Pregnancy rates and luteal phase characteristics of bovine embryo recipients treated with flunixin meglumine / Taxas de prenhez e características da fase lútea de receptoras de embriões tratadas com flunixina meglumina em bovinos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of flunixin meglumine administration on pregnancy rates and luteal phase characteristics in bovine embryo recipients at the moment of embryo transfer. In experiment 1, in vitro produced embryos were transferred to 184 females divided as control and treated group (recipients treated with 1.1mg/kg flunixin meglumine). In experiment 2, 22 females were divided as control group; group 2 (animals submitted to a reproductive tract manipulation similar to an embryo transfer on the 7th day after estrous); and group 3 (females submitted to a manipulation and treatment with 1.1mg/kg flunixin meglumine). In experiment 1 no difference was observed between control and treated groups (40.2% and 44.6%, respectively) for pregnancy rates. In experiment 2 no difference was observed on the length of luteal phase between groups, however, animals in group 2 presented lower plasma progesterone concentrations than the control group and group 3. Therefore, we concluded that although the administration of flunixin meglumine at the moment of embryo transfer inhibited the reduction plasma progesterone concentrations, it was not effective in increasing pregnancy rates of bovine recipients.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da administração de flunixina meglumina sobre as taxas de prenhez e características da fase lútea da receptora no momento da transferência de embriões em bovinos. No experimento 1, embriões produzidos in vitro foram transferidos para 184 fêmeas, divididas em grupos controle e tratado (tratados com 1,1mg/kg de flunixina meglumina). No experimento 2, 22 fêmeas foram divididas em grupo controle (n=7); grupo 2 (n=8; animais submetidos à manipulação do trato reprodutivo semelhante à transferência de embriões no sétimo dia pós-cio); e grupo 3 (n=7; fêmeas submetidas à manipulação e ao tratamento com 1,1mg/kg de flunixina meglumina). No experimento 1, não foi observada diferença nos grupos controle e tratado (40,2% e 44,6%, respectivamente) para as taxas de prenhez. No experimento 2, não houve diferença na extensão da fase lútea entre os grupos, entretanto os animais do grupo 2 apresentaram concentrações plasmáticas de progesterona mais baixas que o grupo controle e o grupo 3. Portanto, conclui-se que a administração de flunixina meglumina no momento da transferência de embriões inibiu a redução das concentrações plasmáticas de progesterona, no entanto não foi eficaz para aumentar as taxas de prenhez de receptoras em bovinos.(AU)

Ovarian folliculogenesis in collared peccary: Pecari tajacu (Artiodactyla: Tayassuidae)

The sustainability and production of collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) has been studied in the last few years; however, further information on its reproduction is necessary for breeding systems success. Understanding folliculogenesis aspects will contribute to effective reproductive biotechniques, which are useful in the preservation and production of wildlife. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ovarian folliculogenesis in collared peccary. Ovaries from six adult females of collared peccary were obtained through ovariectomy and analyzed. These were fixed in aqueous Bouin’s solution and sectioned into 7μm slices, stained with hematoxilin-eosin and analyzed by light microscopy. The number of pre-antral and antral follicles per ovary was estimated using the Fractionator Method. The follicles, oocytes and oocyte nuclei were measured using an ocular micrometer. Results showed that the length, width, thickness, weight, and the gross anatomy of the right and left ovaries were not significantly different. However, the mean number of corpora lutea was different between the phases of the estrous cycle (p<0.05), with the highest mean in the luteal phase. Primordial follicles were found in the cortex; the oocytes were enveloped by a single layer of flattened follicular cells. In the primary follicles, proliferation of the follicular cells gave rise to cuboidal cells (granulosa cells). The secondary follicle was characterized by two or more concentric layers of cuboidal cells (granulosa), beginning of antrum formation, and the presence of pellucid zone and theca cells. Antral follicles were characterized by a central cavity (antrum), the presence of cumulus oophorus and theca layers (interna and externa). In the right ovary, the values of the primordial and primary follicles were similar, but significantly different from the secondary ones (p<0.05). In the left ovary, significant differences were observed between all follicles in the follicular phase (p<0.05); the mean number of primordial and primary follicles was similar in the luteal phase. The mean number of pre-antral follicles and antral follicles in the follicular phase was higher in the left ovary (p<0.05). The mean number of antral follicles in the luteal phase was similar in both ovaries. We also found significant differences in mean diameter of preantral follicles, oocyte, granulosa layer and oocyte nucleus during the estrous cycle. In the antral follicles a significant difference was observed only in follicular diameter (p<0.05). The predominance of active primordial and primary follicles was found in both phases; otherwise the secondary follicles and antral follicles showed a high degree of degeneration. The results obtained in the present work will strengthen the development of biotechnology programs to improve the productive potential and conservation of the collared peccary.

