PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

O M Petrucco

Publications and source records attributed to O M Petrucco.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Distribution of leukocyte subpopulations in the human corpus luteum.

Cytokines, as secreted products of leukocytes, have roles in many organs of the body via paracrine or autocrine mechanisms. In the present study, we demonstrate by immunocytochemistry the leukocytes present in the human corpus luteum in order to investigate further the relationship between leukocytes, cytokines and corpus luteum function. Ten intact corpora lutea were collected from female patients who had no apparent ovarian disease. The mean age of these patients was 37 years (range 23-55 years). Frozen and paraffin sections were subjected to analysis using monoclonal antibodies which were specific to leukocyte marker antigens. The results showed that there are macrophages, cells positive for leukocyte common antigen (LCA), T lymphocytes including T helper/inducer (T4) cells, T cytotoxic/suppressor (T8) cells and activated T (Ta) cells (interleukin-2 receptor-positive cells), monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells but not B lymphocytes present in the human corpus luteum. The distribution of the leukocytes present in the different parts of the corpus luteum was found to be in the order: theca-luteal area greater than loose connective tissue area greater than granulosa-luteal area. Macrophages and T lymphocyte subsets comprised the main components of the total leukocytes in the human corpus luteum. Ta cells were only localized in the loose connective tissue of the corpus luteum. In most cases, macrophages, LCA cells and T4 cells tended to be situated in a single cell layer on the edge of the theca-luteal area and surrounding the granulosa-luteal area. These results suggest that the leukocytes may act to a greater extent in the theca-luteal area than in the granulosa-luteal area.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1991

The neodymium:YAG laser and the resectoscope for the treatment of menorrhagia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of destruction of the endometrium by ablation with a neodymium:YAG laser or resection with electrocautery in the management of menorrhagia. DESIGN: The efficacy of the treatment was assessed subjectively by each patient comparing the duration and amount of her menstrual bleeding before and after the operative procedure. Randomisation of treatments or patients was not undertaken. SETTING: The study was carried out in tertiary centres. Most of the procedures were undertaken in the Day Surgery Units of those centres. PATIENTS: A total of 64 patients underwent one or more procedures. One had continuous bleeding per vagina on hormone replacement therapy, all others had menorrhagia which they considered incapacitating. INTERVENTIONS: Of the patients 40 had removal of endometrium via a resectoscope and 24 had endometrial vaporisation with the neodymium:YAG laser. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The outcome was assessed by each patient as amenorrhoea, hypomenorrhoea, attainment of normal menstrual amount or no change in menstrual loss. RESULTS: Both operative procedures were satisfactory in that amenorrhoea, hypomenorrhoea or normal menstruation was achieved in 87% of cases. Uterine perforation occurred on two occasions with thermal bowel injury in one patient. CONCLUSION: Destruction of the endometrium by the neodymium:YAG laser or the resectoscope is a successful way of managing menorrhagia in the absence of demonstrable pathological cause in nearly 90% of cases. The performance of the procedures as day cases with minimal discomfort makes them attractive alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of menorrhagia.

Danazol↗
PubMed1990

Ablation of endometriotic implants in rabbits by hematoporphyrin derivative photoradiation therapy using the gold vapor laser.

In a rabbit model, endometriotic lesions were utilized to study hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) uptake and the effect of photoradiation using the gold vapor laser. Morphological studies confirmed successful induction of ectopic endometrial growth and the lesions displayed preferential HPD uptake compared to normal intraperitoneal structures. Gold vapor laser irradiation of the lesions in HPD pretreated animals produced necrosis of the endometriotic lesions leaving surrounding tissues healthy. Results from this study suggest that HPD-mediated photodynamic therapy may be a suitable means of treating endometriosis in the human.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Muscle cell potassium, RNA and hydration in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia.

Thirty four pregnant women from 26 to 38 weeks gestation and 24 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia gave samples of muscle (rectus abdominis) at caesarean section. Muscle samples were analysed for H2O, K+, Mg2+ and Na+. Cell extracellular H2O was partitioned by the use of the Cl- space. Also protein, nucleic acids and Zn2+ were determined. From 26 to 38 weeks gestation the concentration of K+ per litre of cell water ([Ki]) slowly declined. The slope was significant. Points for patients with pre-eclampsia fell below the line and analysis of covariance showed that the two populations were different (P less than 0.001). Patients A-J were regarded clinically as severe pre-eclamptics. Points for these patients, in general, fell between 1 and 2 SDs below the normal line. Since other cations per litre of muscle cell water did not change, questions are raised. is the cation gap filled by amino acids or does vascular spasm cause a leakage of K+ from muscle cells? Does hypotonicity eventually develop leading to water intoxication? The low oncotic pressure in pre-eclampsia (shown here), the negative free water clearance could all favour increased cell hydration (some evidence for this is presented here towards term). Assessment of available information concerning creatinine excretion during normal pregnancy and K40, K42 studies together with our own rodent studies leads us to believe that a significant increase in muscle mass occurs, but such may not be the case in pre-eclampsia since the reduction in RNA and Zn2+ concentrations in muscle would suggest excessive protein degradation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1989

Adjuvant leuprolide in normal, abnormal, and poor responders to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization/gamete intrafallopian transfer.

