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Biomedical subjects

S S Shapiro

Publications and source records attributed to S S Shapiro.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Cytokine-enhanced expression of glycoprotein Ib alpha in human endothelium.

Platelet glycoprotein Ib is a major platelet membrane protein composed of two disulfide-linked chains, termed the alpha and beta chains. The larger alpha chain (GpIb alpha), a platelet receptor for von Willebrand factor, plays a major role in mediating platelet adhesion to the subendothelium. Our laboratories have previously reported synthesis of a protein in human endothelial cells that is immunoprecipitated with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to platelet GpIb alpha. Lopez et al. (Lopez, J. A., Chung, D. W., Fujikawa, K., Hagan, F. S., Papayannopoulou, T., and Roth, G. J. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 84, 5615-5619) have reported the cloning of GpIb alpha from a human erythroleukemia (HEL) cell cDNA library. Using this clone as probe, we have isolated two partial GpIb alpha clones from a human umbilical vein endothelial cell lambda gt11 cDNA library. These clones were localized within HEL-derived GpIb alpha cDNA by sequence and restriction enzyme analysis. Additionally, they detected the same message species in HEL and tonsilar RNA that was detected with the HEL GpIb alpha cDNA. Low level GpIb alpha mRNA expression was detected in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, which was increased by treatment of the cells with tumor necrosis factor-alpha. This effect was enhanced by pretreatment with interferon-gamma. Additionally, localization of GpIb alpha in endothelium of fresh tonsilar tissue was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. GpIb alpha may play a role in mediating platelet or other effector cell adhesion to activated endothelium.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Retinoid effects on sebocyte proliferation.

The human sebocyte model offers several advantages over the current animal models. Foremost among these is the correlation of in vitro activity with clinical results, which was not true for arotinoids in the animal models. It is also possible to study several parameters (total cell number, [3H]thymidine uptake, protein and lipid composition/synthesis, hormone response, receptor regulation, etc.) in the same system. The proliferation of isolated sebocytes is inhibited by retinoids, such as isotretinoin and tretinoin, which are known to be clinically active in human acne. Sebocytes are not responsive to the arotinoid temarotene, which is active in the aforementioned animal models and against dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary carcinoma but inactive clinically in acne. Additionally, this model is not responsive to etretinate, a compound known to be active in psoriasis but inactive in acne. The in vitro model is, therefore, more predicative of clinical efficacy than the animal models alone.

Cell Division↗

Retinoid effects on photodamaged skin.

The effects of retinoid treatment on wrinkling in the hairless mouse can be understood in the context of the repair of the dermal elastosis. The two isomers of retinoic acid do not differ qualitatively in their effects on the histological appearance of the tissue or on the wrinkling patterns produced. The all-trans isomer is slightly more potent in this system than the 13-cis isomer but substantially more irritating, which may limit the maximum degree of repair attainable. The "reconstructed" dermis is thickened, it contains new collagen as a result of the stimulation of gene expression, and the tangled, disorganized elastin is packed into a thin layer in the lower dermis. Thus, the framework within which a wrinkle had been established is eliminated, and the skin assumes a normal state, as observed. That the effacement is apparently permanent is additional evidence of the relationship between the integrity of the elastic fiber network and the surface appearance. The only difference in the repaired skin is the absence of filamentous surface features. The thickening effect of UVB and subsequent retinoid treatment on the epidermis does not contribute substantially to the overall thickness of the repaired skin. Nevertheless, despite having a minor role in the effacement of deep wrinkles, these epidermal changes evidently preclude the formation of fine surface features. The model is a valid one for the repair of photodamaged skin. From what is known about the role of elastin in maintaining skin integrity and from the association of wrinkling with excessive sun exposure, it is encouraging to observe the dual effect of retinoic acids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Relative efficiency of therapeutic donor insemination using a luteinizing hormone monitor.

A prospective randomized study was performed to evaluate the use of a urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) detection kit with 1 insemination as compared with 2 alternate day inseminations with timing based on previous cycle length and basal body temperature changes. The study involved 60 patients who underwent a total of 264 therapeutic donor insemination cycles using cryopreserved semen specimens. Patients alternated LH-kit timed cycles with cycles timed by non-LH methods for a total of 6 cycles or until pregnancy was achieved. Fecundability rates were 12.3% for LH-kit cycles and 5.3% for non-LH method cycles. The difference in outcome was not statistically significant. However, when the LH kit plus 1 insemination was compared with 2 inseminations timed by conventional methods, there appeared to be a distinct monetary and time expenditure advantage. These findings suggest that sufficient advantage may be derived from use of an LH kit to recommend its use on a routine basis for the timing of therapeutic donor insemination.

Adult↗

Mitochondrial inclusions in keratinocytes of hairless mouse skin exposed to UVB radiation.

