bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Male factors and the likelihood of pregnancy in infertile couples. I. Study of sperm characteristics
Authors: JOUANNET P. , DUCOT B. , FENEUX D. , SPIRA A.
Published: May 2008

A prospective study of 394 infertile men was conducted over 3 years following a primary semen analysis. The cumulative pregnancy rate was 43 and 64% after 1 and 3 years, respectively. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the secondary infertile group. The study of various sperm factors and the occurrence of pregnancy showed that they were not of equal significance in predicting male fertility potential. The percentage of pregnancies decreased significantly only when the sperm concentration was <5×106/ml. The pregnancy rate increased significantly with the percentage of motile sperm. The percentage of sperm with normal morphology was also found to be significantly higher when a pregnancy occurred than when the couple remained infertile (43.6%vs 37.7%). In a detailed morphological analysis of the sperm, six abnormalities (microcephaly, double head, amorphous head, cytoplasmic droplet, bent tail and coiled tail) were found to be significantly more frequent when a pregnancy did not occur. The most predictive value was given by the Multiple Anomalies Index (MAI), which is the mean number of abnormalities observed per abnormal sperm. The pregnancy rate was significantly lower after both 1 and 3 years when the MA1 was greater than 1.6. Multivariate analysis showed that the best prognostic indicator of fertility was given by the percentage of motile sperm and the MAI, particularly in patients with primary infertility.
Male factors and the likelihood of pregnancy in infertile couples. 11. Study of clinical characteristics — practical consequences
Authors: DUCOT B. , SPIRA A. , FENEUX D. , JOUANNET P.
Published: May 2008

A prospective study of 394 infertile men was conducted over 3 years following a primary semen analysis. Simple comparisons between the groups of men whose partners conceived and those that did not, showed that the mean duration of infertility in the primary infertile group was significantly shorter when a pregnancy was observed, while age differed significantly between the two populations in the secondary infertile group. Multivariate analyses, taking these variables and sperm characteristics into account, showed that prognostic variables for the occurrence of pregnancy were the duration of infertility, sperm motility and the multiple anomalies index in the primary infertile group, and age of the male partner and percentage of normal sperm in the secondary infertile group. Tables for estimating the probability of observing a pregnancy as a function of these criteria are presented. In this study no positive influence of treatment on the occurrence of a pregnancy was found during the 3 years following the first semen analysis.
Glycerophosphocholine in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men
Authors: MIEUSSET R. , BUJAN L. , MANSAT ARLETTE , PONTONNIER F. , GRANDJEAN HÉLÉNE , CHAP H.
Published: May 2008

Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) was measured in seminal plasma from 65 fertile men, 276 infertile men and 10 men before and after vasectomy, using a new enzymatic method. Extra‐epididymal excretion of GPC accounted for 30% of the total seminal levels of GPC. From a diagnostic point of view, GPC determination did not appear to be a specific tool which could discriminate between secretary and excretory azoospermia. Although the seminal content of GPC was related positively to the total sperm count in both fertile and infertile men, there was an inverse relationship between the level of GPC and sperm motility when considering classes displaying the same total sperm count. This was observed in all classes from infertile men as well as in fertile men with a total sperm count lower than 200 × 106perd/ejaculate. These results suggest a possible role of GPC in the regulation of human sperm motility, which warrants further investigation.
Identification of sperm antigens that regulate fertility
Authors: SHAHA CHANDRIMA , SURI A. , TALWAR G. P.
Published: May 2008

Polyclonal antisera were generated in rabbits against human sperm extracts. Out of many such antisera, one was selected (antiserum I) because it recognized relatively few antigens on Western blots. Antiserum I identified immunostainable material on the acrosome of human, monkey, rabbit, hamster. rat and mouse sperm. A detailed histochemical study using rat testes showed that the antigen was detectable on early spermatids and sperm, but not on less mature germ cells. Immunohisto‐chemistry at the electron microscope level localized the antigen on the plasma membrane of rat sperm. In Western blots using human sperm extracts, the antibody recognized a major band with an apparent molecular weight (MW) of 40 000 and minor bands at 43 000 and 72 000, With extracts of monkey sperm and rat testicular cytosol, antiserum I recognized antigens of 69 000 and 23–24 000, respectively. Functionally, antiserum I produced strong agglutination of human sperm. It also prevented attachment of mouse sperm to mouse oocytes in vitro and reduced fertility when administered to female mice. These results suggest that antiserum I can be used as a possible reagent for selecting sperm antigens as components of a contraceptive vaccine.
Investigations of arterio‐venous anastomoses in the spermatic cords and blood supply, oxygen consumption and testosterone production of scrotal and abdominal testes in the pig
Authors: NOORDHUIZEN‐STASSEN E. N. , de JONG F. H. , MACDONALD A. A. , SCHAMHARDT H. C. , WENSING C. J. G.
Published: May 2008

This study has investigated blood flow from the testicular artery to the pampini‐form plexus in the spermatic cord of pigs. Testosterone levels, oxygen tension and the degree of acidity were measured in arterial and venous blood vessels of scrotally and abdominally located testes. Haemoglobin oxygen saturation was derived from the oxygen dissociation curve. Blood flow to abdominal and scrotal testes and epididymides was measured using the radioactive microsphere technique. Average blood flow to the scrotal testes and epididymides was 21 and 8 mumin, respectively, in normal pigs. In unilaterally cryptorchid pigs average blood flow to the scrotal testis and epididymis was 23 and 6 ml/min, respectively, and to the abdominal testis and epididymis 4.2 and 1 ml/min. In pigs with bilateral scrotal testes oxygen consumption was 16 pmol 02/min/100 g. In unilaterally cryptorchid pigs oxygen consumption by the scrotal testis was 18 pmol 02/min/100 g, compared with 10 μmol O2/min/100 g by cryptorchid testes.

