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Biomedical subjects

M Lacroix

Publications and source records attributed to M Lacroix.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

The control of the synthesis and secretion of plasminogen activator by rat sertoli cells in culture.

Sertoli cells in primary cultures produce plasminogen activator activity, and release it into the medium at rates greatly influenced by a variety of factors, including cell density, the presence of hormones, incubation temperature and duration of culture. In Sertoli cells maintained in culture in the presence of dibutyryl cAMP, the amounts of plasminogen activator activity secreted per cells were maximal at cell densities up to 2.5 microgram DNA/cm2 (350 units/microgram cell DNA), and declined to 40 units/microgran cell DNA at a density of 22 micrograms DNA/cm2. Concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) required to elicit half-maximal stimulation of the production of plasminogen activator activity were 0.37 micrograms/ml for oFSH-NIH S12 and 8 ng/ml for the more purified of SH-S1528C2. The ED50 for dibutyryl cAMP was found to be 0.08 mM. Addition of an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine) enhanced the formation of plasminogen activator by cells cultured in the presence of FSH. Addition to the culture medium of testosterone, epidermal growth factor, insulin, human chorionic gonadotropin or prostaglandins (E1, E2 or F1 alpha) did not result in increased production of PA activity by Sertoli cells. Cells in culture for as long as 14 days remained responsive to FSH or dibutyryl cAMP. Increases in cellular levels of plasminogen activator became evident within 2-4 after addition of either FSH or dibutyryl cAMP to the medium. The stimulation of FSH or dibutyryl cAMP of the production of plasminogen activator activity was shown to be dependent upon de novo synthesis of RNA and protein. Levels of enzyme activity released by Sertoli cells maintained in culture for 48 h at 37 degrees C were approx. 50% higher than plasminogen activator released by cells cultured at 32 degrees C. The control of the production of plasminogen activator activity by Sertoli cells was discussed in relation to the control of plasminogen activator production by granulose cells, and the possible role of plasminogen activator in gonadal functions.

Animals↗

Changes in levels of plasminogen activator activity in normal and germ-cell-depleted testes during development.

Levels of plasminogen activator activity were determined in testes obtained from normal and irradiated rats in various ages. During normal development, plasminogen activator activity per g testis increased rapidly between 40 and 60 days of age, but a comparable rise did not occur in germ-cell depleted testes of irradiated rats. Levels of enzyme in various populations of testicular cells were highest in Sertoli (varying between 1800 and 6300 units/mg protein in cell maintained under different culture conditions), and lowest in peritubular myoid cells (about 1 unit/mg protein), with intermediate levels in germinal cells (ranging between 147 and 560 units/Mg protein in residual bodies, spermatocytes and spermatids). No protease inhibitor could be detected in germ-cell extracts. The addition to the medium in which Sertoli cells were in culture of particles which can be phagocytosed (autoclaved E. coli) resulted in an increased formation of plasminogen activator activity by Sertoli cells. A synergistic enhancement of enzyme production resulted following the addition of submaximal quantities of dibutyryl cyclic AMP and autoclaved bacteria to sertoli cells in culture. On the basis of these data, we suggest that the presence of advanced germinal cells during gonadal development may stimulate the synthesis of plasminogen activator by Sertoli cells, mediated in part by the phagocytosis of residual bodies by sertoli cells which occurs prior to spermiation.

Aging↗

Metabolic adaptations in post-exercise recovery.

To investigate further the hormonal and metabolic adaptations occurring when carbohydrates are ingested after prolonged exercise, we have compared the fate of a 100-g oral glucose load (using 'naturally labelled' 13C-glucose) in healthy volunteers after an overnight fast at rest either without previous exercise or after a 3-h exercise performed on a treadmill at about 50% of the individual VO2 max. In comparison to the control conditions, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed in the post-exercise recovery period was characterized by a greater rise in peripheral blood glucose levels and delayed insulin response. Plasma glucagon values were significantly elevated at the time glucose was given (+48 +/- 13 pg ml-1) and at the end of the OGTT. Plasma-free fatty acid (FFA) levels were 1675 +/- 103 microEq 1-1 when glucose was given, and subsequently reduced to values similar to those observed in the control conditions. Indirect calorimetry indicated that OGTT in post-exercise recovery was associated with decreased carbohydrate and increased lipid oxidation when compared to control conditions. Exogenous glucose oxidation was also significantly reduced: 21.1 +/- 2.6 vs. 35.9 +/- 1.9 g per 7 h. We suggest that the higher plasma glucagon levels and the delayed insulin response played a role in the decreased hepatic glucose retention previously described by others in post-exercise recovery. Our data also suggest that the higher lipid oxidation rate observed at the time glucose was given in the post-exercise period could explain, according to the Randle 'glucose-fatty acid cycle', the decreased carbohydrate oxidation and the preferential muscle glycogen repletion already well documented. The reason why the lipid oxidation rate remains increased 3-7 h after glucose ingestion in spite of the fact that FAA levels at that time are similar to those observed in control conditions is still unknown; further kinetic studies are needed to clarify this point.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Fate of exogenous glucose during exercise of different intensities in humans.

