Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Progestational hormones'

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2004.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Although the progestins medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and norethisterone acetate (NET-A) are widely used in reproductive therapy, the steroid receptors and their target genes involved in the actions of MPA and NET-A are not well understood. Surprisingly, it had not yet been investigated whether doses of MPA and NET-A used for contraception and HRT cause significant side effects through various target genes via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In this thesis results of in vitro studies showed that, MPA, like dexamethasone (dex) and prog, significantly repressed tumour necrosis factor (TN F)-stimulated IL-6 protein production, and IL-6 and IL-8 promoter reporter constructs at the transcriptional level in L929sA cells, via interference with nuclear factor KB (NFKB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factors. Like dex and prog, MPA did not affect NFKB DNA-binding activity. Furthermore, unlike dex and prog, MPA did not inhibit mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. The antagonistic effects of the GR and progesterone receptor (PR) antagonist, RU486, as well as the MPAinduced nuclear translocation of the GR, strongly suggest that the actions of MPA in these cells are mediated at least in part via the GR. Although the mechanism was not investigated as extensively as for MPA, NET-A was shown to repress IL-8 promoter reporter activity very weakly relative to dex, MPA and prog in Hek293 cells stably transfected with the rat GR. Furthermore, NET-A, like MPA, dex and prog did not interfere with the DNA-binding activity of NFKB. Significant transactivation of a GRE-driven promoter reporter construct by MPA and dex in L929sA via endogenous GR and COS-1 cells via expressed rat GR, and by MPA, dex and prog in Hek293 cells via expressed rat GR was also observed. In contrast, NET-A, unlike MPA, dex and prog showed no transactivation in Hek293 cells. MPA, NET-A and prog were shown to compete with dex for binding to the endogenous human GR in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Similarly, MPA and NET-A were shown to compete with dex for binding to expressed rat GR in COS-1 cells. MPA displayed a higher relative binding affinity than NET-A for the GR in both systems, and a higher relative binding affinity than prog in A549 cells. Equilibrium dissociation constants (Ki values) for MPA (Ki = 10.8 ± 1.1 nM), NET-A (Ki = 270 ± 1.3 nM) and prog (Ki = 215 ± 1.1 nM) towards the human GR in A549 cells were also established. Furthermore, dose-response curves showed that MPA displays significantly greater GC agonist potency and efficacy than NET-A and prog for both transactivation of a synthetic GRE-reporter construct and transrepression of a synthetic IL-8 reporter construct via expressed rat GR in Hek293 cells, as NET-A showed no transactivation and very weak partial agonist activity for transrepression. Based on these observations, MPA behaves as a GR agonist whereas NET-A is proposed to be a weak antagonist. These results show that MPA and NET-A are not alike and not the same as prog in their mechanism of action via the GR, which may have serious health implications in vivo. Such insights may provide women and their clinicians with more information to facilitate the selection of contraception or reproductive therapy regimes with fewer side effects.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Alhoewel MPA en NET-A algemeen gebruik word in hormoontherapie, is dit nie duidelik watter steroïedreseptore en teikengene betrokke is by die werking van MPA en NET-A nie. Verrassend is dat geen studie nog gedoen is om te bepaal of die dosisse van MPA en NET-A wat gebruik word in voorbehoeding en hormoonvervangingsterapie (HVT), newe-effekte veroorsaak deur die glukokortikoïedreseptor (GR) en verskeie teikengene nie. In hierdie tesis is in L929sA selle aangetoon dat MPA, net soos deksametasoon (dex) en prog, TNF-gestimuleerde IL-6 produksie onderdruk, en dat IL-6 en IL-8 promoter-rapporteerderkonstrukte op transkripsionele vlak onderdruk word deur middel van inmenging met NF-KB en AP-1 transkripsie-faktore. Net soos dex en prog het MPA nie die DNA-bindingsaktiwiteit van NF-KB beïnvloed nie. Anders as dex en prog het MPA egter nie MAPK aktiwiteit onderdruk nie. Die antagonistiese effekte van RU486, asook die MPA-geïnduseerde translokasie van die GR na die selkern, dui sterk daarop dat die effekte van MPA in hierdie selle ten minste gedeeltelik deur die GR geskied. Alhoewel die meganisme vir NET -A nie so breedvoerig bestudeer is as dié van MPA nie, is tog aangetoon dat, in Hek293 selle wat stabiel getransfekteer is met die rot GR, die onderdrukking van die IL-8 promoter deur NET-A baie swakker is as met dex, prog en MPA. Verder is daar ook gevind dat NET-A, net soos MPA, dex en prog, nie kon inmeng met die DNA-bindingsaktiwiteit van NF-KB nie. Beduidende transaktivering van 'n GRE-bevattende promoterrapporteerderkonstruk deur MPA en dex in L929sA en COS-1 selle, en deur MPA, dex en prog in Hek293 selle, is ook gevind. Daarteenoor