La sustentabilidad y la producción de pecarí de collar (Pecari tajacu) han sido estudiados en los últimos años, sin embargo, más información sobre su reproducción es necesaria para el éxito de los sistemas de crianza . La comprensión de los aspectos relacionados con la foliculogénesis contribuirá con la aplicación de biotécnicas de reproducción, las cuales son útiles en la preservación y la producción de la vida silvestre. El objetivo de este estudio fue obtener datos sobre la población folicular del ovario de pecarí de collar. En relación con la población folicular en el ovario derecho, los valores de los folículos primordiales y primarios fueron similares, pero se observó que había una diferencia significativa (p<0.05) con el secundario. En el ovario izquierdo, la fase folicular presentó diferencias significativas (p<0.05) entre todos los folículos, y en la fase lútea el número medio de folículos primordiales y primarios fueron similares. Ahora bien, con respecto a la población de folículos antrales, en la fase folicular, se observaron diferencias significativas entre los ovarios (p<0.05), y de forma similar en la fase lútea. También se encontraron diferencias significativas en el diámetro medio de los folículos preantrales, oocitos, la capa granulosa y el núcleo del oocito durante las fases del ciclo estral. Asimismo, en los folículos antrales se observó diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p<0.05) en el diámetro folicular. En ambas fases del ciclo estral, se encontró el predominio de folículos primordiales y primarios en desarrollo, por otro lado, los folículos secundarios y los folículos antrales mostraron un alto grado de degeneración. Los resultados aquí presentes son necesarios para el desarrollo de los programas de mejoramiento y conservación.

Influence of female hormonal fluctuation on maximum occlusal force

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may influence on muscular tensions and probably alter occlusal force. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hormonal levels affect maximum occlusal force (MOF) of healthy women throughout the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Sixty complete dentate subjects who were not under use of oral contraceptives were selected to participate in this study. MOF was bilaterally evaluated on the molar region, during 3 complete menstrual cycles, using 5.65 mm-wide sensors. Measurements were carried out during each of the following menstrual cycle phases: menstrual, follicular, periovulatory and luteal, presumed by ovulation test. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer test (p<0.05). Comparisons among menstrual cycle phases showed no differences on MOF (p=0.27). Under the conditions of this study, it may be concluded that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle do not affect MOF of a sample of healthy women.

As flutuações hormonais durante o ciclo menstrual podem influenciar as tensões musculares e possivelmente alterar a força oclusal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se os níveis hormonais afetam a força máxima oclusal (FMO) de mulheres saudáveis durante as diferentes fases do ciclo menstrual. Sessenta pacientes completamente dentadas que não usavam contraceptivos orais foram selecionadas para participar neste estudo. FMO foi avaliada bilateralmente na região dos molares, durante 3 ciclos menstruais completos, utilizando sensores de 5,65 mm de espessura. As mensurações foram realizadas durante cada fase do ciclo menstrual: menstrual, folicular e lútea periovulatória, identificadas por teste ovulatório. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA um critério seguido do teste de Tukey-Kramer (p<0,05). As comparações entre as fases do ciclo menstrual não apresentaram diferenças na FMO (p=0,27). Segundo as condições deste estudo, pode-se concluir que as flutuações hormonais durante o ciclo menstrual não afetaram a FMO de mulheres saudáveis.

