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Methods and Findings in Experimental... Sep 2008Acanthus montanus T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) possesses several medicinal properties; it is used in Cameroon as a folk medicine to treat pain, inflammation and threatened...
Acanthus montanus T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) possesses several medicinal properties; it is used in Cameroon as a folk medicine to treat pain, inflammation and threatened abortion. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of A. montanus aqueous extract on the estrous cycle pre- and postimplantation in rats and its mechanism of action. The estrous cycles of Wistar rats were monitored before, during and after oral administration of distilled water (control) or aqueous extract (62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1000 mg/kg/day). Furthermore, pregnant rats received the above doses of aqueous extract on days 1-6 (preimplantation) or 6-15 (postimplantation) of gestation and were sacrificed on day 8 or 20 of pregnancy, respectively. Moreover, aqueous extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg/day) was given to ovariectomized rats in the presence or absence of exogenously administered estrogen and/or progesterone and uterine weight and deciduoma count were evaluated. The extract, irrespective of dose, reversibly prolonged the metestrous and occasionally the diestrous stages of the estrous cycle. The extract did not alter the uterine wet weight or deciduoma count, suggesting a lack of estrogenic and progestational effects. At 1000 mg/kg/day, the extract caused appreciable preimplantation losses of 36.8 +/- 6.5% (P < 0.05), while none of the doses caused postimplantation losses. The extract also caused delayed fetal growth.
Topics: Acanthaceae; Animals; Blastocyst; Cameroon; Contraceptive Agents; Deciduoma; Diestrus; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Embryo Implantation; Embryo Loss; Estradiol; Female; Medicine, African Traditional; Metestrus; Ovariectomy; Plant Extracts; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Teratogens; Uterus; Water
PubMed: 18985180
DOI: 10.1358/mf.2008.30.7.1254614 -
Biology of Reproduction Apr 2007Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are the most abundant lymphocytes in the uterus during early pregnancy and play a role in spiral arteriole modifications. In the...
Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are the most abundant lymphocytes in the uterus during early pregnancy and play a role in spiral arteriole modifications. In the present study, we investigated whether uNK cell populations differed between mouse decidua and deciduoma. Histochemical staining using the Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) lectin was used to identify uNK cells and classify their stages of maturation. We found differences in the pattern of localization and density of uNK cells between the decidua and deciduoma at Days 2-4 after the onset of decidualization. The cells were more distributed and the densities were significantly greater in the mesometrial region of the decidua than in the deciduoma. Using double-labeling for DBA lectin binding and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, we found that the higher number of uNK cells in the decidua was not due to an increase in uNK cell proliferation. Western blot analyses revealed that the increase in uNK cell number was accompanied by significant increases in the levels of interferon gamma (IFNG) and prointerleukin 18 when a conceptus was present. Vascular morphometry revealed that modifications of the spiral arterioles occurred in the mesometrial decidua but not in the deciduoma, which could be attributed to the differences observed in uNK cell number and IFNG production. The present study demonstrates that differences exist in uNK cell populations between the decidua and deciduoma, providing evidence that the conceptus generates signals that regulate uNK cell number and function in the uterus during implantation.
Topics: Animals; Cell Count; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Embryo Implantation; Embryo, Mammalian; Female; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-15; Interleukin-18; Killer Cells, Natural; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Models, Biological; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Uterus
PubMed: 17151350
DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.056630 -
Biology of Reproduction Jul 2013Embryo implantation in the uterus depends on decidualization of the endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), and glucose utilization via the pentose phosphate pathway is...
