Delphinidin prevents disuse muscle atrophy and reduces stress-related gene expression

Delphinidin is a member of the anthocyanidin class of plant pigments. We examined the effects of delphinidin on muscle atrophy. Oral administration of delphinidin suppressed the muscle weight loss induced by mechanical unloading. Microarray analysis showed that delphinidin suppresses the upregulation of oxidative stress-related gene expression, including the expression of Cbl-b. Thus, delphinidin may prevent unloading-mediated muscle atrophy.     

Changes in plasma progesterone levels during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in 4-day cyclic mice

Changes in plasma progesterone levels during the estrous cycle and pregnancy were determined in group-housed IVCS strain mice showing regular 4-day cycles in the absence of a male. The pattern of progesterone secretion during the estrous cycle consisted of a large peak and a small one, the former during the late afternoon of proestrus and the latter on the afternoon of metestrus. From Day 0 to Day 2 of pregnancy, a sharp rise was observed, and then this level reached a plateau. A marked increase in progesterone was shown from Day 13 until the day before parturition.