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F Sinowatz

Publications and source records attributed to F Sinowatz.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

The complete primary structure of the spermadhesin AWN, a zona pellucida-binding protein isolated from boar spermatozoa.

AWN is a boar protein which originates in secretions of the male accessory glands and which becomes sperm surface-associated upon ejaculation. It is one of the components thought to mediate sperm adhesion to the egg's zona pellucida through a carbohydrate-recognition mechanism. AWN may, thus, participate in the initial events of fertilization in the pig. In this report we describe its complete primary structure by combination of protein-chemical and mass spectrometric methods. AWN exists as two isoforms, AWN-1 and AWN-2, which differ in that AWN-2 is N-terminally acetylated. The amino acid sequence of AWN contains 133 amino acid residues and two disulphide bridges between nearest-neighbour cysteine residues. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of the AWN proteins showed significant similarity only to AQN-1 and AQN-3, two other boar spermadhesins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Vitamin D metabolites prevent vertebral osteopenia in ovariectomized rats.

The present study investigated the prophylactic effects of vitamin D metabolites and vitamin D metabolite combinations on static and dynamic, tetracycline-based, histomorphometric parameters in the axial skeleton of ovariectomized rats. Forty-three Fischer-344 rats (10 weeks old, 130 g each body weight, BW) were either bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) or sham-operated (SHAM). The rats were allocated into the following groups: SHAM; OVX; OVX + 7.5 ng 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]/rat/day; OVX + 15 ng 1 alpha,24R,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,24,25-(OH)3D3]/rat/day; OVX + 75 ng 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3]/rat/day; OVX + 7.5 ng 1,25(OH)2D3/rat/day + 15 ng 1,24,25(OH)3D3/rat/day; OVX + 7.5 ng 1,25(OH)2D3/rat/day + 75 ng 24,25(OH)2D3/rat/day. The vitamin D metabolites were fed orally starting 4 weeks after surgery. Urine and blood samples were collected 12 and 16 weeks postovariectomy, respectively. Sixteen weeks after surgery, all rats were sacrificed, and the first lumbar vertebrae were processed undecalcified for histomorphometric analysis. Ovariectomy induced a highly significant reduction (P less than 0.001) of cancellous bone mass in the secondary spongiosa of the lumbar vertebral body. The bone loss in OVX rats was accompanied by a distinct elevation of all histomorphometric parameters of bone formation and resorption. 1,25(OH)2D3 and both vitamin D metabolite combinations significantly raised serum calcium levels and prevented the bone loss by inhibiting the increased bone resorption in OVX rats. In the applied dosage, 1,24,25(OH)3D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 alone were ineffective in preserving the cancellous bone of the lumbar vertebra in OVX rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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Sexual dimorphism of the kidney in the NMRI mouse as shown by Dolichos biflorus agglutinin labelling.

The histological affinity pattern of Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) in kidneys from mice (NMRI, Balb/c, CBA) and rats (Wistar) fixed by perfusion with formalin, Bouin, or HgCl2 was investigated with a horseradish peroxidase conjugate. The animals were examined from fetal stage to adulthood. Adult female NMRI mice exhibited constant DBA labelling, with DBA binding to cells of the proximal and collecting tubules. Moreover the vascular endothelium of the renal papilla was found to be DBA-positive in 50% of adult female animals. In contrast, there was only very little DBA binding in the kidneys of male adult NMRI mice. There was no sexual dimorphism in lectin labelling in kidneys from other strains of mice or from rats.

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[The heterogenicity of the vascular endothelium].

The vascular endothelium has long been considered to be a homogeneous cell type. It is only recently that its remarkable heterogeneity has been shown. The selective and organ-specific adhesion of cells of the immune system, of metastasizing tumor cells and of microorganisms underscores the central position of the endothelium between the circulation and each organ. The use of antibodies and lectins led to the recognition of species-, organ-, and age-specific endothelial cell surface receptors. Identification of the endothelial adhesion molecules and -mechanisms, which are part of the "endothelial organ- and tissue address" would lead to the possibility of blocking the adhesion of cells, such as e.g. tumor cells.

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[Detection of lectin binding sites in the trophoblast of cattle during early pregnancy].

In the present study we report on the histotopographical distribution of lectin binding sites in the trophoblasts of day 18 to day 40 bovine embryos, using the FITC-labeled lectins BPA, Con A, DBA, GS I, GS II, MPA, PNA, SBA, UEA I and WGA. Lectin binding sites localized in giant binucleate cells differ from those localized in uninucleate cells, indicating changes in the biochemical structure of cell surfaces taking place during differentiation. In the trophoblast of the day 40 embryo, a distinct staining of uninucleate cells was seen after incubation with GS I, Con A and MPA, demonstrating N-acetylgalactosamine (GS I), Mannose (Con A) and Galactose (MPA) moieties, whereas giant binucleate cells showed intense reactions after incubation with DBA and WGA, indicating presence of N-acetylgalactosamine (DBA) and N-acetylglucosamine (WGA). GS II (specific for N-acetylglucosamine), SBA (specific for N-acetylgalactosamine) and UEA I (specific for L-Fucose) showed no affinity toward any of the examined tissues. We assume, that carbohydrate moieties in trophoblast cells play an important role in fetomaternal cell-cell adhesion and cell migration during implantation and placentation period.

