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Biomedical subjects

A Barua

Publications and source records attributed to A Barua.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Ovarian cell-mediated immune response to Salmonella enteritidis infection in laying hens (Gallus domesticus).

The aim of this study was to examine the response of cell-mediated ovarian immunity against Salmonella infection in hens. Laying hens were injected intraperitoneally with PBS (control) or Salmonella enteritidis (SE). Ovarian stroma containing stromal follicles, small white follicles (SWF), and third largest (F3) and the largest (F1) follicles were collected 12 or 24 h after inoculation and fixed in periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde. Frozen sections were stained first for CD3+, CD4+, or CD8+ T cells and then for SE by a double immunostaining method. Immunoreaction products for SE were detected in the ovarian stroma, theca of stromal follicles, SWF, F3, and F1 at 12 and 24 h after inoculation. Immunopositive T-cell subsets were localized in the stroma and theca of follicles in birds inoculated with or without SE. The populations of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells were significantly greater in the stroma and the theca of follicles 12 h after SE inoculation than in those of control birds (P < 0.01). Their frequencies were further increased in those tissues 24 h after inoculation (P < 0.01). Injection of SE did not cause significant differences in the CD4+:CD8+ T-cell ratio as both subsets increased proportionately. The current results indicate that the population of T-cell subsets increases in the ovarian stroma and the follicular tissues in response to SE invasion within 12 h of inoculation. Thus, cell-mediated immune response against SE, their products, or both may be induced in the hen ovary.

Animals↗

Fetal gastrointestinal malformations.

In an audit to evaluate fetal gastrointestinal (GIT) malformations, case sheets of all mothers who gave birth to newborns with GIT malformations were analysed regarding the maternal history, prenatal ultrasound and the postnatal structural malformations and perinatal management. In 1999, eleven babies were born with gastrointestinal malformations, one was a still birth. Nine had associated malformations of other systems, two had trisomy 21. Eight babies were operated in the immediate newborn period, 5 survived. Ultrasound was not very accurate in the diagnosis of GIT anomaly in this series. In view of associated chromosomal and structural anomaly a fetal ECHO and genetic amniocentesis is warranted. Most of these babies require immediate surgery after birth, so they need to be delivered in a centre which is equipped with good neonatal and pediatric surgery care.

Adult↗

Reproductive health-seeking by married adolescent girls in Maharashtra, India.

In India, most adolescent girls 15-19 years old are married. A study was conducted in 1995-97 in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India to gain insight into whether and how their reproductive health needs are met, especially for gynaecological problems, family planning and perceived fertility problems. It included a survey among 302 married girls of this age, and in-depth interviews with 74 girls, 37 husbands and 53 mothers-in-law. Girls were treated quickly for illnesses interfering with domestic work and were expected to conceive in the first year of marriage. Menstrual disorders and symptoms of reproductive tract infection often went untreated. There was an emerging need for delaying and spacing pregnancies; limiting the number of children was well established. Household work, protection of fertility and silence arising from embarrassment related to sexual health problems were the strongest factors influencing care-seeking. Husbands made the decision whether their wives could seek care and mothers-in-law sometimes influenced these decisions; girls had neither decision-making power nor influence. This study provides valuable input for the new reproductive and child health programme in Maharashtra.

Adolescent↗

Ovarian autoimmunity in relation to egg production in laying hens.

The aim of this study was to determine whether anti-ovarian autoantibodies appear in the circulation of laying hens and whether the concentrations of these antibodies change with respect to ageing and egg laying rate. Autoantibodies to ovarian tissues in the circulation of aged (aged approximately 670 days) White Leghorn hens with low (< 50%) and high (> 90%) egg laying rates were examined by ELISA and western blotting. Young laying hens (aged 185 days) with > 95% egg production were used as controls. The results of the ELISA indicated that IgG, which bound to the ovary and small white follicles, was present in the circulation of old laying hens. More hens that laid few eggs had circulatory autoantibodies to the ovary and small white follicles, as determined by the cut-off value in ELISA (mean absorbance + 2 SD of young laying hens), than did hens that laid greater numbers of eggs, and the concentration of IgG was significantly higher in the hens that laid few eggs. In contrast, when the muscle proteins were used as antigens there were no significant differences in the absorbance values among low and high laying frequency old hens or young hens. Western blotting revealed many bands of immunoprecipitates formed by ovarian antigens and antibodies in the serum of old hens, indicating the presence of many binding sites for circulatory IgG in ovarian tissues. These results indicate that antibodies to ovarian tissues appear in the circulation of laying hens during ageing, and that the concentration of these autoantibodies is related inversely to the rate of egg laying by hens.

Aging↗

Changes in the localization of MHC class II positive cells in hen ovarian follicles during the processes of follicular growth, postovulatory regression and atresia.