Suporte da fase lútea / Luteal phase support

Em mulheres que desejam engravidar, uma função adequada do corpo lúteo é importante tanto para melhorar a receptividade endometrial quanto para garantir a manutenção da gestação inicial. Uma produção de progesterona insuficiente pelo corpo lúteo poderia, então, levar tanto à infertilidade quanto a repetidas perdas gestacionais precoces. A maneira mais utilizada atualmente para se realizar o diagnóstico é por meio da biópsia do endométrio, método mostrado por estudos atuais como inadequado para o diagnóstico da síndrome. Esta revisão de literatura buscou juntar informações baseadas nas melhores evidências atuais sobre o diagnóstico de insuficiência do corpo lúteo e, principalmente, sobre tratamentos propostos como suporte na fase lútea para mulheres que desejam engravidar.

In women who wish to become pregnant, a proper function of the corpus luteum is very important both to improve endometrial receptivity and to guarantee the maintenance of early pregnancy. An insufficient production of progesterone by the corpus luteum could then lead to infertility as well to repeated early pregnancy loss. The easiest way currently used to perform the diagnosis is by biopsy of the endometrium, method which current studies show that it is inappropriate for the diagnosis of the syndrome. This literature review attempted to gather information based on best current evidence on corpus luteum insufficiency, mostly about proposed treatments and support during the luteal period for women who wish to become pregnant.

Effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor a (VEGF-a) in human mid-secretory endometrial cells in three-dimensional primary culture.

Several lines of evidence suggest that human uterine endometrial cells can bind human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which, in turn, influences the physiology of implantation stage endometrium. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appears to be a candidate mediator in this process. However, our knowledge about hCG action on VEGF in human endometrial cells is very thin. In the present study, we have examined microscopically hCG binding to dissociated human endometrial cells collected from mid-luteal phase and maintained in three-dimensional primary co-culture on rat-tail collagen type I biomatrix and examined the effect of different concentrations (0, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 IU/ML) of hCG on VEGF expression and secretion by endometrial cells maintained in the above system. We report that both cytokeratin positive epithelial cells as well as vimetin positive stromal cells from human mid luteal phase endometrium could bind hCG and that their number increased (P < 0.01) steadily with time. Administration of hCG enhanced (P < 0.05) immunoreactive VEGF protein expression in dose dependent manner in endometrial cells retrieved from mid-luteal phase of cycle, and co-cultured in a three-dimensional cell culture system, but with no marked change in VEGF secretion. Collectively, it appears that hCG influences VEGF protein synthesis in human midluteal phase endometrial cells, but has little effect on post-translational regulation and secretion. From physiological homeostasis point of view, it is likely that synthesis and secretion of VEGF exhibits a modular and factorial regulation to achieve a fine tuning of this potent vasotropic agent in receptive stage endometrium.

Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle increases sweating rate during exercise

The present study evaluated whether the luteal phase elevation of body temperature would be offset during exercise by increased sweating, when women are normally hydrated. Eleven women performed 60 min of cycling exercise at 60 percent of their maximal work load at 32°C and 80 percent relative air humidity. Each subject participated in two identical experimental sessions: one during the follicular phase (between days 5 and 8) and the other during the luteal phase (between days 22 and 25). Women with serum progesterone >3 ng/mL, in the luteal phase were classified as group 1 (N = 4), whereas the others were classified as group 2 (N = 7). Post-exercise urine volume (213 ± 80 vs 309 ± 113 mL) and specific urine gravity (1.008 ± 0.003 vs 1.006 ± 0.002) changed (P < 0.05) during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase in group 1. No menstrual cycle dependence was observed for these parameters in group 2. Sweat rate was higher (P < 0.05) in the luteal (3.10 ± 0.81 g m-2 min-1) than in the follicular phase (2.80 ± 0.64 g m-2 min-1) only in group 1. During exercise, no differences related to menstrual cycle phases were seen in rectal temperature, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, mean skin temperature, and pre- and post-exercise body weight. Women exercising in a warm and humid environment with water intake seem to be able to adapt to the luteal phase increase of basal body temperature through reduced urinary volume and increased sweating rate.

