Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research

About: Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Estrone & Estrogen. The organization has 2195 authors who have published 2646 publications receiving 115809 citations. The organization is also known as: Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology.

Conjugates of minor groove DNA binders with antisense oligonucleotides

Abstract: Compositions of antisense oligonucleotides conjugated to peptides of a plurality of N-methylpyrrolecarboxamides linked by peptide bonds is provided. The compositions form stable hybridization complexes with DNA and can be used for any purpose which involves hybridizing an oligonucleotide to a DNA molecule, such as in antisense procedures. A method for enhancing oligonucleotide binding to a target is also provided. The method involves the step of hybridizing the target DNA with an oligonucleotide-peptide composition.

Influence of photoperiod and gonadal steroids on hibernation in the European hamster

Abstract: Torpor was monitored daily in adult male and female European hamsters (Cricetus cricetus) induced to hibernate by exposure to a cold environment (6 °C). The effect of photoperiodic manipulations or administration of exogenous gonadal steroids was examined in gonadectomized or intact hamsters. 1. Gonadal regression occurred in all short day, but only in some long day, cold-exposed hamsters. Entry into hibernation was not observed until reproductive regression had occurred. Thus, gonadal atrophy appears to be a necessary precondition for hibernation. 2. Castrated hamsters in the short day cold condition showed a significantly greater incidence of torpor than those in the long day cold condition. Hence, photoperiod affected torpor independently of its effect on the gonadal cycle. 3. Testosterone, when administered via silastic capsules at near physiological levels, completely inhibited torpor in gonadectomized male and female hamsters hibernating in the short day cold condition. 4. In ovariectomized females, torpor was unaffected by progesterone treatment, but partially inhibited by estradiol. A greater inhibition of torpor was observed when estradiol-primed females were administered both estradiol and progesterone simultaneously. Thus, the effect of both hormones may be functionally comparable to that of the single testicular hormone. 5. Estradiol inhibited torpor to a greater extent in intact and ovariectomized female hamsters hibernating in long days than those in short days, suggesting an effect of photoperiod on responsiveness to estradiol.