Evaluation of steroidogenic capacity after follicle stimulating hormone stimulation in bovine granulosa cells of Revalor 200~ implanted heifers

Background： Heifers not used as breeding stock are often implanted with steroids to increase growth efficiency thereby altering hormone profiles and potentially changing the environment in which ovarian follicles develop. Because bovine granulosa cell culture is a commonly used technique and often bovine ovaries are collected from abattoirs with no record of implant status, the objective of this study was to determine if the presence of an implant during bovine granulosa cell development impacts follicle stimulating hormone-regulated steroidogenic enzyme expression. Paired ovaries were collected from 16 feedlot heifers subjected to 1 of 3 treatments： non-implanted （n = 5）, Revalor 200 for 28 d （n = 5）, or Revalor 200 for 84 d （n = 6）. Small follicle （1 to 5 mm） granulosa cells were isolated from each pair and incubated with phosphate buffered saline （n = 16） or 100 ng/mL follicle stimulating hormone （n = 16） for 24 h. Results： Granulosa cells of implanted heifers treated with follicle stimulating hormone produced medium concentrations of progesterone similar （P = 0.22） to non-implanted heifers, while medium estradiol concentrations were increased （P 〈 0.10） at 28 and 84 d compared to non-implanted heifers indicating efficacy of treatment. Additionally, real-time PCR analysis in response to follicle stimulating hormone treatment demonstrated a decrease in steroidogenic acute regulatory protein （P = 0.05） mRNA expression in heifers implanted for 84 d and an increase in P450 side chain cleavage mRNA in granulosa cells of heifers implanted for 28 （P 〈 0.10） or 84 d （P 〈 0.05） compared to non-implanted females. However, no difference in expression of 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase （P= 0.57） and aromatase （P = 0.23） were demonstrated in implanted or non-implanted heifers. Conclusions： These results indicate follicles which develop in the presence of high concentrations of androgenic and estrogenic steroids via an implant tend to demonstrate an altered capacity to respond to follicle stimulating hormone stimulation. Thus, efforts should be made to avoid the use of implanted heifers to study steroidogenesis in small follicle granulosa cell culture systems.

Effects of Environmental Lead Pollution on Blood Lead and Sex Hormone Levels among Occupationally Exposed Group in An E-waste Dismantling Area

Objective To study the effects of environmental multi-media lead pollution on blood lead and sex hormone levels among lead exposed males engaged in E-waste dismantling, and the correlation between confounding factors and sex hormone levels. Methods An E-waste dismantling area in Taizhou of Zhejiang Province was selected as the research site. One hundred and fifty two samples were collected from the groundwater, soil, rice, corn, chicken, and pork in the dismantling area. The effects of the multi-media lead pollution on the male blood lead and sex hormone levels of FSH, LH, and T, as well as the correlation with confounding factors, were studied. Results The blood lead concentrations in the males aged under 31, from 31 to 45 and from 46 to 60 were 98.55, 100.23, and 101.45 I~/L, respectively. Of all the environmental media lead exposures, the groundwater, rice and soil were main contributing factors to the lead accumulation in humans. FSH and LH levels increased with the age while the T levels decreased with the age instead. There was a significant correlation between the FSH and LH levels and wearing masks. Conclusion There was correlation between the FSH, LH, and T levels, and the mean values of lead concentrations in environmental media, and the sex hormone levels were correlated with the confounding factor of wearing masks.

The Effects of Lei Gong Teng on Reproductive Hormones

The serum reproductive hormone levels were examined with radioimmunoassay in women of child-bearing age before and after treatment with the prescriptions containing Lei Gong Teng ([symbol: see text] Radix Tripterygii Wilfordii). The results showed that Lei Gong Teng could induce amenorrhea, but it was reversible.

