Effect of Ethanol on Uterotropic Action of Estrogens

Female rats aging 3 months at the beginning of experiments received 5 or 15% ethanol and then were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy 2 weeks before end of the experiment. During the last 11 days they were daily injected intramuscularly with 2 g estradiol. Drinking of 5% ethanol combined with injections of estrogens induced DNA damage in the uterus detected by comet assay and abolished induction of progesterone receptors, changes in peroxidase activity, proliferation index, endometrium thickness, and other indices reflecting the hormonal effect of estradiol on the uterus. Drinking of 15% ethanol was accompanied by an increase in DNA-damaging effects of estrogens and a decrease in their hormonal uterotropic effects. It is concluded that unlike tobacco smoking, drinking of moderate ethanol concentrations modifies primarily genotoxic, but not the hormonal effect of estrogens.     

Relationship between tobacco smoke and uterotropic effect of estrogen

Female rats aged 3.–3.5 months were daily exposed for 2 h to 2.25% tobacco smoke in a 20-liter chamber for 3 weeks. A week after the beginning of the experiments, all rats were subjected to bilateral oophorectomy. Some of them were injected with estradiol in a daily dose of 2 μg or diethylstilbestrol in a daily dose of 1 μg for 10 days. Tobacco smoke exposure led to an increase in the uterus weight in oophorectomized rats, and combined exposure to tobacco smoke and estrogens resulted in an increase in the proportion of intact (twisted) DNA in the uterus. These results can be explained by a relatively short term of tobacco smoke exposure (stimulation stage). Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 124, No. 9, pp. 331–333, September, 1997     

Effects of synthetic bis-β-chloroethylamine estrogen derivatives on proliferation of skin sarcoma cells

The effects of four new synthetic bis-β-chloroethylamine-containing estrogens and known cytostatic agents chlorophenacyl and estradiol mustard were compared on monolayer cultures of transformed L-929 fibroblasts (from murine skin sarcoma). The drugs within the concentration range of 10⁻⁵-5×10⁻⁷M inhibited proliferation of cultured cells by 67%. Chlorophenacyl displayed the least antiproliferative activity (15% inhibition at 10⁻⁵M). Steroid nucleus introduced into the molecule enhanced antiproliferative activity of test drug in comparison with chlorophenacyl, probably due to accumulation of the hormone-cytostatic molecules in cells. Estradiol had no effect on proliferative activity of L-929 cells, and no specific estrogen-binding sites were found in cultured transformed fibroblasts. The antiproliferative effect of hormone-cytostatics on this culture is not mediated via specific interactions with estrogen receptors. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 129, No. 6, pp. 695–697, June, 2000     

Comparative study of cardioprotective and antiradical activity of estrogens and their nitro derivatives

Cardioprotective and antiradical activities of estrogens and their nitro derivatives are compared. Antiradical activity was observed in estradiol, ethanol estradiol, and estradiol nitrate, but not in nystranol, which exhibited antiradical properties only after acid hydrolysis. The data obtained on hearts from rats with experimental myocardial infarction show that estrogens and their nitro derivatives restrict the area of myocardial infarction due to antiischemic and/or antinecrotic activities. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 128, No. 10, pp. 408–410, October, 1999     

Sex steroid receptors in the myometrium in cesarean section

The levels of estradiol and progesterone receptors in the myometrium of 19 patients subjected to planned cesarean section were studied. Nine of these patients had competent cicatrices on the uterus, which was confirmed by preoperative studies and during the operation. For comparison, the myometrium of patients at the same terms of gestation subjected to planned abdorninal delivery without history of cesarean section was examined. No significant differences were revealed in estradiol and progesterone reception in the myometria of parturients with and without competent cicatrices on the uterus. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 124, No. 5, pp. 573–575, May, 1998     

Development of alcohol motivation in rats of a heterogenous population

The indices of ethanol or water preference under conditions of free choice and the duration of ethanol-induced sleep were measured in rats from a heterogenous population before and after compulsory alcoholization. The development of alcohol motivation was shown to be accompanied by the impairment of orosensory recognition of the strength of tested alcohol solutions (5, 10, and 15%) and the appearance of significant positive correlations between the index of preference and the dose of alcohol consumed. The sensitivity to hypnotic effects of ethanol was found to be unstable. Translated fromByulleten' Experimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 126, No. 11, pp. 534–537, November, 1998     

