Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/3482

Author

Ge, Hong

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

1994

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

This thesis investigated the expression and regulation of cytochrome P450s, aromatase (P450arom) and cholesterol side chain cleavage (P450scc) enzyme mRNAs in human granulosa-luteal cells using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The two enzymes are instrumental in steroid hormone biosynthesis.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/6615

Author

Vaananen, Celine Claire

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

1997

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

The studies undertaken herewithin sought to characterize the pattern of regulation of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) mRNA levels in the rat ovary. The demonstration of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) transcripts in steroidproducing and steroid-dependent tissues suggests that GnRH may be implicated in the modulation of steroid action in those target tissues. Expression of GnRH-R mRNA increases in gonadal tissues and the pituitary with age, supporting the concept of GnRH as a local regulator in the developing rat as well as in the adult.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/29783

Author

Zou, Junxuan

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2010

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

The distintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin repeats (ADAMTS) are members of a gene family of secreted, multidomain and multifunctional proteinases that are able to proteolytically degrade a diverse array of cellular, extracellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) substrates. We examined the presence of ADAMTS in first trimester human placenta and only ADAMTS-12 was present in cultures of invasive extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVT) at significantly higher levels than in poorly invasive JEG-3 chorocarcinoma cells. Immunohistochemistry staining of chorionic villi derived from first trimester human placenta demonstrated that ADAMTS-12 was intensively immunolocalized in the cytotrophoblast layer but weakly immunolocalized in the poorly-invasive syncytial trophoblast layer.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/28961

Author

Shi, Fengtao

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2010

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

Activin A (homodimer of inhibin βA-subunit) is known to increase inhibin βB-subunit and inhibin B (heterodimer of inhibin α- and βB-subunit) levels and decrease progesterone accumulation in human granulosa cells. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is a potent paracrine regulator of ovarian function, but its overall effects, particularly relating to activin A actions, are unknown. We examined the potential crosstalk between activin A and GDF9 in primary cultures of human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells. Pretreatment of hGL cells with GDF9 for 24 h resulted in an increased expression of activin receptors and Smad2/3, and decreased inhibitory Smad7 activity. These effects were attenuated by BMP type II receptor ectodomain (BMPR2 ECD), a GDF9 antagonist.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/42242

Author

So, Wai Kin

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2012

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

Aberrant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activity contributes to the development of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), a common and lethal female malignancy. Elucidating the regulation of EGFR function will improve treatments for EOC and the survival of patients. This study aims to elucidate the role of Sprouty (SPRY) proteins, which are EGFR regulators, in EOC.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/10789

Author

Lee, Pearly S.N.

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

1999

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

It is well established that LH action is mediated primarily by adenylate cyclase/cAMP. Conversely, the role of inositol phosphate/calcium in LH signalling has only recently been investigated. We examined the effects of gonadotrophins on intracellular calcium mobilisation in HEK293 cells transiently transfected with human wild type or chimeric gonadotrophs receptors (n=3400). Intracellular free calcium concentration was measured using fura-2 microspectrofluorimetric techniques. Human LH (2-4 μg/ml) arid CG (10 IU/ml) consistently evoked oscillatory calcium signals in HEK293 cells transfected with hLHr, whereas hFSH (2-4 μg/ml) failed to elicit any calcium responses.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/30021

Author

Poon, Song Ling

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2010

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

It is increasingly apparent that GnRH-II acts as an autocrine/paracrine regulator in non-pituitary tissues, in addition to its role in the regulation of gonadotropin synthesis, and is an important player in cancer cell biology. High levels of GnRH-II and GnRHR in malignant ovarian tumors as compared with benign ovarian tissues underlies the importance of understanding GnRH-II function in ovarian cancer. In an attempt to define the regulation of GnRH-II in these tissues, we found that a cyclic-AMP responsive element (CRE) is critical for GnRH-II promoter transcription.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/7255

Author

Fan, Nancy C.

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

1995

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

The gonadotropin - releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor is a plasma membrane associated receptor and a member of the GTP - binding protein coupled receptor family. The interaction of the ligand, GnRH, and the GnRH receptor is a critical event in the endocrine control of reproduction. This coupling stimulates the synthesis and release of both luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary. In addition, GnRH - GnRH receptor binding acts locally to regulate human chorionic gonadotropin secretion in the placenta and steroidogenesis in the ovary. The objective of this thesis was to isolate and characterize the gene for the GnRH receptor in human.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/34980

Author

Chen, Junling

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2010

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

Nuclear receptors including estrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PRs) are activated by their ligands as well as by signaling pathways in response to peptide hormones and growth factors. In gonadotrophs, gonadotropin releasing hormones (GnRHs) act via the GnRH receptor (GnRHR). Both GnRH-I and GnRH-II activate an estrogen response element (ERE)-driven luciferase reporter gene in LβT2 mouse pituitary cells, and GnRH-I is more potent in this regard.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/35861

Author

Hong, Eui-ju

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2011

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) binds androgens and estrogens with high affinity, and regulates the distribution of these sex steroids in the blood and other biological fluids. Liver is the primary site of SHBG production, but the human SHBG transcription unit responsible for this is also expressed in proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) epithelial cells in a transgenic mouse model. Unlike hepatocytes which actively secrete SHBG and retain little immunoreactive SHBG within their cytoplasm, an incompletely glycosylated SHBG isoform has been found to accumulate inside PCT cells. These cells are androgen target cells, and the presence of SHBG within them accentuates androgen-dependent regulation of gene expression mediated by the androgen receptor (AR).

