Altitudinal and aspect-driven variations in soil carbon storage potential in sub-tropical Himalayan forest ecosystem: assisting nature to combat climate change.

Forest soils serve as the greatest sink of terrestrial carbon (C) and have a significant impact on worldwide or regional C cycling. By reducing emissions and enhancing the C storage in forests, the environmental monitoring function of a forest ecosystem may be ensured. The study focused on measuring the densities of major nutrients in soil to gain insight into the C and nitrogen dynamics of the Himalayan sub-tropical forest ecosystem of India besides supplementing the information about the C storage potential of these forest soils. The study examined the physico-chemical properties and nutrient densities across three altitudinal ranges viz., 600-800 m (A1), 800-1000 m (A2) and 1000-1200 m (A3) and two aspects, i.e. Northern (N) and Southern (S) in a randomized complete block design and data collection was done from 24 main sample plots (3 altitudinal ranges × 2 aspects × 4 replications). The soil pH, electrical conductivity, and bulk density observed a decreasing pattern with an increase in altitude, whereas a reverse trend was observed in soil organic C (SOC), total nitrogen and available phosphorus. The SOC and total nitrogen densities ranged from 20.08 to 48.35 Mg ha-1 and 2.56 to 4.01 Mg ha-1, respectively in an increasing trend from A1 to A3. The northern aspect exhibited significantly higher SOC and nitrogen densities than the southern aspects. The C storage potential of forest soils followed the order A1 < A2 < A3 with significantly higher potential (nearly 1.5 times) compared to those on the southern aspect. There was a consistently significant increase in the C:N ratio (CNR) with a maximum value (10.51) at A3 and minimum value (8.37) at A1, however the effect of aspect remained insignificant. This research underscores the importance of considering altitude and aspect when planning forest restoration efforts, as these factors have a substantial influence on soil properties, C storage potential and CNR. Understanding the significance of CNR is critical, as it serves as a key indicator of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from forest soils. Ultimately, these findings empower policymakers and conservationists to make informed decisions that can contribute to the sustainable management of Himalayan forests and the global fight against climate change.

Agroforestry systems in the mid-hills of the north-western Himalaya: A sustainable pathway to improved soil health and climate resilience.

Identifying the new tree crop combinations plays an important function in transforming the low input agriculture into land units with high economic returns, increasing carbon (C) sink and nutrients storage capacity, and acting as a panacea to achieve Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). The present study aims to evaluate various tree-crop combinations for (i) biomass production, (ii) carbon accumulation, and (iii) soil nutrient enrichment of traditional and commercially evolved eight agroforestry systems (AFSs), including agri-silvi-horticulture system, agri-silviculture system, silvi-pasture, fruit tree, fodder tree, bamboo, melia and poplar based AFSs with sole cropping system in the mid-hill zone of the north-western Himalaya. The results demonstrated that poplar based AFS accumulated a higher amount of biomass (130.87 Mg ha-1) and carbon (65.44 Mg ha-1) closely followed by melia-based AFS. The C stored in leaf litter was higher (0.66 Mg ha-1) in poplar-based AFS, however, soil C stock was maximum (114.69 Mg ha-1) under bamboo-based AFS. Overall, the Melia based AFS exhibited a higher rate of carbon dioxide mitigation (19.30 Mg ha-1 yr-1) and C-sequestration (5.26 Mg ha-1 yr-1) than other studied AFSs. Moreover, soil macro-nutrients (available N, P, K, S and Ca) were maximum under bamboo-based AFS, on the other hand, the fruit-based AFS had the higher concentrations of micro-nutrients i.e., Cu (3.05), Fe (31.10 mg g-1) and Mn (17.31 mg g-1). The soil microbial counts were higher in poplar-based AFS, whereas, the soil quality index improved significantly under bamboo based and fruit tree based AFSs. Hence, it can be concluded that the experimentally evolved AFSs represent an effective approach for boosting C-sequestration, soil fertility, regenerating the soil and sustainability of hill agriculture in the north-western Himalayas over traditional AFSs and sole cropping.