Association between Two Polymorphisms of Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor Gene and Susceptibility to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Meta-analysis

Objective To investigate the association between two polymorphisms of follicle stimulating hormone receptor （FSHR） gene and polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） susceptibility. Methods Case-control studies on relationship of Thr307Ala and Asn680Ser polymorphisms in FSHR gene and PCOS susceptibility were searched from PubMed, ISI web of knowledge, EBSCO, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI） databases up to March 21, 2013. The pooled odds ratio （OR） and 95% confidence interval （CO were calculated using fixed- or random-effect model based on heterogeneity test in 5 genotype models analyses. Results A total of 11 studies were included in the Meta-analysis. The random-effect analysis showed Asn680Ser was significantly associated with the reduced susceptibility to PCOS with dominant model （Asn/Asn＋Asn/Ser vs. Ser/Ser, OR=0.83, 95% CI： 0.69-1.00）, recessive model （Asn/Asn vs. Asn/Ser＋ Ser/Ser, OR=0.84, 95% CI： 0.72-0.98）, homozygote comparison （Ash/Ash vs. Ser/Ser, 0R=0.79, 95% CI： 0.63-0.98）, and the allele contrast （Asn vs. Ser, OR=0.87, 95% CI： 0.79-0.97） respectively（P=0.02, I2=56.0%）, being protective factors for PCOS. However, no significant associations were found between Thr307Ala and PCOS. Conclusion There might be a significant association between Asn680Ser polymorphism and PCOS.

Maturation, proliferation and apoptosis of seminal tubule cells at puberty after administration of estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone or both

Aim： To assess proliferative and apoptotic potential of the seminiferous epithelium cells in relation to Sertoli cell maturation in newborn rats under the influence of estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） or both agents given together. Methods： From postnatal day （PND） 5 to 15 male rats were daily injected with 12.5 μg of 1713-estradiol benzoate （EB） or 7.5 IU of human purified FSH （hFSH） or EB ＋ hFSH or solvents （control）. On postnatal day 16, autopsy was performed. Sertoli cell maturation/function was assessed by morphometry. Proliferation of the seminiferous epithelium cells was quantitatively evaluated using immunohistochemical labeling against proliferating cell nuclear antigen and apoptosis using the TUN-EL method. Results： Although EB inhibited Sertoli cell maturation and hFSH was not effective, a pronounced acceleration of Sertoli cell maturation occurred after EB ＋ hFSH. Whereas hFSH stimulated Sertoli cell proliferation, EB or EB ＋ hFSH inhibited Sertoli cell proliferation. All treatments significantly stimulated germ cell proliferation. Apoptosis of Sertoli cells increased 9-fold and germ cells 2-fold after EB, and was not affected by hFSH but was inhibited after EB ＋ hFSH. Conclusion： At puberty, estradiol inhibits Sertoli cell maturation, increases Sertoli and germ cell apoptosis but stimulates germ cell proliferation. Estradiol in synergism with FSH, but neither of the hormones alone, accelerates Sertoli cell maturation associated with an increase in germ cell survival. Estradiol and FSH cooperate to induce seminal tubule maturation and trigger first spermatogenesis.

Influence of leptin on luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone secreted from cultured rat anterior pituitary cells

BACKGROUND： Leptin may regulate reproductive function via release of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y. However, it is unknown whether this regulatory effect is limited to the hypothalamus. OBJECTIVE： To detect the effect of different dosages of leptin on luteinizing hormone （LH） and follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） secretion from in vitro cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. DESIGN： Contrast study based on cells. SETTING： This study was performed in the Basic Institute of Chengde Medical College, Chengde City, Hebei Province, China from March to June 2007. MATERIALS： Eighteen female Wistar rats of three months of age, weighing 200-220 g, and of clean grade were used. Leptin was provided by Peprotech Company, DMEM culture medium by Invitrogen Company, and the radioimmunological kit by Beijing Zhongshan Jinqiao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. METHODS： Three glandular organs were regarded as one group for culture of anterior pituitary cells. In the control group, saline was added to the culture medium instead of leptin. In the leptin group, leptin was prepared into different concentrations of 1×10^-12, 1×10^-11, 1×10^-9, 1×10^-7, and 1×10^-6 mol/L for stimulation of cultured cells. The culture supernatant was obtained at three hours after additional of saline/leptin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Contents of LH and FSH were detected by radioimmunology. RESULTS： Following leptin stimulation, LH release increased with increasing concentrations of leptin up to 1×10^-9 mol/L, where LH release peaked. LH release then progressively decreased with increasing leptin concentrations （P 〈 0.01）. LH release in the leptin （1×10^-12, 1×10^-11, 1×10^-7, and 1×10^-6 mol/L） groups was significantly higher than that in the control group （P 〈 0.01）. FSH content in the leptin （1×10^-11, 1×10^-9, and 1×10^-7 mol/L） groups was significantly higher than that in the control group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Leptin can directly affect pituitary tissue to promote the secretion of LH and FSH in a dose-dependent manner.