Effects of hormones on phospholipase A2 activity in rat skin

We studied the effects of hydrocortisone, progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone on phospholipase A₂ activity in plasma and lysosomal membranes of rat dermis and epidermis. The dermal enzyme was more sensitive to estradiol, while epidermal to testosterone. The effects of progesterone and hydrocortisone were mediated by lipocortin-like protein, while estradiol and testosterone directly by modulated phospholipase A₂ activity Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 129, No. 1, pp. 70–72, January, 2000     

A water-soluble form of estradiol with estrogenic and cardiotropic activity

It is demonstrated that a water-soluble form of estradiol (disodium salt of estradiol diphosphate), apart from having an estrogenic influence on the uterus, is effective against severe blood loss and has a cardiotropic actiity. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 1, pp. 51–53, January, 1995 Presented by P. V. Sergeev, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Immunohistochemical detection of estrogen receptor α in articular chondrocytes from cows, pigs and humans: in situ and in vitro results

Clinical observations suggest that estrogens are involved in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoarthritis, but only little is known about the influence of these hormones on articular cartilage cells. The effect of estradiol is mediated by estrogen receptors α and β. The goal of the present study was to search for estrogen receptor α in articular tissue from cows, pigs and humans by immunohistochemistry to form a basis for in vitro studies. In addition, we also tried to detect estrogen receptor α in cultivated articular chondrocytes from cows and bulls under certain culture conditions. Estrogen receptor α is detected by the use of antibody 13H2 in articular chondrocytes from cows, bulls, pigs and humans. Chondrocytes are physiologically exposed to reduced oxygen tension. In isolated articular chondrocytes from cows and bulls incubated either with 21% O₂ or with 5% O₂ positive cells were also found. These positive results therefore encourage testing the influence of estradiol on cultivated articular cartilage cells in these species under different culture conditions.     

Effects of water and ethanol extracts fromPaeonia lutea root bark on hemostatic parameters

Anticoagulant and fibrinolytic activities, as well as inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation of water (2%) and ethanol extracts from the peony root bark (P. lutea) are demonstratedin vitro. Chronic peroral administration of the ethanol extract activates anticoagulant and fibrinolytic processes in rat blood. Water extract apart from anticoagulant activity, strongly enhanced blood fibrinolytic potency and inhibited platelet aggregation, which implies its possible antithrombotic properties. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 127, No. 5, pp. 533–535, May, 1999     

Effects of β-carotene and aspartame on clustogenic activity of cyclophosphamide and dioxidine in mice

Antimutagenic effects of combination of aspartame (0.4 and 4 mg/kg) and β-carotene (0.15–15 mg/kg) were studied by estimation of chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells of C57Bl/6 mice. Single and 5-day treatment with this combination decreased the clastogenic effects of dioxidine and cyclophosphamide and produced a more potent and universal antimutagenic effect than its constituents. Translated fromByulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 130, No. 11, pp. 570–573, November, 2000     

Effects of sex steroid hormones on lipid peroxidation and glutathione antioxidant system in rat skin

Effects of estradiol and testosterone on the intensity of lipid peroxidation and contents of glutathione redox system components in the dermis and epidermis of rat skin were studied. Only estradiol induced considerable dose-dependent and tissue-specific biphasic antioxidant effects on the skin. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 128, No. 12, pp. 663–666, December, 1999     

Contribution of the reproductive hormones to the regulation of prostaglandin F2α production by immunocompetent cells

The ability of estradiol, progesterone, and chorionic gonadotropin to influence prostaglandin F_2α production by intact splenocytes of CBA mice was studied. Estradiol and progesterone similarly activated the processes of prostaglandin F_2α production. No relationship was revealed between the effect and the concentration of the hormones. Chorionic gonadotropin activated prostaglandin production by immunocompetent cells but only when used in a concentration reflecting the peak of its physiological secretion. Combining gonadotropin with estradiol or progesterone did not lead to any appreciable differences in the prostaglandin-stimulating action of each hormone alone. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 8, pp. 178–180, August, 1995 Presented by K. P. Kashkin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonists on sexual motivation of male mice