Antineoplastic influence of nimesulide in chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibition of DNA synthesis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is emerging as one of the most common forms of cancer resulting in thousands of death worldwide. The purpose of this study was to screen nimesulide for anticancer activity in chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma in Wistar rats as well as in BEL 7402 and HEP G2 cell lines. HCC in rats was induced by administering a single dose of diethyl nitrosamine (150 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Duration of the in vivo study was 12 weeks and the anticancer potential was further confirmed by in vitro cell line study. Administration of DENA in Wistar rats significantly elevated the levels of serum biochemical parameters and α-feto protein. Treatment with different dose of nimesulide significantly decreased the markedly raised serum levels of biochemical parameters as well as maintained the histology of the liver tissues nearly similar to the normal. Further study of hepatocytes enzymes showed that treatment with nimesulide also improved the antioxidant enzyme levels. Our study also examined the cytotoxicity and DNA synthesis inhibition by nimesulide in BEL 7402 and Hep G2 cell lines. Cell viability was assessed by [3H]-thymidine uptake procedure. The results obtained by in vitro cell line study, histopathological and biochemical data concluded that nimesulide, a preferential COX-2 inhibitor, has anticancer activity, which is by first reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species and second by inhibiting the PGE2 effect via Wnt signaling pathway (cell invasion, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation).

Mortality among homeless women who remain unclaimed after death: An insight.

BACKGROUND: Some homeless people remain unclaimed after death. Although women constitute a minor proportion among the homeless, they represent a more vulnerable section. We reviewed the major autopsy characteristics and causes of death among women whose bodies remained unclaimed after death. METHODS: We analysed the autopsy records and inquest papers of unclaimed bodies of women for the period 2006-12 at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. RESULTS: Most women whose bodies were unclaimed were 21 to 60 years old with a mean age of 45 years. Natural events (53.5%), largely attributable to acute/chronic lung diseases, were identified as the most common cause of death. Accidental deaths were predominant among the unnatural causes. Most bodies of women were found on the footpath besides the road (56.1%). CONCLUSION: The problems of physical/sexual abuse, acute chest infections and road traffic accidents are all aggravated in the situation of homelessness. More affordable shelters are needed to preferentially accommodate women. Also, awareness about the existing medical facilities needs to be increased.

Variation of biomass and carbon pool with NDVI and altitude in sub-tropical forests of northwestern Himalaya.

In the present study, forests at three altitudes, viz., A1 (600-900 m), A2 (900-1200 m) and A3 (1200-1500 m) above mean sea level having normalised differential vegetation index (NDVI) values of N1 (0.0-0.1), N2 (0.1-0.2), N3 (0.2-0.3), N4 (0.3-0.4) and N5 (0.4-0.5) were selected for studying their relationship with the biomass and carbon pool in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The study reported maximum stem density of (928 trees ha-1) at the A2 altitude and minimum in the A3 and A1 with 600 trees ha-1 each. The stem densities in relation to NDVIs were observed in the order N5 > N3 > N4 > N1 > N2 and did not show any definite trend with increasing altitude. Highest stem volume (295.7 m3 ha-1) was observed in N1 NDVI and minimum (194.1 m3 ha-1) in N3 index. The trend observed for stem biomass at different altitudes was A3 > A1 > A2 and for NDVIs, it was N5 > N1 > N4 > N2 > N3. Maximum aboveground biomass (265.83 t ha-1) was recorded in the 0.0-0.1 NDVI and minimum (169.05 t ha-1) in 0.2-0.3 NDVI index. Significantly, maximum total soil carbon density (90.82 t C ha-1) was observed in 0.4-0.5 NDVI followed by 0.3-0.4 NDVI (77.12 t C ha-1). The relationship between soil carbon and other studied parameters was derived through different functions simultaneously. Cubic function showed highest r 2 in most cases, followed by power, inverse and exponential function. The relationship with NDVI showed highest r 2 (0.62) through cubic functions. In relationship between ecosystem carbon with other parameters of different altitudinal gradient and NDVI, only one positively significant relation was formed with total density (0.579) through cubic function. The present study thus reveals that soil carbon density was directly related to altitude and NDVIs, but the vegetation carbon density did not bear any significant relation with altitude and NDVI.

