Summary Endothelial calcium-dependent nitric oxide (NO) synthase has been shown to be expressed in human malignant breast tumours, and its presence correlates with tumour grade. Moreover, NO, being synthesised in breast tumour cells, may increase tumour blood flow and promote angiogenesis. In view of these aspects, we have assessed the distribution of NO synthase within a series of benign breast tumours using a monoclonal antibody against human endothelial calcium-dependent NO synthase. Activity was predominantly localised in apocrine metaplastic cells of fibrocystic disease, as well as in endothelia throughout all tissue sections. Consistent with previous reports, no endothelial calcium-dependent NO synthase immunoreactivity was observed in poorly differentiated infiltrating duct carcinoma cells. In conclusion, expression of endothelial calcium-dependent NO synthase in human breast apocrine metaplasia may be of significance in view of the NO's vascular effects in benign breast disease.
In 22 pregnant women beta-ELIR and N-terminal-beta-Lipotropin serum levels were determined by radioimmunoassay (New England Nuclear) in the last three weeks of pregnancy, at the beginning and at the end of delivery and during 48 hours after delivery. The difference between the results of the two examinations (beta-ELIR and N-terminal-beta-lipotropin) represents with close approximation the beta-endorphin concentration. In 12 patients the beta-endorphin level during delivery was significantly higher than during late pregnancy; in three cases an extremely high beta-endorphin concentration was found in pregnant women with a dystrophic infant. Therefore, beta-endorphin is discussed as an indicator for foetal distress.
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