het NET-A, anders as MPA, dex en prog, geen transaktivering in Hek293 selle getoon nie. Verder moes die relatiewe bindingsaffiniteit (ewewigs-dissosiasiekonstantes) van MPA, NET-A en prog vir die GR, asook die relatiewe sterkte en effektiwiteit vir transaktivering en transonderdrukking van verskeie teikengene deur die GR, ook bepaal word. Daar is gevind dat MPA, NET-A en prog meeding met dex vir binding aan die endogene GR in mens longkarsinoom A549 selle. Soortgelyk hieraan is ook gevind dat MPA en NET-A meeding met dex vir binding aan rot GR wat in COS-1 selle uitgedruk is. MPA het in beide sisteme 'n hoër relatiewe bindingsaffiniteit vir die GR getoon as NET-A, asook 'n hoër relatiewe bindingsaffiniteit as prog in A549 selle. Ewewigs-dissosiasiekonstantes (Ki waardes) vir MPA (Ki = 10.8 ± 1.1 nM), NET- A (Ki = 270 ± 1.3 nM) en prog (Ki = 215 ± 1.1 nM) vir die mens GR in A549 selle is ook bereken. Dosisrespons-grafieke het ook aangedui dat MPA 'n beduidend beter GC sterkte en effektiwiteit as NET-A en prog het, vir beide transaktivering van 'n sintetiese GRE-rapporteerderkonstruk en transonderdrukking van 'n sintetiese IL-8 rapporteerderkonstruk via rot GR wat uitgedruk is in Hek293 selle. Dit kon afgelei word aangesien NET-A geen transaktivering en slegs baie swak gedeeltelike agonisaktiwiteit vir transonderdrukking getoon het. Op grond van hierdie waarnemings tree MPA op as 'n GR agonis, terwyl dit lyk asof NET-A 'n swak antagonis is. Hierdie resultate dui aan dat MPA en NET-A nie dieselfde is nie, en ook nie dieselfde meganisme van werking deur die GR het as prog nie. Dit kan ernstige gesondheidsimplikasies inhou in vivo. Hierdie insigte kan dus meer inligting aan vroue en kliniese personeel verskaf om sodoende die keuse van voorbehoeding of voortplantingsterapie met minder newe-effekte te vergemaklik.

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on March 10, 2010). The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file. Thesis advisor: Dr. David J. Patterson. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this thesis was to define the interactions of the androgen receptor (AR) with an analog of a non-steroidal plant compound, Compound A (CpdA), as well as two synthetic progestins, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and norethindrone acetate (NET-A). The data presented indicates that CpdA has antiandrogenic properties, as it represses androgen-induced activation of both specific and non-specific androgen-responsive reporter constructs. It was found that CpdA exerts these effects by a mechanism other than competition with androgen for binding to the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the receptor. On the other hand, it is demonstrated that both MPA and NET-A compete with androgen for binding to the AR and induce partial agonist activity via the receptor. Using mammalian two-hybrid assays it was revealed that CpdA, similar to anti-androgenic compounds that are able to compete with androgens for binding to the receptor, represses the androgen-induced interaction between the NH2- and COOH-terminals of the AR (N/C-interaction) without competing for binding to the LBD. Furthermore, it was shown that CpdA slightly represses the androgen-dependent recruitment of steroid receptor co-activator 1 (SRC1) to the activation function (AF2) domain of the AR. When the effects of MPA and NET-A on the N/C-interaction were studied, intriguing results were obtained. NET-A, as expected, induced this AR agonist-induced interaction. MPA, however, repressed this AR agonist-induced interaction, an effect previously associated with anti-androgenic activity, despite displaying partial agonist activity in transctivation experiments. On the other hand, both MPA and NET-A induced the interaction between SRC1 and the AF2 domain. In additional experiments with CpdA, it was found that CpdA did not affect the recruitment of SRC1 to the AF1 domain of the receptor; neither did it influence the constitutive activity of the NH2-terminal domain. The anti-androgenic activities of CpdA were confirmed by the toxic effect that this compound had on the androgen-dependent lymph node carcinoma of the prostate (LNCaP) cell-line as well as its ability to repress the androgen-induced expression of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) protein. Taken together, the results presented in this thesis, in combination with the knowledge available on AR function, contribute to an improved understanding of AR function. Furthermore, the importance of defining the precise mechanism by which individual compounds exert their effects is highlighted. In this regard it is demonstrated that two compounds (MPA and NET-A) that display partial agonist activity, can exert their effects via different mechanisms at the molecular level. Detecting such differences in the molecular mechanisms of action could facilitate the improved design of progestins as well as aid clinicians and their patients in selecting the best method of contraception. Lastly, the insights gained into the mechanisms of the anti-androgenic action of CpdA could be useful in therapeutic drug design for diseases, such as prostate cancer, that have an androgen-dependent etiology.