endocrine stress response. Free-living vertebrates are characterized by circannual changes in the baseline and/or stress-induced secretion of GCs and ACTH. In mammalian species, GC and ACTH levels vary seasonally but there is no consensus to the season in which animals have elevated GC and ACTH levels. The aim of our study was to determine, for the first time, the type and amount of glucocorticoids produced in free-living beaver (Castor fiber L.)--the largest rodent in Eurasia, and to find out whether stress-induced plasma GC and ACTH levels show seasonal variations. Blood samples were obtained from animals under general anesthesia in April (pregnancy in females), July (offspring rearing) and November (preparing for the winter). The adrenals of beavers produce both cortisol and corticosterone, and plasma cortisol levels were higher than corticosterone. In the current experiment, plasma cortisol concentrations in beavers were affected by the season. The highest stress-associated cortisol levels were noted in males in July during offspring rearing. Corticosterone and ACTH concentrations in beavers remained generally constant, regardless of the season and sex. In conclusion, seasonal changes were observed only in relation to stress-induced plasma cortisol levels in the beaver.

Proliferation response of lymphocytes in naturally BLV-infected cows with different phenotypes of blood leukocyte acid phosphatase

Abstract. In Black-and-White cattle, polymorphism of blood leukocyte acid phosphatase (AcP) is determined by a pair of autosomal alleles. Blood leukocyte AcP polymorphism exhibits a correlation with the white cell composition and the granulocyte metabolic efficiency in clinically healthy animals. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the AcP polymorphism and the lymphocyte proliferation response capacity in the first three months after calving of cows naturally-infected with bovine leukaemia virus. The study covered 61 Black-and-White cows originating from one herd. The ELISA and PCR tests were used in the diagnosing BLV infections. Additionally agarose gel electrophoresis was used to determine the AcP polymorphism and the lymphocyte proliferation efficiency was determined based on the lymphoblastic transformation test using the isotope method. The obtained results suggest that the product of blood leukocyte acid phosphatase gene is likely to participate in the lymphocyte activation and proliferation and that there is an association between the biological function expression of the AcP gene product and the cows' susceptibility to infection with bovine leukaemia virus. Moreover, the results obtained seem to indicate that the correlation of both factors − the bovine leukaemia virus and the month of lactation − modifies the proliferation response of the phytohaemagglutinin unstimulated lymphocytes.

Mechanisms ensuring optimal conditions of implantation and embryo development in the pig

The paper summarizes results of a series of studies concerning luteolysis and early pregnancy in pigs. The involvement of the oxytocin (OT)/OT receptor system in the mechanism of corpus luteum (CL) protection during early pregnancy as well as the implication of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the endometrial prostaglandin (PG) release and synthesis are described. In addition, the role of leptin in the regulation of ovarian steroidogenesis and the expression of leptin and its receptor (OB-Rb) genes in hypothalamus, pituitary and reproductive tissues are reported. Moreover, a strong emphasis was placed on the mechanism of PGE2 participation in the local endocrine regulations of reproductive processes occurring in the utero-ovarian area as well as on the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ligand-receptor system in the ovary and uterus.

The effects of GnRH and adrenergic agents on PRL and beta-endorphin secretion by porcine pituitary cells in vitro

