Effects of transgenes for human and bovine growth hormones on age-related changes in ovarian morphology in mice

The expression of human growth hormone (GH) in female transgenic mice (TM) is accompanied by sterility, whereas females expressing the bovine GH gene are fertile. A light and electron microscopic study was conducted to examine whether expression of these foreign GH genes in mice is associated with structural changes in the ovaries of young adult (3-month-old) or middle-aged (7-month-old) mice. One ovary was serially sectioned for light microscopy, and the contralateral ovary was used for electron microscopy. The numbers of preantral (PAF) and antral (AF) follicles, with and without signs of atresia, as well as the number of corpora lutea (CL), were determined. As expected, body weights of both young and middle-aged TM of either kind were significantly increased over those of their normal littermates. However, the ovarian weights of TM and control mice did not differ. In the 3-month-old TM, the ovaries were grossly normal at the light microscopic level. However, significantly more CL were counted in the ovaries of human GH-TM than in those of the other two groups. The percentage of PAF with signs of atresia was significantly reduced in ovaries of bovine GH-TM compared with the other groups, while the percentages of AF undergoing atresia were significantly different in all groups, with the highest values in normal animals, intermediate ones in human GH-TM, and the lowest in bovine GH-TM. In the ovaries of 7-month-old human GH-TM, conspicuous clusters of large, foamy light cells were present in the cortex and the medulla. Ultrastructurally, these cells appeared as interstitial cells in various stages of degeneration, accumulating cholesterol crystal-like inclusions. Although degeneration of interstitial cells was observed also in the other types of animals, it involved usually only single cells and no cytoplasmic crystal inclusions. Moreover, in the ovaries of 7-month-old human GH-TM the percentages of PAF were significantly reduced and the percentages of AF significantly increased compared with those in the two other groups, which did not differ from each other with respect to these parameters. No significant differences in the numbers of CL were found between the groups. Percentages of atretic PAF were significantly reduced in bovine GH-TM and comparable in the other two groups, while percentages of atretic AF were not different between normal and bovine GH-TM, but were significantly increased in human GH-TM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Hematopoietic progenitor cells and cellular microenvironment: behavioral and molecular changes upon interaction

Cell-cell contact between stem cells and cellular determinants of the microenvironment plays an essential role in controlling cell division. Using human hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34+/CD38-) and a stroma cell line (AFT024) as a model, we have studied the initial behavioral and molecular sequel of this interaction. Time-lapse microscopy showed that CD34+/CD38- cells actively migrated toward and sought contact with stroma cells and 30% of them adhered firmly to AFT024 stroma through the uropod. CD44 and CD34 are colocalized at the site of contact. Gene expression profiles of CD34+/CD38- cells upon cultivation with or without stroma for 16, 20, 48, or 72 hours were analyzed using our human genome cDNA microarray. Chk1, egr1, and cxcl2 were among the first genes upregulated within 16 hours. Genes with the highest upregulation throughout the time course included tubulin genes, ezrin, c1qr1, fos, pcna, mcm6, ung, and dnmt1, genes that play an essential role in reorganization of the cytoskeleton system, stabilization of DNA, and methylation patterns. Our results demonstrate directed migration of CD34+/CD38- cells toward AFT024 and adhesion through the uropod and that upon interaction with supportive stroma, reorganization of the cytoskeleton system, regulation of cell division, and maintenance of genetic stability represent the most essential steps.     

Die Abhängigkeit der Resorption fettlöslicher Vitamine (β-Carotin,Vitamin A und Vitamin D) von den verwendeten Lösungsmitteln

Zusammenfassung 1. Es wird über die unterschiedliche Resorption von -Carotin, Vitamin A und Vitamin D aus verschiedenen Lösungsmitteln berichtet.2. Auf die Verwendung von Vitamin A-Ölemulsionen und die Steigerung der Resorption durch wäßrige Vitamin A-Lösungen wird hingewiesen.     

Hepatitis B vaccination of high-risk individuals in the canton of Zurich

In an effort to vaccinate as many high-risk individuals as possible against hepatitis B, 10,484 persons received a total of 27,818 injections of H-B-Vax (Merck Sharp & Dohme) or HEVAC B (Sanofi/Pasteur) between January 1982 and January 1983. They represented 1.1 % of the total population of the canton of Zurich including approximately 70% of all medical and dental personnel, a great proportion of eligible high-risk patients and contacts of HBs Ag carriers, but not more than 10% of drug addicts and promiscuous homosexuals. Twelve to 17 % of the vaccine injections were accompanied by side effects which were benign in nature and transitory. Six vaccinated individuals developed hepatitis B, all within 60 days after the first vaccine dose. One hundred and seventy-seven cases of hepatitis B were recorded in 1982, 109 in the first half of the year and 68 in the second half. It was concluded that the vaccination campaign provided protection for medical and dental personnel. There was still no conclusive evidence of a vaccine-related drop in the incidence of hepatitis B in other high-risk groups vaccinated or — as a secondary effect — in other non-vaccinated populations.