Actividad ovárica del tepezcuintle Agouti paca (Rodentia: Agoutidae) en cautiverio / Ovarian activity of Agouti paca (Rodentia: Agoutidae) under captivity

The ovarian activity of Agouti paca was characterized by hormonal profiles and ovarian structures. Samples of blood were taken from eight females (seven adults and one juvenile) at the breeding grounds of the Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia in Yucatsn, Mexico. Sampling lasted approximately two months and was done every three and six days. Blood was collected from anesthetized animals, and the levels of progesterone (P4) and 17 beta estradiol (E2) were analized by radioimmunoassay technique. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses were carried out in ovaries of dead animals. The estrous cycle lasted 29+/-8.4 days, levels of 1.61+/-0.65 ng/ml for P4 and 39+/-24 pg/ml for E2 were observed for a follicular phase, 6.18+/-3.70 ng/ml and 29+/-16 pg/ml for P4 and E2 respectively in the luteal phase. Statistically significant differences were found between phases for P4 but not for E2. The presence of extragonadal steroids with levels of P4 of 1.9+/-0.77 ng/ml and E2 of 22+/-17 pg/ml were observed, which are not produced by the effects of managing stress. The changes in the levels of P4 during the cycle are indicators of luteal activity, with the intersticial tissue acting probably as active steroids-producing gland. Follicular growth was observed during the entire cycle.

Se caracterizó la actividad ovárica de A. paca por medio de perfiles hormonales y estructuras ováricas. Se muestrearon ocho hembras (siete adultas y una juvenil) en el criadero de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia en el estado de Yucatán, México, durante aproximadamente dos meses. Se recolectaron muestras sanguíneas cada 3 y 6 días en animales anestesiados. Se estimaron los niveles de progesterona (P4) y 17 beta estradiol (E2) sanguíneos por radioinmunoanálisis. Las estructuras ováricas de animales muertos durante el periodo de muestreo fueron analizadas macro y microscópicamente. El ciclo ovárico duró 29±8.4 días, con niveles de 1.61±0.65 ng/ml para P4 y de 39±24 pg/ml para E2 durante la fase folicular, y de 6.18±3.70 ng/ml y 29±16 pg/ml para P4 y E2 respectivamente, en la fase luteal. Hubo diferencias (p<0.05) en los niveles de P4 entre las fases folicular y luteal, no así para E2. Se detectó la presencia de esteroides extragonadales, con niveles de 1.9±0.77 ng/ ml para P4 y de 22±17 pg/ml para E2, los cuales no son secretados por efecto del estrés por manejo. Los cambios en los niveles de P4 durante el ciclo son indicadores de actividad luteal, funcionando el tejido intersticial probablemente como una glándula productora de esteroides. De igual forma se observó que el crecimiento folicular ocurre durante todo el ciclo.

Função lútea em adolescentes normais com ciclos menstruais regulares / Luteal function in normal adolescents with regular menstrual cycles