The effect of selective agonists of serotonin 5-HT_1A receptors on sexual arousal (its behavioral and hormonal components) in male CBA mice caused by estral females was studied. Injections of 8-OH-DPAT, flesinoxane, and ipsapirone significantly decreased the main behavioral parameter of sexual motivation (duration of the male's stay near the wall separating it from the receptive female). The activating effect of the female on the pituitary gonadal system of the male was completely blocked: the blood testosterone level did not increase. Therefore, the behavioral and hormonal components of sexual activation of males are regulated by the serotonin mechanisms alone, in which the cerebral 5-HT_1A receptors are involved. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 127, No. 2, pp. 224–226, February, 1999     

Pharmacological analysis of the activity of phenazepam and flunitrazepam administered in superlow doses

Benzodiazepine tranquilizers, phenazepam and flunitrazepam, administered to random-bred albino male rats in superlow doses (10⁻⁹–10⁻¹⁵ mol/kg), are shown to exert an anxiolytic effect in the conflict test. In contrast to the case with the usual doses, the above effect is not accompanied by marked myorelaxant or sedative effects. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, № 2, pp. 164–166, February, 1996     

Interaction of bis-β-chlorethylamine estrogen derivatives with human ovarian adenocarcinoma cells

Antiproliferative effect of bis-β-chlorethylamine estrogen derivatives on human ovarian adenocarcinoma CaOV cells depends on the dose of the drug. In concentrations of 10⁻⁵ and 5×10⁻⁶ M they inhibit, while in a dose of 5×10⁻⁷ M stimulate cell proliferation. It is assumed that CaOV cells express estradiol receptors. The interaction of these cytostatics with estrogen-binding sites on CaOV cells is demonstrated. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 127, No. 3, pp. 302–304, March, 1999     

Effect of semax on homeostasis of gastric mucosa in albino rats

The ACTH_4–7 analogue Semax administered intrapeitoneally in a dose of 50 μg/kg 1 h before exposure to ulcerogenic factors (ethanol, water immersion immobilization stress) protected gastric mucosa from damage. Postoperative treatment with Semax for 5 days after application of glacial acetic acid on the mucosa prevented acetic acid-induced ulcers and promoted their healing. The antiulcer effects of Semax in the studied dose were comparable with those of tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro in a dose of 1 mg/kg. Translated fromByulleten “Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsniy, Vol. 130, No. 9, pp. 300–302, September, 2000     

Changes in the hormonal profile of ovariectomized women in the course of fetal therapy

Changes in the hormonal profile after human fetal tissue transplantation are studied in ovariectomized women of reproductive age. Normalization of the hormonal profile is achieved for at least 5–6 months after the first procedure and for at least 9–10 months after repeated inoculation of fetal tissue. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 122, No. 7, pp. 113–116, July, 1996     

Effects of 17β-estradiol and its isomer 17α-estradiol on learning in rats with chronic cholinergic deficiency in the brain

It was shown for the first time that estrogens 17β- and 17α-estradiols compensate impaired cognitive functions in rats with partial chronic deprivation of cholinergic functions in the central nervous system induced by intracerebral administration of selective cholinergic neurotoxin AF64A. 17β-Estradiol produced strong dose-dependent changes in the weights of hormone-sensitive endocrine glands, while 17α-estradiol did not affect the weight of the gonads and slightly influenced (in high concentration) the weights of the adrenal glands and thymus. The positive effects of exogenous 17β- and 17α-estradiols on cognitive functions are due to their antioxidant properties, rather than due to specific action on hormone-sensitive endocrine glands. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 129, No. 5, pp. 525–527, May, 2000     

Impact of 8-isoestrone analogs on estradiol binding in uterine tissue from ovariectomized rats

8-Isoanalogs of estrone were studied for their ability to influence estradiol binding in the cytosolic fraction of uterine tissue from ovariectomized rats and for their uterotropic activity 24 h after injection into such rats. Two groups of estrone 8-isoanalogs with opposite biological effects were identified: those increasing estradiol binding in the cytosolic fraction of uterine tissue and those decreasing this binding. Uterogenic activity was exhibited by all of the compounds tested, with the exception of compound I. No correlation was found between the uterogenic activity of the isoanalogs and hormone-receptor interactions. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2, pp. 165–167, February, 1995