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie tesis was om die interaksies van die androgeen reseptor (AR) met ‘n analoog van ‘n nie-steroiediese plant verbinding, Verbinding A (VbgA), sowel as met twee sintetiese progestogene, medroksiprogesteroon asetaat (MPA) en noretiendroon asetaat (NET-A), te definieer. Die data verskaf dui daarop dat VbgA anti-androgeniese eienskappe besit deurdat dit androgeen-gei'nduseerde aktivering van beide spesifieke- en nie-spesifieke androgeen-responsiewe rapporteerderkonstrukte onderdruk. VbgA veroorsaak hierdie effekte deur ‘n meganisme wat nie kompetisie met androgeen vir binding aan die ligand-bindingsdomein (LBD) van die reseptor behels nie. In teenstelling hiermee word getoon dat beide MPA en NET-A kompeteer met androgeen vir binding aan die AR en gedeeltelike agonistiese aktiwiteit induseer via hierdie reseptor. Deur gebruik to maak van ‘n soogdier twee-hibried essai word getoon dat VbgA, soos ander anti-androgeniese verbindings wat kompeteer met androgeen vir binding aan die reseptor, die androgeen-gei'nduseerde interaksies tussen die NH2- en COOH-terminale van die AR (N/C-interaksie) onderdruk, sonder om te kompeteer vir binding aan die LBD. Daarby is dit bewys dat VbgA die androgeenafhanklike werwing van steroied reseptor ko-aktiveerde 1 (SRC1) na die aktiverings funksie (AF2) domein van die AR gedeeltelik onderdruk. Die studie van die effekte van MPA en NET-A op die N/C-interaksie het interessante resultate opgelewer. NETA, soos verwag, het hierdie AR agonis-gei'nduseerde interaksie geinduseer. MPA, aan die ander kant, het hierdie AR agonis-gei'nduseerde interaksie onderdruk, ‘n effek wat tevore met anti-androgeniese aktiwiteit geassosieer is, al het die transaktiveringseksperimente daarop gedui dat MPA ‘n AR agonis is. Aan die ander kant, het beide MPA en NET-A die interaksie tussen SRC1 en die AF2 domein geinduseer. In addisionele eksperimente met VbgA is gevind dat VbgA geen effek het op die werwing van SRC1 na die AF1 domein van die reseptor nie en ook geen invloed het op die konstitutiewe aktiwiteit van die NHh-terminaal domein nie. VbgA se antiandrogeniese eienskappe is bevestig deur die toksiese effekte op die androgeenafhanklike limfknoop karsinoom van die prostaat (LNCaP) sellyn sowel as deur sy vermoe om die androgen-gei'nduseerde uitdrukking van die prostaat spesifieke antigeen (PSA) protei'en te onderdruk. Die resultate aangebied in hierdie tesis, in kombinasie met die beskikbare kennis oor AR funksie, dra by tot ‘n verbeterde kennis van AR funksionering. Verder word die belang van die definiering van die meganisme waardeur individuele verbindings hulle effekte veroorsaak, getoon. In hierdie verband is getoon dat twee verbindings (MPA en NET-A), wat gedeeltelike agonistiese aktiwiteit besit, hulle effekte via verskillende meganismes op die molekulere vlak veroorsaak. Deur hierdie verskille in die molekulere meganismes van aksie uit te wys, kan beter progestogene ontwikkel word, en verder sal dit vir dokters en hul pasiente help om die beste voorbehoedmiddel te kies. Laastens, die insig wat verkry is ten opsigte van die meganismes van anti-androgeniese aktiwiteit van VbgA mag nuttig wees in die ontwerp van terapeutiese middels vir die behandeling van siektetoestande met androgeen-afhanklikke etiologie (bv. prostaatkanker).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2007.<br>Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes results of four studies conducted at the University of Oregon. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 221-244). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

Visando elevar a taxa de concepção das receptoras em programas de transferência de embriões (TE), pesquisadores têm buscado aumentar o perfil progesterônico visando aumentar a taxa de prenhez. Para isto, tem se utilizado fármacos, como anti-prostaglandínicos, progesterona, gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) e análogos do GnRH. Estes estudos vêm apresentando resultados de grande importância, uma vez que o aumento do perfil progesterônico torna possível diminuir o número de receptoras por embrião, minimizando os custos e com isso possibilitando uma maior difusão da técnica de TE. Neste estudo a hCG foi utilizada no intuito de melhorar as condições reprodutivas de fêmeas eqüinas candidatas a receptoras de embriões. As éguas foram divididas em três grupos: G 1 (n=28)- administração, IM, de 1 mL de solução fisiológica, quando o folículo atingiu diâmetro médio &ge; 35 mm; G 2 (n=28)- administração de 2.500 UI de hCG (Vetecor&reg;), IM, quando o folículo atingiu diâmetro médio &ge; 35 mm e G 3 (n=28)- administração de 2.500 UI de hCG (Vetecort&reg;), IM, no dia seguinte a ovulação (D1). Nos três grupos foram avaliadas, no D6, por palpação retal e/ou ultra-sonografia as seguintes características reprodutivas: tônus uterino e cervical, morfoecogenicidade uterina e luteal e diâmetro do corpo lúteo. De acordo com estes dados as fêmeas eqüinas foram ordenadas como de 1&ordf;, 2&ordf;, 3&ordf; ou 4&ordf; escolha, sendo as éguas que apresentaram as características reprodutivas desejadas em receptoras foram consideradas como de 1&ordf; escolha, e as que apresentaram as características menos desejadas como 4&ordf; escolha. As