The direct effects of alpha- and beta-adrenergic agents on PRL and beta-endorphin (beta-END) secretion in vitro by porcine pituitary cells have been investigated. Pituitary glands were obtained from mature gilts, which were ovariectomised (OVX) one month before slaughter. Ovariectomised gilts, assigned to four groups, were primed with: (1) vehicle (OVX); (2) and (3) oestradiol benzoate (EB; 2.5 mg/100 kg b.w.) at 30-36 h (OVX+EB I) and 60-66 h (OVX+EB II) before slaughter, respectively; and (4) progesterone (P4; 120 mg/100 kg b.w.) for 5 consecutive days before slaughter (OVX+P4). Isolated anterior pituitary cells were submitted to 3.5 h incubation in the presence of GnRH, alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists [phenylephrine (PHEN) and isoproterenol (ISOP), respectively], or alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockers [phentolamine (PHENT) and propranolol (PROP), respectively]. The culture media were assayed for PRL (exp. I) and beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (beta-END-LI) (experiment II). In experiment I, GnRH did not influence PRL release by pituitary cells in all experimental groups. Some of tested doses of adrenergic agonists, PHEN and ISOP, increased PRL release from pituitary cells of OVX gilts, but not from those of OVX+EB I animals. In the OVX+EB II group, PHEN alone, but ISOP with PROP, potentiated PRL secretion by the cells. In OVX+P4 animals, PHEN alone or in combination with PHENT and also ISOP alone or with PROP enhanced PRL output from the cells. In experiment II, addition of GnRH increased beta-END-LI release from pituitary cells only in the OVX+EB II group. PHEN and PHENT potentiated beta-END-LI secretion by pituitary cells in OVX+EB II and OVX+P4 groups, while ISOP and PROP increased beta-END-LI secretion by the cells of OVX and OVX+EB II animals. In turn, in the OVX+EB I group, effect of PHENT and PROP on PRL secretion by pituitary cells was inhibitory. In conclusion, our results suggest that adrenergic agents can modulate PRL and beta-END secretion by porcine pituitary cells in a manner dependent on the hormonal status of gilts.

Porcine theca cells produce immunoreactive beta-endorphin and change steroidogenesis in response to opioid agonist

In earlier in vitro experiments opioids affected steroidogenesis in porcine luteal and granulosa cells. The present studies were undertaken to examine the effects of FK 33-824 (opioid agonist) alone or in combination with LH, PRL or naloxone (NAL, opioid antagonist) on steroidogenesis in cultured porcine theca cells. Moreover, we have tested beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (beta-END-LI) concentrations in culture media under control conditions and following treatments of theca cells with LH, PRL, progesterone (P4), oestradiol (E2) or testosterone (T). FK 33-824 and NAL significantly increased P4 release by theca cells and inhibited stimulatory effect of LH on this steroid output. PRL-induced P4 secretion from the cells was blunted only by FK 33-824. Secretion of androstenedione (A4) and T was essentially elevated in the presence of FK 33-824 and this potentiation of both androgen release was completely abolished by PRL. NAL blocked stimulatory effect of the opioid agonist only in case of T. Secretion of oestradiol and oestrone was completely free from the influence of both the opioid agonist and antagonist. Pig theca cells were able to produce beta-END-LI but none of tested hormones (LH, PRL, P4, E2 and T alone or in combination) significantly affected this production. In conclusion, these data indicate that porcine theca cells may produce beta-END-LI and change their steroidogenesis in response to opioid peptides.

Prolactin involvement in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis during the early luteal phase of the porcine estrous cycle

Our previous in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that prolactin (PRL) affected luteal function during the first days of the porcine estrous cycle. Since the mechanism by which the luteotrophic action of PRL might be mediated was not elucidated, the goal of the present study is to investigate the effects of short term, in vivo administration of PRL on in vitro functions of hypothalamic explants, adenohypophyseal cells and luteal cells of sows. Injections of PRL or saline (performed every 2h) started shortly after the preovulatory LH surge and lasted for 2 or 3 days. Peripheral blood plasma for determination of LH, PRL and progesterone (P(4)) was sampled at 4h intervals. Ovaries, pituitaries and the stalk median eminence (SME) dissected after slaughter were used for in vitro studies. Luteal and adenohypophysial cells as well as hypothalamic tissue were incubated/cultured with different treatments. Medium and plasma levels of GnRH, LH and P(4) were quantified by radioimmunoassays (RIAs). Corpora lutea (CL) were used for LH/human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) receptor analysis. In vivo and in vitro treatment with PRL increased the in vitro GnRH release by hypothalamic explants (P<0.05). GnRH-stimulated LH production was enhanced in PRL-treated sows compared to that of control sows (P<0.05). PRL injections had no effect on plasma P(4) concentrations during the treatment period. However, luteal secretion of P(4) (P=0.06) and LH/hCG receptor concentration (P=0.079) tended to be higher in PRL-treated sows in comparison to those of controls. The results indicate that PRL may be involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis at the beginning of the luteal phase of the porcine estrous cycle.

