Browsing by Author "Imarai, M"

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    Basic aspects of oviduct function
    (PARTHENON PUBLISHING GROUP LTD, 1997) Croxatto, HB; Ortiz, ME; Villalon, M; Cardenas, H; Imarai, M; Hermoso, M; Velasquez, L; Orihuela, P; Coutifaris, C; Mastroianni, L
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    PAF receptor and PAF acetylhydrolase expression in the endosalpinx of the human Fallopian tube: possible role of embryo-derived PAF in the control of embryo transport to the uterus
    (2001) Velasquez, LA; Maisey, K; Fernandez, R; Valdes, D; Cardenas, H; Imarai, M; Delgado, J; Aguilera, J
    BACKGROUND: Prostaglandin-E-2 and platelet-activating factor (PAF) are embryonic-derived signals that time embryo passage into the uterus in the mare and hamster respectively. PAF-like activity is detectable in the spent media of preimplantation human embryos and it has been suggested that PAF may be the embryonic signal that controls embryo transport to the uterus in our species. The actions of PAF are regulated at the level of its synthesis and degradation as well as the expression of a specific cell surface receptor (PAFr). The enzyme PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) degrades PAR This study was undertaken to examine whether or not PAFr and PAF-AH are expressed in the human Fallopian tube and to identify the cell types in which they are expressed. METHODS: The presence of PAFr mRNA in tissue extracts was investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. We amplified the predicted amplicon for PAFr mRNA from RNA samples extracted from Fallopian tubes. The expression of PAF-AH was detected by Western blot and the localization of PAFr and PAF-AH proteins was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Utilizing antibodies against PAFr and PAF-AH, co-localization of the two proteins in the epithelium and stromal cells were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: These observations show that the human Fallopian tube expresses PAFr and PAF-AH at a location compatible with the proposed paracrine role of early embryo-derived PAF.
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    There a mucosal immune system associated with the mammalian oviduct?
    (1998) Cardenas, H; Corvalan, L; Imarai, M
    The oviduct is a key component of the reproductive system where essential stages such as spermatozoa capacitation, fertilization and early embryo development rake place. Recently, an additional role for the entire female reproductive tract has emerged with important implications for our understanding and management of reproductive health, namely, its role in mounting local immune responses against microbial pathogens. Most of the evidence about mucosal immune responses in the female reproductive tract is related to the vagina, with less information available for the uterus. The less known segment in this regard is the oviduct, which prompted us to review and summarize the current state of knowledge on the immune system at the level of the mammalian oviduct. A comprehensive search was conducted in Medline ann -for the last two years-also in Current Contents. Results demonstrate that the mammalian oviduct is endowed with many of the elements that characterize a mucosal immune system. However, there are gaps in our knowledge that, in addition to important interspecies differences, make it essential to explore further some fundamental questions regarding this system.