Fluoride Exposure,Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian Axis Hormones in Chinese Women

The effects of fluoride exposure on thefunctions of reproductive and endocrine systemshave attracted widespread attention in academiccircle nowadays. However, it is unclear whether thegene-environment interaction may modify thesecretion and activity of hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian （HPO） axis hormones. Thus, the aim of thisstudy was to explore the influence of fluorideexposure and follicle stimulating hormone receptor（FSHR） gene polymorphism on reproductivehormones in Chinese women. A cross sectionalstudy was conducted in seven villages of HenanProvince, China during 2010-2011. A total of 679women aged 18-48 years were recruited throughcluster sampling and divided into three groups, i.e.endemic fluorosis group （EFG）, defluoridationproject group （DFPG）, and control group （CG） basedon the local fluoride concentration in drinkingwater. The serum levels of gonadotropin releasinghormone （GnRH）, follicle stimulating hormone（FSH）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, and estradiol （E2）were determined respectively and the FSHRpolymorphism was detected by real time PCR assay.The results provided the preliminary evidenceindicating the gene-environment interaction onHPO axishormones in women.

Urinary follicle stimulating hormone can be used as a biomarker to assess male reproductive function

Aim: To develop an algorithm for use in population-based studies to assess testicular function by measurements of totalurinary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Methods: Total concentrations of urinary FSH were measured in a groupof 44 men at the University of California, Davis (UCD) and were compared to FSH measurements in serum. On thebasis of these and other published data, a urinary FSH value of >2 ng/mg creatinine (Cr) was selected as the cutoffpoint to identify men with elevated serum FSH ( > 12 IU/L) or low sperm counts ( < 20 million/mL). Results: Thesensitivity and specificity of this algorithm for detecting elevated serum FSH in a group of 58 agricultural workers in thePeople's Republic of China were 100 % and 50 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of this algorithm fordetecting low sperm counts in a population of 105 infertility patients at UCD were 58 % and 76 %, respectively.Conclusion: This test may have particular value in identifying populations with no evidence of testicular toxicity, andin which labor-intensive semen studies may not be feasible.

Elevated thyroid stimulating hormone levels are associated with metabolic syndrome in a Chinese community-based population of euthyroid people aged 40 years and older

This study investigated whether high-normal thyrotropin（TSH） levels are associated with metabolic syndrome in euthyroid Chinese people≥40 years old.Clinical and metabolic factors were assessed in 2,356 subjects（40-77 years old） with TSH levels in the normal range（0.35-5.00 mU/L）.Using 2.50 mU/L as the cut-off point of TSH level within the normal range,we divided subjects into the high-TSH（2.50-5.00 mU/L;n= 1,064） and low-TSH（0.35-2.50mU/L;n= 1,292） group.The results showed that the mean levels of body mass index（BMI）,total cholesterol（TC）,low density lipoprotein cholesterol（LDL-C）,and fasting plasma glucose（FPG） were higher in the high-TSH group and TSH levels were significantly positively con-elated with BMI,LDL-C,TC,and FPG.The prevalence of central obesity,hypertriglyceridemia,low high density lipoprotein cholesterol（HDL-C）,and high FPG（〉5.60 mmol/L） was significantly higher in females and subjects with high-TSH levels.Metabolic syndrome was also more prevalent in the high-TSH group.People over the age of 40 years with high-normal TSH levels had a 1.2-fold increased risk of metabolic syndrome,compared with those with low-normal TSII levels,after adjusting for age and gender.In conclusion,high normal TSH is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome in people ≥40 years old.

Stability of Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor mRNA in Stably Transfected Cells

In order to assess the impact of mRNA degradation on steady state levels of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA and on regulation of FSHR gene expression, the stability and half life of FSHR mRNA were determined in transfected cells expressing recombinant FSHR. Time dependent changes in FSHR mRNA content were determined by nuclease protection solution hybridization assay (NPA) or by qualitative reverse transcription competitive polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) in cultured hFSHR YI cells, cell lines stably transfected with a human FSHR cDNA. FSHR mRNA content remained constant during 8 h control incubations of hFSHR Y1 cells (NPA, 2.9±0.3 μg/mg RNA; RT PCR, 2.7±0.3 μg/mg RNA). Actinomycin D (ActD, 5 μg/ml) inhibited mRNA synthesis, as assessed by incorporation of uridine into total RNA, by 90 % within 1 h in hFSHR Y1 cells. No effect of ActD on cellular morphology or viability was observed. ActD caused a time dependent decrease in FSHR mRNA content in hFSHR Y1 cell lines with a lag time of 1 h. There were no significant differences in the rate of FSHR mRNA degradation between the two methods of mRNA quantification. The half life of hFSHR mRNA was 3.6±0.2 h by NPA and 3.1±0.1 h by RT PCR. The results indicated that degradation of mRNA was an important process in maintenance of steady state expression of the FSHR gene in cells stably expressing recombinant receptor.

