Changes in the tissue-specific ck-MB2 concentrations in serum after myocardial infarction: comparison with total CK-MB

Poster (1993, November)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Normal Prostate Aging: Differences in Types I and Ii 5 Alpha-Reductase and Steroid Hormone Receptor Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (Mrna) Levels, but Not in Insulin-Like Growth Factor Mrna Levels

in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (The) (1993), 77(5), 1203-8

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is so common in elderly men that the development of adenomatous nodules in this organ can be seen as a normal age-dependent process. In this work, we used Northern ... [more ▼]

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is so common in elderly men that the development of adenomatous nodules in this organ can be seen as a normal age-dependent process. In this work, we used Northern blotting to compare the levels of androgen, estrogen, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptor in young (age range, 23-33; n = 3), old normal (age range, 52-80; n = 3), and BPH-affected subjects (age range, 66-87; n = 15). We have also investigated in these groups the expression of genes coding for the two 5 alpha-reductases (types I and II), aromatase, IGF-I, and IGF-II. Our results show significantly increased levels of IGF mRNA in old healthy and BPH-affected subjects; the respective rises for IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGF-I receptor mRNAs were 3.0-, 2.9-, and 1.5-fold (BPH) and 2.7-, 2.4-, and 1.8-fold (old normal controls). For estrogen receptor, androgen receptor, and type I and II 5 alpha-reductase mRNAs, a marked but opposite effect was observed in adenomatous tissues only; the respective levels were 2.2-, 1.8-, 3.9-, and 1.7-fold lower than those in young adult subjects, whereas no significant differences were recorded between the two normal groups. Morphometric analysis of each tissue specimen confirmed the significantly lower epithelium/stroma ratio in adenomas compared to young or old healthy tissues. Together, these observations suggest that prostatic adenomas may result from at least two conjugate processes: one characterized by a drop in the mRNA levels of steroid hormone receptors, which might be associated with a lower epithelium/stroma ratio, and another characterized by normal aging phenomena, of which the increased production of IGFs and IGF-I receptor transcripts could be biochemical markers. [less ▲]

Enhancement of Tumorigenicity of Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells in Nude Mice by Matrigel and Fibroblasts

in British Journal of Cancer (1993), 68(5), 909-15

The failure of MCF7 cells to induce the formation of tumours after sub-cutaneous inoculation into athymic nude mice can be obviated by the simultaneous injection of an extract of basement membrane ... [more ▼]

The failure of MCF7 cells to induce the formation of tumours after sub-cutaneous inoculation into athymic nude mice can be obviated by the simultaneous injection of an extract of basement membrane proteins (matrigel). Tumour growth is promoted and the latency period is low (2 to 4 weeks). In the absence of matrigel, the simultaneous inoculation of fibroblasts and MCF7 cells also resulted in the development of tumours, but with a longer latency period (about 2 months). The tumorigenic synergy between matrigel and fibroblasts was evidenced by co-inoculating MCF7 cells MDA-MB 231 cells with fibroblasts and matrigel. This co-inoculation decreased the delay of appearance of the tumours and/or accelerated the tumour growth, depending upon the number of fibroblasts injected. Repeated injections of fibroblasts conditioned medium, at the site of inoculum of tumour cells also enhanced tumour growth, suggesting the involvement of soluble factors secreted by fibroblasts. Histologically, tumours induced by co-inoculation of tumour cells and fibroblasts contained more stromal structures including vimentin-positive cells, fibronectin and interstitial collagens. These data suggest that human tumours may be reconstituted and grown in athymic nude mice using basement membrane components and fibroblasts as inductors. [less ▲]

Control of Pulsatile Secretion of Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone from Hypothalamic Explants

in Human Reproduction (1993), 8 Suppl 2(NULL), 18-22

We have studied the secretion of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) from hypothalamic explants of male rats at different ages in an attempt to delineate the neuroendocrine mechanism of the onset of ... [more ▼]