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in the population of major histocompatibility complex class II positive (MHC-II(+)) cells in ovarian follicles during the processes of follicular growth, postovulatory regression and follicular atresia in hens. Cryostat sections of ovarian stroma containing cortical follicles, small white follicles, the largest (F(1)) and third largest (F(3)) preovulatory follicles, postovulatory and atretic follicles of laying hens were prepared. The sections were immunostained for MHC-II molecules using mouse anti-chicken MHC-II monoclonal antibody and positive cells were counted using a computer-assisted image analyser under a light microscope. MHC-II(+) cells were localized in the theca layer of normally growing follicles including cortical follicles, small white follicles and F(3) and F(1) preovulatory follicles, whereas they were found in both the theca and granulosa layers in postovulatory and atretic follicles. The frequency of MHC-II(+) cells in the theca layer was significantly increased during follicular growth from cortical follicles to F(3) preovulatory follicles. Although the population of MHC-II(+) cells did not differ between F(3) and F(1) preovulatory follicles, it increased significantly in postovulatory follicles (P < 0.01). The population of MHC-II(+) cells was significantly greater in the theca layer of atretic follicles than in non-atretic follicles (P < 0.01). These results indicate that the antigen-presenting function via MHC-II increases in association with follicular growth. A marked increase in MHC-II(+) cells indicates that these cells may be involved in regression of postovulatory and atretic follicular tissues.

Animals↗

Effects of aging and sex steroids on the localization of T cell subsets in the ovary of chicken, Gallus domesticus.

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of aging and sex steroids on the frequency of T cells in hen ovary. Cryostat sections of ovarian tissues of immature and laying hens and those of immature hens treated with or without diethylstilbestrol (DES) or progesterone were immunostained for T cells using mouse anti-chicken CD3 (antigen of mature T cells), CD4 (antigen of helper T cells), and CD8 (antigen of cytotoxic T cells) monoclonal antibodies. Positive cells were observed under a light microscope and counted using a computer-assisted image analyzer. The frequency of CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) cells in the ovarian stroma and theca of primary follicles was significantly greater in young laying hens than in immature and old laying hens (P < 0.01). The CD4:CD8 ratio was significantly higher in the ovarian stroma of old laying hens than that of immature hens (P < 0.01), which was due to a greater decrease of CD8(+) cells than of CD4(+) cells. The frequency of CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) cells was significantly greater in the stroma and theca of primary follicles of DES-treated birds than in those of progesterone-treated and control birds (P < 0.01). Progesterone had no significant effect on the population of each subset of T cells. These results suggest that T cell frequency increases in association with sexual maturation and decreases thereafter during aging with an increase of CD4:CD8 ratio. Also, it is likely that estrogen is one of the factors which stimulates the influx of T cells in the hen ovary.

Aging↗

Immunolocalization of MHC-II+ cells in the ovary of immature, young laying and old laying hens Gallus domesticus.

The aim of this study was to localize major histocompatibility complex class II positive (MHC-II+) cells in the hen ovary, and to determine the effects of ageing and sex steroids on their frequency. Cryostat sections of ovarian tissues of immature, young laying and old laying hens and those of immature hens treated with or without diethylstilboestrol or progesterone were prepared. Sections were immunostained for MHC class II antigens using mouse anti-chicken MHC class II monoclonal antibody and observed under a light microscope. Positive cells were counted using a computer-assisted image analyser. MHC-II+ cells were localized in the ovarian stroma and theca layer of primary follicles in all birds examined. The frequency of MHC-II+ cells in the stroma and theca of primary follicles (approximately 400-600 microns in diameter) was significantly greater in young laying hens than it was in immature and old laying hens (P < 0.01). In the stroma and the theca of primary follicles of diethylstilboestrol-treated birds, the frequency of MHC-II+ cells was significantly greater than it was in the stroma and theca of control and progesterone-treated birds (P < 0.01). Progesterone had no significant effect when compared with controls. These results indicate that both the ovarian stroma and theca of follicles in the hen ovary contain MHC-II+ cells, the frequency of MHC-II+ cells increases in association with sexual maturation and decreases thereafter during ageing, and oestrogen may be one of the factors enhancing the induction of MHC-II+ cells in the ovary.

Aging↗

Localization of macrophages in the ovarian follicles during the follicular growth and postovulatory regression in chicken, Gallus domesticus.

Macrophages may be a potential regulator of ovarian functions. The goal of this study was to determine the changes in the macrophage frequency (number of cells per unit square of tissue) during follicular growth, ovulation, and postovulatory follicular regression in chickens. Cryostat sections of ovarian stroma containing primary follicles, small white follicles, and preovulatory and postovulatory follicles of laying hens were immunostained for macrophage using mouse anti-chicken macrophage monoclonal antibody. Macrophages were observed under a light microscope and counted by a computer assisted image analyzer. The frequency of macrophages in the theca layer was significantly greater in the small white follicles than in the primary follicles (P < 0.01) and also greater in the preovulatory follicles than in the small white follicles (P < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in the macrophage frequency between the third largest and largest preovulatory follicles. In the theca layer of postovulatory follicles, macrophage frequency was significantly greater than in that layer in the preovulatory follicles (P < 0.01); however, the frequency of macrophages decreased significantly in the Day 3 postovulatory follicles as compared with Day 1 postovulatory follicle (P < 0.05). These results suggest that macrophages may play an important role in the follicular development and regression of postovulatory follicles.