From the percentage oxygen saturation in the various blood vessels it was calculated that 29–42% of testicular arterial blood was flowing through arterio‐venous anastomoses between the testicular artery and the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord, thus bypassing the capillary net of the abdominal testes of unilaterally and bilaterally cryptorchid pigs. These results were supported by the testosterone measurements. In the spermatic cord of scrotal testes no blood bypassed the capillary net of the testes.
Assessment of the role of Leydig cell products other than testosterone in spermatogenesis and fertility in adult rats
Authors: SHARPE R. M. , FRASER H. M. , RATNASOORIYA W. D.
Published: May 2008

Adult male rats were treated with ethane dimethanesulphonate (EDS) to destroy the Leydig cells and were then supplemented for 3–10 weeks with testosterone esters (TE) by injection every 3 days. The latter treatment prevented Leydig cell regeneration but maintained quantitatively the androgen‐dependent aspects of spermatogenesis, as judged by germ cell counts at stage VII of the spermatogenic cycle. Other than the absence of Leydig cells, the testes of EDS‐treated, TE‐supplemented rats showed only two morphological changes, (1) the appearance of mast cells throughout the interstitium, and (2) a 3– to 4‐fold increase in the number of degenerating germ cells (secondary spermatocytes) at stages XIV‐I; this was reflected in a significant decrease in the ratio of spermatids to pachytene spermatocytes at stage VII. These changes were not observed in either oil‐treated or TE‐treated control rats although similar, but less marked, changes in celI degeneration at stages XIV‐I were observed in rats actively immunized against oxytocin. Epididymal sperm number was reduced marginally (‐15%) in EDS‐treated, TE‐supplemented rats while sperm motility was affected even less. In a serial mating trial, some of these treated rats showed evidence of subfertility/ infertility, but this was mostly transient and may have been the result of epididymal effects of EDS. These results suggest that Leydig cell products other than testosterone are not essential for maintenance of spermatogenesis and fertility in rats, although because of increased germ cell degeneration during the final stages of meiosis (perhaps as the result of oxytocin withdrawal), a small reduction in sperm count may occur.
Restricted lesions after testicular biopsies in young and adult rats
Authors: SJÖGREN INGRID , PLÖEN L.
Published: May 2008

In order to evaluate the possible harmful effects of surgical removal of a testicular biopsy, adult and immature rats were subjected to unilateral testicular biopsy and were studied 24 months later. One group of adult rats were sham‐operated. Perfusion‐fixed, plastic‐embedded specimens of the testes were examined by light microscopy. No morphological differences were found between rats that were immature and those that were adult at the time of biopsy. The lesions observed were focal and occurred only in the vicinity of the site of biopsy. Only about 0.5% (range 0.01–4.5) of the testis was affected. No morphological signs of any immune reaction were observed. It is suggested that the lesions are caused mainly by interference with local blood flow, and to a minor extent by disruption of the flow of seminiferous tubule fluid.
The effect of gossypol acetic acid on the different stages of the spermatogenic cycle in the rat
Authors: KAINZ V. , FRICK J. , KAINZ P. , KALLA N. R. , ROVAN E. , ADAM H.
Published: May 2008

The reversibility of the effect of gossypol on testicular histology and fertility was studied in rats. Adult males of proven fertility were treated orally with gossypol acetic acid (15 mg/kg) for 9 or 16 weeks (groups 1 and 2, respectively). Another group of animals (group 3) was given gossypol (15 mg/kg) for 16 weeks and killed 6 weeks after the end of treatment. Control animals (group 4) were given the vehicle only by oral intubation. In the mating studies, although only 33% of the animals in group 1 were infertile, 100% infertility was observed following 16 weeks of gossypol treatment (group 2). All animals in group 3 regained their fertility 6 weeks after cessation of drug treatment. Damage was observed to 15.7% of the seminiferous tubules after 9 weeks of drug treatment, and to 78% after 16 weeks of treatment. Extensive vacuolization, increased numbers of lipid droplets, degeneration of germ cells, loosening of the epithelium, and a significant decrease in the number of pachytene spermatocytes (stages VII‐X) and spermatids (steps 7–10 at stages VII‐X) were observed after gossypol treatment.

