Localization of CD9 Molecule on Bull Spermatozoa: Its Involvement in the Sperm-Egg Interaction.

Tetraspanin CD9 is one of the egg membrane proteins known to be essential in fertilization process. The presence and localization of CD9 molecule in spermatozoa and its possible function in reproduction are still unclear. In our study, we describe the localization of CD9 on bull spermatozoa. In the immunofluorescence assay, the positive signal has been observed in the high proportion of sperm cells as a fine grains either on the apical part or through the entire anterior region of sperm head. CD9 recognized by monoclonal antibody IVA-50 was detected on freshly ejaculated (83.4 ± 3.7%) and frozen-thawed (84.3 ± 2.3%) sperm. The same reaction pattern was observed on sperm capacitated for 1 h, 2 h, 3 h and 4 h (83.6 ± 2.0%; 84.0 ± 1.5%; 85.7 ± 0.8%; 77.5 ± 10.8%). The presence of CD9 exclusively on plasma membrane of the bovine sperm has been detected by Western blot analysis of the protein fractions after the discontinuous sucrose gradient fractionation of the bull sperm. Moreover, probable role of the sperm CD9 molecule in fertilization process of cattle has been suggested as sperm treatment with anti-CD9 antibody significantly reduced (by 25%, p ≤ 0.001) the number of fertilized oocytes compared to control group in fertilization assay in vitro.

Role of tetraspanin CD9 molecule in fertilization of mammals.

Fertilization process is a very clever and unique process comprising some essential steps resulting in formation of zygote. Tetraspanin CD9 is considered to be a serious candidate molecule participating in these events. The importance of CD9 has been discussed in relation to acrosome reaction, sperm-binding, sperm-penetration, sperm-egg fusion and eventually, egg activation. The abundant expression of CD9 oocyte plasma membrane and the presence of CD9-containing vesicles in the perivitelline space of intact oocytes have been confirmed. Despite the fact that majority of authors analyzed CD9 expressed on oocytes, several studies considered the function of sperm CD9, too. To understand CD9 involvement, various conditions of in vitro fertilization (IVF) assays using polyclonal as well as monoclonal antibodies or knockout mice were carried out. However, ambiguous data have been obtained about the importance of CD9 in sperm-egg binding or fusion. Although the current findings did not prove any hypothesis, the indispensable role of CD9 in fertilization process was not excluded and the precise role of CD9 remains unexplained.

Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst: prenatal diagnosis of cystoid formation, its progression and surgery.

AIM: Presentation of a rare localization of bronchogenic cyst in retroperitoneum. MATERIAL: A case of a patient with retroperitoneal localization of a bronchogenic cyst with a prenatally diagnosed cystic formation. The surgery was indicated at the age of 6 owing to the progression of lesion. The histopathological examination of removed cyst revealed the diagnosis of bronchogenic cyst. For four years following the surgery, the patient was clinically free of complications. The regularly performed ultrasound examinations of the abdomen have been showing normal findings. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that retroperitoneal localization of bronchial cyst is very rare it should be considered in differential diagnosis (Fig. 3, Ref. 16).

Identification of bovine CD52-like molecule by monoclonal antibody IVA-543: distribution of CD52-like molecule in the bull genital tract.

The bovine maturation-associated sperm membrane antigen CD52-like molecule has been analysed using a mouse anti-sperm monoclonal antibody developed against bull spermatozoa. The antigen recognised by monoclonal antibody IVA-543 was detected on blood mononuclear cells (including lymphocytes and monocytes) and on a minor population of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The bovine CD52-like molecule is secreted by the epididymal epithelium and then it is inserted into the sperm membrane during the epididymal transport in the distal part of epididymis. The CD52-like molecule was absent from spermatozoa derived from testes, and the highest proportion of IVA-543-reactive sperm was observed in the cauda epididymis (91.6%). This study has shown that the new molecule identified on bovine cells has properties analogous to those previously described for CD52 molecules in man, mouse, rat, monkey, and dog.

[Testicular appendix torsion can mimic a tumour of the paratesticular tissues]. / Die Hydatidentorsion kann einen Tumor des paratestikulären Gewebes vortäuschen.

The authors present a case of testicular appendix torsion that mimicked a tumour of the paratesticular tissues due its calm clinical course, objective palpation and ultrasound finding. The torsion of the big testicular appendix was found during surgery from an inguinal approach. The histological examination confirmed only minimal inflammation changes and excluded tumour disease.

Thrombolytic treatment of ischaemic stroke occurring during a migrainous attack: a case report.

Authors report a case of young female suffering from the acute ischaemic stroke with right-sided hemiplegia, hemianopsia and hemihypoaesthesia during a migrainous attack without aura. Magnetic resonance imaging detected infarction in the left occipital lobe and occlusion of branches of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Combined treatment with systemic thrombolysis and sonothrombolysis was used, leading to the early PCA recanalization, and to a favourable clinical outcome after 1 month. Intravenous thrombolytic treatment administered within the therapeutic window may be useful in cerebral ischaemia associated with migraine when an arterial occlusion is documented.