Cut wrists, electrocution and subsequent drowning in a water drum: an unusual combination of methods in complex suicide.

A 25-year-old male was found dead in a water drum inside the bathroom of his house one morning. Autopsy revealed a fatal right wrist cut, superficial cuts on middle phalanx of left index finger and features of ante mortem drowning. Investigation revealed the victim was an alcoholic and was depressed due to financial problems. On the previous night, under the influence of alcohol, he first tried to commit suicide by cutting wrist with razor blades, but death was not immediate. He then attempted electrocuting himself by touching a live wire, inside the bathroom, which failed and finally he drowned in a water drum. The victim had left a message, written with his blood on the floor of the room, reflecting his suicidal intentions. In complex suicide, many bizarre methods are used, but this combination of methods is unusual and not found in available forensic literature.

In vitro propagation of spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.) and assessment of genetic fidelity of micropropagated plants using RAPD analysis.

An efficient protocol for rapid in vitro clonal propagation of spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.) genotype RSR/DR15 (female) and DR/NKB-28 (male) was developed through enhanced axillary shoot proliferation from nodal segments. Maximum shoot proliferation of 6.2 shoots per explant with 100 % shoot regeneration frequency was obtained from the female genotype on Murashige and Skoog's (1962) medium supplemented with 0.9 µM N6-benzyladenine (BA) and 200 mg l(-1) casein hydrolysate (CH). While from the male genotype the optimum shoot regeneration frequency (86.6 %) and 6.4 shoots per explant was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2.2 µM BA. CH induced vigorous shoots, promoted callus formation, and proved inhibitory for shoot differentiation and shoot length, especially in explants from male genotype. Rooting was optimum on half-strength MS medium (male 92.8 %, female 74.6 %) containing 4.9 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Plantlets were transferred to plastic cups containing a mixture of cocopit and perlite (1:1 ratio) and then to soil after 2-3 weeks. 84 % female and 81 % male regenerated plantlets survived and grew vigorously in the field. Genetic stability of the regenerated plants was assessed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The amplification products were monomorphic in the in vitro propagated plants and similar to those of mother plant. No polymorphism was detected revealing the genetic integrity of in vitro propagated plants. This micropropagation procedure could be useful for raising genetically uniform planting material of known sex for commercial cultivation or build-up of plant material of a specific sex-type.

Seasonal variations in the nutritive value of fifteen multipurpose fodder tree species: A case study of north-western Himalayan mid-hills.

Multipurpose tree species are recognized as an important fodder source for livestock, but their potential remains untapped due to dearth of knowledge about their nutritive value. Therefore, 15 MPTs, i.e., Acacia catechu, Albizia chinensis, Bauhinia variegata, Celtis australis, Ficus roxburghii, Grewia optiva, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia composita, Morus serrata, Olea glandulifera, Ougienia oojeinensis, Pittosporum floribundum, Quercus glauca, Q. leucotrichophora and Salix tetrasperma were evaluated for nutritional characteristics, relative nutritive value index (RNVI), palatability index and farmers' preference on a seasonal basis in north-western Himalayas mid-hills. Most of the nutritive and mineral content decreased as leaves matured with the exception of ether extract, calcium, copper, organic matter and carbohydrate content, while cell-wall constituents and anti-nutritional contents increased. Overall, M. serrata had the highest RNVI in spring and summer, while G. optiva during autumn and winter. Similarly, L. leucocephala had the highest palatability (97.86%), while M. composita (38.47%) had the lowest one. Additionally, G. optiva was the most favored MPT for livestock among farmers, while M. composita was the least ones. The outcome of the study will help policy makers, planners and farm managers in establishing large scale plantations of highly nutritious and palatable species, like G. optiva, L. leucocephala, B. variegata, and M. serrata for year-round supply of green leaves and as a supplement to low-quality feed.

Measurement of the hysteretic thermal properties of W-doped and undoped nanocrystalline powders of VO2.