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/28623

Author

Bergen, Hugo Theodore

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

1988

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

An excitatory role for norepinephrine (NE) in the regulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) release was first suggested when it was demonstrated that noradrenergic receptor antagonists were able to block ovulation. More recently it has been proposed that NE has both an excitatory role and an inhibitory role in the neuroendocrine regulation of LH release. The excitatory effects may be mediated by alpha-adrenergic receptors and the inhibitory effects may be mediated via beta-adrenergic receptors. These experiments were performed to better understand the role of NE, the receptor type through which NE exerts its effects, and the role of the two major NE pathways in the brain, on LH secretion in the rat.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/32719

Author

Hatakeyama, Chiho

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2007

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

In contrast to the success of ICSI in treating male infertility, concerns have been raised about the health outcomes of the children conceived through this procedure. Cohort studies have shown that the ICSI population has an increase in low birth weight (LBW), birth defects, chromosomal abnormalities, and imprinting disorders. However, the underlying causes remain unknown.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/6811

Author

Vaananen, Jeffrey Eric

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

1997

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

These studies examined the effects of prostaglandin-F[sub 2a] (PGF[sub 2a]) on progesterone and 178-estradiol (estradiol) production, as well as DNA and PGF[sub 2a]-receptor (PGF[sub 2a]-R) mRNA levels, in the human granulosa-luteal cell (GLC). Additionally, the interactions of PGF[sub 2a] with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) were examined, with respect to progesterone and estradiol production.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/33832

Author

Chan Wong, Edgar Antonio

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2011

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are two of the most common forms of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) used to treat human infertility. Presently, over two million children have been conceived by ART. The majority of these children are born healthy. However, IVF and ICSI have been associated with increased risks of adverse perinatal health outcomes. The higher risk of low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and small for gestational age are of special concern due to its association with adult-onset diseases. In this thesis project, the effect of ART on the genetic and epigenetic status of the placenta, and their associations with fetal growth restriction are examined.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Copies

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/18509

Author

Choi, Jung-Hye

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2006

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women in developed countries. There is increasing evidence suggesting that the hormonal environment of the normal ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) and ovarian epithelial cancer (OEC) cells is associated with the development and progression of ovarian cancer. Exposure to excess gonadotropins and leptin, related to menopause or infertility therapy and obesity, respectively, has been implicated as a risk factor for ovarian cancer.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/29313

Author

Wang, Jian

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

1989

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that membrane phosphoinositide breakdown may participate in the actions of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) on hormone production in the rat ovary. In granulosa cells prelabeled with [³H]-arachidonic acid or [³H]-inositol, treatment with LHRH increased the accumulation of radiolabeled inositol lipids, diacylglycerol and free arachidonic acid, but luteinizing hormone (LH) or cholera toxin did not exert the same effect. Activation of protein kinase C by the phorbol ester, 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) had a stimulatory action on membrane phosphoinositide breakdown.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/30478

Author

Wen, Jiadi

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2010

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with TromboSpondin Repeats) are a novel family of secreted metalloproteinases. There is increasing evidence that distinct ADAMTS subtypes play key roles in embryonic development, reproduction and cancer. Nineteen ADAMTS subtypes have been identified in humans but most of them have been characterized only at the structural level. ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, -8, -9 and -15 have been subclassified into a subfamily, known as aggrecanases, owing to their ability to cleave the important extracellular matrix components, versican and aggrecan.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/32051

Author

Peng, Gang

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2007

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia remains one of the most common causes of maternal mortality in the developed world, and we still have no known effective prophylaxis and proven modifiers. The recent successful clinical trial of recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) in the management of SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome) has drawn attention to the possible use of this medicine for other conditions. Pre-eclampsia, has remarkable similarity to SIRS and may be such a condition.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/9760

Author

Ong, Aldrich Dixon

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

1999

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer in the Western world, but comparatively little is known about its development. Epithelial ovarian carcinomas are thought to originate in the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), i.e. the mesothelium covering the ovary, but experimental evidence for this origin has been lacking. Contrary to most epithelia where neoplastic progression is associated with loss of E-cadherin, this cell-cell adhesion molecule is sparse in normal human OSE but its expression increases in ovarian epithelial metaplasia and neoplasia.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf

Website

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/43273

Author

Asghari Roodsari, Alaleh

Place of Publication

[Vancouver, BC?]

Publisher

University of British Columbia

Publication Date

2012

Subject

Faculty of Medicine

Theses

Abstract

Light microscopy has remained the primary tool for the assessment of embryo quality and the selection of embryos for transfer in clinical IVF practice. Recent studies have suggested that metabolomic profiling of embryo culture media can distinguish human embryos with better implantation potential. We therefore undertook the following study to further assess the usefulness of metabolomic profiling ?spent? embryo culture medium using Raman spectroscopy. Methods: Patients undergoing IVF+/-ICSI treatment from the UBC Centre for Reproductive Health were recruited for study.

Language

English

Material Type

Thesis

Call Number

Thesis Shelf