244. Effects of relaxin treatment on hyaluronic synthase expression in the cervix of pregnant relaxin-deficient (Rln-/-) mice

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Y. M. Soh ◽  
L. A. Vodstrcil ◽  
L. J. Parry
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Collagen Fibre ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Cervical Ripening ◽  
Water Molecules ◽  
Qpcr Analysis ◽  
Fibre Degradation ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
Relaxin Receptor

The cervical extracellular matrix (ECM) changes extensively in a process called cervical ripening in late pregnancy. This occurs through a complex series of processes leading to collagen fibre degradation and dispersal. We tested the hypothesis that relaxin increases cervical water content by stimulating hyaluronic synthase (HAS) enzymes that regulate hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis. HA is thought to recruit water molecules into interstitial spaces between collagen fibrils, causing them to disperse. In the first study, cervices were collected from Rln+/+ and Rln−/− mice on days 14.5, 16.5, 18.5 and 19 gestation, and day 1 postpartum (PP) to compare has expression between the genotypes by qPCR analysis. In the second study, Rln−/− mice were implanted with Alzet osmotic minipumps on day 12.5 gestation to infuse either recombinant H2 human relaxin (200 μg/mL; BAS Medical Inc.) or 0.9% saline at a continuous flow rate of 0.5 μl/h. Cervices were collected after 4 or 6 days of infusion. has1 and has2 gene expression increased significantly at term and decreased immediately postpartum in the Rln+/+ mice. Although has1 and has2 were expressed in Rln−/− mice, there was no increase in expression on day 18.5 gestation and cervix wet weight did not increase compared with Rln+/+ mice. Relaxin infusion for 4 or 6 days in pregnant Rln−/− mice significantly increased cervical has2 but decreased has1 expression compared with saline-controls. Additionally, relaxin treatment caused a 6-fold increase in cervix wet weight, a 5% increase in water content and a significant decrease in relaxin receptor (Rxfp1) expression compared with saline-controls. These data suggest that relaxin promotes cervical hydration through an has2-mediated increase in HA, and may facilitate cervical ripening by causing collagen fibril dispersal in the ECM.

319. RELAXIN REGULATES AQUAPORIN EXPRESSION IN THE CERVIX OF LATE PREGNANT MICE

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Y. Soh ◽  
L. J. Parry
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Balance ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Peptide Hormone ◽  
Cervical Ripening ◽  
Aqp5 Expression ◽  
Pregnant Mice ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
Circulating Levels ◽  
Relaxin Receptor

Aquaporins (AQPs) have been implicated in the regulation of fluid balance in the cervix during pregnancy to promote hydration, a characteristic of cervical ripening in late gestation.There are four AQPs in the cervix; AQP3, 4, 5 and 8. Cervical fluid balance involves AQP5 and 8 in early pregnancy and AQP3 and 4 in late pregnancy [1]. However, the factors involved in the regulation of cervical AQPs are unknown. We propose that the ovarian peptide hormone relaxin regulates cervical AQPs because high circulating levels of relaxin correspond to changes in AQPs and it is involved in cervical ripening. To test this hypothesis, expression of aqp3, 5 and 8 was compared in the cervices of relaxin wildtype (Rln+/+) and relaxin knockout (Rln–/–) at various stages of pregnancy (day 14.5, 16.5 and 18.5 pregnancy) by quantitative PCR. In the Rln–/– mice, aqp3 expression was significantly lower on day 18.5 gestation compared to Rln+/+ littermates. Aqp5 and 8 expression did not change significantly between genotypes. To determine whether relaxin could restore the Rln+/+ phenotype, Rln–/– mice were implanted with Alzet osmotic minipumps on day 12.5 pregnancy to infuse either recombinant H2 human relaxin (200 μg/mL; Corthera Inc) or 0.9% saline as a control. Cervices were collected after 4 or 6 days of infusion for gene expression analysis. Relaxin infusion in pregnant Rln–/– mice increased cervical aqp3, and also decreased aqp5 expression compared with saline-controls in the 6-day infusion group. Additionally, relaxin treatment caused a 6-fold increase in cervix wet weight, dispersal of collagen fibres and a decrease in relaxin receptor (Rxfp1) expression. These data suggest that relaxin promotes cervical hydration through an action on AQPs. (1) Anderson et al, 2006. Endocrinology 147(1): 130–140.

