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Query: UNIPROT:P01178 (oxytocin)
 15,767 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

There is increasing evidence for the existence of substances in ovarian tissues and fluids which are able to act locally, either alone or by modulating the actions of the gonadotropins, thus modifying the functions of ovarian cells. There are now clear data for oxytocin (OT), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in luteal tissue, with regard to specific expression of mRNA, secretion of peptid and receptors. Biological effects of these growth factors and others on luteal tissue were determined during the estrous cycle using two different in vitro systems; a novel microdialysis system (MDS) of intact luteal tissue and culture of luteal cells. The concentrations of secreted progesterone and OT were used as parameters. MDS; OT was most stimulative during the early luteal phase (days 5-7) and decreased continuously from days 8-12 to days 15-18. During early and mid stages bFGF was the most potent stimulator and at the late stage IGF-1 and IGF-2 were most stimulatory. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) stimulated the release of OT most effective at the early luteal stage. Results from the cell culture system (where no cell to cell contact exists) showed a different pattern. IGF-1 and IGF-2 had a stimulatory effect during long and short term stimulation, bFGF only during short term and OT showed no effect. Receptors were found for all peptides examined of luteal cells. A model of an intraovarian cascade-like system for the amplification of luteal function is presented.
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PMID:Regulation of bovine intra-luteal function by peptide hormones. 134 64

The effect of several growth factors, protein and steroid hormones on follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-stimulated and basal inhibin secretion by mature porcine granulosa cells (g-cells) in culture was examined in order to elucidate the putative role of growth factors and hormones in the regulation of inhibin secretion by porcine g-cells in vitro. Cells were incubated with the respective hormones over a timespan of 0-144 h and immunoreactive inhibin was measured with a radioimmunoassay against porcine inhibin. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and human transforming growth factor type beta (TGF-beta) decreased basal and gonadotrophin-stimulated inhibin and progesterone in a dose-dependent manner. In the absence of insulin, insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) caused a 4-fold enhancement of basal inhibin secretion, but inhibin secretion was elevated only to 20% above control in the presence of 500 nM insulin. Porcine platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) had no significant effect on basal or FSH-induced inhibin secretion by g-cells. In addition, neither gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) nor prolactin (PRL), arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin affected basal or FSH-stimulated inhibin release by porcine g-cells. Oestradiol caused a slight but significant (P less than 0.01) rise of basal inhibin production (158% of control) in the last 2 days of culture (96-144 h) and the effect of androstenedione on basal (158% of control) and FSH-stimulated (140% of control) inhibin release (P less than 0.01) was also only visible on Days 4-6 of culture. In contrast to androstenedione and oestradiol, progesterone did not show any effect during 6 days of culture in a dose range of 10(-5) to 10(-9) M. Like steroids, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) had a stimulatory effect on basal inhibin production (250% of control) by porcine g-cells, visible on Days 3-6 of culture, but an inhibitory effect on FSH-stimulated release (less than 40% of control). Over all the experiments with different hormones and growth factors, tested in varying doses and over a time span of 0-144 h, there was a strong correlation between progesterone and inhibin secretion by g-cells (0-48 h = 0.78; 48-96 h = 0.92; 96-144 h = 0.92). These results suggest that EGF, TGF-beta, IGF-I, oestradiol and androstendione as well as PGE2 have para- and/or autocrine modulatory effects on basal and FSH-stimulated inhibin secretion by mature porcine g-cells in vitro and further demonstrate that the secretion of the proteohormone inhibin and the steroid progesterone are closely related.
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PMID:Effects of growth factors and hormones on basal and FSH-stimulated inhibin production by porcine granulosa cells in vitro. 194 20

