A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in part fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine. 1993. / Normal thyroid physiology and pathophysiOlogy with reference to non-thyroidal illness is reviwed, including infections, specific disease states and drugs and their effects on thyroid function tests. A review of the literature reveals that following almost any infection the serum T4 and T3 decrease as a result of diminished secretion of TSH and thyroxine, accelerated T4 disappearance, inhibition of hormone binding to transport proteins and decreased peripheral T4 to T3 conversion. [Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version] / AC2017

by Karl Wah-keung Tsim. / Bibliography: leaves 109-119 / Thesis (M.Ph.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1984

by Lee Heung Man. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1988. / Bibliography: leaves 189-203.

by Kareen Kar-lit Wong. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--The Chinese University of Hong Kong. / Bibliography: l. 134-146.

生長和繁殖這兩個最主要的生理過程在脊椎動物中是密切相關的。生長主要是由腦-垂體-肝軸，即促生長激素釋放激素/垂體腺苷酸環化酶激活肽（GHRH/ PACAP-生長激素（GH）-胰島素樣生長因子（IGFs）軸所控制。值得一提的是，所有與這個神經內分泌軸相關的基因在卵巢中都有表達。這表明一個有功能的微型軸很可能存在於卵巢中。我們著重研究PACAP，該軸的上游因子，來揭示卵巢中這個微型軸的存在和功能。 / PACAP是一種最初從羊的下丘腦純化出來的夠能刺激cAMP分泌的神經肽，研究表明它也存在於如卵巢在內的其它各種外圍組織中。在斑馬魚中，兩種形式的PACAP（PACAP38-1，adcyap1a; PACAP38-2，adcyap1b）和三個 PACAP受體（PAC1-R，adcyap1r1; VPAC1-R，vipr1和VPAC2-R，vipr2）均在卵巢中表達。為了確定PACAP系統在斑馬魚的卵巢中有重要作用，我們首先對 PACAP的配體和三個受體在濾泡中的空間分佈進行了研究。此外，為了研究PACAP系統的潛在作用，我們還分析了PACAP的配體和受體在濾泡發育和成熟時期的表達情況。PACAP系統在濾泡細胞中時空表達的數據顯示，PACAP可能在調節濾泡發育和成熟中發揮雙重作用，這雙重作用是通過PACAP作用於不同的受體上完成的。卵母細胞體外成熟實驗的結果顯示PACAP可以促進完整的濾泡卵母細胞的成熟，但抑制裸露的卵母細胞體外自發成熟，這也進一步支持了我們的假說。 / 我們以前的研究表明，在原代培養的斑馬魚濾泡細胞中，垂體促性腺激素（HCG）可以顯著提高PACAP（PACAP38-2）的表達。因此，PACAP很可能是垂體促性腺激素控制卵巢功能的下游調節者。我們從幾個方面來驗證我們的假設。首先，由於激活素/結合蛋白系統是公認的垂體促性腺激素（HCG）的下游調節者，我們研究了PACAP對該系統表達的調控。研究結果表明，PACAP不僅能模仿促性腺激素對激活素/結合蛋白系統表達的調控，同時也刺激激活素介導的卵母細胞的成熟。PACAP和hCG選擇同樣的信號通路對激活素/結合蛋白系統進行調控進一步證實 PACAP的下游調節作用。其次，卵巢內源性生長因子，表皮生長因子EGF對PACAP調控激活素/結合蛋白系統表達的影響和其對hCG調控該系統表達的影響是一樣的。表皮生長因子可以作用於其膜上的受體並且使用MEK途徑來調節PACAP對激活素/結合蛋白系統的表達的調控。第三，我們研究了PACAP對激素生成的影響。芳香化酶是激素生成中一個十分重要的酶，它可以將睾酮轉化成雌激素E2。PACAP能刺激斑馬魚濾泡細胞中芳香化酶的表達。cAMP類似物，如forskolin和dbCAMP都可以模仿PACAP對芳香化酶的表達。PKA抑製劑 H89，可以完全抑制 PACAP誘導的芳香化酶的表達，這表明PACAP通過cAMP-PKA依賴性途徑調節芳香化酶的表達。由於促性腺激素也使用相同的cAMP-PKA途徑調節芳香化酶的表達，這進一步證實了PACAP是促性腺激素的下游調節者。 / 我們還研究了PACAP對該軸的其他因子調控，以便確定卵巢中是否存在一個有功能的GHRH/PACAP-GH-IGF軸。我們使用斑馬魚原代培養的濾泡細胞作為研究體系進行了一系列的基因調控的研究。PACA可以刺激gh及其受體 ghra和ghrb的表達。此外，它還增加了igf1表達，但對igf2a和igf2b的表達沒有明顯的影響。鑑於之前的工作證明重組zfGH可以刺激igf1的表達，我們有理由相信，在斑馬魚卵巢中存在一個有功能的GHRH/PACAP-GH-IGF軸。PACAP對此軸的調節作用也主要是通過cAMP-PKA途徑。 / 本研究不僅增加了我們對GHRH/PACAP-GH-IGF軸在卵巢中功能的了解，而且還提供了關於魚類生長和繁殖的協調方面有價值的信息，這必將有利於水產養殖。魚脊椎動物中最原始，最多元化的群體，目前的研究結果為其他生物的研究也提供了重要的參考。 / Growth and reproduction are two major physiological processes, which have been proven to be closely related in vertebrates. The process of growth is governed by the brain-pituitary-liver axis involving growth hormone releasing hormone/ pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (GHRH/PACAP), growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). Interestingly, the expression of all the genes involved in this axis has been reported in the ovary, which indicates that a functional mini-axis might exist in the ovary. In this study, we focus on the characterization of PACAP, the upstream element of the axis, to reveal the existence and functional roles of this intraovarian mini-axis. / PACAP is a neuropeptide originally purified from ovine hypothalamus for its potent activity to stimulate cAMP production. However, its presence and actions have also been demonstrated in various peripheral tissues including the ovary. In the zebrafish, two forms of PACAP (PACAP₃₈-1, adcyap1a; and PACAP₃₈-2, adcyap1b) and three PACAP receptors (PAC1-R, adcyap1r1; VPAC1-R, vipr1 and VPAC2-R, vipr2) were all expressed in the ovary. To provide clues to the importance of the PACAP system in the function of zebrafish ovary, we first investigated the spatial distribution of both PACAP ligands and the three potential receptors in the somatic follicle layer and denuded oocytes. We also analyzed the temporal expression profiles of PACAP ligands and receptors during follicle growth and maturation. Spatiotemporal expression data of PACAP system suggested that PACAP might play dual roles in regulating follicle growth and maturation through different receptors located in different compartments. This hypothesis was further supported by the observation that PACAP promoted maturation of follicle-enclosed oocytes but suppressed spontaneous maturation of denuded oocytes in vitro. / As the expression of PACAP (PACAP₃₈-2) was significantly stimulated by pituitary gonadotropins (hCG) in cultured zebrafish follicle cells, PACAP is therefore likely a downstream mediator or modulator of pituitary gonadotropins in controlling ovarian functions. We illustrated from several aspects to verify