There was a decrease in the diameter of only stage VIII seminiferous tubules after 9 weeks of treatment, whereas a reduction was observed in the tubules of all stages after 16 weeks of gossypol treatment. In the recovery phase, the diameter of seminiferous tubules was similar to that of controls, except for tubules at stage VIII. No change in the area of the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and lipid bodies was observed after 9 weeks of drug treatment, but a marked reduction in the area of the lumen (stages 11‐X) and an increase in lipid bodies (all stages) was observed after 16 weeks of gossypol treatment. Six weeks after cessation of treatment, the area of the lumen and the number of lipid bodies were comparable to values in controls. A reduction in the area of the epithelium was restricted to just a few stages (VIII‐XIV) in treated animals at 9 weeks, whereas after 16 weeks the area of the epithelium was decreased in all tubules. In the recovery phase, except for tubules at stage VIII, the area of the seminiferous epithelium was comparable to that in controls.
Prolactin and Leydig cell steroidogenic enzymes in the bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata)
Authors: GUNASEKAR P. G. , KUMARAN B. , GOVINDARAJULU P.
Published: May 2008

The effect of treatment with prolactin or bromocryptine on testicular steroidogen‐esis and serum hormone levels were studied in immature and mature bonnet monkeys. Leydig cells alone showed the presence of 3 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydro‐genase (3β‐HSD) and 17 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) in normal immature and mature monkeys. Administration of prolactin increased the activity of 3β‐HSD and 17β‐HSD in Leydig cells from mature monkeys, and also increased the serum levels of testosterone. Bromocryptine treatment induced exactly the opposite effect. These changes occurred in the absence of any change in serum gonadotrophin levels. In immature monkeys, prolactin and bromocryptine had no significant effect. These results suggest a direct stimulatory effect of prolactin on testicular steroidogenesis in mature monkeys.
Effects of local heating of the testes on the concentration of testosterone in jugular and testicular venous blood of rats and on testosterone production in vitro
Authors: GALIL K. A. A. , SETCHELL B. P.
Published: May 2008

Heating both testes of rats to between 39°C and 41°C for 30 min was apparently without effect 21 days later, but heating to between 41.5°C and 43°C for 30 min resulted in a significant drop in testis weight accompanied by significant rises in the serum levels of LH and FSH. There were no changes in serum testosterone concentration in the peripheral circulation although there were increases in the concentration in testicular venous blood. The ability of the heated testis to secrete testosterone in vivo in response to maximal stimulation by hCG was reduced, as judged by testosterone levels in peripheral blood, while there was a supranormal increase in testosterone levels in testicular venous blood. Maximally stimulated testosterone production in vitro by the heated testis was supranormal whereas the basal production of testosterone per testis was not different from control values. Therefore, it appears that the testosterone produced by Leydig cells from heated testes may not be secreted as effectively as in normal testes.
Anejaculation following spinal cord injury does not induce sperm‐agglutinating antibodies
Authors: DAHLBERG A. , HOVATTA OUTI
Published: May 2008

Antisperm antibodies were tested for by the MAR‐test and the tray agglutination test in 16 men with spinal cord injury. None of these men could ejaculate without artificial methods. Seven men ejaculated externally by vibrator stimulation or electroejaculation, while seven exhibited retrograde ejaculation; in two cases no semen was obtained. Sperm density in the external ejaculations was high (average = 405 × 106/ml), with 10–45% motility. None of these 16 men had antisperm antibodies. This result indicates that anejaculation and sperm retention in men with spinal cord injury, even of 30 years duration, does not result in antisperm antibody formation.
The incidence and influence upon fertility of antisperm antibodies in seminal fluid following vasectomy reversal
Authors: MATSON P. L. , JUNK S. M. , MASTERS J. R. W. , PRYOR J. P. , YOVICH J. L.
Published: May 2008

Seminal plasma samples from men undergoing vasovasostomy were analysed for antisperm antibodies using the indirect immunobead test. A pre‐operative assessment showed antisperm antibodies of either IgA or IgG class to be present in 9/27 (33.3%) men. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the post‐operative incidence of the antibodies was seen in the men who achieved patency (27/45, 60%) but not in those men for whom no sperm were seen in the ejaculate (4/10, 40%). After follow‐up for a minimum of 1 year, conception rates for couples in which the male partner had achieved patency were similar in the groups with no antibodies detected post‐operatively (12/18, 66.7%) or with IgA alone (2/3, 66.7%), but was reduced significantly in the presence of IgG (119, 11.1%; P <0.05) or IgA + IgG (3/15, 20.0%; P <0.01).
Fertilization of human oocytes in vitro by spermatozoa from oligozoospermic and normospermic men
Authors: MATSON P. L. , TROUP S. A. , LOWE B. , IBRAHIM Z. H. Z. , BURSLEM R. W. , LIEBERMAN B. A.
Published: May 2008

Sperm were isolated from the semen of oligozoospermic (< 20 × 106 sperm/ml) and normospermic (≥ 20 × 106 sperm/ml) men in an in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) programme. Oocytes from the female partners were inseminated with either 75 or 100 × 103 motile sperm and checked for fertilization after 16–20 h. A significant reduction in the overall fertilization rate of oocytes was seen for the oligozoospermic group compared to the normospermic group, at both insemination concentrations. In the oligozoospermic group, a fertilization rate of 31% (19/61) was achieved when oocytes were inseminated with 75 × 103 sperm, and 38% (9/24) when inseminated with 100 × 103 sperm. This compared with rates of 57% (3971696) and 64% (650/1018), respectively, for normospermic cases at both insemination concentrations. No evidence of fertilization was seen in 36% (4/11) and 67% (4/6) of oligozoospermic cases when 75 or 100 × 103 sperm were used, compared with values of 13% (17/133) and 9% (20/212), respectively, in normospermic cases. After excluding zero cases, the fertilization rate of oocytes for the oligozoospermic group (75%; 9/12) was similar to the normospermic group (70%; 650/935) when 100 × 103 sperm were used. However, when 75 × 103 sperm were used, the fertilization rate for the oligozoospermic group (41%; 19/46) was significantly lower than that of the normospermic group (62%; 397/645). Following the transfer of embryos into the female partner, clinical pregnancies were diagnosed in 217 (29%) oligozoospermic cases and 27/267 (10%) normospermic cases.