OBJETIVO: examinar a função lútea em adolescentes com ciclos menstruais regulares. MÉTODOS: foram incluídas neste estudo, de coorte prospectivo, 55 adolescentes eumenorrêicas, com idade entre 14 e 19 anos e menarca aos 12,2 anos. Examinaram-se o dia da ocorrência de ovulação, o grau de vascularização do corpo lúteo e o índice de resistência dos vasos ovarianos, as concentrações de progesterona e a resposta do endométrio. A ovulação foi identificada por ultra-sonografia transvaginal a partir do 2º ou 5º dia do ciclo, repetindo-a a cada dois dias. A vascularização e o índice de resistência lútea foram aferidos por dopplervelocimetria no 10º dia pós-ovulação. Os níveis de progesterona sérica foram estimados por quimioluminescência nos dias 6, 9 e 12 da fase lútea. A histologia endometrial foi analisada após biópsia feita entre o 8º e o 10º dia pós-ovulação. Usou-se software SPSS para análise estatística, assumindo-se significância quando p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A ovulação foi observada em média no 17º dia. Os níveis séricos de progesterona foram de 11,4, 10,9 e 3,9 ng/mL respectivamente nos dias 6, 9 e 12 pós-ovulação; a média dos níveis de progesterona nos três dias foi de 10,3 ng/ml. A vascularização do corpo lúteo foi escassa em 34,6 por cento, moderada em 23,6 por cento e exuberante em 41,8 por cento. O índice de resistência foi de 0,441 dez dias após a ovulação. O endométrio mostrou-se sincrônico em 85,5 por cento das biópsias e fora de fase em 14,5 por cento. As correlações entre o dia da ovulação e o tipo de endométrio (p=0,29), níveis de progesterona e o tipo endométrio (p=0,454), grau de vascularização (p=0,99) e índice de resistência do corpo lúteo (p=0,23) não foram estatisticamente significantes. A histologia endometrial e o grau de vascularização também não mostraram associação (p=0,61). CONCLUSAO: a função lútea em adolescentes eumenorrêicas, avaliada pela datação do endométrio em ciclo único, mostrou-se anormal em 14,5 por cento. As variáveis grau e intensidade da vascularização, concentração sérica de progesterona ou dia da ocorrência de ovulação não mostraram associação com a histologia endometrial

Analysis of mastalgia cases presented at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal.

Breast pain (Mastalgia) is a common cause of anxiety among women and frequently leads to a primary care clinic for consultation. This study has been designed to study about mastalgia cases presented at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara. A total of 221 female patients with breast pain presented at outpatient department of surgery from Jan 2000 to Dec 2001 were enrolled in this study. Overall 36.8% presented with cyclical mastalgia and 43.1% with noncyclical mastalgia. Nonhormonal therapy like reassurance, breast support, reduction in dietary fat intake, VitE, Vit B6 was preferred for initial therapy of mastalgia as it was found to be associated with improvements of cyclical mastalgia and good compliance. Non cyclical mastalgia mostly presented with breast lump and ended with excision of lump.

Cardiorespiratory responses to submaximal incremental exercise are not affected by one night's sleep deprivation during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of one night's sleep deprivation on the cardiorespiratory responses to exercise during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. We have studied nine, healthy females aged 24-35 years with regular menstrual cycles. Each subject performed spirometric tests at rest and then an incremental exercise testing during 11-13 days of follicular phase and 22-24 days of luteal phase following one normal night's sleep or one night's sleep loss. Compared with resting values exercise produced significant increases in cardiorespiratory variables including oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (VE), systolic blood pressure, heart rate (HR) and respiratory quotient (R). However, it did not alter significantly diastolic blood pressure, end-tidal PO2 (PETO2), end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). Spirometric variables which include forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC%, forced expiratory volume in three s (FEV3), forced expired flow from 25-75% of FVC (FEF 25-75%), forced expired flow at 25% of FVC (FEF 25%), forced expired flow at 50% of FVC (FEF 50%), forced expired flow at 75% of FVC (FEF 75%), forced expired flow from 75-85% of FVC (FEF 75-85%), peak expiratory flow (PEF), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory capacity (IC) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and cardiorespiratory variables were not different between the cycle phases after one normal night's sleep or one night's sleep deprivation. Neither menstrual cycle phase nor sleep deprivation affected spirometric and cardiorespiratory parameters. We suggest that one night's sleep deprivation does not produce alterations in spirometric parameters and cardiorespiratory responses to submaximal incremental exercise during the follicular and luteal phases.