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[The microvascularization of the penis of the steer (Bos taurus)].

The blood supply and the microvascularization of the bovine penis (Bos taurus) were demonstrated using the scanning electron microscope. The Corpus cavernosum penis of the bull consists of a surprisingly well-developed mesh of small to intermediate vessels. The architecture of the cavernous body is largely determined by trabeculae of connective tissue, the extent of which varies between penis segments. The Corpus cavernosum is arranged primarily as a ring around the trabeculae of connective tissue. Chambers of large bore are found in the central portions of the Corpus cavernosum penis, whereas a relatively fine vascular network predominates in the periphery. Vessels in the cavernous body of the urethra, on the other hand, show strictly parallel orientation to the urethra, which they surround like a sleeve. They also stand in close association with vessels in the outer layer of the Tunica albuginea. The vascular systems of the Corpus cavernosum penis and the Corpus spongiosum penis are not connected with one another. The vascular architecture of the Glans penis is characterized by the inclusion of well-developed vascular arcades at regular intervals. These course through a connective tissue matrix rich in glycoproteins and stretch to just under the skin of the penis, where they are intimately associated with a subpapillary network of arteries and veins. The venous legs of the vascular arcades are supplied by this network of veins. The Glans penis of the bull is considered to represent a specialization of the penile integument.

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[The development of the yolk sac in ruminants (sheep and cattle)].

Yolk sac development was investigated in 69 ovine and 10 bovine embryos from the blastocyst stage to the 7th week of gestation. Light and electron microscopical findings are reported. The yolk sac in sheep and cattle is composed of an enlarged sac-like portion lying below the embryo and two ends which follow the elongated course of the trophoblast. In sheep, an open connection exists between the intestines and the yolk sac up to a crown-rump length (CRL) of 9 mm. It is closed by 12 mm CRL. The wall of the yolk sac is especially well vascularized in the enlarged, sac-like portion. Primary erythropoiesis occurs within the blood capillaries. In the blastocyst, the yolk sac entoderm is made up of elongated, flat cells. It becomes cuboidal in the 3 mm embryo (ovine) and later columnar. The up to 20 microns tall cells stain darkly and contain numerous light-colored vesicles. At 4.5 mm CRL light cells appear between the dark ones. Both cells are rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER). The increased staining of the darker cells is due to an osmophilic cytoplasm and numerous, often parallel lamella of rER. The rER of the light cells is enlarged to irregularly-shaped cisternae, which nearly fill the entire cytoplasm and give them a rounded appearance. The dark cells contain polygonal nuclei, whereas those in the light cells are round with one or two nucleoli. The oval mitochondria have only a few peripheral cristae. Golgi fields are not very common. Cells of the entoderm are connected to one another over zonulae occludentes. They possess microvilli on the luminal surface and are supported by a basement membrane. From 5 mm CRL onwards (ovine), the yolk sac entoderm folds itself between the capillaries, thereby becoming stratified. The intercellular space between the cells expands as projections between neighboring cells interlock. Canaliculi arise between adjacent epithelia. The wall of the yolk sac thickens as a result of this infolding and the densely packed capillaries. Infoldings are especially predominant in the sac-like portion of the yolk sac, and only suggested in the ends. Involution of the yolk sac begins in the peripheral end segments and proceeds centripetally. Numerous glycogen particles appear in the yolk sac entoderm cells of the ovine fetus at a CRL of 36 mm, and by a CRL of 42 mm, the sac-like portion has also begun to show signs of degeneration. Mesenchyme is very sparse within the wall of the yolk sac throughout the entire period of development.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

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Growth hormone receptor expression in the Dunning R 3327 prostatic carcinoma of the rat.

The Dunning R3327 rat carcinoma is an important model for human prostate adenocarcinoma. In the present study this tumor was further characterized by immunohistochemical demonstration of receptors for growth hormone (GH-R). Weak GH-R immunoreactivity was present in the secretory epithelial cells of the tumor acini. Large epithelial cells which were localized at the periphery of the acini and large cells in the stroma, which are probably derived from the epithelium ("Large neoplastic epithelial cells"), displayed a strong staining with one of the monoclonal antibodies (Mab 263) to GH-R. The presence of GH-R receptors in proliferating prostatic tumor cells supports the concept that GH reacts directly on prostate target tissue to facilitate tumor cell growth.