The variety of peptides synthesized by the corpus luteum (relaxin, vasopressin, oxytocin and oxytocin-related neurophysin) and their possible intracellular effects are reviewed. After luteinization of the granulosa cells and in response to LH and FSH, the output of oxytocin is increased. In addition, insulin-like growth factor is a very potent stimulus of oxytocin secretion. Although luteal cells respond to gonadotrophins by increased production of progesterone, there is no further secretion of oxytocin. Oxytocin is localized in large luteal cells which seem not to be under the direct control of gonadotrophins. Synthesis of luteal oxytocin seems to occur during the early luteal phase according to measurements of oxytocin mRNA. Highest tissue concentrations and secretion under in-vitro conditions were observed during the mid-luteal phase, and so synthesis, storage and secretion are unlikely to occur concomitantly. Under in-vitro conditions, oxytocin is secreted concomitantly with neurophysin and progesterone, and there appears to be some form of communication between small and large luteal cells for the secretion of progesterone and oxytocin under in-vivo conditions. Evidence has been obtained that oxytocin may have local effects in the ovary by inhibition of secretion (synthesis ?) of progesterone, especially during the early luteal phase. A mechanism can be suggested whereby, under physiological conditions, oxytocin may delay the increase of progesterone by inhibition of progesterone secretion and therefore delay down regulation of its own receptor. This would prolong the life-span of the CL and the oestrous cycle. Exogenous progesterone given on Days 1-4 shortens the cycle to about 12 days. The best evidence that oxytocin may be involved in controlling luteolysis comes from immunization experiments in ewes and goats, but there is no clear evidence of this type for cattle. Basal concentrations of oxytocin at the end of the luteal phase may interact with oxytocin receptors after the inhibitory effect of progesterone in the uterus is reduced, thus initiating synthesis of PGF-2 alpha.
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PMID:Luteal peptides and intercellular communication. 330 25

The aim of the present experiments was to examine the effects of oxytocin (1-10 000 ng/ml) on hormone and cyclic nucleotide secretion by human granulosa cells cultured in a serum-supplemented medium. The release of progesterone, oestradiol, insulin-like growth factor-I, prostaglandin F2alpha, cAMP and cGMP into the incubation medium was analysed by radioimmunoassay. An inhibition of progesterone, but not of oestradiol release was observed. Oxytocin also stimulated insulin-like growth factor-I, prostaglandin F2alpha, cAMP and cGMP output. The results suggest an involvement of oxytocin in the autocrine/paracrine regulation of steroid, insulin-like growth factor, prostaglandin and cyclic nucleotide release by human ovarian cells.
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PMID:Oxytocin affects the release of steroids, insulin-like growth factor-I, prostaglandin F2alpha and cyclic nucleotides by human granulosa cells in vitro. 867 Nov 78

Thymic epithelial cells, including nurse cells (TECs/TNCs), from various species synthesize neuroendocrine-related precursors belonging to neurohypophysial, tachykinin and insulin hormone families. The thymic repertoire of neuroendocrine-related polypeptides illustrates at the molecular level the paradoxical role of the thymus in both T cell positive and negative selection. On the one hand, these precursors are a source of signals which interact with neuroendocrine-type receptors expressed by target pre-T cells according to the cryptocrine type of cell-to-cell signaling. On the other hand, the same precursors constitute a source of self-antigens which are presented to pre-T cells by the thymic major histocompatibility complex system. Basically, the model of thymic T cell education to neuroendocrine self was established by the identification in TECs/TNCs of immunoreactive (ir) oxytocin as the self-antigen of the neurohypophysial family. Nevertheless, through the expression in TECs/TNCs of ir-neurokinin A and ir-insulin-like growth factor-II, the model also applies to the tachykinin and insulin hormone families.
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PMID:Development and evolutionary aspects of thymic T cell education to neuroendocrine self. 867 53

