Bones of Upper Extremity
Embryo Implantation, Delayed
Endometrium
Uterus
Pregnancy
Decidua
Embryo, Mammalian
Trophoblasts
Blastocyst
Embryo Transfer
Fertilization in Vitro
Embryo, Nonmammalian
Embryo Loss
Pseudopregnancy
Pregnancy, Animal
Chick Embryo
Placentation
Green Fluorescent Proteins
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
Pregnancy Rate
Proprotein Convertase 5
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
Menstrual Cycle
Progesterone
Stromal Cells
Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
Cleavage Stage, Ovum
Pregnancy, Tubal
In Situ Hybridization
Cryopreservation
RNA, Messenger
Ovulation Induction
Pregnancy Outcome
Oocyte Donation
Cochlear Implantation
Immunohistochemistry
Fallopian Tube Diseases
Fertility
Chorionic Gonadotropin
Lens Implantation, Intraocular
Estradiol
Placenta
Abortion, Spontaneous
Oocytes
Fallopian Tubes
Blastomeres
Lipoxins
Carbenoxolone
Epithelial Cells
Ovary
Pacemaker, Artificial
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
Models, Animal
Mice, Inbred Strains
Luteal Phase
Stents
Treatment Outcome
Growth Inhibitors
Cell Adhesion Molecules
Estrous Cycle
Gestational Age
Gene Expression
Gene Expression Regulation
Morula
Molecular Sequence Data
Signal Transduction
Biomimetic Materials
Receptors, Progesterone
Epithelium
Corpus Luteum
Retrospective Studies
Models, Biological
Spermatozoa
Estrus
Embryo Disposition
Prostheses and Implants
Aortic Valve Stenosis
Mice, Knockout
Cell Differentiation
Base Sequence
Drug-Eluting Stents
Zebrafish
Defibrillators, Implantable
Culture Media, Conditioned
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
Gastrula
Culture Techniques
Cardiac Catheterization
Body Patterning
Lymphokines
Electrodes, Implanted
Up-Regulation
Blotting, Northern
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Bioprosthesis
Cells, Cultured
Penile Implantation
Amino Acid Sequence
Cyclooxygenase 2
Follow-Up Studies
Coronary Restenosis
Macaca mulatta
Heart-Assist Devices
Drug Implants
Morphogenesis
Gene Expression Profiling
Aortic Valve
Cell Movement
Cloning, Organism
Mesoderm
Estrogen Receptor alpha
Embryo Research
Blotting, Western
Sirolimus
Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation
Nuclear Transfer Techniques
An ultrastructural study of implantation in the golden hamster. II. Trophoblastic invasion and removal of the uterine epithelium. (1/2169)
Sixty six implantation sites from 18 golden hamsters were examined with light and electron microscopy between 4 and 5 1/2 days of pregnancy (post-ovulation). At 4 days some blastocysts began to invade the uterine epithelium, with trophoblastic processes penetrating and engulfing portions of the uterine epithelium. The majority of epithelial cells appeared normal before invasion, although at two implantation sites three or four adjoining epithelial cells were necrotic before penetration by the trophoblast. In general the epithelial cells were degenerating at the time the trophoblast invaded the epithelium. Inclusions, representing portions of the engulfed epithelium, and varying in size and electron density, were present throughout the invading trophoblast cells at 4 1/2 and 5 days of pregnancy. At 5 1/2 days the uterine epithelium had disappeared and the embryo was now almost completely surrounded by blood lacunae. (+info)Molecular control of the implantation window. (2/2169)
Human endometrium is the end organ of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Therefore, endometrium is susceptible to changes in the cases of infertility that originate from disturbances in the normal functioning of this axis. In addition, some cases of unexplained infertility may be due to altered endometrial function. This disturbed endometrial function may originate from lesions in the molecular repertoire that are crucial to implantation. Human endometrium becomes receptive to implantation by the blastocyst within a defined period during the menstrual cycle. The duration of this so-called 'endometrial receptivity' or 'implantation' period seems to span from few days after ovulation to several days prior to menstruation. Successful implantation results from a co-ordinated series of events that would allow establishment of a timely dialogue between a receptive endometrium and an intrusive blastocyst. The members of the molecular repertoire that make endometrium receptive to implantation are gradually being recognized. Among these are the cytokines, integrins, heat shock proteins, tastin and trophinin. In addition, the expression of a second set of genes including tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and ebaf, may be the appropriate signal for the closure of the 'implantation window', for making the endometrium refractory to implantation and for preparing it for the menstrual shedding. (+info)Utero-ovarian interaction in the regulation of reproductive function. (3/2169)