[Analysis of urinary tract injury during gynecological surgery performed with preoperative ureter catheterization or intraoperative ureter control]

DESIGN

To analyze urinary tract injuries during gynecological surgery performed with preoperative ureter catheterization or intraoperative ureter control.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 1986 chosen gynecological operations performed between 1990-1998 in Dept. of Gynecological Surgery Polish Mother's Health Center Institute.

RESULTS

The overall frequency of urinary injuries was 2.15%. It was less during gynecological surgery performed with ureter catheterization compared to intraoperative ureter control only (ureter: 0.30% vs. 0.55%, p = 0.22; urinary bladder: 0.40% vs. 0.90%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

1/ urinary injury was twice as frequent during ureter control than during ureter catheterization, 2/ urinary injury was the most frequent complication during hysterectomy with adnexa, 3/ the results of our analysis should be treated as a vote "for" ureter catheterization before gynecological surgery.

[The influence of paternal lymphocytes immunization on percentage of peripheral blood CD16+/CD56+ cells in women with primary recurrent spontaneous abortion]

OBJECTIVES

Paternal lymphocytes immunization has been proposed for several years as an efficient treatment for unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion (RSA), however precise mechanism that underline the benefits of this immunotherapy is still unclear.

DESIGN

The aim was to study the influence of paternal lymphocytes immunization on percentage of peripheral blood NK cells (CD16+/CD56+) in women with primary RSA of unknown etiology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

48 patients with history of 3-5 (mean 3.3 +/- 0.7) consecutive primary RSA of unknown etiology were selected for the study. Immunotherapy with paternal lymphocytes, isolated from 100 ml of peripheral blood, was performed twice prior conception with a 4-week interval. The percentage of NK cells (CD16+/CD56+) was estimated using standard flow-cytometric immunofluorescent techniques for whole blood with one-step monoclonal anti-CD16/CD56 antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed with Wilcoxon test and the p value less than 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.

RESULTS

It was found that paternal lymphocytes immunization significantly decreases the percentage of NK cells in peripheral blood in women with RSA (23.9 +/- 8.5 vs. 16.2 +/- 7.0; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The data of the present studies suggest that paternal lymphocytes immunization modulate immunity in women with primary unexplained RSA significantly decreasing the percentage of NK cells (CD16+/CD56+) in peripheral blood.

[Colposuspension during abdominal hysterectomy--own modification]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of own modification of colposuspension using the musculofascial flap during abdominal hysterectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 57 patients operated on uterine and/or vaginal prolapse; 45 of them had also others pelvic gynecological disorders. Prolapsed or lowered vaginal walls were corrected by colposuspension or cervical suspension using musculofascial flap (made of the rectus abdominis muscle sheet and pyramidal muscle). The flap was sharply separated from the anterior wall of rectus abdominis muscle sheet going up from pyramidal muscle to umbilical region where it ended. Its end was sutured to vaginal vault and uterosacral ligaments. This gave a flattening of rectovaginal pouch and shortage of rectovaginal distance.

RESULTS

The incidence of usual complaints as: hypogastric pain, uterine/vaginal prolapse feeling and vaginal dryness was significantly decreased after the operation. The quality of sexual functions was also improved. The incidence of urine incontinence and polyuria didn't change after the operation.

CONCLUSION

The own modification of colposuspension during abdominal hysterectomy is an effective method of treatment in cases of uterine/vaginal prolapse with other pelvic gynecological disorders.

[Laparoscopy and laparotomy in the operative treatment of ovarian cysts]

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of our study was to compare operative procedures, histologic types of tumours, and intra- and postoperative complications of patients operated for benign ovarian cysts by laparotomy or laparoscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

257 patients with different types of ovarian cysts underwent operations by laparoscopy (51 cases) or laparotomy (206 cases). Careful selection for operative treatment was made on the basis of clinical findings, ultrasound scans (using colour Doppler), patient's age and history. Operative laparoscopies were performed in patients with "unsuspected" ovarian cysts with diameter < or = 8 cm. During every operation, a histologic examination of tumour was performed.