These results suggest that IVF can be used diagnostically to identify oligozoospermic men with severely impaired sperm function who fail to achieve fertilization. However, the reduced fertilization rate with the lower insemination number of 75 but not 100 × 103 sperm suggests that the oligozoospermic men whose sperm demonstrated some functional capacity by fertilizing at least one oocyte may well have a reduced proportion of sperm in the ejaculate which are functionally competent.
Serum factors stimulate the motility of human spermatozoa
Authors: A˚RKERLÖUF EVA , FREDRICSSON B. , GUSTAFSON O. , LUNELL N. O. , NYLUND L. , ROSENBORG L. , SLOTTE H. , POUSETTE A˚.
Published: May 2008

Motile human sperm were collected from a Percoll gradient and the effects on sperm motility of human serum, various serum fractions, follicular fluid and seminal plasma were assessed. In culture medium alone (RPMI‐1640) sperm motility was lost after about 5 h. The addition of male blood serum both enhanced sperm motility and prolonged viability very significantly. Albumin, seminal plasma and follicular fluid all stimulated sperm motility but to a much lesser extent than did blood serum. No difference was noted between male serum or female serum which had been collected during the follicular or luteal phases of hormone‐stimulated cycles and which contained high levels of oestradiol. Serum fractions obtained by separation on Sephacryl S‐300 column were tested for their ability to enhance sperm motility. The most pronounced effect, much superior to that achieved by the albumin fraction, was obtained by a fraction with a molecular weight of around 200 kD. In conclusion, certain factors in human serum, which are different from albumin, strongly support sperm motility. The high serum concentrations of oestradiol resulting from hormone stimulation for in‐vitro fertilization do not invalidate the use of serum from the same patient during sperm preparation, or in the medium used for ovum insemination and culture.
Detection of immunosuppressive activity in human seminal plasma by an immunobioassay
Authors: MOULIK S. , RANGA G. , MEHERJI P. K. , SHAHANI S. K.
Published: May 2008

Recent evidence has shown that under in‐vitro conditions human seminal plasma can interfere directly or indirectly with the function of cells of the immune system. It is however, questionable whether the results generated in vitro can be related directly to in‐vivo activity. We have therefore standardized an in‐vivo immunobioassay to detect the immunosuppressive property of human seminal plasma using adoptive transfer of contact sensitivity to a specific antigen such as dinitrofluorobenzene, Our results indicate that when sensitized lymphoid cells were incubated in vitro with human seminal plasma, their ability to transfer the delayed hypersensitivity in non‐sensitized mice was suppressed or inhibited in comparison with the controls. The percentage suppression varied with different samples but the results indicate clearly that the immunosuppressive properties of human seminal plasma can be demonstrated using an in‐vivo immunoassay.
Stability of sperm characteristics in men with disturbances in sperm quality
Authors: PURVIS K. , TOLLEFSRUD A. , RUI H.
Published: May 2008

Sixty‐one men referred to our laboratory for semen analysis, and subsequently judged to exhibit some form of sperm pathology, were asked to return for a second analysis, not less than 2 months after the first, in order to assess the stability of the pathological changes observed. In almost half of the cases, the referring physician had, on his own initiative, started hormone or antibiotic treatment. The sperm parameters studied included sperm count, sperm motility judged by laser‐Doppler spectroscopy, and sperm morphology and viability. The motility characteristics included percentage motile, their average velocity, and percentage swimming in a progressive manner, and their progressive velocity.

In untreated subjects, there was no significant difference between the first and second analysis in any of the sperm parameters measured. This was also true for both oligozoospermic individuals (<20 × 106 sperm/ml) and the group with higher sperm concentrations. All parameters were highly correlated on the two occasions. The average coefficients of variation of the paired observations were highest for sperm count (approximately 25%) and lowest for sperm velocities and the proportion of abnormal and viable cells in the ejaculate (1–9%). No major differences in the extent of variation could be detected between the low and high sperm density groups.

In general, the unsystematic antibiotic and hormone regimens (clomiphene or androgen) used by the referring physicians had no discernable effect on any aspect of sperm quality, indicating the need for more controlled and standardized programmes of treatment.
Seminal plasma biochemistry. IV: enzymes involved in the liquefaction of human seminal plasma
Authors: POLAK B. , AUNTER B. D.
Published: May 2008

A significant positive correlation was found between the liquefaction time of human seminal coagula and bound sialic acid. There was also a similar relationship between bound sialic acid and the enzyme sialyl‐transferase. This suggests that the degree of sialylation of the components of seminal coagulum are important in determining the liquefaction time of the coagulum. These results support previous findings.

