Overexpression of Cripto‐1 (CR‐1) in FVB/N mice using the MMTV‐LTR promoter results in increased mammary tumourigenesis in these female transgenic mice (MMTV‐CR‐1). Here, we characterize uterine tumours that developed in 15/76 (19.7%) of MMTV‐CR‐1 female nulliparous or multiparous mice during 24 months of observation compared with 0/33 (0%) of FVB/N normal control mice observed during the same time period (p < 0.01). The uterine tumours collected from the MMTV‐CR‐1 mice were classified as leiomyosarcomas and found to express the CR‐1 transgene by polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry. Detection by western blot analysis showed higher levels of phosphorylated (P) forms of c‐src, Akt, GSK‐3β, and dephosphorylated (DP)‐β‐catenin in lysates from MMTV‐CR‐1 uterine leiomyosarcomas in comparison with lysates from normal control FVB/N uteri. Immunostaining showed increased nuclear localization of β‐catenin in the MMTV‐CR‐1 uterine leiomyosarcomas. Increased immunostaining for CR‐1 was detected in 9/13 (69.2%) cases of human leiomyosarcoma compared with staining in 3/15 (20%) human leiomyoma sections. Stronger immunostaining for P‐src, P‐Akt, P‐GSK‐3β and increased nuclear localization of β‐catenin was also seen in human leiomyosarcomas in comparison with leiomyomas. Normal human uterine smooth muscle (UtSM) cells treated with exogenous soluble rhCR‐1 showed increased levels of P‐src, P‐Akt, P‐GSK‐3β and dephosphorylated (DP)‐β‐catenin and increased proliferation (p < 0.05) and migration (p < 0.01) in comparison with untreated control UtSM cells. Inhibitors against c‐src, Akt or β‐catenin, individually or in combination, significantly reduced CR‐1‐induced migration. These results suggest a role for CR‐1 during uterine tumourigenesis either directly by activating c‐src and Akt and/or via cross‐talk with the canonical Wnt signalling pathway, as suggested by the increased expression of P‐GSK‐3β, DP‐β‐catenin, and increased nuclear localization of β‐catenin in human and MMTV‐CR‐1 mice leiomyosarcomas. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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This is the first report describing the use of a bipolar high-frequency resectoscope for vaginal surgery in dogs. The septum could be resected quickly, with preservation of surrounding structures. Furthermore, it is the first report collecting information about familial presentation of vaginal septa in female dogs. Based on this case, we suggest that consideration should be given to the possible risk of inheritance of vaginal septa before considering surgical resection and breeding of female dogs.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the risk factors for the morbidity of the mothers and their fetus in patients with diabetic retinopathy and/or nephropathy with an open family planning. We compared the course of pregnancies, complications as well as the maternal and neonatal morbidity in 76 patients with diabetic retinopathy or nephropathy (White R F) with 85 patients without severe microangiopathy (White C D). We found a correlation between retinopathy progression and hyperglycaemia during the first trimester (p < 0.05). There was an increase in the deterioration of visual acuity up to blindness due to the progression of this microangiopathy in cases of proliferative retinopathy. There was a significant increase of the mean diastolic blood pressure (mdp) and preeclamptic symptoms occurred in 71% of the cases with severe microangiopathy (p < 0.05). Deterioration of the diabetic nephropathy with excessive proteinuria (> 10 g/d) and unmanageable hypertension or a progression of the retinopathy led to an earlier delivery in 80% of the patients (p < 0.05). A high rate of preterm deliveries (39%) and a frequent occurrence of intrauterine growth retardation's (9%) characterised the fetal outcome. The following examinations for a patient with an open family planning, if diabetes is diagnosed during childhood or the course of the disease is between 10 and 15 years, should be done: Ophthalmological evaluation, control of the renal function, contraceptive advice and an improvement of the metabolic situation. In case of a diabetic nephropathy in combination with hypertonus the patients shoud be warned against pregnancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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