Characterization of the estrogen-induced uterine peroxidase by microelectrophoresis.

Estrogen-dependent peroxidase from rat uterine fluid has been investigated by microelectrophoretic techniques. The molecular weight of the enzyme has been determined in the range of 100,000 by using polyacrylamide gradient gels in the absence and presence of nonionic and anionic detergent. The isoelectric points are located between pH 4.5 and 5.9. Employing the two-dimensional combination of isoelectric focusing and gel gradient electrophoresis, the enzyme was separated into two subunits, one having a molecular weight of 70,000, the other less than 20,000. The large subunit has slight enzymatic activiy, while the smaller subunit may be responsible for the charge difference in the holoenzyme pattern. The glycoprotein pattern of the uterine fluid peroxidase is further defined by its separation by affinity chromatography using a concanavalin A-Sepharose column and by its susceptibility to neuraminidase treatment.

Cervical mucus peroxidase is a reliable indicator for ovulation in humans.

This study was designed to establish whether fluctuation in cervical mucus peroxidase concentration correlates with the cyclic pattern of the menstrual cycle hormones in the human female. Forty healthy, normal-cycling women between the ages of 19 and 29 years were chosen for the study. Blood samples and cervical mucus were collected on days 6, 9 through 15, and 17 through 19 of the menstrual cycle for three consecutive cycles in each volunteer. Blood estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels were quantitated by radioimmunoassay, and cervical mucus peroxidase concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically. The data showed that in the typical menstrual cycle the mucus peroxidase peak was reached immediately prior to the luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone surge and coincided with the estrogen peak. Consistent data in three consecutive menstrual cycles in each volunteer led us to postulate that the mucus peroxidase peak during the menstrual cycle precedes the ovulatory period in the normal healthy woman.

PIP: This study was designed to establish whether fluctuations in cervical mucus peroxidase concentration correlates with the cyclic pattern of the menstrual cycle hormones in the human female. 40 healthy, normal cycling women between ages 19-29 were chosen for the study. Blood samples and cervical mucus were collected on days 6, 9-15, and 17-19 of the menstrual cycle for 3 consecutive cycles in each volunteer. Blood estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were quantitated by radioimmunoassay, and cervical mucus peroxidase concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically. Data showed that in the typical menstrual cycle the mucus peroxidase peak was reached immediately prior to the LH/FSH surge and coincided with the estrogen peak. Consistent data in 3 consecutive menstrual cycles in each volunteer led the authors to postulate that the mucus peroxidase peak during the menstrual cycle precedes the ovulatory period in the normal healthy woman.

Influence of estrogen and progesterone on matrix-induced endochondral bone formation.

The influence of estradiol and progesterone, alone or in combination, on the discrete phases of matrix-induced endochondral bone formation was investigated. Administration of estradiol and progesterone in combination increased mesenchymal cell proliferation, as indicated by [3H] thymidine incorporation into acid precipitable material. However, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity was significantly suppressed by the combination of estradiol and progesterone. Also, this treatment did not influence the 35SO4 incorporation into proteoglycans on day 7. Mineralization of newly induced bone was quantitated by alkaline phosphatase, 45Ca incorporation into bone mineral and calcium content, and was found to be significantly increased by progesterone alone and in combination with estradiol in both matrix-induced plaques and tibial metaphysis. These results demonstrated the stimulatory role of progesterone in combination with estradiol in bone formation and mineralization.

The efficacy of single-stage surgical management of multiple pressure sores in spinal cord-injured patients.

The practice of multiple-stage management in the treatment of patients with multiple pressure ulcers has long represented the standard of care in many specialty centers. The authors have observed that an aggressive surgical approach has proved necessary for control of this devastating problem in these patients. Their experience with one-stage reconstruction of multiple pressure sores over a 10-year period (between 1986 and 1996) in 120 spinal cord-injured patients has revealed certain advantages of this comprehensive method of surgical management. Although cumulative operating time and intraoperative blood loss were somewhat increased, the number of anesthetic episodes and the hospital stay were less than that seen in patients managed in multiple stages. Accordingly, rehabilitation and societal reintegration can be initiated earlier, and overall hospital cost may be better contained.