Renin gene expression in nephroblastoma
Article Abstract:
Most of the renin found in the blood is produced in the renal arterial tree and in the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidneys. It has been demonstrated that both nephroblastomas and renal cell carcinomas are associated with elevated levels of plasma prorenin. This prorenin may be a tumor marker; it is, otherwise, biologically inactive. Researchers questioned whether the high plasma levels of inactive renin, as found patients with nephroblastomas, were secreted by the tumor, the adjacent kidney tissue, or produced in response to a factor secreted by the tumor. Unselected sections of fresh, surgically removed kidneys with nephroblastoma tumors were frozen in nitrogen. The presence of renin-specific mRNA, as an indicator, was determined on total purified RNA, using a cDNA probe and Northern blot analyses. Microscopic examination of tissue sections showed compression of normal tissue in areas adjacent to tumor tissue. Consequent narrowing of the renal arteries resulted in an increased number of renin-secreting cells in the kidney and an increase in blood renin levels. The presence of renin-specific mRNA was demonstrated in 45 percent of the nephroblastomas studied. Analysis revealed that it resembled mRNA from normal kidney tissue. One of the nephroblastomas examined produced no detectable normal renin RNA; instead, it produced a higher molecular weight RNA (approximately 3 Kb in length), which hybridized with the DNA probe. It is suggested that the presence of this abnormal gene expression may be suggestive of renin synthesis by tumor tissue. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Pathology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-3417
Year: 1990
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LPD, a glandular or vascular problem?
Article Abstract:
Progesterone is a hormone produced during the menstrual cycle. It helps to maintain adequate blood flow within the endometrium (the lining of the uterus); this is necessary for pregnancy to occur. In luteal phase insufficiency or defect (LPD), the levels of progesterone are low. LPD results in infertility. Fertilization may occur in women with LPD who are on hormone therapy. However, some women are still infertile, even if normal levels of hormones are given, due to abnormalities of the endometrium; these abnormalities would prevent the implantation of the embryo, or fertilized egg. The abnormalities of the endometrium in LPD vary and can include asynchrony in the timing of the maturation of the glands which secret the hormones and the arteries involved in maintaining the endometrium. Both are necessary for pregnancy. Recent work suggests that the maturation of the arteries will determine if the embryo can become implanted. Therefore, infertility may result from abnormal hormonal levels or abnormalities of the endometrium itself. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Pathology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-3417
Year: 1991
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