Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and other preprovasoactive intestinal polypeptide-derive peptides in the female and male genital tract: localization, biosynthesis, and functional and clinical significance
Article Abstract:
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) influences nerve fibers within the male and female genital tracts and may influence various reproductive functions. VIP, a neurotransmitter, serves to dilate blood vessels and regulate the activity of smooth muscle in the genital tract. It may control erection in the male, and in the female, VIP stimulates ovulation and the production of steroid hormones. VIP binds to certain smooth muscles and tissues, including the placenta. VIP may inhibit the motion of the ovum (egg) through the fallopian tube by relaxing the tubal muscles. It dilates blood vessels in the uterus and keeps the uterine muscle relaxed during pregnancy. VIP may transmit signals of sexual arousal to the body in response to steroid hormones.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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Kininogen present in rat reproductive tissues is apparently synthesized by the liver, not by the reproductive system
Article Abstract:
Normal menstrual cycles may not significantly change the production of kininogens in either the reproductive organs or the liver. Kininogens are a naturally-occurring inflammatory substance. Inflammation commonly occurs in the reproductive organs, and female reproductive organs contain a high concentration of kininogen. Researchers analyzed liver and reproductive tissues from rats in various stages of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Most prekininogen production was traced to the liver. Genes in the reproductive tract were not found to influence increases in kininogens. Reproductive organs may take kininogens from blood plasma to increase the level of kininogens in the reproductive tract at certain times during menstruation.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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Fatty acid desaturase activities and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in human liver between the seventeenth and thirty-sixth gestational weeks
Article Abstract:
Human fetal liver exhibits significant levels of n-3 and n-6 fatty acid delta five- and delta six-desaturase activities between the 17th and 36th gestational week. Expression can occur by the 17th week and is stable during the third trimester. Activity of delta six-desaturase is higher for n-3 than for n-6 fatty acids. Significant variations occur during the second trimester in n-6 fatty acid delta five- and six-desaturase activities.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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