Animals↗

Effects of ageing and oestrogen on the localization of immunoglobulin-containing cells in the chicken ovary.

Immunoglobulins in the chicken ovary are important for transfer of immunity to chicks through the egg and for protection of the ovary from infection. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ageing and oestrogen on the population of Ig-containing cells in the chicken ovary. The ovarian tissue of immature, young laying and old laying hens and that of immature birds treated with diethylstilboestrol (DES), progesterone or sesame oil (vehicle) was processed for paraffin wax sections. The sections were stained for IgG, IgM and IgA by an indirect immunostaining method and the population of cells positive for each Ig was analysed under a light microscope. The number of cells positive for IgG, IgM and IgA was significantly greater in the ovarian stromal tissue of young laying hens than in immature or old laying hens (P < 0.01). The number of IgG- and IgM-positive cells in the thecal layer of primary follicles of young laying hens was significantly greater than that in immature and old laying hens (P < 0.01) and there were significantly more (P < 0.05) IgA-positive cells in young laying hens than in immature birds. The number of IgG-, IgM- and IgA-positive cells was significantly (P < 0.01) greater in both the stromal tissue and the thecal layer of DES-treated birds than in the vehicle-treated birds. Progesterone had no significant effect (P < 0.05) on the population of Ig-positive cells. These results indicate that the number of Ig-positive cells increases as chickens mature and decreases with ageing, and that oestrogen may be involved in this process.

Aging↗

The effects of age and sex steroids on the macrophage population in the ovary of the chicken, Gallus domesticus.

The role of macrophages in the function of the hen ovary has not yet been described, although these cells may be an important regulator of ovarian function in mammals. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in the frequency of macrophages during ageing and follicular atresia, and the effects of sex steroids on the macrophage population in the hen ovary. Cryostat sections of ovarian tissues of immature, young laying and old laying hens and those of immature hens treated with or without diethylstilboestrol (DES) or progesterone were immunostained for macrophage cells using mouse anti-chicken macrophage monoclonal antibody. Macrophages were observed under a light microscope and counted using a computer assisted image analyser. The frequency of macrophages in both the stroma and theca of primary follicles was significantly greater in young laying hens than in immature and old laying hens and these cells were more frequent in old laying hens than in immature hens (P < 0.01). Macrophages were more frequent in atretic follicles than in normal follicles (P < 0.01). The number of macrophages in both the stroma and theca of primary follicles of DES-treated birds was significantly greater than in those of progesterone-treated and control birds (P < 0.01). Progesterone had no significant effect on the population of macrophages. These results suggest that macrophages in the ovary increase in association with sexual maturation of birds and atresia of follicles and decrease during ageing. Oestrogen may be one of the factors that affect the population of macrophages in the hen ovary.

Aging↗

Chemotherapy of acute myeloblastic leukaemia with DAM regimen.

32 patients of denovo-ANLL were treated with Doxorubicin, Ara-C and 6-Mercaptopurine (DAM) regimen. Remission induction was instituted with 1-3 cycles of DAM regimen and maintenance was given by 6-MP continuously with intermittent DA (1,5) regimen. In the remission induction, Doxorubicin 30 mg/m2 for 3 days, Ara-C 150 mg/m2 for 5 days and 6-Mp 100 mg/m2 daily was given. Complete remission (CR) was observed in 60% cases. The probability of 2 years disease-free survival of patients with complete remission is 56.73%.

Adult↗

Formation of beta-glucuronides and of beta-galacturonides of various retinoids catalyzed by induced and noninduced microsomal UDP-glucuronosyltransferases of rat liver.

The complex of microsomal UDP-glucuronosyl transferases (UGT; EC 2.4.1.17) of rat liver catalyzes the formation of retinoyl beta-glucuronide (RAG) from retinoic acid (RA) and retinyl beta-glucuronide (ROG) from retinol (ROL) in the presence of UDP-glucuronic acid (UDPGA). The relative rates of formation of beta-glucuronides in noninduced microsomes were: 9-cis RA > 13-cis RA > all-trans 4-oxo RA > TTNPB > all-trans RA > CD-367 > 13-cis ROL > 9-cis ROL > acitretin > all-trans ROL. Michaelis constants (KM) for all-trans RA, 13-cis ROL, TTNPB and UDPGA were 130 microM, 300 microM, 210 microM and 2.6 microM, respectively. Galacturonides of RA, but not detectably of ROL, were formed from UDP-galacturonic acid at 11-30% the rate of the beta-glucuronides, whereas UDP derivatives of nonionized sugars did not serve as substrates. Pretreatment of rats with 3-methylcholanthrene markedly increased RAG formation in the absence of detergent (Triton X-100), but less so in its presence. Clofibrate pretreatment doubled the rate of RAG formation, whereas phenobarbital pretreatment showed little effect. N-Ethylmaleimide (5 microM) minimized cis-trans isomerization without significantly affecting glucuronidation. Rates of glucuronidation of retinoids clearly depend both on their isomeric states and on their chemical structures. Different UGT enzymes might well act on different geometric isomers of RA.

Animals↗