The coagulum is considered to be composed of glycoprotein‐metal ion complexes, and the initial stage of liquefaction results from the reduction of these metal ions by L‐ascorbic acid. The removal of hydrogen peroxide, generated by the oxidation of L‐ascorbic acid, requires the presence of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. These enzymes have been identified in human seminal plasma and their possible physiological importance is discussed.
Comparison of two techniques used to collect normal and motile sperm
Authors: SZERMAN‐JOLY ETHEL , SAUVALLE AGNES , IZARD J. , DROSDOWSKY M.
Published: May 2008

To improve the quality of sperm for intra‐uterine insemination (IUI) or in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) swim‐up (SU) and migration‐sedimentation (MS) methods were compared, for the selection of morphologically normal and motile sperm. In 74 patients consulting for couple infertility, it was shown that MS gave a better yield of motile sperm than did SU. An improvement in morphology and motility was achieved, especially in asthenospermia (motility <40%) and/or teratospermia (normal shape <40%). The percentage of midpiece and tail abnormalities was lowered by the MS technique. It is proposed that the MS method be used for IUI and IVF, adapting the number of tubes to the initial sperm concentration.
Microvascular permeability to IgG in the rat testis at puberty
Authors: PÖLLÄNEN P. P. , SETCHELL B. P.
Published: May 2008

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) spaces and permeability surface area products (PS) were calculated separately in the testis parenchyma, capsule and interstitial tissue in four age groups of rats to see if there were regional differences in microvascular permeability in the rat testis and if there were changes in PS with age. The results demonstrated a marked increase in PS to IgG at 27 days of age in the testicular interstitial tissue, whereas PS in the capsule did not show such consistent changes. Blood volumes per gram, as indicated by the 3 min IgG spaces, were considerably greater in the testicular capsule than in the interstitial tissue, although the weight of the capsule was only about one‐third of the interstitial tissue weight. Maximal IgG spaces were reached at 5 h in the testicular parenchyma, but in most groups only at 20 h in the capsule. IgG was demonstrated immunohistochemically in the testicular interstitial tissue from 33 days of age onwards.
Mesterolone and idiopathic male infertility: a double‐blind study
Authors: INFERTILITY WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION TASK FORCE ON THE DIAGNOSIS AND TR
Published: May 2008

A prospective randomized double‐blind study was undertaken to assess the effect on male fertility of 6 months' treatment with the synthetic androgen mesterolone. The study was performed in seven centres and 248 infertile couples were recruited. All men and their partners were investigated according to the standardized WHO protocol—Investigation and Diagnosis of the Infertile Couple. Following this investigation, 157 couples were selected in whom the male diagnosis was primary idiopathic testicular failure or idiopathic low sperm motility; the female partner had no demonstrable cause for infertility or was under successful treatment for a minor endocrine problem. The remaining 91 couples admitted were either incompletely investigated or had some additional factor associated with infertility. Men received either 150 or 75 mg mesterolone daily or placebo. Response was assessed in terms of semen characteristics and the partner's pregnancy rate. The cumulative life table pregnancy rates among all couples 8 months after randomization were 9± 3% (±standard error), 12±4% and 16±4% in the placebo, 75 and 150 mg mesterolone groups, respectively. The ratios of the pregnancy rates compared to placebo were 1.3 (0.5‐3.2) and 1.8 (0.7‐4.4) for the 75 and 150 mg mesterolone groups respectively. Among the subset of 157 couples satisfying the strict eligibility criteria, the pregnancy rates were 11 ±5%, 12 ±5% and 19±6% in the placebo, 75 and 150 mg mesterolone groups, respectively. The corresponding ratios of pregnancy rates to the placebo group were 1.2 (0.4‐3.4) and 1.8 (0.6‐5.3) for the 75 and 150 mg mesterolone groups respectively. There were no significant changes in semen quality during the course of the study, apart from an increase in sperm concentration 3 months after the start of treatment. The increase was greatest among the placebo treated group, but did not differ significantly between treatment groups.

Although this study provides no statistically significant evidence for the efficacy of mesterolone for the treatment of male infertility, the power of the study was low as fewer than the anticipated number of couples were recruited, and a number of couples did not satisfy the eligibility criteria. In view of these difficulties and because the improvement in pregnancy rate may represent a true effect of treatment a new two‐arm study has been started using more strict entry criteria to compare mesterolone (150 mg daily) with placebo.
The secretory activity of the seminal vesicles and its relationship to sperm motility: effects of infection in the male reproductive tract
Authors: GONZALES G. F. , GARCIA‐HJARLES M. A. , GUTIERREZ R. , GUERRA‐GARCIA R.
Published: May 2008

In 146 males aged between 20 years and 40 years attending an infertility service, the secretory activity of the seminal vesicles was assessed by measurement of corrected seminal fructose concentration. This value was related to the presence of a positive semen culture, other evidence of inflammatory processes in the reproductive tract and sperm motility. Only 48% of subjects with a positive semen culture showed evidence of inflammation in the reproductive tract, as assessed by the presence of more than 20 white blood cells per high power field, and > 10% spermagglutination in the ejaculate.

There was a relationship between the inflammatory process, hypofunction of the seminal vesicles and poor sperm motility. When the semen culture was positive but there was no evidence of inflammation neither seminal vesicle function nor sperm motility was affected. When the semen culture was negative, i.e. no evidence of inflammation and the subjects were asthenozoospermic, the corrected fructose levels were normal. It is proposed that in these conditions the cause of asthenozoospermia may be factors other than accessory sex organ dysfunction.