Quantification of Porcine Follicle-stimulating Hormone Receptor Messenger Ribonucleic Acid by Reverse Transcription competitive Polymerase Chain Reaction

An easy and reliable method was developed for construction and quantification of competitive templates, which shared the same sequence as the amplified target DNA except for a 20 bp insertion in the middle by recombinant polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among the advantages of competitive PCR is that any predictable or unpredictable variable that affects amplification has the same effect on both target and competitor species and that the final ratio of amplified products reflects exactly the initial targets. The utilization of a thermostable reverse transcriptase in the RT step was proposed to overcome the problem of the efficiency of target cDNA synthesis. In addition, to obtain reliable measurements, it was recommended to perform four PCR with amounts of competitive template flanking the concentration of the target mRNA.

Association of Serum Ferritin Levels and Thyroid Hormones

Thyroid metabolism is orchestrated by the action of various minerals and trace elements including iron, iodine, selenium, and zinc. Iron deficiency, specifically deficiency in serum ferritin levels, is one of the common causes of thyroid dysfunction. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and circulating thyroid hormones. For this, a retrospective analysis was performed on 16,512 individuals who tested for serum levels of ferritin and thyroid profile at Vibrant America Clinical Laboratories. Subjects were stratified based on the serum levels of ferritin. Age (p −0.03232, p < 0.0001). Analysis of Linear association by Pearson’s correlation exhibited a considerable correlation between varying serum ferritin levels with all tested thyroid hormones. The study concludes that serum ferritin levels were associated with thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism in individuals with optimal levels of circulating ferritin.

EFFECTS OF DOPAMINE,ESTRADIOL AND TESTOSTERONE ON GONADOTROPIN RELEASE FROM THE PITUITARY FRAGMENTS OF Rana rugulosa

To understand the regulatory mechanisms of gonadotropin secretion in Rana rugulosa ,this study investigated the effects of dopamine (DA),estradiol (E 2) and testosterone (T) on the in vitro release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary fragments of female Rana rugulosa using a static incubation system and radio immunoassay (RIA). The results indicated that DA at the concentration from 0 1?μmol/L to 10?μmol/L inhibited the release of LH and FSH from the pituitary fragments of sexually pre mature or hibernating individuals,and the inhibitory effects enhanced with increasing concentrations of DA. E 2 at 1?μmol/L and 10?μmol/L significantly stimulated the release of LH of sexually pre mature individuals,but inhibited their FSH release at 0 1?μmol/L to 10?μmol/L;T had no obvious effects on their FSH release,but significantly inhibited their LH release at 10?μmol/L. Neither E 2 nor T,at the concentration from 0 1?μmol/L to 100?μmol/L,had obvious effects on the release of LH and FSH of hibernating individuals. The data suggest that DA and sexual steroids may have direct regulatory actions on LH and FSH release at the pituitary level in Rana rugulosa ,and the action of sexual steroids may relate to the gonadal development stages (seasons).