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Identification of endogenous sugar-binding proteins in the accessory sex glands of NMRI mice. A histochemical and biochemical study.

In the present study we report on the histotopographical distribution of carbohydrate-binding proteins in the prostate and seminal vesicle of sexually mature NMRI mice using a panel of fluorescein-isothiocyanate labelled neoglycoproteins and asialoglycoproteins. Additionally, biochemical analysis using affinity chromatography and SDS-gel electrophoresis was performed to purify and characterize the respective proteins from the tissue. Our histochemical results clearly demonstrate the presence of endogenous receptors for the carbohydrate part of glycoconjugates in both glands. In the prostate a distinct staining was seen after incubation with melibiose-BSA-FTC, glucuronic acid-BSA-FTC and asialofetuin-FTC (only in the ventral prostate). In the epithelium of the seminal vesicle a weak staining occurred after incubation with asialofetuin-FTC and maltose-FTC. In the stroma of both accessory sex glands a distinct binding of several (neo)glycoproteins specific for beta-galactoside-binding proteins was observed which could be attributed to a beta-galactoside-binding lectin. Indeed biochemical analysis ascertained presence of such a histochemically detectable activity. We assume that the carbohydrate-binding proteins of the stroma, which were obviously linked to the elastic fibers, could play a role in the organisation of the extracellular matrix in the interstitium of the glands.

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[Spatial pattern and microvascularization of the ductuli efferentes testis of bulls (Bos taurus)].

The arrangement, origin, course and opening of the ductuli efferents testis of the bull (Bos taurus) were visualized using scanning electron microscopy. The corresponding capillary structure was also described and documented with the help of corrosive microanatomical casts. The number of the ductuli efferents testis of the bull varies narrowly between 12 to 13. Ductuli removed from the surrounding tissue have a length of up to 78 cm. The duct system is composed of linear as well as tortuous parts, permitting division into three distinct segments. Blind ending ductules are very short. We therefore do not see these structures as being associated with spermiostasis. The capillary density as well as the capillary architecture show regional peculiarities. All segments of the ductuli efferents testis are composed of capillaries of the continuous type. The findings indicate that the increased capillary density in the voluminous initial section of the ductuli efferents testis represents the basis for resorptive as well as secretory activities in the bull.

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Expression of endogenous receptors for neoglycoproteins in Dunning R3327 rat prostatic carcinoma.

An important animal model for human prostatic adenocarcinoma is the Dunning R3327 rat carcinoma. In the present study this tumor was further characterized by analyzing the expression of endogenous sugar-binding proteins using glycohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry as well as affinity chromatography and gel electrophoresis. Our glycohistochemical and glycobiochemical results provide evidence for the presence of specific receptors for various carbohydrate moieties. Remarkably, basal cells of the Dunning tumor contain an endogenous lectin with specificity for beta-galactosides that is not found in basal cells of the normal rat prostate. This finding was corroborated using polyclonal antibodies against an immunologically related beta-galactoside-specific lectin from bovine heart. Basal cells of prostatic carcinoma may therefore behave different from normal basal cells. This difference could have a significant impact on the development of prostatic cancer.

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Role of vitamin D metabolites in the prevention of the osteopenia induced by ovariectomy in the axial and appendicular skeleton of the rat.

Forty Fischer-344 rats (10 weeks old, 130 g BW) were either bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) or sham-operated (SHAM). The rats were allocated to the following groups: SHAM; OVX; OVX + 15 ng 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]/rat/d; OVX + 30 ng 1 alpha,24R,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,24,25(OH)3D3]/rat/d; OVX + 15 ng 1,25(OH)2D3/rat/d + 30 ng 1,24,25(OH)3D3/rat/d. The vitamin D metabolites were fed orally starting 4 weeks after surgery. Urine and blood samples were taken at several time points during the experiment. Twenty-one weeks after surgery all rats were sacrificed, and the proximal tibiae and the first lumbar vertebrae were processed undecalcified for static bone histomorphometry. Ovariectomy induced a 40% reduction in vertebral cancellous bone area, and a 69% reduction in tibial cancellous bone area. This bone loss in OVX rats was associated with moderately increased biochemical and histomorphometric indices of bone formation and resorption as compared to values in sham-operated animals. Through inhibition of bone resorption, treatment of OVX rats with 1,25(OH)2D3, 1,24,25(OH)3D3, and the metabolite combination prevented the ovariectomy-induced osteopenia in the lumbar vertebra, and partially prevented cancellous bone osteopenia in the tibial metaphysis. However, OVX rats receiving 1,25(OH)2D3 alone or in combination with 1,24,25(OH)3D3 exhibited hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypercalciuria, and impaired bone mineralization. Treatment of OVX rats with 1,24,25(OH)3D3 alone, on the other hand, only slightly increased serum calcium levels and did not impair bone mineralization. Furthermore, the inclusion of 1,24,25(OH)3D3 with 1,25(OH)2D3 partially antagonized the untoward effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on bone mineralization. These data suggest that the actions of 1,24,25(OH)3D3 on bone metabolism might differ from that of 1,25(OH)2D3, and that 1,25(OH)2D3 and, particularly, 1,24,25(OH)3D3 may be potentially effective agents for the prophylaxis of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3↗

[Fetal development of the omasum of cattle (Bos taurus)].