our hypothesis. Firstly, we tested the regulation of PACAP on the expression of activin/follistatin system for its well characterized roles in mediating pituitary gonadotropins (hCG). According to our results, PACAP could not only mimic gonadotropin-regulated expression of the activin/follistatin system, but also stimulated activin-mediated oocyte maturation. The same cAMP-dependent signal pathways PACAP and hCG chose towards the differential regulation of activin/follistatin system further confirm PACAP’s role as a mediator or even an amplifier. Secondly, EGF, the ovary-derived growth factor, was administrated to study its effects on PACAP regulated expression of activin/follistatin system. Similar with its influences on hCG regulated genes expression of activin system, EGF could work on its membrane receptors using a MEK pathway to regulate the effects of PACAP. Thirdly, the effect of PACAP on steroidogenesis was also studied. PACAP could stimulate the expression of aromatase, one of the steroidogenic enzymes that could convert testosterone to E2, in cultured zebrafish follicle cells. Its effect on aromatase expression could be mimicked by drugs that increase intracellular cAMP levels such as forskolin and db-cAMP. PACAP induced aromatase expression was totally abolished by a PKA inhibitor H89, which indicated that PACAP worked through a cAMP-PKA dependent pathway to regulate aromatase expression. As gonadotropins also use the same cAMP-PKA pathway to regulate the expression of aromatase, it was further confirmed that PACAP could mediate or amplify the effects of gonadotropins, even in steroidogenesis. / We also studied the regulatory effects of PACAP on other components of this mini-axis to find out whether this hypothetical GHRH/PACAP-GH-IGF axis in the ovary work the same way as the systemic somatotrophic one. We carried out a series of regulatory studies using the primary zebrafish follicle cell culture system. Interestingly, PACAP up-regulated the expression of gh and its receptors ghra and ghrb. In addition, it also increased the expression of igf1 but not igf2a and igf2b. Accompanied with the fact that recombinant zfGH could stimulate the expression of igf1, we have reason to believe that a functional intraovarian axis exited in zebrafish ovary. It seems that the regulatory effects of PACAP on this axis also mediated through a cAMP-PKA pathway. / The present study not only increases our understanding of the GHRH/PACAP- GH-IGFs axis and its actions in the ovary, but also provides valuable information on the coordination of growth and reproduction in fish, which will surely benefit the manipulation of fish growth and breeding in aquaculture. Since fish represent the most primitive and diverse group of vertebrates, the information obtained from the present study will serve as important reference for the studies in other organisms. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Zhou, Rui. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-157). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstract in English --- p.i / Abstract in Chinese --- p.iv / Acknowledgement --- p.vi / Table of content --- p.viii / List of figures and tables --- p.xiii / Symbols and abbreviation --- p.xvi / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Ovary --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Folliculogenesis --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Steroidogenesis --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Endocrine, paracrine and autocrine network of ovarian follicles --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2 --- GHRH/PACAP-GH-IGF axis --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- GHRH/PACAP-GH-IGF axis in growth --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- GHRH/PACAP-GH-IGF axis in reproduction --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3 --- Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) family --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- PACAP ligands --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- PACAP receptors --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Function of PACAP system --- p.21 / Chapter 1.4 --- Objective of present study --- p.23 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-activating Polypeptide (PACAP) and Its Receptors in the Zebrafish Ovary - Evidence for Potential Dual Roles of PACAP in Controlling Final Oocyte Maturation / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and method --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Animals and chemicals --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Isolation of ovarian follicles --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Separation of oocyte and follicle layer --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Follicle incubation and oocyte maturation assay --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Primary