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of oxytocin on survival of musculocutaneous flaps in male Sprague-Dawley rats. For this purpose oxytocin (0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg), an oxytocin antagonist (1-deamino-2-D-Tyr-(OEt)-4-Thr-8-Orn-oxytocin) (1.0 mg/kg) alone or in combination with oxytocin (1.0 mg/kg) or saline was given subcutaneously (s.c.), 24 hours and 1 hour before and 24 hours after flap surgery. In addition, oxytocin (1 microg/kg) or saline was given intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) according to the same schedule. Six days after surgery the amount of viable tissue was measured. Oxytocin 1.0 (but not 0.1) mg/kg s.c. and 1.0 microg/kg i.c.v. increased survival of the flaps (s.c.: 13.8+/-14.6% versus 6.10+/-5.45%; p<0.05 and i.c.v.: 25.5+/-14.0% versus 10.3+/-5.79%; p<0.01). This effect was abolished by the oxytocin antagonist. Furthermore, the oxytocin-treated rats had significantly higher plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (p<0.05). These data indicate that oxytocin increases the survival of musculocutaneous flaps. The effect seems to be exerted within the central nervous system since a 1000 fold lower dose of oxytocin given i.c.v. increased flap survival to the same extent as the s.c. given dose. IGF-1 might be one of the mediators of this effect.
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PMID:Oxytocin increases the survival of musculocutaneous flaps. 968 48

The aim of our in vitro experiments with isolated porcine ovarian follicles was to study the effects of gonadotropins, GH, IGF-I and oxytocin (OT) on release of ovarian steroid, OT, IGF-I, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), prostaglandin F (PGF), prostaglandin E (PGE) and cAMP. It was found that quarters of ovarian follicles cultured for 8 days produced significant amounts of progesterone, estradiol-17 beta, OT and IGFBP-3 with peaks of accumulation from the 3rd to the 8th day of culture. Addition of serum promoted progesterone, estradiol and OT release, whilst accumulation of IGFBP-3 was maintained to a greater extent in serum-free medium. GH (10 ng/ml or above) was able to inhibit androstenedione, OT, PGF and IGFBP-3, to stimulate IGF-I and cAMP, and to alter testosterone and PGE release by follicles cultured in serum-supplemented and/or serum-free medium. IGF-I (10 ng/ml or more) inhibited androstenedione and PGF secretion, stimulated testosterone, estradiol, OT and cAMP production, but did not influence progesterone, IGFBP-3 or PGE output in these conditions. OT (100 ng/ml) was able to inhibit androstenedione and to stimulate testosterone, IGF-I, PGF and PGE, but not estradiol or IGFBP-3 release. A stimulatory effect of LH on progesterone and OT and an inhibitory influence of LH on estradiol secretion in the serum-supplemented medium were observed. FSH in these conditions stimulated OT, but not progesterone or estradiol secretion. The use of this experimental model suggests the involvement of gonadotropins, OT, GH and IGF-I in the control of ovarian steroid and nonapeptide hormone, growth factor, growth factor-binding protein, prostaglandin and cyclic nucleotide production. The stimulatory effect of GH on IGF-I, and the stimulatory influence of IGF-I on OT, as well as coincidence of the majority of effects of IGF-I and OT, suggest the existence of a GH-IGF-I-OT axis. On the other hand, the different patterns of action of GH and IGF-I on OT, estrogen and IGFBP-3 suggest that part of the GH effect on ovarian cells is IGF-I independent.
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PMID:Isolated porcine ovarian follicles as a model for the study of hormone and growth factor action on ovarian secretory activity. 979 73