In conclusion, there was no close relationship between the bacteriological results and evidence of inflammation of the accessory glands. A positive semen culture was related to lower levels of corrected fructose (hypofunction of the seminal vesicles) when the positive sperm culture was associated with inflammation of the reproductive tract and asthenozoospermia.
γ‐Glutamyl transpeptidase in rat epididymis: effects of castration, hemicastration and efferent duct ligation
Authors: AGRAWAL Y. P. , VANHA‐PERTTULA T.
Published: May 2008

γ‐Glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GT) was studied histochemically and biochemically in the rat epididymis after castration with or without testosterone treatment, or after hemicastration and ligation of the efferent ducts. There was a strong reaction to γ‐GT in the apical part of the epithelium in the caput epididymis, while in the corpus and cauda the reaction was confined mainly to the luminal contents. Castration caused a marked decline in epithelial γ‐GT activity within 10 days. Subsequent testosterone treatment (1 mg/day for 10 days) restored γ‐GT activity in the apical surface and lumen. After hemicastration of adult rats, and after hemicastration or ligation of the efferent ducts in immature 28‐day‐old rats, a small but significant (P<0.001) decrease was observed in γ‐GT activity in the epididymal caput compared to controls. The quantities of six other enzymes (β‐N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase, β‐galactosidase, angiotensin‐converting enzyme, alanyl amino‐peptidase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, acid phosphatase) also displayed significant changes after castration and restoration of activities by testosterone treatment. However, their distribution in the caput and cauda epididymis was more even than that of γ‐GT, and the changes after castration were less drastic. It is concluded that γ‐GT is a highly sensitive androgen‐dependent secretory marker in the caput epididymis and may have an important function in sperm maturation.
Fluid‐phase transcytosis in the primate epididymis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: YEUNG C. H. , COOPER T. G. , WEINBAUER G. F. , BERGMANN M. , KLEINHANS G. , SCHULZE H. , NIESCHLAG E.
Published: May 2008

Ligated tubules from the corpus epididymidis of men and monkeys were incubated in medium containing horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a marker for fluid‐phase endocytosis. HRP was localized by light and electron microscopy after 0, 15, 30 and 60 min of incubation. Movement between the cells was prevented by tight junctions, but bypass of this barrier was apparently achieved by an intracellular vesicular mechanism leading to a time‐dependent appearance of HRP in the lumen. Uptake of HRP into basal cells and capture by the lysosomal apparatus of principal cells were also observed. HRP‐filled vesicles also appeared in the basal, mid and apical cytoplasm of epithelial cells in the caput 1 h after injection of the tracer into the epididymal circulation of the monkey, suggesting that this pathway also operates in vivo.
Hormonal regulation of a rat seminiferous tubule factor which inhibits LH action on interstitial cells
Authors: SYED V. , LINDH M. , KHAN S. A. , RITZÉN E. M.
Published: May 2008

The cytosol from rat testes or seminiferous tubules contains a factor that markedly reduces the responsiveness of interstitial cells to stimulation by LH. It was noted previously that the inhibitor cannot be found until 35 days of age, suggesting that gonadotrophic stimulation of the testes is of importance for its formation. In the present studies, treatment of intact 20‐day‐old rats with FSH or with a combination of FSH and LH caused a premature appearance of the inhibitory activity. LH alone had a weak effect. However, hypophysectomy at 20 or 35 days of age did not influence the inhibitor content of the testes. Moreover, when the Leydig cells of adult rats were destroyed selectively by treatment with ethylene dimethane sulphonate, inhibitor levels were unchanged. It is suggested that induction of the Leydig cell inhibitor is under the control of FSH. However, once induced, its regulation seems to be independent of the pituitary gland. In separate experiments, ligation of the efferent ducts of the testes in adult animals did not cause any accumulation of inhibitory activity in the ligated testes, nor could the inhibitor be traced in the caput epididymis. Thus, it does not seem to be secreted into the epididymis, but rather may act as a paracrine factor in the testis.
Glutathione‐dependent defence mechanisms in isolated round spermatids from the rat
Authors: DEN BOER P. J. , POOT M. , VERKERK A. , JANSEN R. , MACKENBACH P. , GROOTEGOED J. A.
Published: May 2008

The different mechanisms for glutathione‐dependent inactivation of a number of oxidizing compounds and other xenobiotics were studied using isolated round spermatids from rats. For the estimation of cellular GSH a flow cytometric assay was used. The cells were exposed to the oxidizing compounds cumene hydroperoxide and diamide, to study the activity of the GSH redox cycle. Incubation of the isolated cells with these compounds showed that the cells had a limited capacity to withstand the oxidative stress associated with their inactivation. The GSH level of the spermatids was maintained during 18 h of incubation in the presence of low concentrations of cumene hydroperoxide and diamide, whereas spermatids exposed to higher concentrations showed a loss of both GSH and ATP. No partial loss of GSH from individual cells was observed. Diethyl maleate and 1,2‐epoxy‐p‐(nitrophenoxy)propane (ENPP) were used to study the effect of glutathione S‐transferase‐catalysed GSH conjugation on the GSH content of spermatids. Exposure of the cells to low concentrations of diethyl maleate and ENPP resulted in a decrease in GSH content. The flow cytometric analysis showed that this was a partial loss of GSH from all cells, rather than GSH depletion in a part of the cell population. This diminution of the cellular GSH pool, however, did not affect the ATP content and viability of the cells. The present results indicate that spermatids can utilize GSH‐dependent defence mechanisms against a number of model compounds.
Antisperm antibodies and lymphocyte subsets in semen—not a simple relationship
Authors: BARRATT C. L. R. , HARRISON P. E. , ROBINSON A. , COOKE I. D.
Published: May 2008

