bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural effects of cadmium on the rat epididymis
Authors: Sacerdote F. L. , Cavicchia J. C.
Published: May 2008

The short‐term effect of a subcutaneous injection of 3 μmol of cadmium chloride/100 g body weight were examined 90 min later in male rats. The main target of cadmium, as shown by electron microscopy, was the endothelial lining of capillaries of the caput epididymidis. Intercellular junctions between endothelial cells were disorganized, ranging from slight separation between cytoplasmic leaflets to wide gaps which communicated freely with the pericapillary tissue. Disruption of platelets and intravascular clotting followed these early endothelial lesions, and clotting was found in venules as an extension of clotting from the capillaries. Pre‐treatment with zinc (300 μmol zinc chloride/100 g body weight) prevented all of the lesions described above.
The role of a non‐androgenic testicular factor in the process of testicular descent in the dog
Authors: Baumans Vera , Dijkstra Grietje , Wensing C. J. G.
Published: May 2008

Previous experiments with orchidectomized foetal and neonatal dogs have shown that the testis can induce outgrowth as well as regression of the gubernaculum testis and consequently, govern both the first and second phases of testicular descent. The aim of this study was to test whether it was possible to prevent the effects of orchidectomy on the gubernacular reaction and on epididymal migration by the administration of testosterone or by auto‐transplantation of testicular tissue. In dogs, orchidectomized during foetal life and supplemented with testosterone, gubernacular regression was not completely prevented, and some descent of the remaining epididymis was obvious. However, the descent was less than in normal, intact animals. In dogs orchidectomized neonatally and supplemented with testosterone, the gubernacula showed normal regression and an almost normal descent of the epididymis. In dogs orchidectomized neonatally and supplemented with an auto‐transplant of testicular tissue into to the scrotum, normal gubernacular development and normal epididymal descent were observed. We concluded that together with an unidentified non‐androgenic testicular factor, testosterone from the testis appears to play a role in the outgrowth phase of the gubernaculum and consequently, in the first phase of testicular descent. In addition, testosterone was found to induce gubernacular regression in the second phase of testicular descent.
A systematic study of biochemical differences between the lobes of the rat prostate
Authors: Gerhardt Paul G. , Mevåg Bente , Tveter Kjell J. , Purvis Ken
Published: May 2008

The present study constitutes a systematic search for biochemical parameters which could be used to monitor the isolated function of various prostate lobes and accessory sex glands in the rat. Various parameters were measured in the 105 000 × g supernatants of the ventral, lateral and dorsal prostate lobes, and in the coagulating glands and seminal vesicles. These included spermine, citric acid, acid phosphatase, fructose and zinc, as well as the pattern of proteins in both cytosols and secretions, which were determined using one dimensional SDS, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results suggest that several parameters can be used including: Ventral lobe – spermine or prostatein; Lateral lobe – zinc or a 15 000 dalton protein; Dorsal lobe – spermine or a 60 000 dalton protein; and coagulating gland – fructose.
The predictability of subnormal penetrating capacity of sperm in cases of unexplained infertility
Authors: Aitken R. J. , Warner P. , Best F. S. M. , Templeton A. A. , Djahanbakhch O. , Mortimer D. , Lees M. M.
Published: May 2008

Multivariate discriminant analysis has been used to determine the predictability of sub‐normal penetrating capacity in cases of unexplained infertility. The product of this analysis was the identification of 7 discriminating variables all of which described various aspects of the post‐capacitation movement characteristics exhibited by the spermatozoa, omitting all reference to the conventional parameters of semen quality. On the basis of these discriminating variables, 90.9% of samples exhibiting penetration rates within the normal range were correctly predicted to be functionally competent. The same variables correctly identified only 60% of samples with impaired penetrating capacity, indicating that in the remaining 40%, defects are present in the spermatozoa which are not reflected in their motility patterns.
Development of the oocyte‐penetrating capacity of spermatozoa in the human epididymis
Authors: Moore H. D. M. , Hartman T. D. , Pryor J. P.
Published: May 2008

The development of the penetrating capacity of human epididymal spermatozoa has been assessed in vitro using zona‐free hamster oocytes. Spermatozoa were recovered from epididymal tissue of men undergoing vasectomy or epididymovasostomy. The results suggest that human spermatozoa first develop the potential to penetrate oocytes in the proximal corpus region. Spermatozoa recovered from more proximal sites of the excurrent duct failed to bind or fuse with zona‐free hamster eggs although a small proportion (3%) in the caput region were capable of progressive motility. The data are discussed in relation to biochemical changes to human spermatozoa during maturation.
Prevalence of cytomegalovirus and Herpes simplex virus in human semen
Authors: McGowan Madeleine Patricia , Hayes Kathleen , Kovacs Gabor Thomas , Leydon Jennifer Ann
Published: May 2008

Cytomegalovirus was isolated from semen in 4 of 170 males seeking evaluation at the Reproductive Medicine Clinic at Prince Henry's Hospital, and from 1 of 40 healthy university students. All initial isolates were from specimens with abnormal semen analysis (P < 0.01). Herpes simplex virus was not isolated from any sample.
Characterization of lectin receptors isolated from the outer acrosomal membrane of boar spermatozoa
Authors: Töpfer‐Petersen E. , Schill W.‐B.
Published: May 2008