concentrações plasmáticas de progesterona foram mensuradas nos dias D0, D2, D4, D6 e D8. Foi encontrada maior concentração de progesterona plasmática nos grupos tratados (G2 e G3) em relação ao controle (G1) no dia da ovulação (D0), no D4 e na concentração média total dos dias [(D0+D2+D4+D6+D8)/5] (P&lt;0,05). O tônus cervical apresentou diferença entre os grupos (P&lt;0,05), sendo que o G3 foi o melhor grupo para essa categoria reprodutiva. A ordem de escolha da receptora diferiu (P&lt;0,05) entre os grupos, sendo que o G3 apresentou uma maior porcentagem de éguas classificadas como de 1&ordf; escolha. Constatou-se correlação positiva e moderada entre o tamanho do corpo lúteo e a produção de progesterona (r=0,41) (P&lt;0,05). Neste estudo pode-se concluir que: a hCG induz aumento na concentração plasmática de progesterona e eleva a porcentagem de receptoras aptas a receberem embriões; existe correlação entre o tamanho do corpo lúteo e a produção de progesterona; e a morfoecogenicidade do corpo lúteo não influencia na concentração plasmática de progesterona em fêmeas eqüinas.<br>To improve the conception rates of the recipients in embryo transfer (ET) programs, researchers have studied how to increase the progesteronic profile aiming to increase the pregnancy rate. This results were reached by exogenous administration of anti-prostaglandins, progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin (hCG) and analogs of the GnRH. These works had showed greater results, at once, the elevation of the progesteronic profile made possible the decrease in the number of recipients per embryo: reducing the costs and facilitating the diffusion of the ET technique. In this study, hCG was used in an attempt to improve the reproductive conditions of mare candidates to embryo recipients. The mares were located in three groups: G 1 (n=28) - administration IM of 1 mL of saline solution, when follicle reached mean diameter &ge; 35 mm; G 2 (n=28) - administration of 2.500 UI of hCG (Vetecort&reg;), IM, when follicle reached &ge; 35 mm mean diameter and G 3 (n=28) - administration of 2.500 UI of hCG (Vetecort&reg;), IM, on the following day of the ovulation (D1). Reproductive characteristics were assessed on the D6 by rectal palpation and/or ultrasonographic scanning: uterine and cervical tone, uterine and luteal morphoechogenicity and diameter of the corpus luteum. Based on the reproductive characteristics assessment, equine females were put into four classifications. The mares that had presented the most desirable reproductive characteristics were the 1st classification, and the ones that had presented the worst desired characteristics were the 4th choice. The plasmatic concentrations of progesterone were measured out on the days D0, D2, D4, D6 and D8. Higher plasmatic progesterone concentration was found in G2 and G3 on the day of the ovulation (D0), and on D4 (p&lt;0.05). In addition, higher plasmatic progesterone mean concentration was found for days D0, D2, D4, D6 and D8 (p&lt;0.05). Cervical tone presented difference among the groups (p&lt;0.05) in which the G3 was the best group for this reproductive characteristic. The order of choice of the recipients differed (p&lt;0.05) among the groups. The G3 showed a higher percentage of mares in the 1st choice classification. Positive and moderate correlation was evidenced between the size of the corpus luteum and the production of progesterone (r=0.41) (p&lt;0.05). In this study, it can be concluded that: hCG induces an increase in the plasmatic concentration of progesterone and raises the number of mares with the capacity to receive embryos; correlation exists between the size of the corpus luteum and the production of progesterone; and the morphoechogenicity of the corpus luteum does not influence the plasmatic concentration of progesterone in mares.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and norethisterone (NET) and its derivatives (norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN); norethisterone acetate (NET-A)), designed to mimic the actions of the endogenous hormone progesterone (Prog), are extensively used by women as contraceptives and in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A number of reports have indicated that these synthetic progestins affect immune function in the female genital tract thereby increasing the risk of acquiring sexual transmitted infections. Despite these findings, very little is known about their mechanism of action at the cellular level, in particular their steroid receptor-mediated effects on cytokine gene expression. In the first part of this thesis, the effect of Prog, MPA and NET-A on the expression of the endogenous pro-inflammatory cytokine gene, interleukin (IL)-12p40, and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene, IL-10, was investigated in a human ectocervical epithelial cell line, Ect1/E6E7. Quantitative realtime PCR (qPCR) showed that all three ligands significantly upregulated the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF )-induced IL-12p40 gene expression, while IL-10 gene expression was downregulated. Moreover, by reducing the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels with siRNA, these effects were shown to be mediated