In neonatal calves besides adaptations in organ function there are marked metabolic and endocrine changes. The growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis is basically functioning, but needs maturation. Various metabolic and endocrine traits do not exhibit marked ontogenetic changes after the first week of life, but others remain different from the adult stage. Thus, plasma oxytocin or an oxytocin-like substance and nitrate concentrations are elevated for months. The ability to digest colostrum (C) and milk involves great alterations in structure and function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. C intake is important for passive immunity, provision of nutrients, minerals and vitamins, and contains biologically active substances. IGF-I, present in C in high amounts, appears to enhance GI tract development and function. For sufficient absorption not only of immunoglobulins, but also of fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, C should be ingested immediately after birth. The amino acid pattern and the glutamine/glutamate ratio depends greatly on whether C is fed or not. Effects on insulin, IGF-I, and IGF binding proteins depend on time-point and amounts of C fed. After the colostral period calves are almost exclusively fed milk and milk substitutes or weaned. Low iron intake, required for the production of pale meat, besides anemia causes metabolic and endocrine adaptations, such as enhanced insulin-dependent glucose utilization and appears to reduce IGF-I responses to GH. Metabolic and endocrine changes, such as insulin resistance and disturbed glucose metabolism, can be observed in part in association with high feeding intensity in veal calves.
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PMID:Endocrine and metabolic aspects in milk-fed calves. 1052 25

Angiogenesis is prominent during development and downregulated in the adult. Strictly controlled angiogenesis in the healthy adult occurs cyclically in the ovary and corpus luteum, which therefore make an excellent model with which to study vascular growth. Dysfunctional or uncontrolled angiogenesis is involved in a number of diseases and is responsible for growth and dissemination of tumours. This review focuses on the following aspects of the ovary: the gross and microscopical anatomy of the blood vessels, described mainly--but not exclusively--in the bovine; vascularization of the follicle before and after ovulation; angiogenesis in the developing and the mature corpus luteum as well as in the corpus luteum of pregnancy. The potential mechanisms of vascular regression during luteolysis and the potential role of vascular growth in dominance and atresia of follicles will be described. Furthermore, recent research on ovarian angiogenic and potential anti-angiogenic factors including fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), angiopoietin and metalloproteinase inhibitor will be presented. Finally, the role of hormones including FSH, LH, sexual steroids, prostaglandins, prolactin, oxytocin and activin/inhibin in ovarian angiogenesis will be summarized. Future research is likely to yield valuable information that can contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of diseases characterized by disregulated angiogenesis and vascular regression.
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PMID:Angiogenesis and vascular regression in the ovary. 1110 13

The action of growth hormone (GH) on the production of hormones, growth factors, growth factor binding protein and the occurrence of apoptosis in porcine ovarian granulosa cells, as well as the role of cAMP-stimulated protein kinase A (PKA) in the mediation of these effects, were studied. For this purpose, the effects of exogenous pGH (1-10,000 ng/ml), PKA blockers KT5720 (100 ng/ml) and Rp-cAMPS (1micromol), alone and in combination, on insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I), insulin-like binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), oxytocin (OT) and prostaglandin F alpha (PGF) secretion, PKA and cAMP response element binding transcription factor (CREB) content and the occurrence of apoptosis were investigated. It was found (using RIA/IRMA) that GH addition to culture medium significantly stimulated IGF-I and PGF release and inhibited IGFBP-3 and OT secretion. GH significantly decreased the incidence of apoptosis (TUNEL method) in cultured cells. Immunocytochemical study and Western immunoblotting showed, that addition of GH caused a dramatic increase in the accumulation of immunoreactive PKA within the cells, whilst Western blotting did not reveal marked influence of GH on content of CREB in cell lysates. PKA blockers, given alone, were able to decrease IGFBP-3 output (Rp-cAMPS, but not KT5720), reduce basal OT release (either Rp-cAMPS and KT5720) and increase PGF accumulation (KT5720, but not Rp-cAMPS). Furthermore, PKA blockers were able to prevent stimulatory effects of GH on IGF-I and PGF release, and inhibitory effect of GH on IGFBP-3, OT output and on apoptosis. These observations suggest the involvement of GH and a PKA-dependent intracellular mechanism in the control of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, OT, PGF, cAMP and apoptosis in porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Stimulation of PKA by GH and the prevention of GH-induced effects by PKA blockers suggest that both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of GH on porcine ovarian cells are probably mediated by the cAMP/PKA system.
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PMID:Growth hormone can regulate functions of porcine ovarian granulosa cells through the cAMP/protein kinase A system. 1184 11


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