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Biomedical subjects

C A Price

Publications and source records attributed to C A Price.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Insulin and IGF-I are necessary for FSH-induced cytochrome P450 aromatase but not cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage gene expression in oestrogenic bovine granulosa cells in vitro.

The earliest biochemical indicators of ovarian follicle deviation in cattle include lower oestradiol and free IGF concentrations in subordinate compared with dominant follicles. We determined if decreases in FSH, IGF-I or insulin cause decreased P450 aromatase (P450arom) or P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc) mRNA expression in oestrogenic bovine granulosa cells in vitro. In the first experiment, cells obtained from small follicles (2-5 mm diameter) were cultured in serum-free medium supplemented with physiological concentrations of FSH, IGF-I and insulin for 4 days. A decrease in specific hormone concentration was produced by replacing 70% of spent medium with medium devoid of FSH, insulin, or insulin and IGF-I on day 4 and again on day 5 of culture. Cultures were terminated on day 7. A reduction in FSH concentrations during the last 3 days of culture decreased P450arom and P450scc mRNA levels. A reduction in insulin reduced P450arom but not P450scc mRNA levels, and a reduction of both insulin and IGF-I concentrations further decreased P450arom mRNA levels and decreased P450scc mRNA levels. In a second experiment, cells obtained from small follicles (2-5 mm diameter) were cultured with insulin (100 ng/ml) without FSH for 4 days, and then insulin was withdrawn from the culture and FSH added for a further 3 days. The withdrawal of insulin decreased (P<0.02) oestradiol accumulation and reduced P450arom mRNA to below detectable levels, but did not affect P450scc mRNA levels. The addition of FSH transiently increased oestradiol secretion and P450arom mRNA levels, but P450arom mRNA levels were undetectable at the end of the culture period. The addition of FSH significantly enhanced P450scc mRNA levels and progesterone accumulation. These data demonstrated that a reduction of insulin-like activity reduced aromatase gene expression in bovine follicles without necessarily affecting progesterone synthetic capability, and thus may initiate follicle regression in cattle at the time of follicle divergence.

Animals↗

Role of FSH, numbers of FSH receptors and testosterone in the regulation of inhibin secretion during the seasonal testicular cycle of adult rams.

The regulation of inhibin secretion has not been elucidated fully in male ruminants. The aim of this study was to determine the relative importance of FSH and testosterone concentrations, and FSH receptors, in the control of secretion of immunoactive inhibin in rams. In Expt 1, temporal changes in hormone concentrations and testicular FSH binding were determined for two groups of rams (n = 4) kept under opposite, alternating 4 month periods of long (16 h light:8 h dark) and short (8 h light:16 h dark) days. Testicular biopsies (1-2 g) were collected when the testes were regressed, redeveloping, redeveloped and regressing. In Expt 2, separate groups of rams (n = 4) kept under natural photoperiod (latitude 45 degrees 48 minutes N) were designated as controls or passively immunized (for 3 weeks) with sufficient oestradiol antiserum to increase testosterone secretion without altering LH and FSH; this was done when the testes were regressed (non-breeding season) and redeveloped (breeding season). In both groups of rams (Expt 1), 'seasonal' increases in FSH concentrations began a few weeks earlier than did increases in inhibin concentrations. FSH reached maximum concentrations during testicular recrudescence, whereas numbers of FSH receptors in the testis and circulatory inhibin concentrations did not reach peak values until the testes were fully developed. Numbers of FSH receptors per testis, but not FSH concentration, were positively correlated (r = 0.65) with inhibin concentrations across the four stages of the testicular cycle. Near the end of testicular recrudescence early in the breeding season (Expt 2), relatively high FSH concentration was associated with increased abundance of FSH receptor mRNA (90%) and number of receptors (45%) in the testis and increased inhibin concentrations (50%), compared with when the testes were regressed. Moderate, physiological increases in testosterone secretion in immunized rams did not affect inhibin in either season. These results indicate that: (i) FSH stimulation of immunoactive inhibin secretion by Sertoli cells as testes recrudesce is via increases in secretion (early) and cognate receptors (late); (ii) FSH upregulates the synthesis of its own receptor late in recrudescence; and (iii) the positive correlation (r = 0.70) observed between circulatory testosterone and immunoactive inhibin does not reflect a causal relationship.