by the GR. A more detailed investigation into the molecular mechanism of the progestogen-induced upregulation of IL-12p40 gene expression, using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), siRNA, co-immunoprecipitation and re-ChIP analyses, showed that the progestogen-bound GR is recruited to the CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)- regulatory element of the IL-12p40 promoter, most likely via an interaction with the transcription factor C/EBP . Similar experiments for the progestogen-induced downregulation of IL-10 gene expression showed that the progestogen-bound GR is recruited to the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 regulatory element of the IL-10 promoter, most likely via an interaction with the transcription factor STAT-3. The second part of this study elucidated the influence of the HIV-1 accessory viral protein R (Vpr) on progestogen-induced regulation of IL-12p40, IL-12p35 and IL-10 in the Ect1/E6E7 cell line. Results showed that in these cells, the overexpression of Vpr significantly modulated the effects of Prog, MPA and NET-A on the mRNA expression of IL- 12p40 and IL-10, while only the NET-A effect was modulated on IL-12p35. Moreover, reducing the GR protein levels by siRNA suggested that the GR is required by Vpr to mediate its effects. Taken together, these results show that Prog, MPA and NET-A promote the pro-inflammatory milieu in the ectocervical environment, and that during HIV-1 infections, this milieu is modulated. Furthermore, the results suggest that the use of MPA or NET in vivo may cause chronic inflammation of the ectocervical environment, which may have important implications for ectocervical immune function, and hence susceptibility to infections such as HIV-1.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Medroksieprogesteroon asetaat (MPA), noretisteroon (NET) en derivate daarvan noretisteroon enantaat (NET-EN); noretisteroon asetaat (NET-A), ontwerp om die funksies van die natuurlike hormone progesteroon (Prog) na te boots, word wêreldwyd deur vroue as voorbehoedmiddels sowel as vir hormoon vervangingsterapie (HVT) gebruik. Daar is verskeie aanduidings dat hierdie sintetiese progestiene die immuunfunksie in die vroulike geslagskanaal kan beïnvloed en ook die moontlike vatbaarheid van seksueel oordraagbare infeksies kan verhoog. Ten spyte hiervan, is baie min bekend oor hulle meganisme van werking op ‘n molekulêre vlak, veral in die besonder hul effek op sitokinien geenuitdrukking. Die effek van Prog, MPA en NET-A op die geenuitdrukking van ’n endogene pro-inflammatoriese sitokinien, interleukin (IL)-12, en ’n anti-inflammatoriese sitokinien, IL-10, asook die onderliggend meganisme van werking, in ’n menslike ektoservikale sellyn, Ect1/E6E7, is in die eerste deel van hierdie studie ondersoek. Kwantitatiewe “realtime” polimerisasie ketting reaksie (PKR) het getoon dat al drie die ligande die tumor nekrosis faktor alfa (TNF- )-geïnduseerde IL-12p40 geenuitdrukking opreguleer en IL-10 geenuitdrukking onderdruk. Verder is gevind dat induksie van IL-12p40 en inhibisie van IL-10 deur Prog, MPA en NET-A deur die glukokortikoïed reseptor (GR) gedryf word, aangesien volledige opheffing van die effekte op hierdie sitokinien gene waargeneem is wanneer die GR proteïen vlakke deur middel van kort inmengende ribonukleïensuur (siRNS) verminder is. 'n Meer beskrywende ondersoek in die molekulêre meganisme is uitgevoer deur gebruik te maak van chromatien immunopresipitasie (ChIP), siRNS, mede-immunopresipitasie en her-ChIP analises. Hierdie resultate het voorgestel dat die progestogeen (Prog en die sintetiese progestiene)-gebonde GR tot die CCAAT verbeterende bindings protein (C/EBP)- regulatoriese element van die IL-12p40 promotor betrek word en dat die transkripsie faktor C/EBP benodig word om transkripsie van die IL-12p40 geen te aktiveer. Met betrekking tot IL-10, het die resultate voorgestel dat die progestogeen-gebonde GR tot die sein transduksie en aktiveerder van transkripsie (STAT)-3 regulatoriese element van die IL-10 promotor betrek word en dat die transkripsie faktor STAT-3 benodig word om transkripsie van die IL-10 geen te onderdruk. Die tweede deel van die studie het die invloed van die MIV-1 aksesorale virale proteïen R (Vpr) op sitokinien geenuitdrukking, spesifiek die progestogeen-geïnduseerde regulering van IL-12p40, IL-10 en IL-12p35, in die Ect1/E6E7 sellyn ondersoek. Resultate het getoon dat ooruitdrukking van Vpr in hierdie sellyn die effekte van Prog, MPA en NET-A op die mRNS uitdrukking van IL-12p40 en IL-10, en slegs die NET-A effek op IL-12p35, aansienlik moduleer. Vermindering van die GR proteïen vlakke deur middel van siRNS het getoon dat Vpr die GR benodig om hierdie veranderinge mee te bring. In samevatting, die resultate van hierdie proefskrif stel voor dat Prog, MPA en NET-A die pro-inflammatoriese milieu in die ektoservikale omgewing bevorder, en dat hierdie milieu gedurende MIV-1 infeksies verander. Verder, die resultate van hierdie studie impliseer dat die gebruik van MPA en NET in vivo nadelige lokale immuunonderdrukkende effekte mag hê wat kan lei tot kroniese inflammasie van die ektoservikale omgewing en ‘n moontlike verhoging in die vatbaarheid van infeksies soos MIV-1.