Fifty patients (normal responders) received either human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) alone (control group) or leuprolide + hMG (leuprolide group). The use of leuprolide was associated with a reduction of hMG requirements (14.8 versus 17.8 ampules, P = 0.02) and the abolition of spontaneous luteinizing hormone surges (nil versus 3, P = 0.006). The rate of fertilization (87% versus 65%, P = 0.003) was higher in the leuprolide group. Pituitary and ovarian suppression was effected for 16 subjects who had previously shown a poor follicular response and a further 19 subjects who had previously responded abnormally. The poor responders required more hMG (43.9 versus 27.1 ampules, P less than 0.001), achieved a lower estradiol maximum (5.1 versus 12.1 nmol/l, P less than 0.001), and had fewer oocytes recovered (4.1 versus 11.5, P less than 0.001), than the abnormal responders.

Drug Therapy, Combination↗
PubMed1986

Concentrations of steroid hormones, and of prolactin, in washings of the human uterus during the menstrual cycle.

Levels of steroid hormones, prolactin and protein were determined in trans-cervical flushings of uteri of 73 consenting women presenting for reversal of sterilization. Median total levels of steroids (pmol), prolactin (mu i.u.) and protein (mg) in the washings were: pregnenolone, 4.22; pregnenolone sulphate, 15.1; progesterone, 1.01; dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 8.92; DHEA sulphate, 368; androstenedione, 2.23; testosterone, 1.04; oestrone, less than 0.7; oestrone sulphate, 0.49; oestradiol, 0.08; prolactin, 23.8; and protein, 5.75. Levels of these components of uterine flushings did not vary significantly between Days 6-10, 11-14, 15-20 and 21-28 after the onset of the previous menstrual period (P greater than 0.05). Uniform levels of free steroids in uterine washings throughout the menstrual cycle, and low free steroid/total protein ratios (all less than 3 pmol/mg), support other evidence for a paucity of steroid-binding proteins in human histotroph. The predominance of DHEA sulphate and of pregnenolone sulphate in human uterine washings is in accord with their abundance in plasma, and may provide an important precursor pool for de-novo steroidogenesis by human embryos before implantation. Our results support the view that human histotroph is a filtrate of plasma.

Dehydroepiandrosterone↗
PubMed1986

Current investigation and therapy of secondary amenorrhoea.

The advent of radioimmunoassays enabling measurement of pituitary gonadotrophins, ovarian and adrenal steroids and prolactin has allowed precise investigation of patients with secondary amenorrhoea. The most frequently encountered causes of this disorder are associated with hypothalamic-pituitary failure or dysfunction. Clinical and radiographic investigations must be utilised to look for the presence of a pituitary fossa space occupying lesions, particularly when hyperprolactinaemia is found. The presence of hirsutism should alert to the possibility of an adrenal or ovarian tumour or more commonly the presence of the polycystic ovary syndrome. When fertility is required, recommencement of menstrual cycles will often be possible with ovulation-inducing drugs. Patients not wishing to be fertile will often require oestrogen therapy while amenorrhoea persists, as low endogenous oestrogen levels may otherwise lead to menopausal degenerative changes.

Amenorrhea↗
PubMed1985

Muscle cell growth and the distribution of water and electrolyte in human pregnancy.

Ten normal pregnant women had muscle composition analyses (rectus abdominis) carried out at 39-40 weeks of pregnancy. Water, chloride (Cl), chloride space (ECV), non-chloride space (ICW), potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) determinations were carried out. Analyses for DNA (cell number), protein: DNA ratio (cell size), RNA and collagen were also performed. Similar analyses were performed on uterine muscle and placentae before and after perfusion with Earle's solution. Data from pregnant patients were compared with similar estimations carried out on rectus abdominis samples from 13 non-pregnant subjects undergoing gynaecological procedures. Muscle tissue and predicted muscle mass (MM) (which constitutes 40% of body weight) demonstrated that the gain in body K was due to the products of conception, that ICW decreased per unit weight in muscle (8%), ECV increased (41%) without a radical change in muscle water content (2%). Overall a 6 l gain in ECV and a 2 l gain in ICW can be accounted for during pregnancy. The results of this study indicate that added hydration excluding the products of conception (placenta, infant, uterus) is mainly extracellular. Intracellular Na concentration decreases (50%) and it is speculated that the cation gap is made up by H+ in the presence of extracellular alkalosis. Muscle cells diminish in size but cell number per gram is constant. Zinc content (Zn/DNA) decreases. Previous experimental work suggests that MM increases by about 10% during pregnancy and this information has been included in considerations but it remains to be shown to what extent total muscle cell numbers increase and as to whether such increased muscle growth remains following pregnancy.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1985

The normal menstrual cycle has no effect on gastric emptying.