Mitochondrial inclusions were observed in keratinocytes during an ultrastructural investigation of the skin of hairless mice exposed to UVB radiation. Mice were irradiated 3 times a week for 5-6 months with sunlamps at individual doses seldom exceeding 0.06 J/cm2. Strips of dorsal skin were processed for electron microscopic examination; blocks were sectioned to include both epidermis and dermis. Mitochondrial inclusions were observed in keratinocytes of the basal, spinous and granular layers. They were spherical in shape and of moderate and homogeneous electron density. Mitochondria toward the upper regions of the epidermis were swollen and had fragmented cristae; mitochondria in the lower areas of the epidermis usually contained smaller and less dense inclusions and intact or partially disrupted cristae. Because mitochondria are essential in providing the energy for cellular function, keratinocyte mitochondrial damage induced by UVB radiation may have serious pathological consequences. Possible mechanisms involved in mitochondrial inclusion formation are suggested.

Animals↗

Pregnancy outcome, health of children, and family adjustment after donor insemination.

We evaluated the pregnancies of 427 women who conceived through artificial insemination by donor (AID) at our clinic over a 12-year period. Initial phone contact was followed by a questionnaire. Outcome was known for 594 of the 606 pregnancies, with a total of 502 live-born children including 15 sets of twins. The spontaneous abortion rate was 16.5%, with no difference between fresh- and frozen-semen pregnancies. Significant correlations were found between spontaneous abortion rate and maternal age (P less than .001) and spontaneous abortion rate and cycle of conception (P less than .025). Follow-up was completed on 481 children, among whom the following were found: one chromosomal anomaly, 22 major congenital anomalies, four children with possibly syndromic conditions, and 38 with minor congenital anomalies. Of the school-aged children, 5.8% had recognized learning disabilities and 10.5% were considered gifted by their schools. We also investigated the psychological impact of AID on each family. The majority of couples (71.7%) informed their obstetricians of the AID. Half of the couples did not tell any family or friends. Many couples did not (47%) or probably did not (14%) plan to tell their children of their origins. The divorce rate among those with AID children was 7.2%, which was significantly less (P less than .01) than that in a matched population. Psychological counseling specifically related to AID was sought by 2.8% of the couples. We conclude that AID children are at similar risk for congenital anomalies as normally conceived children, but they experience lower rates of family dissolution.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

Successful treatment in two women with antiphospholipid antibodies and refractory pregnancy losses with intravenous immunoglobulin infusions.

In two women with antiphospholipid antibodies and recurrent fetal losses refractory to usual treatments, therapy consisting of aspirin, heparin, and intravenous gamma-globulin infusions was successful. Production of antiphospholipid antibodies was not suppressed. The transient decrease in anticoagulant activity noted in one case was not reproduced in vitro and was probably not physiologically important.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Effect of dietary lipids on hepatic and plasma beta-carotene and vitamin A levels in rats fed beta-carotene.

Diets low in carotenoids have been associated with greater risks of developing certain cancers. Diets high in fats, especially unsaturated fats, have also been associated with increased risks of developing cancer. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of fat type on the beta-carotene status in a rat model. Rats were fed diets containing 2 g/kg beta-carotene or placebo and either 10% lard or corn oil for 13-16 weeks. Plasma vitamin A was unaffected by the dietary regimes. Liver vitamin A levels were significantly increased in the beta-carotene groups and were greater in the lard-fed animals. No detectable level of plasma beta-carotene was found in the rats fed placebo diets. In animals given dietary beta-carotene, plasma beta-carotene levels were significantly reduced in the group fed corn oil compared to the group fed lard. Liver beta-carotene levels were higher in the groups fed corn oil. The results suggest that the type of dietary fat can significantly affect the circulating and tissue levels of beta-carotene.

Animals↗

Progesterone altered amino acid accumulation by human endometrium in vitro.

When human endometrium is exposed to progesterone, the rate of amino acid incorporation into its protein pool is altered. Accumulation into specific proteins has been evaluated by one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Comparison of steroid-exposed and nonexposed tissue has revealed a change in the rate of radiolabeled amino acid uptake into a few stained protein bands. To further characterize the effect of progesterone on endometrial protein metabolism, we have examined the one-dimensional electrophoretic band that undergoes the greatest change in leucine accumulation using two-dimensional gel and monoclonal antibody technologies. The band of interest results from altered amino acid uptake into a single protein spot on two-dimensional gels. This particular protein has an approximate size of 50 kDa and pI of 5.8. It exists in a monomeric form under nondenaturing conditions. During organ culture of proliferative endometrium exposed to 0.1 micrograms/ml progesterone, there is a sixfold increase in the rate of methionine uptake into this protein. The rate of amino acid accumulation is maximal after 24 h of culture in medium containing progesterone. Partial purification provided a product enriched 120-fold for this specific protein and facilitated development of a monoclonal antibody that was used to identify the protein in several human tissues besides endometrium. Antibody-antigen complex could not be detected in medium from secretory endometrium, suggesting that this protein resides in the cytosol without being secreted by the tissue.