O estabelecimento e perfeito funcionamento da placenta são fatores dependentes da intensa vascularização ocorrida no órgão. Os processos de vasculogênese e angiogênese placentária são modulados por diversos fatores, incluindo o VEGF (fator de crescimento vascular endotelial) e bFGF (fator de crescimento fibroblástico básico). Apesar da importância do VEGF e bFGF durante a vascularização estar estabelecida, vários estudos indicam a participação desses fatores de crescimento como moduladores locais em outras funções fisiológicas, como por exemplo o controle da produção hormonal em tecidos esteroidogênicos. Animais clonados podem apresentar alterações na expressão de determinados genes durante seu desenvolvimento, o que pode alterar a função placentária. Os objetivos deste estudo são determinar a localização tecidual do VEGF, bFGF e seus receptores na placenta bovina e avaliar a influência destes fatores de crescimento sobre a produção de progesterona placentária em bovinos não clonados e clonados. Placentomas de 90, 150 e 210 dias de gestação foram obtidos em abatedouro e placentônios de gestações aos 270 dias provenientes de bovinos clonados e não clonados foram coletados após cesarianas. As amostras foram fixadas em formol tamponado 4%, desidratadas e incluídas em parafina. Cortes foram submetidos a imuno-histoquímica para posterior localização das proteínas do VEGF, bFGF e seus receptores. Sob condições assépticas, as células foram mecanicamente dispersas e cultivadas em placas de 96 cavidades. Os fatores foram adicionados em concentrações de 10 e 50 &#951;g/ml de bFGF e VEGF, respectivamente. Amostras de meio de cultura e as células dos grupos controle, bFGF, VEGF e VEGF mais bFGF foram coletadas 24, 48 e 96 horas após a adição dos fatores. A progesterona foi dosada por radioimunoensaio e o conteúdo protéico pelo método de Lowry. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se o programa estatístico SAS (Statistical Analysis System), as diferenças estatísticas encontradas foram comparadas pelo teste de variação múltipla de Duncan. O VEGF, bFGF e seus receptores foram localizados em células do epitélio e estroma maternos e fetais e células endoteliais vasculares em bovinos não clonados e clonados. As células placentárias apresentaram diferentes capacidades de síntese de progesterona ao longo da gestação. Aos 90 e 210 dias de gestação o VEGF estimulou a produção de progesterona, enquanto aos 270 dias de gestação o fator inibiu a produção deste hormônio. O bFGF estimulou a produção de progesterona pelas células placentárias aos 90 dias de gestação. A adição dos dois fatores de crescimento conjuntamente determinou um estímulo na produção de progesterona aos 210 dias de gestação. A produção de progesterona pelas células de bovinos clonados foi semelhante àquela observada em células de bovinos não clonados na mesma idade gestacional e os fatores de crescimento não influenciaram essa produção. Conclui-se que o VEGF e bFGF, atuando localmente no tecido placentário, funcionam como moduladores do processo de esteroidogênese, influenciando de maneira tempo-dependente a produção de progesterona deste órgão.<br>Placental establishment and function are dependent on intense vascularization. Placental vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are modulated by several factors, including VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor). Although the role of VEGF and bFGF during vascularization is already well established, some studies have indicated the participation of these growth factors as local modulators in other physiological functions, such as control of hormonal production in steroidogenic tissues. Cloned animals may exhibit alterations in gene expression during development modifying placental function. The aims of this study are to determine the tissue localization of VEGF, bFGF and their receptors in the bovine placenta and to evaluate the influence of bFGF and VEGF on placental progesterone production in non-cloned and cloned bovines. Placentomes from days 90, 150 and 210 of pregnancy were obtained at local slaughterhouse and placentomes from cloned and non-cloned gestations at 270 days were obtained after cesarean sections. Samples were fixed in 4% buffered formol solution, dehydrated and included in paraffin. Sections were subimitted to immunohistochemistry for subsequent localization of VEGF, bFGF and their receptors proteins. Under aseptic conditions, cells were mechanically dispersed and then cultivated in a 96-well plate. Growth factors were added at concentrations of 10 and 50 &#951;g/ml for bFGF and VEGF, respectively. Samples of culture medium and cells from control, bFGF, VEGF and bFGF plus VEGF groups were collected 24, 48 and 96 hours after growth factor addition. Progesterone concentrations were assessed by radioimmunoassay and protein content was measured by Lowry?s method. Data were analyzed by SAS (Statistical Analysis System) program, significant differences were compared by Duncan?s range multiple test. VEGF, bFGF and their receptors were localized in maternal and fetal epithelial and stromal cells and vascular endothelial cells during pregnancy in non-cloned animals and in cloned bovine placenta at 270 days of pregnancy. Bovine placental cells were able to produce different amounts of progesterone during pregnancy. Growth factors were able to influence progesterone production in placental cells only after 24 hours in culture. At 90 and 210 days of pregnancy VEGF stimulated progesterone production, while at 270 days of pregnancy the growth factor inhibited production of this hormone. bFGF stimulated progesterone production in placental cells from 90 days of pregnancy. Both growth factors together determined an increase in progesterone production in placental cells from 210 days of pregnancy. Progesterone production in placental cells from cloned cattle is similar when compared with non-cloned placental cells at the same gestational age and growth factors did not influence progesterone production in these cells. VEGF and bFGF, acting locally in the placental tissue, are modulators of the steroidogenic process, influencing in a time-dependent manner the progesterone production in this organ.