The extent to which an oral load of glucose is absorbed from the gut and oxidized during prolonged exercise is a matter of controversy. Four healthy volunteers, 18-28 yr, were submitted on 4 different days to a 105-min treadmill exercise at 22, 39, 51, and 64% of their individual VO2max. After 15 min adaptation to exercise, they received orally 100 g naturally labeled [13C]glucose. Oxidation of the exogenous glucose was followed by 13CO2 measurements in the expired air; total carbohydrate and lipid oxidation were evaluated by indirect calorimetry. Between 22 and 51% VO2 max, total carbohydrate, lipid oxidation, and exogenous glucose oxidation were linearly correlated with the relative work load (r = 0.81; P less than 0.01). Between 51 and 64% VO2 max, exogenous glucose oxidation and lipid oxidation tended to level off, whereas endogenous carbohydrate oxidation was markedly enhanced. The lesser contribution of exogenous glucose during the most intense exercise might be due to a decrease in the oxidation in the muscles or to a lesser availability of this exogenous glucose.

Adult↗

[Allergy to preservatives].

This study concerns 465 patients with dermatitis. The clinical history suggested allergy to cosmetics, drugs, industrial products or clothes. These patients were tested with 29 preservatives chosen among the most frequently employed or most sensitising products. Seven french clinics of Dermatology were involved in this study during one year. The patients' age varied between 2 years old and 80 years old. Positive reactions were seen mostly with formaldehyde (4.7 p. 100), Bronopol (4.7 p. 100), ammoniated mercury chloride (3.8 p. 100), benzoic acid (2.1 p. 100), sodium benzoate (1.9 p. 100), parabens (1.9 p. 100), dichlorophen (1.7 p. 100), chloracetamid (1.5 p. 100), benzyl benzoate (1.5 p. 100), Germall 115 (1.2 p. 100), butylhydroxyanisol (1 p. 100) and Dowicil (0.8 p. 100). The incidence of sensitivity to formaldehyde, Bronopol, ammoniated mercury chloride is too high; their use should decrease. Patients sensitive to benzoic acid, benzyl benzoate are not rare. Chloracetamid whose frequency of uses seems to be rather low is a very sensitising product. Parabens which are widely used were seldom found positive; nearly all cases are caused by topical medications.

Adolescent↗

Glucose oxidation in relation to the size of the oral glucose loading dose.

Using "naturally labeled 13C-glucose" the conversion to expired air CO2 of 100, 66 and 33 g oral glucose loads was evaluated, during 7 hr, in 6 male healthy volunteers. The total amounts of exogenous glucose converted to expired air CO2 were proportional to the loading doses and averaged, in g/7 hr, 14.6 +/- 2.1 for 33 g, 20.8 +/- 2.1 for 66 g and 31.2 +/- 1.6 for 100 g. In contrast total glucose oxidation, evaluated by indirect calorimetry, was similar in the three groups and was not correlated with the dose of glucose given. The plasma insulin response was significantly correlated with the load of glucose (r = 0.86; p less than 0.001) whereas such correlation was not observed with the blood glucose response. Comparison with data available in the literature on the influence of the size of the oral glucose load on endogenous glucose production and on splanchnic glucose output suggests that the greater oxidation of exogenous glucose seen when the oral load of glucose is increased essentially results from a greater enrichment of the systemic glucose pool with exogenous glucose.

Adult↗

Differential effects of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone on follicle-stimulating hormone-dependent responses in rat granulosa cells and Sertoli cells in vitro.