scholarly journals Scleraxis expressing scleral cells respond to inflammatory stimulation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghada Atta ◽  
Falk Schroedl ◽  
Alexandra Kaser-Eichberger ◽  
Gabriel Spitzer ◽  
Andreas Traweger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Collagen Fibre ◽  
Tissue Growth ◽  
Collagen Degradation ◽  
Ocular Tissue ◽  
Marker Genes ◽  
Ex Vivo Model ◽  
Tendon Cell ◽  
Fibre Degradation

AbstractThe sclera is an ocular tissue rich of collagenous extracellular matrix, which is built up and maintained by relatively few, still poorly characterized fibroblast-like cells. The aims of this study are to add to the characterization of scleral fibroblasts and to examine the reaction of these fibroblasts to inflammatory stimulation in an ex vivo organotypic model. Scleras of scleraxis-GFP (SCX-GFP) mice were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR for the expression of the tendon cell associated marker genes scleraxis (SCX), mohawk and tenomodulin. In organotypic tissue culture, explanted scleras of adult scleraxis GFP reporter mice were exposed to 10 ng/ml recombinant interleukin 1-ß (IL1-ß) and IL1-ß in combination with dexamethasone. The tissue was then analyzed by immunofluorescence staining of the inflammation- and fibrosis-associated proteins IL6, COX-2, iNOS, connective tissue growth factor, MMP2, MMP3, and MMP13 as well as for collagen fibre degradation using a Collagen Hybridizing Peptide (CHP) binding assay. The mouse sclera displayed a strong expression of scleraxis promoter-driven GFP, indicating a tendon cell-like phenotype, as well as expression of scleraxis, tenomodulin and mohawk mRNA. Upon IL1-ß stimulation, SCX-GFP+ cells significantly upregulated the expression of all proteins analysed. Moreover, IL1-ß stimulation resulted in significant collagen degradation. Adding the corticosteroid dexamethasone significantly reduced the response to IL1-ß stimulation. Collagen degradation was significantly enhanced in the IL1-ß group. Dexamethasone demonstrated a significant rescue effect. This work provides insights into the characteristics of scleral cells and establishes an ex vivo model of scleral inflammation.

Dehydration of seabird prey during transport to the colony: effects on wet weight energy densities

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (11) ◽  
pp. 2822-2824 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. Montevecchi ◽  
J. F. Piatt
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
Cautious Interpretation ◽  
Existing Data

We present evidence to indicate that dehydration of prey transported by seabirds from capture sites at sea to chicks at colonies inflates estimates of wet weight energy densities. These findings and a comparison of wet and dry weight energy densities reported in the literature emphasize the importance of (i) accurate measurement of the fresh weight and water content of prey, (ii) use of dry weight energy densities in comparisons among species, seasons, and regions, and (iii) cautious interpretation and extrapolation of existing data sets.

Biochemical studies of intrauterine components of the tammar wallaby Macropus eugenii during pregnancy

Development ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 325-338
Author(s):  
Elizabeth J. Thornber ◽  
Marilyn B. Renfree ◽  
Gregory I. Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Protein Concentration ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Tammar Wallaby ◽  
Macropus Eugenii ◽  
Tenfold Increase ◽  
Specific Proteins ◽  
Wet Weight