Randomized trial comparing bleeding after loop excision of transformation zone in either follicular or luteal phase

This randomized controlled study was carried out to compare the outcomes of perioperative bleeding between patients treated by loop electrosurgical excision procedure of transformation zone of cervix during either the follicular [35 women] or luteal phase [37 women] of the menstrual cycle. The two groups did not differ in terms of, grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, depth of excision, parity, and duration of menses. Those women treated during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle experienced more postoperative bleeding [p < 0. 05]. They also experienced significantly more postoperative bleeding as assessed by the fall in hematocrit level. Those women also experienced significantly higher levels of anxiety postoperatively, which resulted in more consultations with the medical staff: It was concluded that doing the procedure during the follicular phase of menstrual cycle resulted in less bleeding and less anxiety of the patient

Ausência de variação da flexibilidade durante o ciclo menstrual em universitárias / Lack of flexibility variation during menstrual cycle in university students

FUNDAMENTAÇÃO: Algumas variáveis da aptidão física são marcadamente influenciadas pelas fases do ciclo menstrual (CM); contudo, há pouca informação sobre eventuais modificações na flexibilidade. OBJETIVO: Analisar o comportamento da flexibilidade corporal - global, por articulação e por movimento - em mulheres adultas jovens nas diferentes fases do CM. MÉTODOS: Estudou-se uma amostra de 15 mulheres. O grupo experimental (GE) foi constituído de alunas eumenorréicas, enquanto o grupo controle (GC) incluía alunas em uso regular havia pelo menos um mês de anticoncepcional oral (AO). Dados referentes ao período menstrual e ao uso de AO foram obtidos através da aplicação de um questionário. A flexibilidade foi avaliada pelo Flexiteste, permitindo uma análise da flexibilidade global (Flexíndice), por articulação, por movimento e em sua variabilidade. Os Flexíndices foram ainda comparados com os correspondentes percentis para gênero e idade. Para a análise estatística das três medidas do GE - fases folicular, ovulatória e lútea - e das duas do GC entre dias cinco e 26 do ciclo, utilizou-se ANOVA ou teste t conforme apropriado. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças na flexibilidade, movimento a movimento ou Flexíndice nas diferentes fases do CM no GE e nas duas medidas do GC (p > 0,05). O percentil do Flexíndice para o GC variou de 14 a 35 e no GE, de 14 a 80. Analisando as articulações e os índices de variabilidade, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas com as fases do CM (p > 0,05), com a exceção do índice de variabilidade distal-proximal entre as fases ovulatória e folicular no GE. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos não corroboram a impressão empírica de que a flexibilidade varia durante as fases do CM. Não se pode, contudo, afastar a hipótese de que a ausência de variações tenha ocorrido devido a alguma característica da amostra ou por limitações do Flexiteste em identificar mínimas variações, sendo necessária a realização de outros estudos.

Status of pulmonary function tests in adolescent females of Delhi.

Progesterone is known to cause hyperventilation and hypercapnia in the luteal phase of a normal menstrual cycle. Viewing this fact lung functions were measured in 71 girls with a mean age of 14.5 years during their follicular and luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Subjects were grouped into I, II and III depending on the age range. Respiratory functions comprising of FVC, FIVC, TLC, RV/TLC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FRC, PEFR, FEF 25%, FEF 50%, FEF 75%, PIFR, RAW and KST respectively were performed using Spiro 232 of PK Morgan under standardized laboratory settings. The anthropometric parameters such as height, weight and arm span were also recorded. The majority of pulmonary functions reflect better values in luteal phase as compared with follicular phase however, a statistically significant higher results of FVC, FIVC, FEV1, and TLC were noticed in group I and group III. These observations suggest a possible role in increased level of progesterone in luteal phase on respiratory system.