We have studied the secretion of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) from hypothalamic explants of male rats at different ages in an attempt to delineate the neuroendocrine mechanism of the onset of puberty. In this paper, we review some of our recent studies and we provide evidence of a dual control played by receptors to neuroexcitatory amino acids. We showed previously that isolated explants of rat hypothalamus could secrete GnRH in a pulsatile manner. The onset of puberty was characterized by a 2-fold increase in frequency of GnRH secretory pulses. This reduction of the interval between GnRH pulses involved an inhibitory autofeedback effect of GnRH on the pulse generator which was shut off following a secretory episode. This period of refractoriness was longer before puberty than after the onset of puberty. Activation of receptors to neuroexcitatory amino acids (N-methyl-D-aspartate; NMDA-type) was involved in the mechanism of pulsatile GnRH secretion. Striking developmental changes in NMDA-receptor-mediated GnRH secretion were demonstrated with a maximal activity around the time of the onset of puberty. Similar changes occurred in orchidectomized animals, indicating that this maturational process was gonad-independent. While evidence accumulated that NMDA receptors were involved in a stimulatory control of GnRH secretion, we found that NMDA receptors mediated an inhibitory effect on GnRH secretion. This inhibitory effect was very potent in the immature hypothalamus and it showed a marked reduction in potency before onset of puberty.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) [less ▲]

"Prendre l'humour au sérieux: prolégomènes à une étude du discours comique"

Conference (1993, November)

Pseudomonas putida BTP1 produced a new type of pyoverdine showing interacting properties and confirming the biogenesis of these compounds.

Poster (1993, November)

Jean-Pierre Verheggen, Pubères, putains

in Textyles : Revue des Lettres Belges de Langue Française (1993), 9

Les Negro Spirituals et les Gospel Songs

Book published by Presses Universitaires de France - 1ère édition (1993)

Religious Music in African American communities from slavery time till nowadays - A History . From Jubilee Songs to Negro Spirituals and to Gospel Songs . Influence of Thomas A. Dorsey.Contemporary gospel ... [more ▼]

Religious Music in African American communities from slavery time till nowadays - A History . From Jubilee Songs to Negro Spirituals and to Gospel Songs . Influence of Thomas A. Dorsey.Contemporary gospel and White Spirituals [less ▲]

André Blavier, Occupe-toi d’homélies

in Textyles : Revue des Lettres Belges de Langue Française (1993), 9

Anionic polymerization of (meth)acrylic monomers. 12. Efect of lithium chloride on the stereochemistry on the anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate in THF and in a 9/1 toluene/THF mixture

in Macromolecules (1993), 26(22), 5984-5990

The effect of LiCl on the stereochemistry of the anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of a lithium counterion at -78-degrees-C in THF and in a 9/1 toluene/THF mixture, has been ... [more ▼]

The effect of LiCl on the stereochemistry of the anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of a lithium counterion at -78-degrees-C in THF and in a 9/1 toluene/THF mixture, has been studied by C-13 and H-1 NMR spectroscopy. It has been found that LiCl has an important effect on the E/Z ratio of the living chain ends in THF, in contrast to the main-chain tacticity. In contrast, LiCl has a significant influence on the stereoregularity of the anionic polymerization of MMA in a 9/1 toluene/THF mixture. When the LiCl/initiator molar ratio is increased, the syndiotactic placements (rr) are favored at the expense of the isotactic ones (mm). This effect can be accounted for by a multistate propagating mechanism controlled by association/complexation equilibria among associated, nonassociated, and LiCl-complexed species. These association/complexation equilbria, which were originally proposed by Muller, appear to have a decisive effect not only on the livingness (molecular weight distribution (MWD)) but also on the stereochemistry of the anionic polymerization of MMA in a 9/1 toluene/THF mixture at -78-degrees-C, confirming the involvement of the ligand in propagation control. [less ▲]