O corpo lúteo é uma glândula endócrina temporária que regula tanto o ciclo estral quanto a prenhez, apresentando extrema dependência de aporte sanguíneo adequado. O tratamento superovulatório aumenta a concentração sérica de progesterona (P4) e conseqüentemente as taxas de concepção e de prenhez. Esse trabalho objetivou quantificar a vascularização dos corpora lútea (CLL) de animais controle e superovulados, correlacionando-a com a P4 sérica e expressão de VEGF e seus receptores. Foram utilizadas 30 búfalas, cujos CLL foram divididos em cinco grupos: superovulados (receberam 400 mg de FSH divididos em doses diárias decrescentes: 80 mg, 60 mg, 40 mg e 20mg a cada 12 horas durante 4 dias), corpos hemorrágicos (CH), corpo lúteo maduro (CL), CL em regressão (CR) e corpo albicans (CA), que não receberam nenhum tratamento. Três CLL de cada grupo foram fixados em formol tamponado para quantificação da densidade vascular e imunolocalização de VEGF, VEGFR-1 e VEGFR-2. Os três restantes foram injetados com resina Mercox para análise da microvascularização. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas e a P4 mensurada através de RIA convencional. A densidade capilar média encontrada foi de 37,78 ± 8,89; 17,8 ± 3,33; 11,92 ± 3,57; 10,83 ± 2,42 e 3,46 ± 1,66 vasos/ mm2 respectivamente para os cinco grupos, indicando maior vascularização (p<0,001) para o grupo superovulado. A microvasculatura apresentou comportamento semelhante para ambos os grupos, revelando apenas maior densidade da rede capilar dos CLL de animais superovulados, o que se refletiu nos valores séricos de progesterona que foram significativamente maiores (p<0,05) para estes animais, com concentração média de 5,58 ( 0,97ng/ml vs 2,02 ( 0,16 ng/ml para os animais controle na mesma fase. O VEGF, bem como seus receptores (VEGFR-1 e VEGFR-2) foram encontrados imunohistoquimicamente no CLL de búfalas. A imunoreatividade para o VEGF e receptores, pode ser observada nas células endoteliais e luteínicas a partir do 2° dia após a ovulação (p.o.) até a fase de corpo lúteo em regressão (17° dia p.o.), com forte reação nas fase luteínicas inicial e média. A imunoreatividade foi mais intensa nos animais submetidos a superovulação.<br>Corpus luteum is a temporary organ, which regulates the estrous cycle and pregnancy; it is extremely dependent on vascularization. During corpus luteum life span P4 production is associated with an increase of capillary number known as angiogenesis. The angiogenic process is modulated by many factors, including VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which is considered the most important of them. Hyperstimulation of ovarian function, a largely spread technique employed in cattle raising, is associated with high levels of estradiol and P4, as well as an increase of capillary invasion of the new formed CL. This study intended to quantify the vascularization of normal and superovulated corpora lutea (CLL), trying to correlate this parameter with blood P4 concentrations and expression of VEGF and its receptors. For that purpose thirty buffalo cows were divided into five groups: superovulated (received 400 mg FSH divided in decreasing doses of 80 mg, 60 mg, 40 mg e 20mg 12/12h during 4 days), corpus hemorragicans (CH), mature corpus luteum (CL), regression CL (CR) e corpo albicans (CA), that received no treatment and were slaughtered at days 2, 9, 17 and 26 after ovulation. After slaughter ovaries were collected and corpora lutea prepared as follows: three animals from each group had their CLL fixed in buffered formol solution, cut into 0,5 cm pieces, dehydrated in increasing ethanol concentrations, cleared in xylene and embedded in paraffin using conventional procedures. Five µm slices were prepared for quantification of vascular density and immunolocalization of VEGF, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. The ovaries of the remaining animals were injected with Mercox resin through ovarian artery in order to have the microvascularization evaluated by electron scanning microscopy. Blood samples were collected and P4 measured through conventional RIE. Capillary density during CL life span was 37,78 ± 8,89; 17,8 ± 3,33; 11,9 ± 3,57; 10,83 ± 2,42 and 3,46 ± 1,66 vessels/ mm2 respectively for superovulated (CS), CH, CL, CR and CA, indicated higher vascularization (p<0,001) for superovulated group. The microvasculature showed similar behavior: the density of capillary network was higher in CLL of superovulated animals. Values of serum progesterone were significantly higher (p<0,05) for CS animals: 5,58 ± 0,97 ng/ml vs 2,02 ± 0,16 ng/ml for control animals in the same stage of estrous cycle. The VEGF system and its receptors (VEGFR-1 e VEGFR-2) were immunolocalized in CLL of buffalo cows. The immunoreactivity could be detected in endothelial and luteal cells since day two post ovulation (p.o.) until the stage of regression corpus luteum (Day 17 p.o.), with strong immunostaining at the early and midluteal phase. The immunostaining was more intense in CLL of animals submitted to superovulation.