La inhibina (Inh) A producida por células de granulosa humanas actuaría como factor autocrino-paracino regulando el mecanismo de luteinización folicular / Inh A produced by the human granulosa cells would act as autocrinous-paracrinous factor regulating the follicular luteinization mechanism

Las Inh gonadales ejercen un efecto local en la regulación de la foliculogénesis. En éste trabajo se midió la producción de inhibina popr células de granulosa humana en cultivo por un enzimoinmunoensayo específico para las formas A y B encontrándose mayores niveles de Inh A que B (2,89ñ0,88 vs 0,025ñ0,008 ng/1 por 10 cels. n:6, p<0.05). Se detrminó la concentración de inhibinas, Progesterona, Estradiol, FSH y hCG en fluido folicular (FF) obtenido el día de la aspiración ovocitaria en 23 pacientes sometidas a FIV. Se encontró que la concentración de Inh A fue mayor que la de Inh B (6,87ñ1,27 vs 1,24ñ0,23 ng/mg proteína). Se observó una correlación positiva entre la concentración intrafolicular de Inh A y Progesterona (r=0,47 p<0.05), Estradiol (r=0,67 p<0.05) y FSH (r=0,74 p<0.05). También se observó correlación positiva entre los niveles de E y FSH en FF (r=0.56 p<0.05). La Inh B en FF no correlacionó, con ninguno de los parámetros estudiados. Se ensayó el efecto in vitro de la Inh. A en cultivo de células de granulosa inmaduras de rata, que posee la ventaja de tener mayor capacidad proliferativa que las humanas obtenidas por FIV. Se estimuló con FSH (20 ng/ml), Estradiol (500 ng/ml) y TGFß (5 ng/ml) durante 48 hs. Se observó inhibición (p<0,05) de la proliferación medida por incorporación de timidina. (Control: 5543ñ146; Inh 4 ng/ml: 4767ñ174; Inh 40 ng/ml: 3480ñ117 cpm). Esto fue confirmado por MTS (Absorbancia=Control: 1,3ñ0,2; Inh 40 ng/ml: 0,5ñ0,02; p<0,05). Concluímos: a) las células de granulosa humanas provenientes de FIV producen más Inh A que B cultivo, ésta misma relación se observa en FF, b) el contenido de Inh A en FF se correlaciona con la concentración de FSH y esteroides foliculares y c) la Inh A inhibe la proliferación de células de granulosa en cultivo. Estos resultados sugieren que la Inh A actuaría como factor autócrino/parácrino regulando el mecanismo de selección y/o luteinización folicular

Changes in insulin sensitivity, secretion and glucose effectivenes during menstrual cycle

Background. Several clinical condition suggest an effect of sex steroids on glucose homeostasis in women. Studies examining this phenomenon have yielded controversial results. Methods. To investigate the effect of the menstrul cycle on insulin sensitivity, glucose effectiveness and acute insulin response to glucose using the tolbutamide-modified intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) during the follicular (day 8 ñ 1) and luteal (day 23 ñ 1) phases of the menstrual cycle, the authors recruited 12 healthy regular menstruating women. All had fasting glucose concentration of < 100 µ/dl (89.7 ñ 6.2) with no family history of diabetes mellitus; their body mass indices were < 25 kg/m² (22.41 ñ 1.44 kg/m²). Results. The mean insulin sensitivity (Si) values decreased during the cycle. Insulin sensitivity (Si X 10-4/min.mU/ml) was higher in the follicular phase (5.03 ñ 0.72) and decreased in the luteal phase (2.22 ñ 0.45) (p< 0.001). Glucose effectivenes (Sg min-1) not change as a function of the phase of the menstrual cycle. Sg estimates were 0.0229 ñ 0.00323 in the follicular phase, and 0.0225 ñ 0.00319 (p= NS) in the luteal phase, respectively. Acute insulin response (AIR mU/ml) was 276.4 ñ in the follicular phase. An adaptative increase (304.4 ñ 51.1) in response to the insulin resistance during the luteal phase was observed, but this increase was not statistically significant (p= NS). Conclusions. Knowledge of the variations in insulin sensitivity that occur during the normal menstrual cycle provides a basis of comparison for studies of other clinical conditions. Also, this phenomenon should be considered if the determination of insulin resistance is the purpose of certain epidemiological studies