The significance of white blood cells in the ejaculate remains a matter of controversy. Several authors have suggested that such cells are important in the modulation of an antisperm antibody response, i.e. a predominance of suppressor/cytotoxic to helper/inducer T cells may prevent the development of antisperm antibodies. In order to examine this relationship further we have documented the white blood cell types, with emphasis on the T‐lymphocyte populations, in the ejaculates of men from infertile couples with and without antisperm antibodies; the latter group was divided further into two groups—vasovasostomized men and idiopathic men. All seven of the men without antisperm antibodies had a predominance of suppressor/cytotoxic T cells to helper/inducer T cells in the ejaculate. However, only in some of the men with antibodies was there a predominance of T‐helper/inducer cells. It is clear that the relationship between antisperm antibodies and seminal leucocytes is therefore not as straightforward as has been proposed.
Value of sperm characteristics and the result of in‐vitro fertilization for predicting the outcome of assisted reproduction
Authors: HINTING A. , COMHAIRE F. , VERMEULEN L. , DHONT M. , VERMEULEN A. , VANDEKERCKHOVE D.
Published: May 2008

The outcome of procedures for assisted reproduction, namely in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) were used as end‐points to assess the capacity of particular sperm characteristics to predict the fertilizing potential of semen. In addition, the result of IVF performed with spare oocytes from the GIFT procedure, was used to predict the pregnancy outcome of GIFT.

The power of sperm characteristics to predict the outcome of assisted reproduction procedures was poor. With regard to the outcome of IVF, sperm morphology was the best discriminant. The threshold value of 16% normal sperm morphology could be used as a good predictor of successful IVF, but could not be applied as a criterion to reject an IVF trial. For the latter purpose, the limit of 5% sperm with normal morphology should be used.

The proportion of sperm with grade A motility in native semen provided the best discrimination between GIFT‐fertile and GIFT‐infertile cases. A negative result from IVF performed with spare oocytes was 93% accurate in predicting unsuccessful outcome of GIFT. Hence, diagnostic IVF is the most sensitive assay for male fertility. The occurrence of oocyte fertilization during IVF predicts a successful outcome of GIFT in only 50% of cases. Hence, a negative result in IVF indicates that semen is almost certainly infertile, but a positive result does not guarantee the successful outcome of GIFT.
Influence of complement on sperm motility
Authors: VOGELPOEL F. R. , VAN KOOIJ R. J. , TE VELDE E. R. , VERHOEF J.
Published: May 2008

Isolated sperm from normo‐, oligo‐ and astheno‐spermic men were incubated for 20 h in medium supplemented with 8% heat‐inactivated or untreated human serum, and in medium with heated or untreated serum deficient in complement factor C3. Before and after incubation, sperm motility was assessed by means of a computer‐assisted semen analyser. The results did not show significant differences between the motility of sperm incubated in heated or untreated serum. It is concluded that heating of homologous serum is not necessary for preserving sperm motility and in some cases may even be disadvantageous.
Effects of propranolol and caffeine on movement characteristics of human sperm
Authors: ROGBERG LENA , FREDRICSSON B. , POUSETTE Å.
Published: May 2008

Human sperm, separated on Percoll gradients and transferred to cell culture medium, were exposed to various concentrations of propranolol (0.8–800 μM) or caffeine (3μM ‐ 17 mM) for 4 h. Their motility pattern was analysed after 5 min and 4 h, employing the computerized Cellsoft® system. Curvilinear velocity (VCL), percentage motile sperm, linearity (LIN), mean amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALHMEAN) and beat cross‐frequency (BCF) were assessed. Both drugs had a practically immediate effect on the sperm. Propranolol concentrations >80μ had a negative effect on all movement variables, except VCL and ALHMEAN, which showed a slight, non‐significant, initial increase.

LIN and the percentage motile sperm appeared to be somewhat negatively affected at lower concentrations (80μM) than the other variables, and were reduced further at higher concentrations and with time. The presence of 800 μM propanolol immobilized all sperm within 4 h. Caffeine at 1.7 and 5 mM, increased VCL and ALHMEAN. In contrast, the highest caffeine concentration tested (17 mM) had a negative effect on all variables at 4 h after addition.
Androgen effects on Sertoli cells
Authors: MILLS N. C.
Published: May 2008

Mature male rats, γ‐irradiated in utero, were hypophysectomized. In an effort to maintain the seminiferous epithelium, some animals were treated with exogenous androgen while in other animals the seminiferous epithelium was allowed to regress without hormonal treatment. These Sertoli cell‐enriched (SCE) males were evaluated for 7 weeks following hypophysectomy. In SCE males the average initial weight of each testis was 300 mg which declined to 110 mg at 7 weeks post‐hypophysectomy. Concomitantly, seminiferous tubule diameter decreased from 130 μm to approximately 89 μm. Numerous cells were detached from the lamina propria and were observed in the centre of the tubule. Two layers of Sertoli cell nuclei were frequently observed in the regressed seminiferous tubules. Many of these nuclei appeared to be less differentiated, i.e. the nuclei were smaller with smaller nucleoli and more heterochromatin.

