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Ken-ichi Shukunami

Publications and source records attributed to Ken-ichi Shukunami.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of ovarian theca cells on granulosa cell differentiation during gonadotropin-independent follicular growth in cattle.

We investigated the effects of theca cells or FSH on granulosa cell differentiation and steroid production during bovine early follicular growth, using a co-culture system in which granulosa and theca cells were cultured on opposite sides of a collagen membrane. Follicular cells were isolated from early antral follicles (2-4 mm) that were assumed to be in gonadotropin-independent phase and just before recruitment into a follicular wave. Granulosa cells were cultured under serum-free conditions with and without theca cells or recombinant human FSH to test their effects on granulosa cell differentiation. Messenger RNA levels for P450 aromatase (aromatase), P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage (P450scc), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), LH receptor (LHr), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in granulosa cells were measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis. FSH enhanced aromatase mRNA expression in granulosa cells, but did not alter estradiol production. FSH also enhanced mRNA expression for P450scc, LHr, and StAR in granulosa cells, resulting in an increase in progesterone production. In contrast, theca cells enhanced aromatase mRNA expression in granulosa cells resulting in an increase in estradiol production. Theca cells did not alter progesterone production and mRNA expression in granulosa cells for P450scc, 3beta-HSD, LHr, and StAR. The results of the present study indicate that theca cells are involved in both rate-limiting steps in estrogen production, i.e., androgen substrate production and aromatase regulation, and that theca cell-derived factors regulate estradiol and progesterone production in a way that reflects steroidogenesis during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

An operative technique for conservative management of placenta accreta.

BACKGROUND: Control of bleeding is the goal of management for placenta accreta, which usually necessitates hysterectomy. A Committee Opinion of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has addressed the difficulties of conservative treatments. CASES: Placentas of 2 primiparous women with placenta accreta were removed operatively from their uteri. One woman underwent a low transverse cesarean delivery, and the other had delivered vaginally. In each case, the anterior uterine wall was incised vertically between the lower segment and fundus before manual removal. After eversion of the uterus, the placenta was successfully detached from the uterine wall after intramyometrial administration of oxytocin. CONCLUSION: A vertical incision in the anterior uterine wall and subsequent eversion of the uterus may aid in avoiding hysterectomy with placenta accreta.

Adult↗