follicle cell culture --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- RNA extraction and reverse transcription --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Semi- quantitative RT-PCR and real-time qPCR --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- Data analysis --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Spatial distribution of PACAP system within the follicle --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Temporal expression profiles of the PACAP system during folliculogenesis --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Expression profiles of PACAP system in peri-ovulatory period in vivo --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Expression mark change of the PACAP system during in vivo and in vitro maturation --- p.37 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Effects of PACAP on final maturation of intact follicles and denuded oocytes --- p.38 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.39 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- PACAP Mimics Pituitary Gonadotropin(s) in Regulating Ovarian Activin/Inhibin/Follistatin System / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.54 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and method --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Animals and chemicals --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Primary culture of ovarian follicle cells --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Total RNA isolation and reverse transcription --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Real-time polymerase chain reaction --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Isolation and incubation of follicles --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Data analysis --- p.59 / Chapter 3.3 --- Result --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- PACAP regulation of the expression of activin/inhibin/follistatin system in cultured zebrafish ovarian follicle cells --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Involvement of protein kinase A (PKA) in the differential regulation of activin subunits and follistatin by PACAP --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Potential role of activin in PACAP-induced oocyte maturation --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Interactive effects of EGF and PACAP on the expression of activin subunits and follistatin in the follicle cells --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Potential involvement of EGF-EGFR signaling in PACAP-regulated expression of activin subunits and follistatin in the follicle cells --- p.62 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.63 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- PACAP Regulation of Ovarian GH-IGF System / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.78 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Animals and chemicals --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Primary culture of ovarian follicle cells --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Total RNA isolation and reverse transcription --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Real-time polymerase chain reaction --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Follicle incubation --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Data analysis --- p.83 / Chapter 4.3 --- Result --- p.83 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- PACAP regulation of the expression of growth hormone and growth hormone receptors in cultured zebrafish ovarian follicle cells --- p.83 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- PACAP regulation of the expression of insulin-like growth factors and their receptors in cultured zebrafish ovarian follicle cells --- p.84 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Self-regulation of PACAP expression in cultured zebrafish ovarian follicle cells --- p.85 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Evaluation of protein kinase A (PKA) involvement in the PACAP-regulated expression of GH and IGFs family --- p.85 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Interactive effects of PACAP and EGF on expression of zebrafish GH-IGF axis in cultured follicle cells --- p.86 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.87 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- PACAP regulation of cytochrome P450 aromatase expression in cultured zebrafish ovarian follicle cells / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.103 / Chapter 5.