The physiological regulation of fertile reproductive cycle in mammals depends on interactions between hypothalamus-pituitary, ovarian and uterine stimuli. Over the past 20 years, much has been learned about the interrelation between the affluent and effluent lymph and vascular drainage in and around both ovarian and uterine tissues. An essential feature in the regulation of the fertile cycle is the functional status of the ovary, particularly the corpus luteum. During the time of implantation and the early pregnancy, an active corpus luteum is essential. As human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) is important in the maintenance of the corpus luteum, we investigated if it was produced by the cyclic endometrium. Immunohistochemical and in-situ hybridization reactions were performed but neither identified the presence of HCG during the proliferative phase. Positive staining and beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-HCG) mRNA were observed during the secretory phase in the glandular cells of the endometrium. The results were confirmed by Western blotting of secretory phase endometrium extracts and assessment of the functional secretory capacity of primary endometrial cultures. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) investigations showed a positive result in the secretory phase. We postulate that, based on the very close morphological interrelation between the uterus and the ovary, the beta-HCG of the endometrium is the primary factor for the maintenance of the corpus luteum and early pregnancy. (+info)Role of proteases in implantation. (4/2169)
Implantation of the embryo into the endometrium is a critical step in the establishment of pregnancy and the failure of embryos to implant is a major limiting factor in the success of reproductive technologies. Furthermore, one or more of the molecules of importance at implantation could provide a suitable target for post-coital contraception. While there is considerable species variation in the extent to which the trophoblast invades the maternal endometrium and makes contact with the maternal blood supply, many of the molecular mechanisms are conserved among species. Three families of protease are involved in the matrix degradation required for implantation: the cysteine, serine and matrix metalloproteinases. Other proteases are required for the activation of regulatory molecules. Although trophoblast from all species appears to have a high invasive potential, this is limited by the presence of partner protease inhibitors, the presence of which provides restraint to this invasion. It is the balance between the proteases and their inhibitors at any focal point that determines the site and extent of trophoblast invasion. This review examines the literature regarding proteases and their inhibitors at early implantation sites across a range of species with very different forms of placentation and evaluates their common features and their dissimilarities. (+info)Expression of calcium binding protein D-9k messenger RNA in the mouse uterine endometrium during implantation. (5/2169)
To investigate the molecular mechanisms of implantation, we constructed a cDNA library of mouse uteri enriched with pregnancy-induced genes by subtractive hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One of the isolated clones was the cDNA for the calcium binding protein D-9k (Cabp9k), which is considered to regulate intracytoplasmic concentration and transport of free calcium ions. Northern blot and in-situ hybridization analyses demonstrated that the Cabp9k mRNA was expressed in the endometrial epithelia, both luminal and glandular, in the uterus at the time of implantation. On pregnancy day 5 it was detected in the luminal, but not in the glandular, epithelia. In the oophorectomized adult mice, progesterone enhanced Cabp9k mRNA expression in the uterus, whereas oestrogen did not. Consistent with this, a nucleotide change was identified in the first intron of mouse Cabp9k gene corresponding to the oestrogen responsive element in the rat Cabp9k gene. Transfer of embryos into the uterine cavity of pseudopregnant mice reduced the expression of Cabp9k mRNA in the glandular epithelium, suggesting that Cabp9k mRNA expression is also regulated by embryonal signal(s). These findings demonstrated that Cabp9k mRNA is expressed in the endometrial epithelia during the implantation period under the control of progesterone and the presence of embryo, and suggest that CaBP9k plays a role in implantation by regulating the local calcium concentrations. (+info)Intraperitoneal insemination of the guinea pig with synchronized estrus induced by progesterone implant. (6/2169)
Female guinea pigs with synchronized ovulation by means of implantation of progesterone-filled tubing (P-tube) followed by a progesterone injection, were inseminated by intraperitoneal injection with sperm suspension. First, to obtain the optimum conditions for insemination, the females were inseminated singly over the range of 1-10 x 10(7) spermatozoa before and after the synchronized ovulation. The incidence of conception and implantation was 100% in the females given more than 5 x 10(7)/animal at 9:00 h on the 5th day after removal of the P-tube. Second, the reproductive ability of the inseminated females under this optimal condition was observed throughout the pregnancy to delivery. Inseminated females had a mean +/- S.D. gestation period of 68.7 +/- 0.5 days, a litter size of 2.8 +/- 0.6 pups and body weight of 110 +/- 14 g. These data were comparable to those of naturally-mated females. Our findings suggest that the artificial insemination by intraperitoneal injection in combination with the synchronized estrus technique is very useful for production control in a small colony of guinea pigs. (+info)Matrilysin activity in the rat uterus during the oestrous cycle and implantation. (7/2169)