Analysis of Variance↗

Mendel, a database of nomenclature for sequenced plant genes.

The Mendel database contains names for plant-wide families of sequenced plant genes. The names have either been approved by the Commission on Plant Gene Nomenclature (CPGN), an organization of the International Society for Plant Molecular Biology (ISPMB), or are identified as provisional or temporary names. Mendel also identifies the corresponding genes in individual species of plants. Mendel can be searched through the mirror sites at Cornell (http://genome. cornell.edu/cgi-bin/WebAce/webace?db=mendel) and Stanford (http://genome-www.stanford.edu/Mendel/). In addition, parts of Mendel can be downloaded from the CPGN Web site (http://mbclserver. rutgers.edu/CPGN/).

Databases, Factual↗

Insulin alters the effects of follicle stimulating hormone on aromatase in bovine granulosa cells in vitro.

It is known that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and insulin stimulate estradiol secretion from cultured non-luteinizing granulosa cells. The interaction between these hormones is less well understood. Granulosa cells from small (2-4 mm) bovine follicles were cultured in serum-free medium to determine if cytochrome P450 aromatase activity is regulated by FSH in the presence of different concentrations of insulin. Insulin significantly stimulated aromatase activity in the absence of FSH. There was a significant interaction between insulin and FSH on aromatase activity, such that FSH stimulated activity at low (0.5, 1 and 10 ng/ml) doses of insulin, whereas at higher (100 ng/ml) doses of insulin FSH failed to stimulate aromatase activity. To determine if the lack of a response to FSH with higher doses of insulin is related to gene expression, the effect of FSH on P450 aromatase mRNA levels was measured. An 'uncoupling' of mRNA and enzyme activity was observed for cells cultured with 100 ng/ml insulin, as FSH significantly increased P450 aromatase mRNA abundance without affecting estradiol secretion or aromatase activity. We conclude that in the presence of high doses of insulin, FSH decreases aromatase activity, and an uncoupling of P450 aromatase mRNA and aromatase activity occurs. This may have implications for infertility treatments when there is a risk of hyperinsulinemia.

Animals↗

Decreased LH pulsatility during initiation of gonadotropin superovulation treatment in the cow: evidence for negative feedback other than estradiol and progesterone.

LH pulse secretion is suppressed during superovulation of cattle. The objective of this study was to determine how soon after initiation of superovulation treatments this suppressive effect occurs, and to test the hypothesis that decreased LH pulsatility is not related to changes in circulating estradiol or progesterone. Heifers (n = 7/group) were injected with eCG (FOLLIGON: a single injection of 2,500 IU) or twice daily injections of decreasing doses of FOLLTROPIN-V (total equivalent of 280 mg of NIH-FSH-P1) or F.S.H.-P (total equivalent of 28 mg of Armour standard) or saline (time controls), starting on Day 10 (Day 0 = estrus). Blood samples were taken every 10 min for 12 h intervals on the day prior to first injection, at 8 to 20 h and 32 to 44 h after initiation of gonadotropin treatment, and also during prostaglandin (PG)-induced luteolysis. A simple method based on robust statistics and on graphical representations of time series was developed to characterize LH pulses. There was a significant interaction between time and treatment for mean LH, estradiol and progesterone when control and treated groups were analyzed together, and no interaction when only the gonadotropin groups were analyzed together. When compared to pretreatment values, pulse frequency of LH was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in each treatment group, 8 to 20 h and 32 to 44 h following initiation of gonadotropin treatment. Mean LH concentrations were also reduced 32 to 44 h following initiation of treatments (P<0.05). Mean estradiol concentrations increased two to threefold at 8 to 20 h following initiation of superovulation treatments (P<0.05). Progesterone concentrations also increased by 20 or 44 h. There was no significant correlation between estradiol or progesterone and LH pulse frequency, amplitude and mean concentrations at any time in control or superovulated animals. This study demonstrates that superovulation treatment in the cow causes a rapid decrease in pulsatile release of LH and suggests that this effect is not mediated through the negative feedback actions of estradiol and progesterone.