The in vitro uptake and incorporation of [3H]ui idine by blastocysts of the tammar wallaby showed a 16- and 30-fold increase from day 0 to day 10 after removal of pouch young, respectively. Two of the six non-expanded blastocysts recovered on day 5 showed a tenfold increase in incorporation. During the first ten days after removal of pouch young the diameter of the blastocyst increased threefold. Endometrial exudate from gravid uteri had a higher protein concentration than exudate from nongravid uteri (39·5 ± 0·9 and 32·0 ± 2·0 mg/ml (mean ± s.e.m.), respectively). Endometrial exudates from uteri where the blastocyst was actively growing were found to contain six uterine-specific proteins. These were separated by gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Two of the proteins were pre-albumins and the others were larger molecules (M.W. 153000–670000). Two proteins were only present at particular stages of pregnancy: the other four were present at all stages from diapause to birth, in exudate from gravid and nongravid uteri. The specific binding of progesterone and androstenedione to proteins in endometrial exudates or uterine flushings from pregnant wallabies was less than one per cent of the value obtained from day-5 pregnant rabbits. The ability of mouse blastocysts to take up and incorporate [3H]uridine into acidinsoluble material increased threefold in the presence of day-10 endometrial exudates from wallabies. However, this was less than ten percent of the values obtained in the presence of bovine serum albumin. The concentration of calcium in endometrial exudates increased from 23·6 to 45·2 μg/ml during pregnancy; in endometrium it remained at 88·7 μg/g (wet weight) throughout pregnancy, and in plasma it was 53·3 μg/ml. The concentration of zinc in endometrial exudates was 4·5 μg/ml; in endometrium it decreased from 21·8 to 13·3 μg/g (wet weight) during pregnancy and in plasma it was 0·6 μg/ml.

scholarly journals Decreased Expression of the Rat Myometrial Relaxin Receptor (RXFP1) in Late Pregnancy Is Partially Mediated by the Presence of the Conceptus1

2010 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 818-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenka A. Vodstrcil ◽  
Oksana Shynlova ◽  
Jill W. Verlander ◽  
Mary E. Wlodek ◽  
Laura J. Parry
Keyword(s):  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Relaxin Receptor

Abstract P270: First Trimester Elevation in Circulating Endothelin-1 and Arterial Stiffness are Predictive of Late Pregnancy Preeclampsia

Hypertension ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandria M Betz ◽  
Gary L Pierce ◽  
Donna A Santillan ◽  
Eric J Devor ◽  
Sabrina M Scroggins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Pregnancy Hypertension ◽  
Endothelin 1 ◽  
Potent Vasoconstrictor ◽  
Novel Concept ◽  
Nested Case Control

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by late pregnancy hypertension and proteinuria. PE causes significant morbidity for the maternal-fetal unit. Circulating endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, is elevated at the time of diagnosis of human PE. In addition, women with PE demonstrate arterial stiffness as early as the end of the first trimester. However, it is unknown if arterial stiffness is associated with a first trimester elevation in ET-1 and post-delivery placental ET-1. We hypothesized that 1) first trimester plasma ET-1 is elevated and is associated with arterial stiffness in women who develop PE; 2) first trimester ET-1 is predictive of PE; and 3) placental ET-1 is increased in PE. To address these questions, we performed a nested case-control study in women at risk for PE. First trimester plasma ET-1 was measured via ELISA; aortic stiffness and carotid beta-stiffness (CβS) were measured by carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (CFPWV) and carotid tonometry/ultrasound, respectively. While the maternal age of controls (n=126; age 30 ± 0.45 years) and PE (n=15; age 31 ± 1.3 years) were similar, the PE group had a higher first trimester BMI (35 ± 3 vs. 29 ± 1 kg/m 2 , p = 0.01), systolic (125 ± 2 vs. 113 ± 1 mmHg, p< 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (68 ± 2 vs. 60 ± 1 mmHg, p< 0.01) compared with controls. In addition, first trimester plasma ET-1 (2.7 ± 0.4 vs. 2.0 ± 0.2 pg/mL, p < 0.01), CFPWV (7.2 ± 0.5 vs. 6.1 ± 0.2 m/s, p = 0.016), and CβS (8.4 ± 1.9 vs. 6.3 ± 0.3, p = 0.055) were higher in the PE group. Consistent with previous studies, third trimester plasma ET-1 was elevated in the PE group (2.9 ± 1.1 vs. 1.6 ± 0.1 pg/mL, p < 0.01) which paralleled a 2.5 fold increase in placental decidual ET-1 mRNA (p < 0.0001). ROC analyses showed that first trimester plasma ET-1 (AUC=0.71, p < 0.001) and CFPWV (AUC=0.70, p=0.014) were predictive of PE. This study supports the novel concept that elevated ET-1 in preeclampsia begins early in the first trimester and is associated with premature arterial stiffness. Further, these novel data suggest that ET-1 may play an important role in the first trimester prediction and pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Hydration States of Cholinium Phosphate-Type Ionic Liquids as a Function of Water Content