RESULTS

In 42 patients the cysts were found in both ovaries. Remaining 215 women had unilateral ovarian tumours. Adnexectomy was carried out in 142 cases, cystectomy in 131, ovariectomy in 18, and aspiration and electrocoagulation of ovarian cysts in 8 cases. The most common laparoscopic procedures were cystectomy (41) and aspiration and electrocoagulation of ovarian cysts (8); while by laparotomy: adnexectomy (142) and cystectomy (131); p < 0.0001. The histopathological assessment showed as follows: serous cysts in 98 cases, dermoid cysts in 75, endometrial cysts in 63, mucous cyst in 23, and others (mainly haemorrhagic, functional cysts and fibrothecomas) in 40 cases. The incidence of operative complications (3/257--all due to insufficient hemostasis) and postoperative complications (infection--7/257, anaemia--4/257, peritonitis--1/257) was rather low and similar in patients operated by laparoscopy and laparotomy. Patients were generally discharged from the hospital on the fourth (median) postoperative day after laparoscopies and the seventh (median) day after laparotomies (p < 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

Operative treatment of ovarian benign cysts is connected with a very low risk for intra- and postoperative complications. The operative laparoscopy brings better cosmetic effects and seems to be safe and effective method of treatment of ovarian benign cysts.

[Ovarian cancer. II. Procedures, histology, and complications]

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of our study was to analyse the operative procedures and complications in patients operated for the first time for ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of patients' charts with ovarian cancer operated at the Department of Gynaecological Surgery of Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital-Research Institute in 1990-1999 was conducted. We analysed the data of women operated for the first time for this disease. In every case we tried to perform radical operation consisted of hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy, omentectomy, appendectomy (if needed), and additionally optimal debulking in advanced cancer.

RESULTS

Between January 1990 and December 1999, 107 patients were operated for the first time for ovarian cancer. FIGO staging was as follows: I--13.1%, II--14.95%, III--59.8%, IV--12.15%. The most frequent findings on histology were serous (39.3%), endometrioid (26.2%), undifferentiated (11.2%) and clear cell cancers (10.7%). In 60.7% of cases we performed hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy, in 15.0% bilateral adnexectomy, in 4.7% of patients cytoreductive tumorectomy, and in 19.6% of cases only excisions for histology were taken. 69.0% of patients underwent also omentectomy and 42.6% appendectomy. In 58.9% of patients we performed radical operation; its incidence significantly decreased with the increase of FIGO staging: I--100%, II--87.5%, III--51.6%, IV--15.4% (p < 0.0005). We noted 5 cases of intraoperative complications, all in patients with the stage III, connected with intestinal or urinary bladder lesions. The most common postoperative complication was anaemia (23.4%) and fever (4.7%). Four patients died in 8-27 postoperative day due to circulatory insufficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common was serous and endometrioid ovarian cancer. The great majority of patients was diagnosed to late and operated in III and IV stage of the disease, but in almost 60% of cases radical operation was performed.

Gene expression and peptide localization for LH/hCG receptor in porcine small and large luteal cells: possible regulation by opioid peptides

The aim of the present studies was to investigate (1) the presence of LH receptor (LHR) in porcine separated small (SLCs) and large (LLCs) luteal cells taken from mid-luteal corpora lutea and (2) the influence of opioid agonist, FK 33-824 (FK) on LHR gene expression in these cells. Immunocytochemistry revealed intense staining for LHR in both SLCs and LLCs. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern hybridization were used to check the effect of FK and hCG on LHR gene expression. The LHR gene expression was observed in non-stimulated LLCs and in both types of cells after treatment with FK or hCG. FK stimulated LHR gene expression in SLCs and inhibited the gene expression in LLCs. Moreover, FK inhibited and potentiated stimulatory influence of hCG on the gene expression in LLCs and SLCs, respectively. These results suggest that LHR gene expression in porcine luteal cells can be regulated by opioid peptides.