Structures characteristic of the omasum are already present by the third month of development. The fetal omasal laminae exhibit their typical arrangement (1434243414). Muscle fibers from the lamina circularis also extend into the first through third order laminae at this stage. Conical projections and small secondary papillae begin to appear on the laminae as the fetus ages. The lamina muscularis mucosae can be found in all of the laminae by the fourth to fifth month of development. The cuboidal to columnar epithelium of the stratum basale remains largely unaltered throughout the course of fetal development, whereas the stratum superficiale is subjected to a continuous series of changes. Superficial cell layers increase and the glycogen content of the epithelial cells fluctuates significantly.

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[1,2-Bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine] dichloro-platinum(II): an endocrine-active platinum complex with a specific prostatic tumor-inhibiting activity.

[1,2-Bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloro-platinum (II), (C), a platinum complex with endocrine activity and a specific effect on hormone-dependent mammary tumors, was tested for its tumor-inhibitory activity in the hormone-sensitive R 3327 and Nb prostate carcinoma models of the rat and for its endocrine activities in comparison to the ligand L and diethylstilbestrol (DES). Established tumors of the R 3327 prostate tumor were strongly inhibited by C. Its effect equaled that of DES and was significantly better than that of L. Accessory sex organ weights and testosterone levels were strongly reduced by C as well as L. This antigonadotrophic effect, which is almost comparable to DES, was confirmed in 10 day experiments with intact, mature mice and rats, whereas a direct antiandrogenic activity was not given. A part of the antitumor action of C is therefore due to this antigonadotrophic activity. Affinities to estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors, however, were very low. The hormone-sensitive Noble Nb-R prostatic carcinoma was almost completely inhibited by C, whereas L had only a weak effect. As C has no significant effect on the hormone-independent R 3327 HI prostate tumor and as its effect on hormone-dependent tumors is significantly better than that of the ligand L in spite of their similar endocrine properties, an apparently specific antiproliferative effect of C only on hormone-dependent prostate tumors is obvious. This was further shown in a long-term experiment with the R 3327 prostate carcinoma. Whereas tumors in the castration group relapsed from androgen ablation and exerted a progressive tumor growth, therapy with C almost completely prevented this relapse phenomenon. After 25 weeks of treatment, C inhibited tumor growth by 90% compared to castration. Owing to these results, this new endocrine active platinum complex with an apparently specific effect on hormone-dependent prostate tumors can be of value for the therapy of the prostatic carcinoma.

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Vascular alterations in the canine kidney following obstruction of the urinary tract. A SEM investigation of corrosion casts.

Changes in the vasculature of the canine kidney following four weeks obstruction of the ureter via double ligature is described on the basis of SEM investigation. Three significant alterations were observed: 1) A two-thirds reduction in the depth of the renal cortex as compared to controls. 2) Rarification of the entire cortical capillary bed. 3) Reduction in both the number and diameter of the glomeruli. The rarification of the post-glomerular capillaries is interpreted to be a pressure atrophy, whereas the reduction in the number of renal glomeruli and the concommitant diminuation of their capillary loops is thought to represent a functional atrophy.

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Postnatal development of lectin binding sites in the rat ventral prostate.

Five Fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled lectins were used to study the postnatal development of carbohydrate constituents in the rat ventral prostate: Concanavalin A (Con A), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), peanut agglutinin (PNA), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) and Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA-I). With all the lectins tested, except RCA-I, specific binding sites could be shown for every stage of differentiation in the glandular epithelium. Binding sites for Con A, WGA, PNA and DBA were found from day 10 to 13 post partum onwards. Each lectin showed a characteristic localization. Binding sites for the lectins used changed to different extents during the following two weeks. After the 24th day post partum no further changes in the lectin binding pattern could be found. The development of the lectin binding properties showed that the changes in carbohydrate-containing constituents of the prostate correlate with the beginning of prostatic secretion and to prostatic epithelial differentiation. In the periacinar stroma the development of the lectin binding pattern was similar to that in the glandular epithelium. The changes of stromal binding sites for Con A and WGA during epithelial differentiation may reflect the changes of epithelial-stromal interactions in the prostate.

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