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.106 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Animals and chemicals --- p.106 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Primary culture of ovarian follicle cells --- p.106 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Total RNA isolation and reverse transcription --- p.107 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Real-time polymerase chain reaction --- p.107 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Data analysis --- p.108 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.108 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- PACAP regulation of cyp19a1a expression in cultured zebrafish ovarian follicle cells --- p.108 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Effects of forskolin and db-cAMP on cyp19a1a expression --- p.109 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Involvement of protein kinase A (PKA) in the regulation of cyp19a1a expression by PACAP --- p.109 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.109 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- General Discussion / Chapter 6.1 --- Potential roles of PACAP in folliculogenesis --- p.120 / Chapter 6.2 --- PACAP mediates gonadotropins’ signaling through activin/follistatin system --- p.123 / Chapter 6.3 --- PACAP regulation of steroidogenesis --- p.124 / Chapter 6.4 --- PACAP regulation of ovarian PACAP-GH-IGF axis --- p.127 / Reference

Cortisol is one of the stress hormones produced as a result of stimulus to the hypothalamus triggering the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA).The result of cortisol production after this trigger is to return the body and its relevant systems back to homeostasis. This is a desired state of physiologic equilibrium in the body. A number of physiological and environmental conditions trigger the HPA pathway. This includes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), dehydration (low blood volume), exercise, which are considered stress triggers, and changes to the circadian cycle. It is no wonder then that extreme diet and exercise can impact the HPA axis due to the stress caused by such activities or lifestyle choices. Fortunately, the production of cortisol in response to exercise has been extensively studied. Generally, studies have shown that the level of plasma cortisol levels increase proportionally during high intensity exercise, while a general decrease has been observed during moderate or low intensity exercise (Davis & Few, 1973). In addition, several scientific texts provide substantial information on the correlation between hypoglycemia and cortisol synthesis. This information in addition to other sources has proven useful for assessing the effect of extreme dieting on cortisol production. The aim of this thesis is to expand on the changes in cortisol caused by extreme exercise and diet as well as elaborate on the physiological effects that these cortisol levels in turn may have.

"The in vitro addition of plant growth regulators (i.e. phytohormones) to Agrobacterium transformed hairy root cultures affects morphological and biochemical changes, resulting in altered growth and secondary metabolite accumulation rates in root tissues. Significant increases in both growth and secondary product accumulation have been observed, upon incubation with phytohormones, in some species. Consequently, the use of phytohormones in vitro has received increasing attention as a potential means for increasing those plant secondary products notoriously produced in small quantities. However, currently little is known about the specific effects of phytohormones on growth and secondary metabolism. The Chinese herb Artemisia annua L. produces artemisinin, an effective antimalarial therapeutic. Efforts to increase the amount of artemisinin via chemical synthesis or field-grown crops have met with huge costs and disappointingly low yields, respectively. Agrobacterium transformed hairy root cultures of A. annua (Clone YUT16) produce artemisinin and undergo rapid growth compared to non-transformed, making them a good model system to study secondary metabolite production. Demonstrated herein is the first definitive evidence, by any hairy root species, of a favorable response to exogenous combinatorial hormone application as well as the development of a two-stage culture system alluding to optimal growth and artemisinin production conditions in A. annua hairy roots. Furthermore, analysis of artemisinin and biomass accumulation in A. annua hairy roots in the presence of phytohormones has revealed effective individual as well as combinatorial phytohormone concentrations suitable for increasing single and bulk root growth, and artemisinin production. The effectiveness of an optimal phytohormone combination, with respect to time of addition, its relationship to inoculum size, and its combination with the provision of fresh nutrients and or mechanical stress to the roots is also described resulting in artemisinin yields of up to 0.8 ìg/g F.W. Although the findings contained herein are not yet optimized they do, however, argue for the potential usefulness of a two-stage production scheme using phytohormones to increase plant secondary metabolite production in vitro."

