Biomedical subjects

M R Pinto

Publications and source records attributed to M R Pinto.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1983

A fucosyl glycoprotein component with sperm receptor and sperm-activating activities from the vitelline coat of Ciona intestinalis eggs.

In this paper we describe a mild procedure which results in the extraction of a glycoprotein fraction from the vitelline coat (VC) of Ciona intestinalis while leaving behind the bulk of the VC components. When acting upon the spermatozoa this fraction inhibits sperm binding to the VC and fertilization and elicits sperm activation including the acrosome reaction. SDS-PAGE shows that it contains the same (fucosyl) glycoprotein components previously recognized in the total extracts of VC. It is suggested that this material contains the sperm receptors or those components of the receptors that are essential for their Chinese function.

Animals↗

PubMed1982

Elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels in the 45,x (Turner syndrome) fetus with cystic hygroma. Case reports.

A 45,X fetus with cystic hygroma, associated with an elevated amniotic alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (greater than 80 microgram/ml). Is described, as are macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this fetus and two other female fetuses with cystic hygroma. The ultrasonographic diagnosis of fetal cystic hygroma is discussed. The association of a high amniotic AFP level with cystic hygroma is considered. The relationship between cystic hygroma and pterygium colli in liveborn infants with Turner syndrome, and the evolution of neck webbing, as seen in the adult with turner syndrome, is also discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1982

Karyotype analysis in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL): comparison with ethnic group, age, morphology, and survival.

The karyotype, leukemia cell morphology (FAB classification), ethnic group, age, sex, and survival were compared in 60 patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), to determine their diagnostic and prognostic significance. An ethnic age difference was observed; a significantly greater number of black patients were children. The majority of children were males. A higher frequency of chromosome abnormalities was detected in children, yet they survived longer than adults. A specific, significant association between a (8; 21) karyotype and M2-ANLL was confirmed; four of ten patients with M2-ANLL showed this translocation. The more mature morphology of M2-ANLL was associated with a longer survival irrespective of karyotype, ethnic group, and age. The specificity of t(15; 17) in M3-ANLL and nonrandom monosomy 7 in preleukemic children was confirmed. Patients, particularly adults, with normal karyotypes tended to survive longer than those with abnormal karyotypes. The patient's age and the differentiative capacity of the leukemic cell appear to be as important as the karyotype in determining survival. The nonrandom association of certain chromosome aberrations in ANLL appears to be worldwide.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1982

Synthesis of fucosyl-containing glycoproteins of the vitelline coat in oocytes of Ciona intestinalis (Ascidia).

The sperm receptors of the ascidian oocyte are located at the outer surface of the vitelline coat (formerly called the chorion). The fucose residues are the receptor's most important components for sperm recognition and binding. We asked whether the fucosyl-containing glycoproteins of the vitelline coat are a product of the oocyte, the follicle cells, or the test cells. Ovaries of Ciona intestinalis were injected with L-[3H]fucose and the progress of its incorporation was followed by using autoradiography and sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the injected gonads and of the isolated vitelline coats. We found that incorporation of fucose begins within the vitellogenic oocytes, and fucose slowly accumulates in the differentiating vitelline coat. At no time could fucose incorporation be detected in the follicle cells or in the test cells. Sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of vitelline coats prepared from the injected ovaries showed fucose incorporation into the same three glycoproteins present in vitelline coats from mature oocytes and identified by their affinity for 125I-labeled fucose-binding protein [Pinto, M. R., De Santis, R., D'Alessio, G. & Rosati, F. (1981) Exp. Cell Res. 132, 289-295]. A radioactive band not found in the mature oocyte was also present.

Animals↗

PubMed1982