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohsuke Nikawa ◽  
Seiji Tsuzuki ◽  
Hiroyuki Ohno ◽  
Kyoko Fujita
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Liquids ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Alkyl Chain ◽  
Hydroxyl Group ◽  
Water Molecules ◽  
Hydroxyl Groups ◽  
Ion Structure ◽  
Activity Measurements ◽  
Microscopic Interactions ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

We investigated the hydration states of cholinium phosphate-type ionic liquids (ILs) in relation to ion structure, focusing on the influence of the hydroxyl group of the cation and the alkyl chain length of the anion. Water activity measurements provided information on the macroscopic hydration states of the hydrated ILs, while NMR measurements and molecular dynamics simulations clearly showed the microscopic interactions and coordination of the water molecules. The hydrogen bonding networks in these ILs were influenced by the anion structure and water content, and the mobility of water molecules was influenced by the number of hydroxyl groups in the cation and anion.

scholarly journals 3134 Organophosphate pesticide exposure during pregnancy, gestational weight gain and long-term postpartum weight retention

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (s1) ◽  
pp. 50-50
Author(s):  
Linda G Kahn ◽  
Elise M Philips ◽  
Michiel A van den Dries ◽  
Romy Gaillard ◽  
Susana Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Pesticide Exposure ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Weight Retention ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Gestational Weight ◽  
Pesticide Metabolites ◽  
Postpartum Weight

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Little is known about potentially obesogenic endocrine-disruptors’ effects on excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum weight retention (PPWR), which increase risk of adverse pregnancy and postnatal outcomes. We explored associations between prenatal organophosphate (OP) pesticide exposure and increased weight both during and after pregnancy. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Three dimethyl (DM) and three diethyl (DE) OP metabolites were measured in spot urine samples collected at <18, 18-25, and >25 gestational weeks among 688 participants in the Generation R Study. Metabolite levels were expressed as molar concentration/gram creatinine and log10-transformed. GWG and PPWR were calculated as the difference between weight at each prenatal/postnatal visit or maximum gestational weight and pre-pregnancy weight. In covariate-adjusted regression models we assessed associations of metabolite concentrations at each prenatal visit and, where appropriate, averaged across pregnancy with early-to-mid pregnancy, mid-to-late pregnancy, late pregnancy-to-maximum, and total GWG; insufficient and excessive GWG according to Institute of Medicine guidelines; and long-term PPWR at 6 and 10 years postpartum. Based on OP pesticides’ lipophilicity and association with hypomethylation, we investigated interactions with pre-pregnancy body mass index, periconceptional folic acid supplementation, and breastfeeding duration. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A 10-fold increase in late pregnancy DE metabolite concentration was associated with 1.34 kg [95% confidence interval: 0.55, 2.12] higher late pregnancy-to-maximum GWG. A 10-fold increase in mean DE metabolite concentration across pregnancy was associated with 2.41 kg [0.62, 4.20] lower PPWR at 6 years. Stratified analysis suggested that the prenatal finding was driven by women with pre-pregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m2, while the postnatal finding was driven by women with pre-pregnancy BMI <25 kg/m2 and with inadequate folic acid supplementation. We found no associations between OP pesticide metabolites and insufficient or excessive weight gain and no interaction with breastfeeding. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: In this longitudinal analysis, we observed a positive association of OP pesticide metabolites with GWG in late pregnancy among overweight/obese women, potentially reflecting inhibition of OP pesticide detoxification by oxidative stress. Postnatally, under/normal weight women with higher OP pesticide metabolites had lower PPWR, possibly due to better metabolic function and a more healthful diet. These results suggest that there may be a critical period during the late phase of pregnancy when OP pesticide exposure may increase GWG, and this association may be amplified in overweight/obese women. Areas for future research include examination of how the interaction between OP pesticides and polymorphisms of the paraoxonase (PON1) gene, which detoxifies OP pesticides, affect GWG/PPWR; exploration of the interplay among maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, oxidative stress, and PON1 levels; and characterization of the variability of OP pesticides exposure across pregnancy using more frequent repeated urine samples.