The objective of this study was to follow changes in the activity of the small matrix metalloproteinase matrilysin (MMP-7) in the rat uterus during the oestrous cycle and embryo implantation. Matrilysin was extracted from rat uteri, partially purified and separated into active and latent forms. The two forms of the enzyme were quantified at all stages of the oestrous cycle and after oestradiol and progesterone treatment. The activity was also measured during the first 7 days of pregnancy. Both latent and active forms of MMP-7 reached a peak during the pro-oestrous stage of the cycle; the concentrations were three times higher than at dioestrus and metoestrus. In rats treated with 0.1 mg oestradiol at metoestrus, both latent and active forms of the enzyme increased by more than two-fold after 24 h. In rats treated at pro-oestrus with 0.4 mg progesterone, there was a 70% increase in latent MMP-7, but no change in the active form. The highest concentrations of MMP-7 were observed on the first day of pregnancy. Between days 3 and 7 of pregnancy, the concentrations were relatively constant and comparable to the low concentrations at dioestrus. Enzyme activities were not different at implantation sites compared with remote sites. (+info)Regulated expression of cadherin-11 in human extravillous cytotrophoblasts undergoing aggregation and fusion in response to transforming growth factor beta 1. (8/2169)
Transforming growth factor beta 1 is believed to be a key regulator of extravillous cytotrophoblast invasion during the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition, this growth factor has been shown to regulate cellular differentiation and fusion in cultured extravillous cytotrophoblasts. To date, the cellular mechanisms by which transforming growth factor beta 1 promotes these developmental processes remain poorly understood. Recent studies indicate that the expression of the novel cadherin subtype, known as cadherin-11, is associated with the terminal differentiation and fusion of villous cytotrophoblasts isolated from the human term placenta and human myoblasts in vitro. In this study, cadherin-11 mRNA and protein expression were examined in primary cultures of human extravillous cytotrophoblasts cultured in the presence of increasing concentrations of transforming growth factor beta 1 using northern and western blot analysis, respectively. Transforming growth factor beta 1 was shown to increase cadherin-11 mRNA and protein expression in these cultured extravillous cytotrophoblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Cadherin-11 was further localized to the large cellular aggregates and multinucleated cells that formed in response to increasing concentrations of transforming growth factor beta 1 using immunocytochemistry. Collectively, these observations suggest that the morphogenetic effects of transforming growth factor beta 1 on cultured extravillous cytotrophoblasts are mediated, at least in part, by an increase in cadherin-11 expression. This study not only adds to the understanding of the cellular mechanisms by which transforming growth factor beta 1 promotes trophoblast differentiation and fusion but provides useful insight into the cell biology of the cadherins. (+info)There are several reasons why an embryo may not survive, including:
1. Immunological factors: The mother's immune system may reject the embryo, leading to its death.
2. Hormonal imbalance: An imbalance of hormones can disrupt the development of the embryo and lead to its demise.
3. Chromosomal abnormalities: The embryo may have an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can prevent it from developing properly.
4. Infections: Certain infections, such as group B strep or Listeria, can cause the embryo to fail to develop.
5. Maternal health issues: Chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, can increase the risk of embryo loss.
6. Smoking and drug use: Smoking and drug use have been linked to an increased risk of embryo loss.
7. Age: Women over 35 may be at a higher risk of embryo loss due to age-related factors.
8. Poor egg quality: The quality of the eggs used for fertilization can affect the success of the pregnancy.
9. Embryo fragmentation: The embryos may be damaged during the transfer process, leading to their failure to develop.
10. Uterine abnormalities: Abnormalities in the shape or structure of the uterus can increase the risk of embryo loss.
Embryo loss can be a traumatic experience for couples trying to conceive. It is essential to seek medical advice if there are multiple instances of embryo loss, as it may indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
There are several types of fallopian tube diseases, including:
1. Hydrosalpinx: A condition in which the fallopian tubes become filled with fluid, leading to inflammation and scarring.