Hysteresis loops exhibited by the thermal properties of undoped and 0.8 at.% W-doped nanocrystalline powders of VO2 synthesized by means of the solution combustion method and compacted in pellets, are experimentally measured by photothermal radiometry. It is shown that: (i) the W doping reduces both the hysteresis loops of VO2 and its transition temperature up to 15 °C. (ii) The thermal diffusivity decreases (increases) until (after) the metallic domains become dominant in the VO2 insulating matrix, such that its variation across the metal-insulation transition is enhanced by 23.5% with W-0.8 at.% doping. By contrast, thermal conductivity (thermal effusivity) increases up to 45% (40%) as the metallic phase emerges in the VO2 structure due to the insulator-to-metal transition, and it enhances up to 11% (25%) in the insulator state when the local rutile phase is induced by the tungsten doping. (iii) The characteristic peak of the VO2 specific heat capacity is observed in both heating and cooling processes, such that the phase transition of the 0.8 at.% W-doped sample requires about 24% less thermal energy than the undoped one. (iv) The impact of the W doping on the four above-mentioned thermal properties of VO2 mainly shows up in its insulator phase, as a result of the distortion of the local lattice induced by the electrons of tungsten. W doping at 0.8 at.% thus enhances the VO2 capability to transport heat but diminishes its thermal switching efficiency.

Comparison of unbiased stereological estimation of total number of cresyl violet stained neurons and parvalbumin positive neurons in the adult human spiral ganglion.

Estimation of total number of neurons in the spiral ganglion (SG) at various ages and their functional status is important as these neurons are constantly exposed to noise and other environmental factors that may lead to neuronal loss with aging due to excitotoxic damage. Parvalbumin (PV) is a calcium-binding protein (CBP), found in highly metabolically active neurons. It helps in buffering cytosolic calcium, which is essential for neurotransmitter release. The neurons in the adult human SG express PV more strongly than other CBPs like calbindin and calretinin. These CBPs can be used as signatures to recognise neurons. In the present study, we quantified the number of neurons expressing PV by unbiased stereology and compared it to the number of neurons stained by cresyl violet (CV), which is a Nissl stain, in the adult human SG. Five adult human cadaveric temporal bones were obtained from the forensic science mortuary, after due clearance from the institute ethics committee. Independent CV stained and PV immunostained sections were used to estimate the total number of neurons (optical fractionator), with StereoInvestigator (SI) software. The estimated total number of SG neurons was 27,485±3251 and 26,705±1823 in the PV and CV stained sections, respectively. There was no significant difference between the estimates (p=0.552). Therefore, CV staining is simpler and more cost effective when estimating neuronal number. Although PV stains spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) with a greater intensity and provides a functional status, its tedious protocol limits its use for quantification.

Skeleton used for anatomical study brought for medico-legal autopsy: a case report.

Knowledge of human anatomy is essential for all those practising medicine. The human skeleton is invariably used to study the anatomy of body structures. For this, many human skeletons are obtained from the market by students and teachers and are kept at home or in hostel rooms. However, after use the skeleton has to be disposed off properly. In the present case, a human skeleton used for study purposes was thrown away in garbage and someone informed the police about presence of skeletal remains in the garbage. The case was registered by the police and the skeletal remains were brought for medico-legal autopsy.

Mechanisms of endocrine dysfunction in patients with testicular cancer.

To determine mechanisms of endocrine dysfunction in patients with testicular cancer, we performed static and dynamic testing of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and testicular exocrine function in 13 patients and 11 normal control subjects, as well as in vitro studies of tumor tissue and remaining adjacent "normal" testicular tissue in the 13 patients. In tumor tissue, we demonstrated (a) elevated concentrations of total serum estradiol and serum estradiol not bound to sex hormone-binding globulin, (b) impaired spermatogenesis and sperm motility, and (c) blocking of multiple enzymes necessary for steroidogenesis. The data were consistent with a paracrine-endocrine mechanism in which tumor-produced human chorionic gonadotropin stimulates production of estradiol by "normal" testicular tissue but not tumor tissue, and the high estradiol levels then result in impaired spermatogenesis.

The Abbreviated Injury Scale and its correlation with preventable traumatic accidental deaths: a study from South Delhi.