[The cost of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of female infertility]

DESIGN

The aim of the study was to estimate the usefulness of laparoscopy in diagnostics of women's infertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of the notes of 133 infertile women who had undergone laparoscopic procedures--in 88 (66.2%) patients the reason of their infertility was unknown (study group I) and in 45 (33.8%) pelvic pathology (PCO syndrome-37 cases, endometriosis-6 cases and tubal inpatency-2 cases) was supposed (study group II).

RESULTS

In 96 (72.2%) patients (in 51 from group I and in 45 from group II) pelvic pathology was estimated (p < 0.0001 in comparison with diagnostic estimation before laparoscopy). Most frequent pathology in women with unexplained infertility was seen: endometriosis, adhesions and tubal inpatency. During laparoscopy procedure we changed totally preoperative diagnosis in 43.6% patients (58 cases--51 from group I and 7 from group II) and in 9.8% women additional pelvic abnormalities were detected.

CONCLUSION

In authors opinion the laparoscopic procedure is very helpful in infertile women and ought to be included in diagnostic standard in cases of unexplained infertility.

[Intrauterine infection. II. The effect of intravenous dexamethasone on the results of C-reactive protein, white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate during the expectant management of premature rupture of membranes]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of dexamethasone administration on selected markers of infection during the expectant management of premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A group of 80 patients with PROM before 35 weeks' gestation were evaluated prospectively and managed expectantly. All patients were managed in the hospital. All pregnancies had ultrasonographic evaluations to confirm gestational age, rule out lethal anomalies, and document oligohydramnios. We applied the expectant management with the permanent use of tocolysis, antibiotics, steroids (4 mg of dexamethasone every 8 hr for 2 days, every week), amnioinfusions of artificial amniotic fluid and intravaginal chemotherapeutics. Patients were monitored with frequent vital signs, fetal heart rate evaluation and everyday blood tests as follows: C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). After completing 25 weeks antenatal fetal surveillance included a nonstress test at least once a day. All afterbirths were examined to establish the presence of histologic chorioamnionitis. In order to eliminate the influence of intrauterine infection we analyzed only the results obtained of patients without histologic chorioamnionitis (n = 24).

RESULTS

WBC raised significantly in the first day of steroidotherapy (mean: 14,895/mm3), was elevated in the second day (15,716/mm3) and the day after (15,100/mm3), and decreased to the normal limit in the second day after steroids (12,316/mm3); p < 0.001. There were no statistically significant differences in the results of CRP and ESR connected with the administration of dexamethasone.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexamethasone administration caused the independent of infection and temporary elevation of WBC. We did not observe such influence on the results of CRP and ESR.

Thyroid hormone binding to the rat heart cytosol proteins

The properties of the thyroid hormone binding to rat heart cytosol were studied. Cytosol proteins were found to bind specifically T4 with high affinity (Ka approximately equal to 10(8)M-1) and rT3 with lower affinity (Ka approximately equal to 10(7)M-1), but they do not bind T3. The binding of both T4 and rT3 was pH dependent, however, while T4 binding had the highest values between pH 7.0 and 10, rT3 binding increased from pH 6.0 to 10.7. Divalent ions also stimulated T4 and rT3 binding. Sulfhydryl groups blocking agents such as N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and iodoacetamide significantly decreased rT3 binding and had less profound effect on binding of T4 to cytosol proteins. The importance of free -SH groups remains unclear as dithiothreitol was found to diminish the binding of T4 and rT3.

In vivo and in vitro effects of adrenaline on conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine and to reverse-triiodothyronine in dog liver and heart

Infusion of adrenaline in healthy dogs in a dose simulating spontaneous release of the catecholamine during experimental myocardial infarction produced a significant decrease in the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) and a moderate increase in the conversion of T4 to reverse-triiodothyronine (rT3). Similar changes in deiodination of T4 to T3 and to rT3 were also observed when adrenaline was added in vitro to liver and heart homogenates. These results are consistent with a direct effect of adrenaline on T4 deiodination as degradation of exogenous T4, T3 and rT3 was only slightly increased under the experimental condition employed. The present study suggests that increased tissue exposure to adrenaline might contribute to the hormonal changes seen in at least some case of the 'low T3 syndrome'.