Previous work in this laboratory revealed that hormone analysis using fecal samples may predict the number of fetuses carried by pregnant ewes at mid- to late gestation. Reliable lambing number prediction is useful to the producer. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry the 5��- and 5��-series of pregnanes and selected 4- and 5-pregnenes were monitored in the feces of 36 black and white-face cross ewes during early gestation. Feces were collected at d 5, 19, and 30 post-mating. Endoscopy was used at d 6 to determine the number of corpora lutea, and litter size data were collected at term. The number of copora lutea was not related (P>.05) to hormone concentrations at any of the sampling times (ANOVA-GLM). No differences in hormone levels were detected at d 5 in response to lambing number. At d 19, 5��-pregnane-3,20-dione and 5��-pregnane-3��,20��-diol were higher in ewes carrying triplets than ewes carrying twins (P���.008). At d 30, 3��-hydroxy-5��-pregnan-20-one was higher in ewes carrying triplets than twins (P<.05). Five progestins, including progesterone and 20��-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3- one, were lower at d 5 in ewes that conceived (n=26) than in ewes that did not conceive (n=6) at the first mating (P<.05). Concentrations of ten progestins were different (P<.05) (some higher and some lower) between groups of ewes that conceived at the first mating versus those that conceived at the second mating. In ewes that conceived at the second mating, pregnenolone and 5��-pregnane-3,20- dione were higher (P<.05) at d 5 than at d 5 of their previous non-conceptive cycle. Of the six ewes that were mated a second time, two still did not conceive but had elevated concentrations of three 5��-pregnanes (P<.05). Although there are differences in progestin profiles in ewes carrying different numbers of fetuses, concentrations alone are not adequate predictors of prolificacy at early gestation. It is inconclusive whether detection of pregnancy is possible as early as d 5 of gestation.<br>Graduation date: 2001

"February 2004"<br>Bibliography: leaves 168-188.<br>xvii, 194 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.<br>Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library.<br>Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, Discipline of Physiology and Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2004?

"February 2004"<br>Bibliography: leaves 168-188.<br>xvii, 194 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.<br>Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, Discipline of Physiology and Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2004?

Urinary steroids have been studied during early and late pregnancy in domestic horses or sporadic samples at various stages of pregnancy in wild equidae. In our studies, urinary estrone sulfate (E1S) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) were monitored throughout pregnancy in six pony mares by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Both hormones were corrected by creatinine (Cr) index to compensate for the variation in specific gravity. The mean concentration for ElS, (μg/mg Cr), was .38 ± .03 at d 0, decreased to .17 ± .04 at d 1, and maintained at less than .5 μg/mg Cr until d 30. Although, there was an apparent increase to .80 ± .34 at d 34 (NS, P = .122), the first significant increase was .69 ± .15 at d 46 (P = .0275). Mean concentrations remained relatively stable at this approximate level until d 60. This level was followed by a sustained significant increase observed from d 60 onwards. Mean concentrations of El S increased to 1.11 ± .25, 2.01 ± .45, and 5.48 ± 1.47 at d 64, d 76, and d 86, respectively. Levels of EIS further increased reaching a peak of 143.3 ± 9.51 at d 142 (P = .0006), with maximum for individual mares ranging from d 114 to 170, and also ranging from 115.4 to 286.1 pg/mg. In all cases, maximum concentrations were followed by a gradual decline toward parturition with a more rapid decrease 1 to 3 days before parturition. The first significant decrease following the maximum concentration was 91.40 ± 13.11 (P = .0024) at d 184. Estrone sulfate was 12.1 ± 3.8 one day prepartum and decreased to .4 ± .1 and .1 ± .01 at d 1 and 4 postpartum, respectively. The mean concentrations of PdG (ng/mg Cr) increased from 147 ± 4.3 at d 0 to 50.87 ± .17 (NS, P> .05), 36.8 ± 8.1 (P = .016), and 27.6 ± 7.3 (P = .049) at d 6, 8 and 10, respectively. This increase was followed by a decline and generally the levels fluctuated ranging from 20 to 30 ng/mg Cr until d 80. At d 86, the PdG levels increased to 54.7 ± 11.7 (P = .033). This was followed by a further increase to 141.8 ± 21.4 (P = .0139, compared to d 93) at d 135, then continued to increase to 213.0 ± 25.2 at d 198, and remained at this approximate level until d 303. During the last month of gestation, the mean concentrations of PdG increased from 171.8 ± 9.8 at d 29 prepartum to reach a peak of 388.4 ± 108.6 at d 7 prepartum. Maximum concentrations were followed by a slight decrease to 354.5 ± 84.0 at d 1 prepartum and then decreased to 150.6 ± 23.4 and 39.6 ± 9.3 ng/mg Cr at d 1 and 4 postpartum. In comparing the two hormones, E1S remained baseline followed by a slight increase at d 35, whereas PdG was relatively stable until both hormones increased after d 70 of gestation. This might be related to secretion of both hormones by the fetus and their rapid metabolism by placenta. Estrone sulfate reached a peak at approximately d 142 followed by a decline toward parturition while PdG showed a rapid increase from d 70 to 150, followed by a slow sustained increase to d 300 then increased dramatically again before parturition, while El S continued to decline. The profile of these urinary hormones throughout pregnancy appeared to parallel previously published concentrations in blood. Since the patterns of urinary EIS and PdG are different, their sites and mechanism of metabolism are likely different. The results indicate that the presence of the feto-placental unit is important for the secretion of both estrogens and progestins throughout pregnancy and thus could be utilized as a reliable method for pregnancy determination after three months of pregnancy.<br>Graduation date: 1993