Anatomic trauma scoring systems are fundamental to trauma research. The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and its derivative, the Injury Severity Score (ISS), are the most frequently used scales. In a prospective study, 400 autopsies of road traffic accident victims performed between January 2002 and December 2003 were coded according to the AIS and ISS methods. All the cases were classified into different injury groups according to the Injury Severity Scale. Fifty-eight cases (14.5%) were assigned an ISS value of <25; 244 (61%) cases were valued between 25-49; 38 cases (9.5%) were valued between 50-74 and 60 (15%) cases had a value of 75. On analysis of medical care, in cases with ISS<50, about 96% of the victims did not receive optimal care quickly enough with a lack of pre-hospital resuscitation measures and lengthy transportation time to hospital being of major importance.

Study on arsenic level in public water supply of Delhi using hydride generator accessory coupled with atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Exposure to arsenic has been associated with several health hazards. Worldwide the main reason for chronic human intoxication with arsenic is intake of contaminated drinking water. Air acetylene type of atomic absorption spectrophotometer in combination with hydride generator accessory was used to analyze arsenic level in 25 water samples collected from 25 booster pumping stations and 313 water samples collected from tap water supply of 62 areas of Delhi. Results were analyzed using SPSS and Barlett's Chi Square Test. Mean arsenic level detected in water samples collected from booster pumping stations was 0.00976 ppm (Range 0.000-0.017 ppm, Standard Deviation 0.006 and Standard error of Mean 0.00118). Maximum arsenic level (0.017 ppm) was found in water samples of booster pumping stations of Mehrauli, Punjabi Bagh and Ramjas Road. Mean arsenic level detected in samples collected from tap water supply was 0.013 ppm (Range 0-0.0430 ppm, Standard Deviation 0.00911 and Standard error of Mean 0.000515). In water samples of 42 areas arsenic level detected was exceeding WHO/EPA permissible limit of 0.01 ppm (10 ppb). The mean arsenic level detected in water samples of booster pumping station was within WHO/EPA permissible limit while mean arsenic level detected in tap water samples was marginally higher. Mixing of ground water and contamination through broken or leaking channel could be the possible reason of higher arsenic level in tap water. Continuous monitoring of quality of drinking water is required particularly in view of water contamination caused by industrial waste and uncontrolled ground water extraction.

Fatal ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in an anonymous egg donor.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening iatrogenic disorder arising from ovulation induction or ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction techniques. We report a case of a 26-year-old multiparous woman, an anonymous egg donor, who died a few hours after undergoing a procedure to donate eggs at an in vitro fertilization clinic. Her husband alleged that medical negligence had led to her death. The autopsy confirmed death due to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. We know of no previous descriptions of fatal ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in an anonymous egg donor in medico-legal literature.

Regulation of prostaglandin H2 synthase-2 expression in primary human amnion cells by tyrosine kinase dependent mechanisms.

Prostaglandin H2 synthase (PGHS)-1 and PGHS-2 expression was examined in primary cultures of human amnion cells, an in vitro model of amnion tissue. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), the protein kinase C (PKC) activating phorbol ester TPA, and the protein phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid (OA), stimulated PGHS activity and the level of PGHS-2 mRNA, but did not affect the level of PGHS-1 mRNA. In situ hybridization suggested that the same population of cells responded to EGF, TPA and OA. Okadaic acid promoted PGHS activity independently of PKC. EGF stimulated the activity of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (Erk) and N-terminal c-Jun kinase (Jnk). OA increased Jnk activity but had no effect on Erk activity, while TPA had no influence on either Erk or Jnk activity. PD098059, a selective inhibitor of the Erk-activating kinase MEK, blocked the stimulation of PGHS expression by EGF, but did not decrease stimulation in response to OA. Herbimycin A, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, suppressed the stimulation of PGHS activity and PGHS-2 mRNA abundance by all three stimulants, and blocked signalling via the Erk and Jnk mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Thus, growth factor stimulation, PKC activation and protein phosphatase inhibition induced the expression of PGHS-2 in primary amnion cells by distinct regulatory mechanisms involving tyrosine kinase(s). Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may constitute a new category of PGHS-2 inhibitors that act by blocking the expression of the enzyme.