Y chromosome microdeletions in azoospermic patients with Klinefelter's syndrome

Aim： To study the occurrence of Y chromosome microdeletions in azoospermic patients with Klinefelter＇s syndrome （KFS）. Methods： Blood and semen samples were collected from azoospermic patients with KFS （n = 14） and a control group of men of proven fertility （n = 13）. Semen analysis was done according to World Health Organization （WHO） guidelines. Blood samples were processed for karyotyping, fluorescent in situ hybridization （FISH） and measurement of plasma follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） by radioimmunoassay. To determine Y chromosome microdeletions, polymerase chain reaction （PCR） of 16 sequence tagged sites （STS） and three genes （DFFRY, XKRY and RBM1 Y） was performed on isolated genomic DNA. Testicular fine needle aspiration cytology （FNAC） was done in selected cases. Results： Y chromosome microdeletions spanning the azoospermia factor （AZF）a and AZFb loci were found in four of the 14 azoospermic patients with KFS. Karyotype and FISH analysis revealed that, of the four cases showing Y chromosome microdeletion, three cases had a 47,XXY/46,XY chromosomal pattern and one case had a 46,XY/47,XXY/48,XXXY/48,XXYY chromosomal pattern. The testicular FNAC of one sample with Y chromosome microdeletion revealed Sertoli cell-only type of morphology. However, no Y chromosome microdeletions were observed in any of the 13 fertile men. All patients with KFS had elevated plasma FSH levels. Conclusion： Patients with KFS may harbor Y chromosome microdeletions and screening for these should be a part of their diagnostic work-up, particularly in those considering assisted reproductive techniques. （Asian JAndrol 2006 Jan; 8： 81-88）

Probability to retrieve testicular spermatozoa in azoospermic patients

Aim: The degree of probability to retrieve spermatozoa from testicular tissue for intracytoplasmic sperm injection intooocytes is of interest for counselling of infertility patients. We investigated the relation of sperm retrieval to clinical dataand histological pattern in testicular biopsies from azoospermic patients. Methods: In 264 testicular biopsies from142 azoospermic patients, the testicular tissue was shredded to separate the spermatozoa, histological semi-thin sec-tions of which were then evaluated using Johnsen score. Results: The retrieval of spermatozoa correlated signifi-cantly (P < 0.001) with the testicular volume (r = 0.49), the FSH concentration ( r = -0.66), the maximum score(r = 0.85) and the mean Johnsen score (r = 0.81). In the multivariate regression analysis the successful testicularsperm extraction showed the closest relationship to the maximum score. The testicular volume correlated significantlywith the mean Johnsen score ( r = 0.64, P < 0. 001), and the basal serum FSH concentration mainly with the maxi-mum score ( r = -0.77; P < 0. 001 ). Patients with a history cryptorchidism showed a significantly lower Johnsenscore compared to the patients who did not have any testicular disease in the past (3.7 ± 2.4 vs. 5.9 ± 2. 5; P < O.01). Conclusion: In a limited range, the testicular volume and the FSH concentration in serum were related to theJohnsen score which correlated significantly with the sperm retrieval. The successful sperm retrieval can be expected inall azoospermic patients irrespective of the results of clinical examination. However, the probability of retrieval of sper-matozoa decreased significantly in patients with a FSH level > 18 U/L, tesficular volume < 5mL, mean Johnsen score< 5, and maximum Johnsen score < 7.

Relationship between Serum TSH Level with Obesity and NAFLD in Euthyroid Subjects

To explore the relationship between serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level and obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in euthyroid subjects,1322 subjects were sub-jected to a questionnaire survey and physical examination.Fasting blood samples were collected to test serum TSH,plasma glucose and lipids.Fatty liver was diagnosed by type B ultrasonography.The rela-tionship between serum TSH level and body mass index (BMI),percentage of body fat and NAFLD was analyzed.The results showed that serum TSH level was significantly higher in females than in males at the same group,and it was significantly higher in overweight group than in control group.Levels of body weight,BMI,waist circumference and percentage of body fat were increased in TSH >2.5 group compared to TSH ≤2.5 group in women.However,plasma lipids showed no significant differences.In males all the parameters showed no significant differences between two groups.Serum TSH was sig-nificantly correlated with body weight,BMI,waist circumference and percentage of body fat after ad-justment for age in females.Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that percentage of body fat and BMI contributed significantly to the variance of TSH.Serum TSH level was significantly higher in non-alcoholic fatty liver group than in normal group in females.Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TSH level was not the independent risk factor of NAFLD.Taken together the data suggest that se-rum TSH in normal range is significantly correlated with BMI and percentage of body fat in females.And the change of TSH level would not influence the prevalence of NAFLD.

Occurrence of gonadtropins like substance in the thoracic ganglion mass of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura)

The identification and localization of vertebrate follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） and luteinizing hormone （LH） in crustaceans may further elucidate the regulation mechanisms in arthropod repro-duction. Using immunocytochemical staining techniques, this study has localized vertebrate FSH-like and LH-like substances in neurons in the subesophageal and thoracic ganglia from the thoracic ganglion mass （TGM） of Scylla paramamosain （Crustacea： Decapoda： Brachyura）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） has shown that the concentrations of both FSH-and LH-like sub-stances increased markedly in the TGM during the vitellogenic stage compared with that in the previtellogenic stage. These results indicate that substances resembling the vertebrate FSH and LH are present in S. paramamosain, and they may be involved in the development of the ovary as well as in ovulation.