Potato crisps without pancreatic extracts supplements: a potential cause of the distal intestinal obstruction in cystic fibrosis.

Three cases of the distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) are reported to be caused by a consumption of potato crisps without appropriate pancreatic enzyme supplements.

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia with nephrotic syndrome (Schimke immunoosseous dysplasia).

The first symptoms of immunooseous dysplasia were growth retardation and myopia. Nephrotic syndrome was diagnosed at the age of 8 years. Skeletal roentgenograms showed spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. In the renal biopsy there was nodular accumulations of PAS-positive hyaline material at the base of the granular stalks. There was lymphopenia with decreased CD4 and CD8 subpopulations. The condition of the patient gradually worsened until she died unexpectedly at 10 years with clinical symptoms of encephalitis. Autopsy documented cytomegaloviral pneumonia and advanced mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis. In the spleen there was PAS-positive hyaline material massively infiltrating the walls of the central arterioles of the splenic follicles. There was marked depletion of lymphocytes in the spleen and in lymph nodes. The differential diagnosis of immunooseous dysplasia in the framework of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia is discussed.

[The basal cell nevus syndrome. Case report of a 14-year-old girl]. / "Basal cell nevus syndrom". Kasuistika výskytu u 14letého devcete.

"Basal cell naevus syndrome" (Gorlin's syndrome) is a sporadic autosomal dominant hereditary precancerous condition which affects several organ systems. The dominating clinical manifestations are multiple basal cell naevi which develop into malignant basocellular carcinoma. Further abnormalities include abnormalities of the vertebrae and ribs, odontogenic keratocysts, calcification of the falx cerebri, a special facial appearance with progeny and macrocephaly. Affected patients may develop also ovarian fibromas, fibrosarcomas, cardiac fibromas, medulloblastomas and meningiomas. Lymphatic and chylous mesenteric cysts are also frequent. In the submitted paper the authors present the case-history of a 14-year-old girl with multiple naevi, histologically specified as solid, superficial and tricho-epithelial basalioma. Phenotypic manifestations, multiple keratocysts, bone abnormalities and calcifications of the falx cerebri which are detected in the girl led to the diagnosis of Gorlin's syndrome. The authors discuss the problem of cytogenetic findings (structural abnormalities, markers of mutagenicity) and possible therapy.

High-resolution CT in the assessment of bronchiectasis in children.

To assess the possibilities and limitations of high-resolution CT (HRCT) in the evaluation of bronchiectasis in children, we conducted a prospective study of 20 children with clinical and/or chest film findings suggestive of this diagnosis. The 2-mm collimation, 4.3-s HRCT scans with 10 mm interslice spacing were obtained in areas of suspected bronchiectasis; in nonsuspect areas 25-30 mm interslice spacing was used. No preparation for examination was required. Bronchiectasis was revealed in ten patients (50%), being bilateral in four cases and unilateral in six cases. All types of bronchiectatic patterns were found. Cooperation during the examination was the only difference when compared with an investigation of adults. It was not a serious problem in children aged 7 years and older; scans in 6-year-old children were diagnostic but not ideal. Nondiagnostic scans were obtained in a 3-year-old girl. At the time of the scans only one patient had undergone surgery. Preoperative bronchography confirmed the CT findings. The authors conclude that HRCT can limit the need for bronchography in children with a CT finding of focal bronchiectasis in whom surgery is contemplated. When using longer scanning times it is not possible to obtain good results without sedation of children younger than 6 years.

[Vesicoureteral reflux: a familial study]. / Vesikoureterální reflux: familiární studie.

In order to assess the familial incidence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) the authors examined a group of 54 families of children treated on account of this disease. Genealogical analysis revealed the same defect in two parents (1.8%), i.e. mothers and in five siblings (7.6%). Other urological abnormalities were found in 11 (6.3%) grade I relatives of children with VUR. Screening of the kidneys was made in 156 (91%) of grade I relatives. VUR was thus revealed in three siblings, incl. one where it was detected prenatally. In 18 families further abnormalities of the kidneys and urinary pathways were detected. Most frequently it was duplication of the urinary pathways which was detected in 12 grade I relatives (7%). The authors diagnosed furthermore: in mothers once right-sided hydronephrosis, once a dystopic kidney with pyelonephritic changes, once sponge kidneys, twice kidneys altered by pyelonephritis. The finding of hitherto clinically not manifested abnormalities which were thus revealed in 21 (12.1%) grade I relatives leads to the recommendation of ultrasound screening of the kidneys in families with VUR. The presence of VUR in eight (12.3%) siblings indicates the important role of genetic factors in the development of this defect.