Embryo implantation in the uterus depends on decidualization of the endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), and glucose utilization via the pentose phosphate pathway is critical in this process. We hypothesized that the amino sugar glucosamine may block the pentose phosphate pathway via inhibition of the rate-limiting enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in ESCs and therefore impair decidualization and embryo implantation, thus preventing pregnancy. Both human primary and immortalized ESCs were decidualized in vitro in the presence of 0, 2.5, or 5 mM glucosamine for 9 days. Viability assays demonstrated that glucosamine was well tolerated by human ESCs. Exposure of human ESCs to glucosamine resulted in significant decreases in the activity and expression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and in the mRNA expression of the decidual markers prolactin, somatostatin, interleukin-15, and left-right determination factor 2. In mouse ESCs, expression of the decidual marker Prp decreased upon addition of glucosamine. In comparison with control mice, glucosamine-treated mice showed weak artificial deciduoma formation along the stimulated uterine horn. In a complementary in vivo experiment, a 60-day-release glucosamine (15, 150, or 1500 μg) or placebo pellet was implanted in a single uterine horn of mice. Mice with a glucosamine pellet delivered fewer live pups per litter than those with a control pellet, and pup number returned to normal after the end of the pellet-active period. In conclusion, glucosamine is a nonhormonal inhibitor of decidualization of both human and mouse ESCs and of pregnancy in mice. Our data indicate the potential for development of glucosamine as a novel, reversible, nonhormonal contraceptive.
Topics: Animals; Contraceptive Agents; Endometrium; Female; Glucosamine; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase; Humans; Litter Size; Mice; Pregnancy; Stromal Cells
PubMed: 23718985
DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.108571 -
Pharmacognosy Research May 2010Women experience menopause differently across the world, in terms of their symptomology. Many experience symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, joint pain and loss of...
Women experience menopause differently across the world, in terms of their symptomology. Many experience symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, joint pain and loss of libido. Estrogen replacement is the prescribed therapy for most of the sexual dysfunction observed in menopausal women. Many women are reluctant to use exogenous hormone therapy for treatment of menopausal symptoms and are turning to botanical and dietary supplements for relief. In the present study IND-HE (friedelin rich fraction) was studied for estrogenic activity as well as its effect on sexual behavior in overiectomized female Wistar rats.The rats were divided into 4 groups of six rats each. The Group 1 received distilled water, Group II - IND-HE (75 mg/kg p. o.), Group III - IND-HE (100 mg/kg p. o.) and Group IV received estrogen (estradiol) (1 mg/kg in olive oil suspension, s.c. bi-weekly). The treatment period was 8 weeks. On 1 day, one month and two month of treatment the sexual behavior was studied. At the end of the treatment the blood was withdrawn from retro-orbital plexus. The animals were sacrificed and uterus was removed, weighed and histology was studied. In different group of rats estrous cycle was studied which indicate estrogenic activity and for progestogenic activity of deciduoma formation was studied.The result indicated that IND-HE (75 and 100 mg/kg p.o.) improved sexual behavior parameters. IND-HE (75 and 100) significantly (P< 0.01) decreased darting and hopping latency. The darting frequency and hopping frequency was significantly (P< 0.01) improved in IND-HE (75 and100 mg/kg p.o.) as well as estrogen group. Lordosis interval (LI) was increased significantly in estrogen group after 1(st) month (P< 0.05), and after 2(nd) month (P< 0.01). IND-HE (100) treatment showed increase in LI after 1(st) month (P< 0.05) remained during 2(nd) month (P< 0.01). While IND-HE (75) treatment increased LI only after 2(nd) month (P< 0.05).IND-HE (75 and 100 mg/kg p.o.) showed estrogenic activity as indicated by vaginal cornification, increase in uterine weight and rise in serum estrogen.
PubMed: 21808556
DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.65507 -
BMJ Case Reports Jul 2019We describe a case of a deciduoid mesothelioma, a rare variant of epithelioid mesothelioma, which is associated with a very poor prognosis. A review of the relevant...
We describe a case of a deciduoid mesothelioma, a rare variant of epithelioid mesothelioma, which is associated with a very poor prognosis. A review of the relevant literature is also included. The patient was a man with probable asbestos exposure and presented with classic features of pleural malignancy. Diagnosis was reached with close correlation between clinical, radiological and pathological findings.
Topics: Aged; Asbestos; Deciduoma; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Palliative Care; Pleural Neoplasms; Prognosis; Thoracoscopy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 31289169
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-229945 -
Biology of Reproduction Feb 2014Embryo implantation and development requires the endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) to undergo decidualization. This differentiation process requires glucose utilization,...