scholarly journals Hepatic storage of oligosaccharides and glycolipids in a cat affected with GM1 gangliosidosis

1978 ◽  
Vol 175 (3) ◽  
pp. 945-953 ◽  
Author(s):  
E W Holmes ◽  
J S O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Periodate Oxidation ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Ganglioside Gm1 ◽  
Neutral Glycolipid ◽  
Terminal Position ◽  
Liver Sample ◽  
Gm1 Gangliosidosis ◽  
Glycolipid Fraction ◽  
Wet Weight

1. Glycopeptides and glycolipids were isolated from normal cat liver and liver from a cat affected with GM1 gangliosidosis. 2. Bio-Gel P-6 chromatography of the crude glycopeptide fractions demonstrated three major peaks of hexose-containing compounds that were greatly increased in the mutant liver sample; these peaks contained oligosaccharides that comprised over 2% of the liver wet weight. 3. Two of the major pathological oligosaccharides, GP5 and GP6, were purified by chromatography on charcoal/Celite and Sephadex G-25. Oligosaccharides GP5 and GP6 had apparent mol.wts. of 1800 +/- 200 and 1350+/-200 respectively, and contained galactose, mannose and N-acetylglucosamine in molar proportions of 2.0:3.1:4.1 (GP5) and 1.0:2.2:2.7 (GP6). Periodate oxidation studies demonstrated the presence of galactose in a non-reducing terminal position. 4. The neutral glycolipid fraction from the mutant cat liver has a 1.3-fold increase in hexose content accompanied by an increased concentration of asialo-(ganglioside GM1). 5. There was a 2-fold increase of gangliosides in the mutant cat liver compared with normal cats. Ganglioside GM1 and a compound tentatively identified as N-glycolloyl-(ganglioside GM1) were the major glycolipids accumulated.

scholarly journals Application of scanning electron microscopy to x-ray analysis of frozen-hydrated sections. III. Elemental content of cells in the rat renal papillary tip.

1981 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
R E Bulger ◽  
R Beeuwkes ◽  
A J Saubermann
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Interstitial Cells ◽  
Elemental Content ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Tissue Mass ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
Structural Preservation

The electrolyte and water content of cellular and interstitial compartments in the renal papilla of the rat was determined by x-ray microanalysis of frozen-hydrated tissue sections. Papillae from rats on ad libitum water were rapidly frozen in a slush of Freon 12, and sectioned in a cryomicrotome at -30 to -40 degrees C. Frozen 0.5-micrometer sections were mounted on carbon-coated nylon film over a Be grid, transferred cold to the scanning microscope, and maintained at -175 degrees C during analysis. The scanning transmission mode was used for imaging. Structural preservation was of good quality and allowed identification of tissue compartments. Tissue mass (solutes + water) was determined by continuum radiation from regions of interest. After drying in the SEM, elemental composition of morphologically defined compartments (solutes) was determined by analysis of specific x-rays, and total dry mass by continuum. Na, K, Cl, and H2O contents in collecting-duct cells (CDC), papillary epithelial cells (PEC), and interstitial cells (IC) and space were measured. Cells had lower water content (mean 58.7%) than interstitium (77.5%). Intracellular K concentrations (millimoles per kilogram wet weight) were unremarkable (79-156 mm/kg wet weight); P was markedly higher in cells than in interstitium. S was the same in all compartments. Intracellular Na levels were extremely high (CDC, 344 +/- 127 SD mm/kg wet weight; PEC, 287 +/- 105; IC, 898 +/- 194). Mean interstitial Na was 590 +/- 119 mm/kg wet weight. CI values paralleled those for Na. If this Na is unbound, then these data suggest that renal papillary interstitial cells adapt to their hyperosmotic environment by a Na-uptake process.

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