Dataçäo endometrial como critério diagnóstico de defeito de fase lútea: comparaçäo entre os critérios morfométricos e de Moyes / Endometrial dating as a diagnostic tool for luteal phase defect: comparison between the morphometric and the Noyes criteria

Objetivo: Comparar os diagnósticos de defeito de fase lútea realizados por meio de dois critérios de datacão do endométrio: morfométrico e de Noyes. Material e métodos: Vinte e três pacientes com queixa de infertilidade e ciclos menstruais regulares, sem alterações nas dosagens plasmaticas de gonadotrofinas e prolactina, em amostras colhidas entre o primeiro e quinto dias do ciclo menstrual, sem anomalias na cavidade uterina evidenciadas por ultra-sonografia e histerossalpingografia e com progesterona plasmática maior 8ng/ml na fase lútea média, tiveram um ciclo menstrual monitorizado por ultra-sonografia e dosagens de LH plasmático. tendo como referência o dia do pico de LH, considerado dia zero, foram realizadas duas biópsias em cada paciente, uma no sexto e outra no décimo dia da fase lútea. O endométrio assim obtido foi datado segundo os critérios morfométrico e de Noyes. Considerou-se defeito de fase lútea o atraso de maturação do endométrio superior a dois dias, para o critério de Noyes, e superior a um dia, para o critério morfométrico. A estatística utilizada foi o teste de Mcnemar, com nível de tolerância 5 por cento para o erro tipo I. Resultados: Todas as pacientes mostraram ciclos ovulatórios e valores de pico de LH. Tanto no sexto quanto no décimo dias da fase lútea, não havendo diferença significativas entre os diagnósticos feitos pelos dois métodos. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do método de Noyes em relação ao morfométrico foram maiores no décimo (80 por cento, 83 por cento e 83 por cento, respectivamente) que no sexto dia (60 por cento, 71 por cento e 68 por cento, respectivamente). Conclusões: A verificação dos defeitos de fase lútea por meio da datacão do endométrio na fase lútea média ou tardia oferece resultados não distintos estatisticamente, seja realizada pelo critério morfométrico ou pelo de Noyes. Quando utilizado este último o resultado será mais próximo do método morfométrico quando a biópsia for realizada no décimo dia do ciclo.

Effects of the menstrual cycle on timing and depth of breathing at rest.

Volume and timing components of resting ventilation were measured serially in 40 women aged 18 to 36 yr, during menstrual, follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle. Resting minute ventilation (VE) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in luteal phase than in menstrual and follicular phases; in the two latter phases VE was almost equal. This increment in VE during the luteal phase was due to a significant rise (P < 0.001) in tidal volume (VT). Respiratory frequency (f) was unchanged throughout the cycle. Although there was a mean increases in inspiratory time (T1) during the luteal phase compared to the other two phases, the difference did not reach statistical significance. Duty cycle, T1/Ttot, was also unchanged throughout menstrual cycle. However, mean inspiratory flow, VT/T1, was significantly higher (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) during luteal phase as compared to that during menstrual or follicular phases respectively. Pulmonary mechanics, as measured by forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced mid expiratory flow rate (FEF25%, 75%), were within normal limits and remained unaltered during the menstrual cycle. Therefore, in the absence of alteration of pulmonary mechanics, the luteal increase in ventilation and inspiratory flow suggests a possible role for progesterone in stimulating the respiratory drive, either centrally or through the peripheral chemoreceptors or by both.

Importância do fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGF) e seu receptor (EGF-R) no tecido endometrial / Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGF-R) importance in the endometrial tissue

Os autores fazem uma revisäo sobre a influência que o EGF e seu receptor (EGF-R) exercem no tecido endometrial, enfocando sua possível regulaçäo pelos esteróides e seus receptores e sua importância nos processos de transformaçäo secretora e de decidualizaçäo.