Embryo implantation and development requires the endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) to undergo decidualization. This differentiation process requires glucose utilization, and blockade of the pentose phosphate pathway inhibits decidualization of ESCs both in vitro and in vivo. Glucose and fatty acids are energy substrates for many cell types, and fatty acid beta-oxidation is critical for embryo implantation. Here, we investigated whether beta-oxidation is required for decidualization of ESCs. As assessed by marker gene expression, decidualization of human primary ESCs was blocked by reducing activity of carnitine calmitoyltransferase I, the rate-limiting enzyme in beta-oxidation, either by short hairpin RNA-mediated silencing or by treatment with the inhibitor etomoxir. Ranolazine (RAN), a partial beta-oxidation inhibitor, blocked early decidualization of a human ESC line. However, decidualization resumed after several days, most likely due to a compensatory up-regulation of GLUT1 expression and an increase in glucose metabolism. Simultaneous inhibition of the beta-oxidation pathway with RAN and the pentose phosphate pathway with glucosamine (GlcN) impaired in vitro decidualization of human ESCs more strongly than inhibition of either pathway alone. These findings were confirmed in murine ESCs in vitro, and exposure to RAN plus GlcN inhibited decidualization in vivo in a deciduoma model. Finally, intrauterine implantation of time-release RAN and GlcN pellets reduced pup number. Importantly, pup number returned to normal after the end of the pellet-active period. This work indicates that both fatty acids and glucose metabolism pathways are important for ESC decidualization, and suggests novel pathways to target for the design of future nonhormonal contraceptives.
Topics: Animals; Cells, Cultured; Decidua; Endometrium; Fatty Acids; Female; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Male; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Oxidation-Reduction; Stromal Cells
PubMed: 24403548
DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.113217 -
The American Journal of Pathology Dec 1988Two different hormonal regimens to induce pseudopregnancy resulted in a pronounced increase in the susceptibility of the murine uterus to intraluminal injections of...
Two different hormonal regimens to induce pseudopregnancy resulted in a pronounced increase in the susceptibility of the murine uterus to intraluminal injections of Listeria monocytogenes. Preimmunization, which profoundly augments systemic listeria resistance, had no effect on this increased uterine susceptibility. Anti-listerial responses in other organs were unaffected by pseudopregnancy. Animals manifesting increased susceptibility formed distinct uterine swellings in response to the combination of hormones and uterine listeria. These swellings correspond to previously described deciduoma and closely mimic the decidualized endometrium of pregnancy. The nature of the defective response to listeria was investigated by immunocytochemistry. Increased bacterial titers were correlated with an inability of macrophages and T lymphocytes to reach tissue listeria in discrete regions of deciduoma-bearing uteri. Control uteri showed a normal granulomatous pattern of inflammation. These findings closely parallel previous findings in the murine decidua basalis and suggest that properties of decidualized endometrial stromal cells regulate local immune responsiveness.
Topics: Animals; Decidua; Female; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Immunohistochemistry; Listeria monocytogenes; Listeriosis; Macrophages; Mice; Pseudopregnancy; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 3144175
DOI: No ID Found -
Cell and Tissue Research Jun 2011Tumor necrosis factor receptor subfamily 9 (TNFRSF9) plays a potentially important general role in immune function. Tnfrsf9 gene expression has previously been...