Animals↗

Effect of growth factors and co-culture with ovarian medulla on the activation of primordial follicles in explants of bovine ovarian cortex.

It has been proposed that the ovarian medulla exerts an intra-ovarian inhibitory effect on primordial follicle activation in cattle. We tested this hypothesis using cortical ovarian explants and determined whether growth factors could alter follicle activation or primary follicle health. Ovaries were obtained from bovine fetuses, and cortical slices were cultured on Millicell culture inserts for up to 8 days. Within 2 d of culture, the proportion of primordial follicles decreased from 70.1 +/- 3.5 to 6.4 +/- 3.4% (P<0.05), and the proportion of primary follicles increased from 23.8 +/- 3.3 to 79.7 +/- 5.5% (P<0.05). The proportion of secondary follicles was relatively stable (6 to 13%). Morphological examination indicated that 91.9 +/- 3.7, 76.7 +/- 8.8, and 71.8 +/- 10.4% of primordial, primary, and secondary follicles, respectively, were considered to be healthy in slices of fresh tissue; these proportions were not altered by up to 8 d of culture (P>0.05). The proportion of all classes of follicles and their morphological health were not affected by the addition of medullary slices to the culture well, nor by the culture of corticomedullary slices (P>0.05). The addition of FSH, insulin-like growth factor-I, epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, or transforming growth factor-beta did not alter primordial follicle activation or the morphological health of primary or secondary follicles. The addition of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha) decreased the proportion of primary follicles that were healthy from 67.6 +/- 5.1 to 36.8 +/- 4.7% (P<0.05). In conclusion, these data do not support the existence of a medullary inhibitor of primary follicle activation but suggest a role for TGFalpha in the regulation of primary follicle development.

Animals↗

Effects of dominant follicle aspiration and treatment with recombinant bovine somatotropin (BST) on ovarian follicular development in nelore (Bos indicus) heifers.

Follicle ablation has been recognized as an efficient method of follicular wave synchronization. Treatment with recombinant bovine somatotropin (BST) has been shown to enhance follicular development in Bos taurus. This experiment assessed the effects of these treatments in Nelore (B. indicus) heifers. Eight cycling Nelore heifers were randomly assigned to 3 different treatments. On Day 2 of a synchronized cycle (Day 0 = day of ovulation), heifers assigned to Treatments 1 and 2 received 2 mL of saline, whereas heifers assigned to Treatment 3 received 320 mg of BST. On Day 5, the first-wave dominant follicle was ablated by ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration in heifers in Treatments 2 and 3, and all heifers received an injection of prostaglandin on Day 11. Aspiration of the dominant follicle advanced and synchronized (P < 0.05) the day of second-wave emergence (6.9 +/- 0.1 vs. 8.4 +/- 0.4) and the day of the pre-wave FSH peak (6.0 +/- 0.0 vs. 6.9 +/- 0.4), and increased FSH peak concentrations (381 +/- 21 vs. 292 +/- 30; pg/mL; P < 0.01). Recombinant bovine somatotropin treatment caused a two-fold increase in plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations (P < 0.001) and resulted in a 36% increase in the number of small follicles (<5 mm; P < 0.001) compared with saline-treated heifers. In summary, in agreement with previous reports on B. taurus, dominant follicle aspiration synchronized ovarian follicular development, and BST treatment increased peripheral concentrations of IGF-I in Nelore heifers. Recombinant bovine somatotropin also increased the number of small follicles, but this response appeared to be inferior to that reported for B. taurus.

Animals↗

Effect of follicle-stimulating hormone on steroid secretion and messenger ribonucleic acids encoding cytochromes P450 aromatase and cholesterol side-chain cleavage in bovine granulosa cells in vitro.