2. Haemorrhoids leading to post-mortem artefact: a case report.

Any change produced, or feature introduced, in a body after death which is accidentally or physiologically unrelated to the natural state of the body is termed as an artefact. Since artefacts may lead to misinterpretation of post-mortem findings, it is important to rule them out. Artefacts may be produced for a variety of reasons. We present a case report where a young male in his late twenties committed suicide by hanging. He was suffering from haemorrhoids. Because of his posture, there was post-mortem bleeding, which was interpreted by the police as bleeding due to the self-cutting of his veins. Hence, we felt the need to report this case.

Estimation of post-mortem interval: A comparison between cerebrospinal fluid and vitreous humour chemistry.

Accurate estimation of post-mortem interval is of great importance in medico-legal autopsy cases. The present study is intended to compare the accuracy of estimating post-mortem interval from biochemical parameters of vitreous humour and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Both the fluids were collected from 100 medico-legal autopsies with known time of death and analysed for potassium, glucose, sodium, calcium, urea and creatinine. The current study found that vitreous humour is a better fluid in comparison to CSF for estimation of post-mortem interval. It is also observed that among the statistically significant parameters in both the fluids, level of potassium and sodium in vitreous humour are giving more accurate results in comparison to their corresponding parameters in CSF while accuracy of glucose is more or less same in both the fluid. Nevertheless potassium concentration in vitreous humour is a single best time honoured parameter to estimate post-mortem interval.

Accuracy of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) in Blunt Trauma Abdomen-A Prospective Study.

Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is a limited ultrasound examination, primarily aimed at the identification of the presence of free intraperitoneal or pericardial fluid. In the context of blunt trauma abdomen (BTA), free fluid is usually due to hemorrhage, bowel contents, or both; contributes towards the timely diagnosis of potentially life-threatening hemorrhage; and is a decision-making tool to help determine the need for further evaluation or operative intervention. Fifty patients with blunt trauma abdomen were evaluated prospectively with FAST. The findings of FAST were compared with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), laparotomy, and autopsy. Any free fluid in the abdomen was presumed to be hemoperitoneum. Sonographic findings of intra-abdominal free fluid were confirmed by CECT, laparotomy, or autopsy wherever indicated. In comparing with CECT scan, FAST had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 77.27, 100, and 79.16 %, respectively, in the detection of free fluid. When compared with surgical findings, it had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 94.44, 50, and 90 %, respectively. The sensitivity of FAST was 75 % in determining free fluid in patients who died when compared with autopsy findings. Overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FAST were 80.43, 75 and 80 %, respectively, for the detection of free fluid in the abdomen. From this study, we can safely conclude that FAST is a rapid, reliable, and feasible investigation in patients with BTA, and it can be performed easily, safely, and quickly in the emergency room with a reasonable sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. It helps in the initial triage of patients for assessing the need for urgent surgery.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 inhibits placental differentiation and human chorionic gonadotropin and human placental lactogen secretion.

Previously, no inhibitors of placental differentiation have been described. In this study, we determined the effect of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) on cytotrophoblast differentiation. Monolayer cultures of pure cytotrophoblasts were exposed to 0.001-10 ng/ml TGF beta 1 with and without the presence of 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factor (EGF), an inducer of placental differentiation. Over 7 days of culture, in 11 separate experiments, phase contrast microscopy demonstrated marked inhibition of EGF-induced syncytial formation by TGF beta 1. Basal human (h)CG and h-placental lactogen (PL) release were reduced compared to control by fractions of 0.75 (TGF beta 1/control) and 0.54, respectively. EGF alone induced fractional (EGF/control) increases in hCG and hPL release of 2.46 and 2.68, respectively. However, this stimulation was significantly inhibited by 10 ng/ml TGF beta 1. Dose-response studies showed that maximal TGF beta 1 inhibition of EGF-stimulated hormone secretion occurred at 0.1 ng/ml or more TGF beta 1. Partial differentiation (syncytium formation) occurred despite the presence of TGF beta 1, suggesting a portion of cytotrophoblasts were committed to differentiation at the time of culture. We conclude that TGF beta 1 acts as a major inhibitor of trophoblast differentiation and concomitant peptide hormone secretion.