Tumor necrosis factor receptor subfamily 9 (TNFRSF9) plays a potentially important general role in immune function. Tnfrsf9 gene expression has previously been characterized in late pregnant mouse uterus and placenta. However, little is known about its expression in the uterus during the implantation phase of early pregnancy. We have assessed the levels and localization of Tnfrsf9 expression in the mouse uterus and conceptus during implantation. Relative Tnfrsf9 mRNA levels were significantly higher in implantation than in non-implantation site tissue on days 6.5-8.5 of pregnancy. This increase did not depend on the presence of the conceptus, as mRNA levels were not significantly different between pregnant implantation sites and artificially induced deciduomas. Localization by in situ hybridization revealed a subpopulation of endothelial and uterine natural killer cells expressing Tnfrsf9 in the endometrium during implantation. In the developing conceptus, primary trophoblast giant and ectoplacental cells expressed Tnfrsf9 on days 6.5-8.5, followed by expression in the trophoblast giant cell layers surrounding the conceptus on day 9.5 of pregnancy. Two main splice forms of Tnfrsf9 mRNA exist and encode proteins with distinct biological functions; both mRNA splice forms were present in uterine and conceptus tissues as determined by reverse transcription with the polymerase chain reaction. Thus, both membrane and soluble forms of Tnfrsf9 are expressed in specific cell types of the uterus and conceptus during the progression of implantation in mice and possibly have an important function in this process.
Topics: Animals; Decidua; Embryo Implantation; Female; Gene Expression; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Pregnancy; RNA, Messenger; Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9; Uterus
PubMed: 21560035
DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1171-0 -
The Anatomical Record Mar 1996A decidual cell reaction can be induced in rodent endometrium by an intrauterine injection of oil. The epithelial lining is thought to be instrumental to transduce...
BACKGROUND
A decidual cell reaction can be induced in rodent endometrium by an intrauterine injection of oil. The epithelial lining is thought to be instrumental to transduce intralumenal stimuli for decidualization. One of the consequences of oil injection is the death of uterine epithelial cells. No information is available on the effect that sustained contact with oil has on the epithelium.
METHODS
A decidual cell reaction was induced in 4-day pseudopregnant mice by injection of 30 microliters of arachis oil into the uterine lumen. Samples from the uteri were collected 24, 48, and 72 h after the injection and prepared for transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS
Twenty-four hours after the oil injection, some of the initial modifications of epithelial cell surfaces were very similar to those induced by the contact with the blastocyst during normal pregnancy. Uterine epithelial cells internalized injected oil and many cells were seen in various stages of degeneration. At 48 h, many epithelial cells were detached from the basal lamina. At 72 h, the uterine lining was re-established by flattened cells.
CONCLUSIONS
The contact of oil with the uterine epithelium of pseudo pregnant mice induces epithelial cell death in the antimesometrial region of the uterine crypt. There is, however, replacement of epithelial lining by epithelial cells, which probably migrate from the mesometrial region of the crypt. The prolonged presence of oil within the uterine lumen seems to induce cycles of epithelial cell death and replacement.
Topics: Animals; Cell Death; Cell Division; Decidua; Endometrium; Female; Mice; Microscopy, Electron; Peanut Oil; Plant Oils; Pregnancy; Time Factors
PubMed: 8742697
DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0185(199603)244:3<316::AID-AR4>3.0.CO;2-W -
Veterinary Pathology Jul 2007The ovaries and uterus were collected after ovariohysterectomy from a 16-month-old Labrador bitch in diestrus that never mated. Discrete swellings were found in the...
The ovaries and uterus were collected after ovariohysterectomy from a 16-month-old Labrador bitch in diestrus that never mated. Discrete swellings were found in the uterine horns, with the macroscopic appearance of normal early pregnancy. At histologic examination, the endometrium, devoid of any conceptus and chorion, showed a marked proliferation, on the basis of which a diagnosis of deciduoma was made. A remarkable population of stromal eosinophilic granular lymphocytes was present, especially in the axis of the endometrial folds. Periodic acid-Schiff and Dolichos biflorus-lectin histochemical reaction and a panel of 10 immunohistochemical markers were used to characterize eosinophilic granular cells. Our findings allowed us to compare these granular cells with the granulated decidual cells, whose presence was until now described only in primates, rodents, or a few other epitheliochorial species. On the basis of our results, the importance of eosinophilic granular cells in a decidualization process is hypothesized to occur also in the bitch.
Topics: Animals; Deciduoma; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Immunohistochemistry; Lymphocytes
PubMed: 17606515
DOI: 10.1354/vp.44-4-521