We determined 1) whether the previously observed induction of estradiol secretion in bovine granulosa cells cultured in serum-free conditions is associated with an increase in cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450(arom)) mRNA abundance and 2) whether P450(arom) mRNA levels are responsive to FSH in vitro. Granulosa cells from small (2-4-mm) follicles were cultured in serum-free medium. Estradiol secretion increased with time in culture and was correlated with increased P450(arom) mRNA abundance. Progesterone secretion also increased with time in culture, but P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450(scc)) mRNA abundance did not. FSH stimulated estradiol secretion and P450(arom) mRNA abundance; the effect was quadratic for both estradiol and P450(arom) mRNA. Estradiol secretion and P450(arom) mRNA levels were correlated. FSH stimulated progesterone secretion and P450(scc) mRNA abundance, although the minimum effective dose of FSH was lower for estradiol (0.1 ng/ml) than for progesterone (10 ng/ml) production. Insulin alone stimulated estradiol secretion and P450(arom) mRNA levels but not progesterone or P450(scc) mRNA abundance. We conclude that this cell culture system maintained both estradiol secretion and P450(arom) mRNA abundance responsiveness to FSH and insulin, whereas P450(scc) mRNA abundance and progesterone secretion were responsive to FSH but not insulin.

Animals↗

Effect of FSH and cell localization on dimeric inhibin-A secretion from bovine granulosa cells in culture.

We tested the hypotheses that the secretion of dimeric inhibin-A from cultured bovine granulosa cells is stimulated by FSH, and that antral cells secrete more inhibin-A than do mural cells. Cells from the antral or mural compartment of follicles were cultured in defined medium in two culture systems, and dimeric inhibin-A was measured by two-site ELISA or by Western immunoblotting. In the first culture system, dimeric inhibin-A secretion declined with time in culture, but was significantly (P<0.05) higher from antral than from mural cells (as was total inhibin-alpha measured by RIA). The secretion of dimeric inhibin-A and inhibin-alpha from antral but not mural cells was responsive to FSH. In the second culture system, dimeric inhibin-A secretion increased with time in culture, and was significantly stimulated by FSH, but FSH responsiveness was dependent on the concentrations of insulin in the culture medium. The major forms of inhibin-A secreted had molecular masses of approximately 58, 62, 103-116 and >116 kDa; the 32 kDa form was barely detectable. These different forms were all stimulated by FSH, but the >116 and 62 kDa forms were most responsive to FSH. We conclude that (i) FSH stimulates dimeric inhibin-A secretion from bovine granulosa cells, (ii) the 62 kDa form of inhibin-A may be more responsive to FSH than the 58 kDa form, and (iii) the spatial differentiation of granulosa cell function within the follicle previously observed for oestradiol secretion was also observed for inhibin-alpha and dimeric inhibin-A secretion.

Animals↗

Influence of season and low-level oestradiol immunoneutralization on episodic LH and testosterone secretion and testicular steroidogenic enzymes and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in the adult ram.

The regulation of LH-dependent and -independent increases in testosterone secretion by key proteins in the testes of adult rams was investigated. Serial blood samples were collected from groups of four control and passively immunized (oestradiol antiserum for 3 weeks) rams and the animals were gonadectomized in either the non-breeding season (April) or the breeding season (September). LH pulse frequency and basal (interpulse) concentrations were several times greater (P < 0.01) in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. Neither of these parameters nor LH pulse amplitude were affected by oestradiol immunization. Parameters of testosterone episodic secretion and response to an injection (i.v.) of 15 micrograms NIH-LH-S25 were also greater (P < 0.05) in the breeding season and, with the exception of pulse frequency, in immunized rams versus controls. Substrate utilization established that testosterone biosynthesis was predominantly via the 5-ene pathway. Increases in blood testosterone concentration in the breeding season were associated with a fivefold higher (P < 0.01) activity of cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/C-17,20 lyase (P450(17alpha)) and a 65% higher (P < 0.05) relative amount of mRNA for cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme complex (P450scc) in the testis. Of the steroidogenic enzyme activities examined, only that for 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) tended to be increased by oestradiol immunization. Blood concentrations of cholesterol lipoproteins and expression of the testicular low density lipoprotein receptor were not affected by season or immunization. The amount of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA was 65% higher (P < 0.01) in the breeding season and 20% higher (P < 0.01) in immunized rams versus controls. These results indicate that greater LH stimulation may increase testosterone biosynthesis in the breeding season by increasing StAR mRNA (and presumably delivery of cholesterol to P450scc) and the activity of P450(17alpha), and possibly that of P450scc (activity not measured). More moderate increases in StAR mRNA and 17beta-HSD activity may explain, in part, the increases in testosterone secretion with oestradiol immunization.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Effects of superovulation on endogenous LH secretion in cattle, and consequences for embryo production.