In contrast, hypophysectomized animals treated with testosterone propionate during the last 5 weeks of the 7 week observational period, retained a tissue weight of about 270 mg/testis (a 5–10% decline in weight compared with normal untreated controls). Also, these animals had seminiferous tubule diameters of 132 μm. Finally, the Sertoli cells which comprised primarily a single layer inside the seminiferous tubules had larger nuclei with finely granulated chromatin and large nucleoli.

Protein changes in SCE testes, (±) androgen, following hypophysectomy were analysed using polyacrylamide gels containing SDS. Prominent changes in the protein profile as separated by molecular weight were observed and were attributable to androgen stimulation. These changes were probably occurring in Sertoli cells since the Sertoli cell represents about 70% of the total cell population in the γ‐irradiated model. It is concluded that testosterone is responsible for major changes in mature Sertoli cells, although potential contributions of other cell types such as myoid cells and Leydig cells are considered.
Autoradiographic localization of [3H]oestradiol in epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate of the fetal guinea‐pig
Authors: HATIER R. , MALAPRADE D. , ROUX M. , NGUYEN B.‐L. , GRIGNQN G. , PASQUALINI J. R.
Published: May 2008

The selective uptake and localization of radioactivity in the fetal male reproductive organs (epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate) of the guinea‐pig (50–60 days of gestation) after in‐vivo and in‐situ subcutaneous injection of [3H]oestradiol was investigated by autoradiography. In 50–day‐old fetuses, the different areas of the epididymis showed selective retention of radioactivity in the nuclei of peritubular and stromal cells surrounding the epididymal duct; no retention was observed in the epididymal epithelium. A similar distribution of silver grains was observed in the 60‐day‐old fetus. Seminal vesicles and prostate sections from both 50‐ and 60‐day‐old fetuses showed concentration and retention of radioactivity only in stromal cells, whereas the epithelium did not exhibit silver grains. In all the tissues studied, the nuclear labelling was abolished after injection of [3H]oestradiol plus a 100‐fold excess of non‐labelled oestradiol. As the mesenchyme surrounding the epithelia of the epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate were labelled selectively with [3H]oestradiol, it is suggested that during fetal life of the guinea‐pig the mesenchymal stroma of these fetal male reproductive organs may be considered as a target tissue for oestrogen.
Prolonged suppression of spermatogenesis by oestrogen does not preserve the seminiferous epithelium in procarbazine‐treated rats
Authors: MORRIS I. D. , BARDIN C. W. , GUNSALUS G. , WARD J. A.
Published: May 2008

We examined the hypothesis that induction of reversible testicular atrophy, subsequent to withdrawal of gonadotrophin support, would alleviate the testicular toxicity of the anti‐cancer drug procarbazine. In rats, severe but reversible testicular atrophy and suppression of spermatogenesis were induced 56 days after the subcutaneous insertion of a silastic implant containing oestradiol‐17β. The effect of this treatment upon the testicular toxicity of four weekly doses of procarbazine (200 mg kg‐1) was examined 56 days after the termination of procarbazine/oestrogen treatment. At this time the testicular endocrine and sper‐matogenic functions were close to normal in rats which has received only oestra‐diol‐17β. Procarbazine produced severe testicular atrophy which was associated with azoospermia and destruction of the germinal epithelium. Serum LH and FSH concentrations were raised and were associated with low serum concentrations of both testosterone and androgen‐binding protein. The combination of procarbazine with the oestrogen treatment did not change any of the testicular toxicity and in some cases it appeared to be exacerbated. In contrast to these experiments other studies have indicated that the testis can be protected if spermatogenesis is revers‐ibly suppressed by other agents which are also active via the pituitary endocrine system. The data would therefore suggest that protection is achieved either by some testicular change other than withdrawl of pituitary gonadotrophin support or that oestradiol‐17β has additional activity which is permissive for the development of the testicular toxicity of procarbazine.
Zona pellucida induces conversion of proacrosin to acrosin
Authors: TÖPFER‐PETERSEN E. , ČECHOVÀ D.
Published: May 2008

The effect of heat‐solubilized zonae pellucidae (ZP) isolated from mature pig ovaries on the conversion of pig proacrosin to acrosin was examined and compared with the effects of different sulphated polysaccharides. At low concentrations, zona glycoproteins potently stimulated acrosin auto‐activation. Up to 2.5 μg ml‐1 ZP, the acceleration of acrosin activation was shown to be dependent on the ZP concentration. At higher concentrations zona glycoproteins exerted an inhibitory effect on acrosin amidase activity. A similar effect was demonstrated for fucoidan, heparin, and chondroitin sulphate. The results intimate that in vivo, the conversion of proacrosin to acrosin is regulated at the sperm‐zona interface.