Adult↗

Diagnosis and resection of an oral contraceptive-suppressible Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor with preservation of fertility and a 7-year follow-up.

A 21-year-old white woman presented with virilization, hirsutism, and acne of 1.5 years' duration. Endocrine testing demonstrated complete suppression of serum testosterone, from 5.3 to 0.6 ng/mL, and serum androstenedione, from 4.7 to 1.7 ng/mL, after oral administration of 50 micrograms of mestranol and 1 mg of norethindrone for 21 days. No suppression of either steroid was produced by dexamethasone, whereas serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was suppressed from 5.2 to 1.9 micrograms/mL. A left salpingo-oophorectomy was performed for a 3 x 4-cm Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor of intermediate differentiation. Intraoperative studies demonstrated that the tumor secreted testosterone, androstenedione, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, and estradiol, but not dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. These findings support the thesis that hormonal manipulation tests cannot differentiate between adrenal and ovarian virilizing tumors. Nor does the oral contraceptive suppression of testosterone secretion exclude an ovarian malignancy. The patient remains free of recurrence after 7 years.

Adult↗

Human monocytes generate basophil histamine-releasing activities.

Human peripheral blood monocytes generated activities during 24-h culture that were capable of triggering histamine release from 17 of 18 human basophil donors. Monocytes and their in vitro transformed macrophages continued to elaborate these basophil histamine-releasing activities for at least 3 wk in culture. In the 18 basophil donors tested, maximum histamine release induced by monocyte supernatants was 33.8 +/- 5.9% (mean +/- SEM) of total basophil histamine content; optimum anti-IgE-induced release was 38.8 +/- 6.2%. Basophil histamine release in response to monocyte activities was optimal at 37 degrees C and at calcium concentrations of 2 to 5 mM. Release was greater than 90% complete 1 min after challenge and was inhibited by anti-allergic drugs. The mechanism of release appeared to be independent of IgE binding. Gel filtration of supernatants derived from both day 1 (monocyte stage) and day 14 (macrophage stage) cultures demonstrated activity peaks with approximate m.w. of 12,000 and 30,000. In contrast to the marked responsiveness of basophils, only 2 of 10 human lung mast cell preparations responded; release in those preparations was low: 3% and 13% histamine release, respectively. Thus, monocytes produce potent histamine-releasing activities with differential actions on basophils and mast cells.

Basophils↗

Freezing of mammalian embryos without the aid of a programmable freezer.

A simple, inexpensive and repeatable method of freezing/thawing (F/T) mammalian concepti was developed with the use of 2-cell mouse embryos. Cryoprotectants, length of exposure to protectants, and subzero holding times before liquid nitrogen (LN2) exposure were examined in an effort to obtain an effective freezing protocol. Sequential examination of these variables provided data suggesting that 3.5 M dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) plus 0.25 M sucrose exposure for 5 minutes at room temperature, followed by a -30 degrees C environment for 90 minutes, best prepared embryos for LN2 storage. After thawing and culture, 48 of the 93 (52%) embryos developed to the blastocyst stage.

Animals↗

Improved cryopreserved semen fecundability in an alternating fresh-frozen artificial insemination program.

This study with glycerol and increased number of motile sperm inseminated showed an increase in f to 10.4% for frozen semen and 27.4% for fresh semen. There is a significant (P less than 0.01) difference in pregnancy rate when greater than 100 million motile sperm are inseminated (31.3%) than when less than that number are inseminated (11.9%) in the first cycle when frozen semen is used.

Female↗

Concentrations of isotretinoin and the arotinoid Ro 15-0778 in plasma and tissues of hamsters and rats.

The arotinoid Ro 15-0778 is a potent inhibitor of sebum secretion in rodents but not in humans, while isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid, Accutane) inhibits sebum secretion in rodents and humans. The concentrations of Ro 15-0778 and isotretinoin were determined in plasma and target tissues of castrated, testosterone-stimulated hamsters after oral and topical dosing and in castrated, testosterone-stimulated rats after oral dosing. Comparison of this concentration data to that obtained in the plasma and sebum of humans after dosing with Ro 15-0778 and with isotretinoin did not explain why Ro 15-0778 was a potent inhibitor of sebum production in rodents but not in humans.

Administration, Oral↗

Treatment of dysmenorrhoea and premenstrual syndrome with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The menstrual cycle is associated with 2 potentially incapacitating events: dysmenorrhoea and premenstrual syndrome. Although substantial evidence has accumulated to indicate that excessive endometrial production of prostaglandin F2 alpha is the major underlying cause of painful menstruation, correspondingly little is currently known about the basic aetiology of the premenstrual syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been used to alleviate the discomfort of both entities, and while these agents have come to assume a primary role in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, a body of evidence substantiating their efficacy in premenstrual syndrome has yet to be developed.

Adult↗