Regulative Actions of the Chinese Drugs for Tonifying the Kidney on Gene Expression of the Hypothalamic GnRH,Pituitary FSH,LH and Osteoblastic BGP

It is found that the drugs for nourishing yin to reduce pathogenic fire can significantly down-regulate,and the drugs for tonifying the kidney to replenish essence can up-regulate mRNA expression of the hypothalamic GnRH,pituitary FSH,LH and osteoblastic BGP,indicating that the Chinese drugs for tonifying the kidney can regulate gene expression of the hypothalamic GnRH,pituitary FSH,LH,and osteoblastic BGP,which is possibly one of the main mechanisms of the Chinese drug for tonifying the kidney,regulating ephebic development process and improving skeletal development in sexual precocity children.

Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide Inhibits Expression of Re-com binantPorcine Follicle-Stim ulating Horm one Receptor

To assess the role of follicle stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR) gene expression in regulating expression of FSHR protein in the plasma membrane, the effects of a porcine FSHR cDNA antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) on FSHR mRNA levels and 125 I FSH binding were determined in Chinese hamster ovary cells expression recombinant porcine FSHR (pFSHR CHO cells). An 18 mer phosphorothioate endcapped antisense ODN that corresponded to the region surrounding the translation initiation codon of the porcine FSHR cDNA was synthesized. An 18 mer nonsense sequence of identical nucleotide composition, which had little homology to known DNA sequences, was synthesized for use as a control. pFSHR CHO cells were cultured in 24 well plates (10 5 cells/well) in the absence or presence of 1 20 μmol/L antisense or nonsense ODN for 24 h and then assayed for porcine FSHR mRNA, using quantitative reverse transcription and competitive polymerase chain reaction, and for 125 I FSH binding activity. Treatment with 10 μmol/L antisense ODN caused a paradoxical increase in porcine FSHR mRNA from 0.89±0.06 to 1.64±0.08 ng/mg total RNA ( P <0.05). Transfection with lipofectamine and 0.33 μmol/L antisense ODN caused an increase in porcine mRNA from 0.95±0.08 to 1.53±0.07 ng/mg total RAN. This was probably due to upregulation of mRNA synthesis resulting from inhibition of porcine FSHR protein translation. The nonsense ODN had no effect on porcine FSHR mRNA. Antisense, but not nonsense, ODN (10 μmol/L) inhibited membrane binding of 125 I FSH by 13.6± 0.8 % ( P <0.05) in 24 h. Treatment of cells with antisense ODN (10 μmol/L) for 48 h resulted in a 76±1.5 % ( P <0.05) inhibition of 125 I FSH binding. In contrast, transfection with lipofectamine and 0.33 μmol/L antisense ODN at 0 h caused a 76.1±1.3 % ( P <0.05) reduction in binding within 24 h. Binding had returned to 52.3±2.3 % ( P < 0.05) of normal by 48 h. These results indicate that an antisense ODN corresponding to the region of the translation start site of the porcine FSHR cDNA is an effective specific inhibitor of porcine FSHR synthesis and that inhibition of receptor synthesis causes a decrease in functional membrane bound FSHR.

Acupuncture for Treatment of Climacteric Syndrome—A Report of 35 Cases

To evaluate the effects of acupuncture for treatment of climacteric syndrome.Methods:The 65 cases in this series were randomly assigned to the acupuncture group (N=35) and the control group (N=30), with the former treated by acupuncture and the latter by medication respectively.The therapeutic effects were evaluated by means of the clinical outcome,improvement in the symptom scores and the results of radioimmunoassays.Results:In the acupuncture group,12 cases were cured,16 cases markedly effective,and 6 cases improved,the total effective rate being as high as 97.14%.The decrease in the symptom scores,and especially the elevation of the decreased E_2 level and the decrease of the increased FSH and LH levels, demonstrated that acupuncture therapy was superior to medication.Conclusion:Acupuncture for regulating the mental activities and reinforcing the kidney is an effective therapy for climacteric syndrome.