Stimulation of follicular growth during superovulation is achieved by the injection of FSH or compounds with high FSH-bioactivities. However, some LH-activity is required for follicle maturation. It is of relevance to evaluate, therefore, the effect of superovulatory treatments on endogenous LH secretion. Luteinizing hormone is secreted in discrete pulses, and the pattern of pulsatile LH secretion during superovulation is reviewed. Four of five published studies have shown that LH pulse frequency is significantly reduced by injection of eCG or FSH preparations. This suppression appears within 8 h of treatment Effects of superovulation on LH pulse amplitude are less consistent. The reasons for the decrease in pulse frequency have been investigated, and although the answer is not definitive, it would seem that increased follicular estradiol, acting perhaps in synergism with progesterone, may play a role. Changes in plasma progesterone concentrations are not related to changes in LH pulse frequency. What is the significance of decreased LH pulse frequency? We attempted to investigate this by inducing LH pulses during superovulation, but the result was a major reduction in ovulation rate. More research is required to determine if modification of endogenous LH secretion can improve superovulatory responses.

Animals↗

A clinical project to evaluate reuse of a CAPD disconnect system minicap as a safe, effective practice.

The current health care environment is being driven by approaches to health care services that focus on quality and at the same time cost-effectiveness. With this in mind, a clinical project was designed to investigate the possibility of reusing the disconnect minicap as a safe, effective clinical practice. During a two-phase project, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) disconnect caps were purposely touch contaminated and cultured before and after povodine iodine was instilled in the minicap. During the second phase of the project a simulated peritoneal effluent system was constructed and fluid cultures obtained. The specimen analyses demonstrated negative reports of the minicap after dwelling in povidine iodine and fluids after reuse of the minicap. The pilot project opens an area of research for nephrology nurses that could potentially lead to cost savings in the provision of care for patients with chronic renal failure.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Post-war immigration: 1947-98.

This is the text of the 1998 "W. D. Borrie Lecture [presented at the] Australian Population Association National Conference.... Post-war immigration to Australia is a truly vast subject, covering more than 50 years with over ten Prime Ministers and numerous Ministers of Immigration.... I cannot possibly treat the whole topic and, as I have been asked to make this talk both non-technical and entertaining, I will deal with it in a very general way." Aspects considered include migration policy, ethnic composition, and age distribution.

Age Distribution↗

Effects of in utero and lactational exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on serum androgens and steroidogenic enzyme activities in the male rat reproductive tract.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has been shown to impair reproductive function of males in animal models, possibly due to a reduction in serum androgen levels. Thus, TCDD may alter the testosterone biosynthetic pathway in the testis or the conversion of testosterone to 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in androgen target tissues. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were gavaged with TCDD (0, 0.2 or 1.0 microg/kg) on day 15 of gestation only. TCDD caused a reduction in the body weight gain of the dams in both dose groups and a significant reduction in litter size in the higher dose group. Litters delivered normally and TCDD exposed male offspring grew at the same rate as controls. Males were sacrificed at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 d of age. Steroidogenic enzyme activities were determined in testicular microsomes and androgen target tissue nuclear fractions. Serum androgens were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). At 30 d of age, rats exposed to 1.0 microg/kg TCDD exhibited lower 17-hydroxylase activity (P < 0.05) and lower caput-corpus epididymal weights (P < 0.05). At 45 d of age, the same treatment resulted in testicular 3beta-HSD, 17beta-HSD and 5alpha-reductase activities that were significantly greater (P < 0.05) but, conversely, serum androgens were one quarter the values evident in controls (P < 0.05). At the other ages, no differences were observed in serum androgens and, with the exception of lower 17beta-HSD activity at 90 d of age (P < 0.05), no other differences in testicular steroidogenic enzyme activities were found. 5Alpha-reductase activities in the androgen target tissues were also unchanged. Histological examination of testes showed that the spermatogenic profile was identical to controls at all ages.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Lipid-based delivery systems for improving the bioavailability and lymphatic transport of a poorly water-soluble LTB4 inhibitor.