2. Salpingitis: An inflammation of the fallopian tubes, often caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
3. Tubal pregnancy: A rare condition in which a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus.
4. Ectopic pregnancy: A condition in which a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, often in the fallopian tube.
5. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs in the pelvis, which can cause scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes.
6. Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, often affecting the fallopian tubes.
7. Adenomyosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle of the uterus, often affecting the fallopian tubes.
8. Fimbrial tumors: Rare growths that can occur in the fallopian tubes, often benign but can be cancerous.
9. Mullerian duct anomalies: Congenital abnormalities of the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs.
10. Oophoritis: Inflammation of the ovaries, which can affect the fallopian tubes.
Fallopian tube diseases can be diagnosed through a variety of tests, including hysterosalpingography (HSG), laparoscopy, and ultrasound. Treatment options vary depending on the specific condition and can include antibiotics for infections, surgery to remove blockages or scar tissue, or assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) if the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked.
Aortic valve stenosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, calcium buildup, or congenital heart defects. It is typically diagnosed through echocardiography or cardiac catheterization. Treatment options for aortic valve stenosis include medications to manage symptoms, aortic valve replacement surgery, or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which is a minimally invasive procedure.
In TAVR, a thin tube is inserted through a blood vessel in the leg and guided to the heart, where it delivers a new aortic valve. This can be performed through a small incision in the chest or through a catheter inserted into the femoral artery.
While TAVR has become increasingly popular for treating aortic valve stenosis, it is not suitable for all patients and requires careful evaluation to determine the best course of treatment. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of TAVR with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient.
There are many different approaches to weight loss, and what works best for one person may not work for another. Some common strategies for weight loss include:
* Caloric restriction: Reducing daily caloric intake to create a calorie deficit that promotes weight loss.
* Portion control: Eating smaller amounts of food and avoiding overeating.
* Increased physical activity: Engaging in regular exercise, such as walking, running, swimming, or weightlifting, to burn more calories and build muscle mass.
* Behavioral modifications: Changing habits and behaviors related to eating and exercise, such as keeping a food diary or enlisting the support of a weight loss buddy.
Weight loss can have numerous health benefits, including:
* Improved blood sugar control
* Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
* Lowered blood pressure
* Improved joint health and reduced risk of osteoarthritis
* Improved sleep quality
* Boosted mood and reduced stress levels
* Increased energy levels
However, weight loss can also be challenging, and it is important to approach it in a healthy and sustainable way. Crash diets and other extreme weight loss methods are not effective in the long term and can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other negative health consequences. Instead, it is important to focus on making sustainable lifestyle changes that can be maintained over time.
Some common misconceptions about weight loss include:
* All weight loss methods are effective for everyone.
* Weight loss should always be the primary goal of a fitness or health program.
* Crash diets and other extreme weight loss methods are a good way to lose weight quickly.
* Weight loss supplements and fad diets are a reliable way to achieve significant weight loss.
The most effective ways to lose weight and maintain weight loss include:
* Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is high in nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
* Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, running, swimming, or weight training.
* Getting enough sleep and managing stress levels.
* Aiming for a gradual weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week.
* Focusing on overall health and wellness rather than just the number on the scale.
It is important to remember that weight loss is not always linear and can vary from week to week. It is also important to be patient and consistent with your weight loss efforts, as it can take time to see significant results.
Overall, weight loss can be a challenging but rewarding process, and it is important to approach it in a healthy and sustainable way. By focusing on overall health and wellness rather than just the number on the scale, you can achieve a healthy weight and improve your overall quality of life.
Coronary restenosis is a common complication after coronary interventions, such as angioplasty or stenting. It is estimated that up to 20% of patients may experience restenosis within six months after treatment. If left untreated, restenosis can lead to chest pain, heart attack, or even death.
Treatment options for coronary restenosis include repeat angioplasty or stenting, medications such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, or bypass surgery. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare provider to monitor their symptoms and undergo regular follow-up appointments to prevent or diagnose restenosis early on.