A produtividade de uma lavoura de soja representa apenas, aproximadamente, 20% do potencial genético. Dessa forma, a exploração das características genéticas tem sido alvo dos pesquisadores para incrementar a produtividade da cultura. Dentro disso, a potencialização fisiológica pela aplicação de estimulantes biológicos, desde a germinação das sementes até a fase reprodutiva da cultura, tem sido uma das principais estratégias adotadas. Visando um aporte à pesquisa nas respostas fisiológicas da cultura, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos fisiológicos do tratamento de sementes e aplicações foliares de micronutrientes, hormônios e aminoácidos e o quanto estes representam na produção em sistemas de alta produtividade. Foram realizados dois experimentos, sendo um em casa de vegetação (condições parcialmente controladas) (Experimento I) e outro a campo (Experimento II) no Centro Universitário de Patos de Minas (UNIPAM), Patos de Minas-MG, durante o período de janeiro a maio de 2013. Foram realizadas avaliações bioquímicas (atividade das enzimas nitrato redutase, urease, catalase, peroxidase e superóxido dismutase, peroxidação de lipídios e teor de prolina), fisiológicas (fotossíntese liquida) e fenométricas (emergência, índice de velocidade emergência, valor SPAD, taxa de crescimento de raiz, caule e folha, massa de matéria seca total e área foliar), além do número de vagens e da produtividade. Para o primeiro experimento, foram utilizados quatro tratamentos de sementes (controle; micronutrientes - Zn, Mn, B, Mo, Ni e Co; hormônios - ácido indol butírico, ácido giberélico e cinetina; e aminoácidos - ácido glutâmico, arginina, glicina, metionina e cisteína) com seis repetições em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. No segundo experimento, foram utilizados seis tratamentos de semente (controle; micronutrientes; hormônios; aminoácidos; micronutrientes e hormônios; e micronutrientes e aminoácidos) em dois sistemas de manejo: sistema convencional e sistema para produtividade potencial, com utilização de redutor de crescimento e aplicações periódicas de organominerais via foliar (doze tratamentos com quatro repetições em delineamento em blocos ao acaso). Com base nos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que: (i) o tratamento de sementes com micronutrientes potencializa a assimilação de nitrogênio e a fotossíntese líquida, e incrementa o teor de clorofila (valor Spad) e taxa de crescimento de plantas de soja; (ii) a utilização de aminoácidos ou hormônios reduz o nível de estresse das plantas durante o período inicial de crescimento e aumenta a produção de massa de matéria seca; (iii) o tratamento de sementes com micronutrientes, hormônios ou aminoácidos incrementa o teor de clorofila (valor Spad), (iv) o sistema para produtividade potencial potencializa a atividade fisiológica das plantas e, consequentemente, aumenta o número de vagens por planta e a produtividade em relação ao sistema convencional; (v) em sistema para produtividade potencial, o tratamento de sementes com micronutrientes é o mais responsivo (aumento de produtividade em 18,5%), e (vi) no sistema convencional, o tratamento com micronutrientes e aminoácidos aumenta a produtividade em 80%. / The actual soybean productivity represents about 20% of genetic potential. Thus, the exploitation of genetic characteristics has been targeted by researchers to increase crop yield. In addition, the physiological potentiation by applying biological stimulants, from seed germination to the reproductive stage of the crop, has been one of the main strategies adopted. Seeking a contribution to research on the physiological responses of soybean crop, aimed to evaluate the physiological effects of seed treatment and foliar applications of micronutrients, amino acids and hormones and how they represent in the production of the high productivity systems. Two experiments were carried out, one in the greenhouse (partially controlled conditions) (Experiment I) and other in the field (Experiment II) at the University Center of \"Patos de Minas\" (UNIPAM), \"Patos de Minas\", \"Minas Gerais\" State, Brazil, during the period of January to May 2013. Biochemical assessments (nitrate reductase, urease, catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, lipid peroxidation and proline content), physiological (net photosynthesis) and fenometric evaluations (emergency, emergency speed index, Spad value, leaf area, growth rate of root, stem, leaf, total dry matter and leaf area), beyond of the number of pods per