Ontazolast is a potent inhibitor (IC50 = 1 nm) of calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated leukotriene B4 (LTB4) biosynthesis in human peripheral blood leukocytes. The compound is practically insoluble in water (0.14 microgram/mL) and previous studies in animals have demonstrated extensive presystemic drug clearance through hepatic first-pass metabolism. Bioavailability of a suspension formulation in rats was less than 1%, but increased to approximately 9% when administered as a 20% soybean oil-in-water emulsion. The emulsion formulation and three additional lipid-based formulations were administered by gavage to conscious, minimally restrained rats in a novel, double-cannulated model to determine the effects of formulation on systemic blood absorption and mesenteric lymph transport of ontazolast. The bioavailability of ontazolast was significantly and substantially enhanced by all of the lipid-based formulations. While these formulations also significantly increased the amount of ontazolast transported by the lymph, the total amounts transported were insufficient to account for the improvement in bioavailability, which may be due to the elimination or reduction of the barriers of poor aqueous solubility and slow dissolution to absorption of ontazolast from the gastrointestinal tract, or the effects of lipid on the gastrointestinal membrane permeability, transit time, or metabolism of ontazolast. Semisolid SEDDS formulations, composed of Peceol and Gelucire 44/14, produced bioavailability similar to the emulsion formulation. The total amount of ontazolast transported by the lymph varied directly with the amount of concurrent triglyceride transport and appeared to be favored by formulations that prolong gastric emptying time or promote rapid absorption of ontazolast from the gastrointestinal tract.

Administration, Oral↗

Levels of messenger RNA encoding ovarian receptors for FSH and LH in cattle during superovulation with equine chorionic gonadotrophin versus FSH.

This study tested the hypothesis that luteal LH receptor (LHr) and follicular LHr and FSH receptor (FSHr) steady-state mRNA levels are greater during superovulation with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) compared with that with FSH. Heifers were stimulated with eCG (n = 10) or FSH (n = 10), and ovaries were recovered the day before and at 12 and 24 h after luteolysis was induced with prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha). Total RNA was purified from individual follicles and corpora lutea. Steady-state levels of LHr and FSHr mRNA were assessed by slot blot analysis employing homologous cDNA probes. There were no differences in luteal LHr between FSH- and eCG-stimulated animals before luteolysis, and hybridization signals were detected in only one of six animals by 12 h after injection of PGF2 alpha. After PGF2 alpha injection, steady-state levels of follicular LHr were 4-fold lower (P < 0.05) and follicular FSHr mRNA levels were 2.4-fold lower (P < 0.05) in eCG- compared with FSH-treated cattle. In eCG-treated animals, induction of luteolysis led to a significant increase in follicular LHr mRNA levels (P < 0.01) and a significant decrease in follicular FSHr mRNA levels (P < 0.01). There was no such effect of luteolysis in FSH-treated animals. We conclude that superovulation with eCG, compared with FSH, results in lower follicular levels of LHr and FSHr mRNA but does not affect luteal LHr mRNA levels.

Animals↗

Net settler migration to Australia by birthplace: 1947-98.

"Between 1947 and 1998 there was a net inflow of 4.8 million migrants to Australia. Only 29.6 per cent were born in Britain and Ireland. Other surprising findings are that more were born in Indo China than Greece and Cyprus and that more were born in New Zealand than Italy."

Australia↗