The abilities of LHRH and a potent LHRH agonist ([D-Ser-(But),6, des-Gly-NH210]LHRH ethylamide) inhibit FSH responses by rat granulosa cells and Sertoli cells in vitro have been compared. Granulosa cells isolated from 22- or 25-day-old diethylstilbestrol-primed rats and cultured under defined conditions for 48 h with NIH-FSH-S13 (300 ng/ml) or cholera toxin (0.1 microgram/ml) showed increased aromatase activity, as determined by the release of 3H2O from [1 beta-3H]testosterone. LHRH (10(-7) M) or th agonist (10(-8) M) added simultaneously with FSH or cholera toxin inhibited the effects on the release of 3H2O without influencing the protein content of the cell cultures. A smaller stimulation of 3H2O production occurred with (Bu)2cAMP (1.0 mM) plus 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine (0.1 mM), and this was partially suppressed in the presence of LHRH or the agonist. Parallel studies with Sertoli cells from 15- or 20-day-old rats demonstrated that culture under appropriate conditions with FSH, cholera toxin, or (Bu)2cAMP (0.5 mM) for 24 h caused an increase in cellular aromatase activity and enhanced secretion into the medium of plasminogen activator. However, no inhibition by LHRH (10(-7) or 10(-9) M) or the agonist (10(-6) or 10(-8) M) occurred when the peptides were added either simultaneously or 24 h before the stimulatory agent. Similarly, Sertoli cells from 11-day-old rats treated daily with LHRH agonist for 5 days in culture, showed no inhibition of aromatase activity after a 4-h stimulation with FSH or (Bu)2cAMP. FSH dose-response curves (0-300 ng/ml) for aromatase activity were shown to be similar after 5 days of culture with or without 10(-8) M LHRH agonist, indicating that the LHRH did not cause a shift in the sensitivity to FSH. The lack of inhibition was seen in Sertoli cell cultures maintained at 37 or 32 C. The enzyme digestion method used to isolated Sertoli cells was not responsible for the lack of effects of LHRH, since cell cultures prepared without the aid of proteolytic enzymes showed similar FSH stimulation of aromatase activity in the presence or absence of 10(-8) M agonist. Further, there was no evidence of degradation of the LHRH agonist when incubated with Sertoli cell cultures. From these studies, we conclude that 1) granulosa cells and Sertoli cells from immature rats differ in their responses to LHRH, and 2) the immature Sertoli cell is an unlikely target for a direct inhibiting influence of LHRH on spermatogenesis.

Animals↗

Eau de Javel and prevention of chromate allergy in France.

"Eau de Javel" (liquid bleach) is a common cause of chromate contact allergy. A historical review explains the reasons for the addition of sodium dichromate after the First World War. The chromium content in different brands of eau de Javel has been determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results indicate that the chromium content is very low (0.03--3.65 mg/l) in French brands, whereas it is still important (7.06--82.9 mg/l) in Belgian brands, such an observation indicates that the almost complete removal of chromate in most brands of French eaux de Javel is a good example of prevention in the field of contact dermato-alllergology.

Belgium↗

Oxidation of an exogenous glucose load using naturally labelled 13C-glucose. Effect of butylbiguanide therapy in obese mildly diabetic subjects.

The effect of a 14 day-administration of butylbiguanide was investigated in a group of 10 obese patients with mild-to-moderate glucose intolerance. Glucose tolerance was significantly improved, while fasting blood glucose and plasma levels of free fatty acids, insulin and glucagon remained unchanged. The estimation of the amount of the oral glucose load oxidized into CO2 was performed by means of a recently described procedure using "naturally labelled 13C-glucose" as tracer. The curves depicting the oxidation of the exogenous glucose load were similar in shape and magnitude before and after administration of the biguanide; in the latter case, however, slightly higher rates of oxidation of exogenous glucose were recorded during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th hours of the test. These data do not provide evidence that the biguanide-induced improvement in glucose tolerance in patients with mild-to-moderate glucose intolerance is associated with any inhibiting or delaying effect of this type of drug on intestinal absorption (and subsequent oxidation) of the exogenous glucose load. On the contrary, a slight, but statistically significant, increase in the oxidation of exogenous glucose has been observed after butylbiguanide.

Adult↗

Concentrations of patch test allergens: are we comparing the same things?

A new way of expressing the concentrations of patch test allergens solutions (or emulsions) is proposed. From these new expressions it can be seen that apparently similar concentrations (0.5% chromium, 2% formaldehyde) can actually be in the ratio 1 to 15 as expressed at the molecular level.

Allergens↗

[Cutaneous allergy to epichlorhydrine (author's transl)].

Allergies due to epichlorhydrin are seen more and more frequently. This product, which has several uses, is one of the essential components in epoxy resins. The follow-up of six cases has enabled us to determine the optimal concentration to be used in epichlorhydrin epicutaneous tests. Since this product is frequently encountered, it ought to be integrated among the other samples in current skin tests.

Adult↗

Effect of glucose ingestion on energy substrate utilization during prolonged muscular exercise.

The distribution of substrates utilized during prolonged exercise was investigated in normal human volunteers with an without ingestion of 100 g exogenous glucose. The energy provided by protein oxidation was derived from urinary nitrogen excretion and the total energy provided by carbohydrates and lipids was calculated from respiratory quotient (RQ) determinations. The contribution of exogenous glucose to the energy supply was determined by an original procedure using "naturally labeled 13C-glucose" as metabolic tracer. Protein oxidation provided between 1 and 2% of the total energy requirement; this amount was not affected by glucose ingestion. In the absence of exogenous glucose ingestion, carbohydrate were progressively replaced by lipids as source of energy. Exogenous glucose contributed markedly to total carbohydrate oxidation and decreased the percentage of energy derived from lipids. In addition, ingestion of exogenous glucose resulted in a significant economy of endogenous carbohydrates and permitted to prolong the duration of exercise.

Adult↗