plant and productivity. For the first experiment, four seed treatments (control; micronutrients - Zn, Mn, B, Mo, Ni and Co; hormones - indol butyric acid, gibberellic acid and kinetin; and amino acids - glutamic acid, arginine, glycine, methionine and cysteine) with six replications were carried out in a completely randomized design. For the second experiment, six seed treatments (control; micronutrients; hormones; amino acids; micronutrients and hormones; and micronutrients and amino acids) were used in two management systems: conventional system and system for potential productivity, using growth reducer and periodic leaf applications of biological stimulants (twelve treatments with four replications in a randomized blocks design). Based on obtained results, it is concluded that: (i) the seed treatment with micronutrients potentiates the nitrogen assimilation and net photosynthesis, and increases the chlorophyll content (Spad value) and soybean plant growth rate; (ii) the use of amino acids or hormones reduces plant stress level during the initial period of plant growth and increase the dry matter production; (iii) the seed treatment with micronutrients, hormones or amino acids increases chlorophyll content (Spad value); (iv) the system for potential productivity potentiates the physiological activity of plants and, consequently, increases the number of pods per plant and productivity when compared to conventional system; (v) under system for potential productivity, the seed treatment with micronutrients is the most responsive (increases productivity in 18.5%); and (vi) under conventional system, the treatment with micronutrients and amino acids increases the productivity in 80%.

Orientador: Célia Regina Nogueira / Resumo: Os hormônios tireóideos, o estrógeno e outros hormônios atuam no crescimento e desenvolvimento do tecido mamário. Os receptores de estrógeno devem estar presentes para que o estrógeno possa atuar na atividade biológica das células mamárias. A presença ou ausência destes receptores no tecido tem influência direta na terapêutica e prognóstico clínico do câncer de mama. Os receptores do estrógeno e do hormônio tireóideo (T3) são membros da "superfamília de receptores" intracelulares. Estes receptores atuam na ativação da transcrição de genes alvo, através da união ao seu elemento responsivo hormonal. Ainda não se sabe de que forma o hormônio tireóideo atua no tecido tumoral mamário. Estudos epidemiológicos são contraditórios, mostrando que, quando os níveis de T3 estão elevados existe proteção contra o desenvolvimento de câncer de mama. Outros estudos demonstram haver aumento no risco e incidência do câncer mamário em pacientes hipertireoideas. Análises in vitro demonstraram que o T3, em concentrações suprafisiológicas induz a proliferação celular. Em pacientes com câncer de mama realizamos dosagens hormonais e verificamos a expressão dos receptores de estrógeno. Também foi estudada a conformação da molécula do T3 e do receptor de estrógeno, para confirmar se uma possível ligação estaria ocorrendo entre o T3 e o ER... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Thyroid hormones, estrogen and other hormones act in the growth and development of breast tissue. Estrogen receptors must be present so that estrogen can act in the biological activity of breast cells. The presence or the abscense of these receptors in tissue has direct influence on therapeutics and clinical prognostic of breast cancer. Estrogen and thyroid hormone (T3) receptors are members of intracellular "receptors superfamily". These receptors work in the activation of the transcription of target genes, linking them to their hormonal responsive. It is not known in which way thyroid hormone act in tumoral breast tissue. Epidemiologic studies are contradicting, showing that, when T3 levels are high, there is protection agains the development of breast cancer. Other studies show that there must be an increase in the risk and incidence of breast cancer in hyperthyroidean patients. In vitro analysis present that supra-physiologicals concentrations of T3 induces cellular proliferation. We performed hormonal dosage and verified the expression of estrogen receptors in breast cancer patients. The morphology of T3 molecule and of the estrogen receptor were also studied, to confirm if a possible link would exist between T3 and ER. Our results show an existance of a clinical relation between thyroid... (Complete abstract, click electronic access below) / Mestre

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