Both the endometrium and the trophoblast secrete a number of proteins. Some of these, e.g. human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) from the trophoblast and pregnancy-associated endometrial α2-globulin (α2-PEG) from the endometrium, are secreted into the bloodstream and may act as endocrines. Moreover, they may also function as paracrines, signalling to adjacent tissues. Several models have been developed, by which the paracrine activity of the endometrium and the trophoblast might be examined <i>in vitro</i>. These include, cultures of endometrium and trophoblast, dual chamber superfusion of membranes and dual perfusion of individual placental cotyledons. The purpose of the present study was to examine some aspects of experimental design on the results from these models and consider the factors that might govern the rate of release. A good many trophoblast proteins have been characterised and methods devised for their quantitative measurement, however, the study of endometrial proteins is less advanced. As a first step, a method was developed for the measurement of α2-PEG, the major secretory protein of the secretory endometrium during the first trimester of pregnancy. This thesis describes the development of a competitive ELISA for measuring α2-PEG. This assay was employed for measuring α2-PEG in the medium from decidual cultures. In this thesis, release of protein <i>in vitro</i> has been examined as a mode of basal unstimulated secretion <i>in vivo</i>. The release is compounded of at least two simultaneous processes, biosynthesis and the transport of formed material to the outside of the cell. The concept is put forward that protein release is determined by a dynamic balance between biosynthesis of new protein and diffusion of protein down the concentration gradient between cell cytoplasm and the surrounding medium.

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Uppsala universitet, 2006. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1981. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-64).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1998. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 128-145). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

abstract: Pregnancy and childbirth are both natural occurring events, but still little is known about the signaling mechanisms that induce contractions. Throughout the world, premature labor occurs in 12% of all pregnancies with 36% of infant deaths resulting from preterm related causes. Even though the cause of preterm labor can vary, understanding alternative signaling pathways, which affect muscle contraction, could provide additional treatment options in stopping premature labor. The uterus is composed of smooth muscle, which is innervated, with a plexus of nerves that cover the muscle fibers. Smooth muscle can be stimulated or modulated by many sources such as neurotransmitters [i.e. dopamine], hormones [i.e. estrogen], peptides [i.e. oxytocin] and amines. This study focuses on the biogenic monoamine tyramine, which is produced in the tyrosine catecholamine biosynthesis pathway. Tyramine is known to be associated with peripheral vasoconstriction, increased cardiac output, increased respiration, elevated blood glucose and the release of norepinephrine. This research has found tyramine, and its specific receptor TAAR1, to be localized within mouse uterus and that this monoamine can induce uterine contractions at levels similar to oxytocin. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Biology 2017

The study was undertaken to assess the results of the sacrospinous colpopexy procedure for the treatment of vault prolapse following hysterectomy. It was also to assess the results of the procedure in the treatment of marked uterovaginal prolapse and to compare its role in a group undergoing hysterectomy with a group in whom the uterus was conserved. A prospective study was undertaken between December 1991 and December 1992. Forty women with vm1lt prolapse following hysterectomy were included in one group. All these patients underwent posterior vaginal repair, enterocele sac obliteration and sacrospinous colpopexy. In 25 patients an anterior vaginal repair with sub urethral buttressing sutures was also perfom1ed. A long-needle bladder neck suspension operation was included for three women with coexistent stress incontinence. The mean follow-up period was six months. The success rate was 92%. Of the three failures one underwent a successful repeat sacrospinous colpopexy and repair. The main long-term complication was cystocele formation. A further 24 women with marked uterovaginal prolapse were also included. All women underwent anterior and posterior vaginal repairs, enterocele sac obliteration and sacrospinous ligament fixation. In 13 patients a vaginal hysterectomy was performed and in 11 the uterus was conserved. In the hysterectomy group the follow-up was four months. Although there have been no failures, one woman had developed a small asymptomatic cystocele. Follow-up in the group with uterine preservation was three and a half months. A gain, no failures were seen but three women had developed small asymptomatic cystoceles. There were no differences between the groups apart from a significantly shorter operating time in the patients who did not undergo hysterectomy. The sacrospinous colpopexy is effective in the treatment of vault prolapse. It avoids major abdominal surgery: and allows the surgeon to correct coexistent cystocele and rectocele. The procedure is a useful adjuvent to vaginal repair for marked degrees of uterovaginal prolapse, resulting in a well-supported vagina in the correct anatomical position.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 75-81).

No description available.

Nos connaissances sur les mécanismes étiopathogéniques des cancers utérins (endomètre et col) sont en constante amélioration. Cependant, le dépistage précoce des lésions précancéreuses a été réalisé, jusqu'à présent, avec plus de succès pour le col que pour le corps utérin. En outre, un diagnostic histopathologique précis est obligatoire pour adopter la stratégie thérapeutique la plus appropriée. L'objectif général de ce travail a été de valider des marqueurs diagnostiques potentiels des cancers utérins en utilisant la technologie des « Tissus Puces» ou «Tissue Microarray» (TMA) qui permet l'examen uniforme et simultané d'un grand nombre d'échantillons déposés sur une même lame. Grâce à cette technologie, nous avons montré que la détection d'une série de marqueurs (ADN de papillomavirus humain, protéine p16, involucrine et antigène Ki67) peut améliorer le diagnostic histopathologique des différentes lésions (pré)néoplasiques cervicales. En outre, ces biomarqueurs pourraient aider à mieux comprendre la biologie des lésions épithéliales cervicales en les reliant à des critères morphologiques précis. Nous avons également évalué l'intérêt de marqueurs diagnostiques basés sur la méthylation de l'ADN dans la carcinogenèse endométriale. Notre démonstration d'une hyperméthylation des promoteurs de deux gènes suppresseurs de tumeur (RASSF1A et RARB2) au cours de la carcinogenèse endométriale et dans les tissus normaux adjacents aux tumeurs suggère un rôle important de la méthylation de l'ADN dans linitiation et la progression des lésions (pré) cancéreuses de lendomètre.