Recent studies have demonstrated that orocaecal transit time is prolonged both in the luteal phase of the ovulatory cycle in normal women and during pregnancy, but have made no attempt to differentiate between the individual effects of gastric emptying and small intestinal transit. We have assessed the effect of the normal menstrual cycle on gastric emptying of solids and liquids in 10 women, using a dual isotope scintigraphic technique. In each subject gastric emptying was measured on 2 days: first during the follicular phase (day 8-10) and then during the luteal phase (day 18-20) of one ovulatory menstrual cycle (where day 1 was the first day of menstrual bleeding). Measures of solid and liquid gastric emptying did not change significantly between the follicular and luteal phases indicating that the normal menstrual cycle has no effect on gastric emptying.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Microsurgical tubal anastomosis in the rabbit following three types of sterilisation procedure.

The reversibility of Falope ring, Pomeroy and unipolar cautery methods of sterilisation was examined in 30 rabbits. Using microsurgical techniques, an overall pregnancy rate of 56.6% was attained. Reversibility was more readily achieved and resulted in a higher pregnancy rate after Falope ring than Pomeroy or cautery sterilisation. The pregnancy rate after each method of sterilisation seems to correlate with the results obtained for reversal of sterilisation in the human.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Xanthogranulomatous endometritis: case report.

A case of chronic endometritis with unusual histological features due to the presence of abundant foam cells and lipid material is described. The presence of foam cells, abundant intra- and extracellular lipid together with other inflammatory cells in the absence of endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma warrants the diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous endometritis.

Aged↗
PubMed1976

Changes in lymphocyte function during pregnancy.

A gradual increase in spontaneous lymphocyte DNA synthesis was demonstrated in each trimester of pregnancy. Autoradiographic studies indicated that lymphocytes were primarily responsible for this activity. PHA-induced lymphocyte transformation in both fetal calf serum and autologous serum was significantly reduced in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Spontaneous lymphocyte DNA synthesis was significantly reduced in patients with mild pre-eclampsia. However, no significant differences were seen in patients with severe pre-eclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy compared with the normal control subjects. No evidence was adduced to implicate inhibitory humoral factors affecting the peripheral blood lymphocytes in pregnany patients in experiments in which washed lymphocytes were cultured in medium containing heterologous serum. In vitro experiments demonstrated that cortisol, progesterone and HPL caused a significant reduction in lymphocyte DNA synthesis, and HGH and HCG had a variable effect. However, only cortisol was regularly inhibitory at physiological concentrations. The progesterone effect was dose-related, producing 90 per cent inhibition of activity at a concentration of 10 mug/ml. No synergism could be shown between HPL and progesterone on lymphocyte transformation. The increase in activity of circulating immunoreactive cells during pregnancy and its depression with the onset of pre-eclampsia is discussed.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗
PubMed1976

Morphological and immunological evidence of coagulopathy in renal complications of pregnancy.

Renal biopsies in 14 patients with P.E.T. or eclampsia showed constant I.F. reactions for IgM and fibrin, with frequent reactions for C1q and C3. The glomeruli showed reversible mesangial proliferation and swelling, with characterictic E.M. deposits, and segmental lesions were present in seven patients. Similar I.F. reactions occurred in three other patients with clinical diagnoses of P.E.T. whose biopsies demonstrated coexistent glomerular disease. Serum complement studies showed a significant rise in C3 in the third trimester of normal pregnancies and a further significant elevation in C1q and C3 in the third trimester of a series of unselected P.E.T. patients. In contrast, four patients from the biopsy series with eclampsia or severe P.E.T. showed profound depression of serum C3 and C4, at the time of maximum clinical severity, which was shown to return to normal in two patients. The I.F. findings confirm those of Petrucco et al (6), and, with the other data, suggest that immune-complex deposition and activation of the classical complement pathway could interrect with intravascular coagulation to produce the glomerular lesions of P.E.T. and eclampsia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1974

Immunofluorescent studies in renal biopsies in pre-eclampsia.

Renal biopsies were performed on 11 patients considered clinically and histologically to have pre-eclampsia. Immunofluorescent studies with fluorescein-labelled anti-IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE complement, albumin, fibrin, and fibrinogen were carried out on the tissue obtained. Significant correlation was obtained between the clinical severity of the disease and the density and pattern of IgM and IgG deposition. Complement was found in glomeruli in severe cases, while complement deposition in the walls of afferent and efferent arterioles was a constant finding. These findings support the concept that an immunological mechanism may be responsible for the renal lesions in pre-eclampsia. If immunity does play a part in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, possible mechanisms include the involvement of histocompatibility antigens and cross-reactivity of fetal and maternal tissues. Renal fibrin deposition in pre-eclampsia may be secondary to an immune process, an occurrence well-described in other forms of glomerulonephritis in man and other species.

Biopsy↗