The outer acrosomal membrane (OAM) of boar spermatozoa was isolated by homogenization and centrifugation through modified colloidal silica. Homogeneity of the isolated membrane fraction (OAM) was revealed by transmission electron microscopy. At least 10 protein components could be discriminated by SDS‐PAGE electrophoresis of the OAM, with molecular weights ranging from 340 to 15 kdal. Radiolabelling of the externally disposed carbohydrate side‐chains by [3H]borhydride reduction of the isolated membrane, oxidized by use of galactose oxidase, revealed one main galactoprotein with a reduced molecular weight of about 270 kdal. This was identified as the RCA‐120 receptor protein by means of lectin‐affinity chromatography, high resolution gelfiltration and SDS‐PAGE. Screening of the Con A binding properties of the solubilized membrane components partially isolated by affinity chromatography and HPLC was performed by an enzyme‐linked‐lectin‐assay (ELLA). Electrophoretic analysis including a Con A‐peroxidase staining procedure allowed the identification of 4 Con A binding proteins of the OAM with molecular weights of 120, 110, 88 and 66 kdal.
Chronic prostatitis, chlamydia trachomatis and infertility
Authors: Suominen Jyrki , Grönroos Matti , Terho Pertti , Wichmann Lars
Published: May 2008

Seventy‐one infertile men were studied for the presence of seminal leucocytosis, and for the levels of acid phosphatase activity and Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies of IgA class using a novel method of solid‐phase radioimmunoassay. The findings were compared with those of 56 fertile men. Chlamydial IgA antibodies were found in the semen of 51.1 % of infertile men with seminal leucocytosis and decreased seminal acid phosphatase activity, i.e. those defined as having asymptomatic chronic prostatitis. This frequency was significantly higher than among fertile men (23.2%, P < 0.01) and those infertile men who had no signs of chronic prostatitis (26.9%, P < 0.05). It is concluded that Chlamydia trachomatis seems to be a common cause of prostatitis and may also interfere with fertility.
The effect of hCG‐treatment on in vitro metabolism of progesterone by the human undescended pre‐pubertal testis
Authors: Läckgren Göran , Berg Anders Å:son
Published: May 2008

Testicular biopsies from 8 pre‐pubertal boys aged 3 1/2–11 years, with undescented testes, were incubated in vitro with [3H]progesterone (P). All boys had been treated with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) during the 5 weeks prior to surgery. Four boys were operated within 4 days of the last injection and the remaining 4 at 12 days, 14 days, 6 months and 12 months, respectively, after hormone treatment. Significant steroid metabolic activity was demonstrated in all cases. Biopsies taken a short time after hCG‐treatment (1–4 days), when blood testosterone levels were high, exhibited a high capacity for metabolizing progesterone in vitro with a low ratio of formed 20α‐dihydroprogesterone (20α‐DH‐P) to 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17α‐OH‐P), when compared to biopsies removed from subjects 12–14 days after cessation of treatment. In the latter cases and in biopsies taken at longer intervals after hormone treatment, the metabolic activity and the 20α‐DH‐P/17α‐OH‐P ratio had returned to levels characteristic of untreated pre‐pubertal cryptorchid testes. These findings indicate that the use of hCG to provoke descent of the malpositioned testes does not result in long‐lasting stimulation of steroidogenic function.
Improved techniques for collecting motile spermatozoa from human semen
Authors: Makler Amnon , Murillo Oscar , Huszar Gabor , Tarlatzis Basil , DeCherney Alan , Naftolin Frederick
Published: May 2008

A simple apparatus to collect moving sperm by non‐traumatic means which can be used for artificial insemination is described. The technique is based on enhancing the process of migration from the seminal fluid into a top‐layered artificial medium in an ordinary test tube. This has been achieved by controlling 3 main variables: 1) The dilution of migrated sperm was minimize by using only 0.5 ml of the medium layered onto 1 ml semen; 2) increasing the surface area between these media by turning the test tube from a vertical to almost a horizontal position; 3) stimulating sperm activity by incubation at 37°C under air: 5% CO2 for 30 min. When restored to a vertical position approximately 0.3 ml medium, sufficient for most AIH or IVF procedures, was gently aspirated. The effects of these variables on the rate of sperm migration was tested one at a time, and increments that ranged from 20% to as much as 10‐fold were detected. When these 3 variables were optimized and 58 semen specimens analyzed, it was found that motility increased from 42 to 87%, velocity from 24.5 to 27.3 μm per sec, whilst abnormal forms dropped from 37 to 15%. The final concentration of motile sperm was 23 times 106/ml compared to an original mean concentration of 34 times 106/ml, indicating a relative recovery of 68%. Oligoasthenospermic specimens revealed similar changes in sperm motility, velocity, morphology and recovery. However, due to the low initial content of moving sperm (4.8 × 106/ml), their final concentration was also lowincrease the sperm concentration prior to the migratory procedure.
Improved techniques for separating motile spermatozoa from human semen
Authors: Makler Amnon , Murillo Oscar , Huszar Gabor , Tarlatzis Basil , DeCherney Alan , Naftolin Frederick
Published: May 2008

A simple and atraumatic method for concentrating washed, motile spermatozoa from normal and subnormal semen specimens is described. It incorporates a modified technique of centrifugation in which sperm are spun onto a soft, fluid cushion, thereby minimizing mechanical damage. Following initial semen dilution to 5–10 ml in an artificial medium, the mixture is transferred to a test tube and layered onto 1 ml of oily contrast medium (Lipiodol). After centrifugation at 300 g for 10 min all but 0.5 ml of the supernatant is discarded, and the unshaken test tube is incubated at 37°C for 15–20 min, during which time the motile sperm migrate into the upper 0.5 ml. After this incubation, 0.3 ml of the upper layer is removed which is sufficient for most IVF and AIH purposes. It contains concentrated, washed, motile spermatozoa that are free of debris and most abnormal forms. No change in pH or osmolarity and no diffusion of any iodine from the oil base into the top layer were detected.
The action of (R)‐ and (S)‐α‐chlorohydrin and their metabolites on the metabolism of boar sperm
Authors: Stevenson D. , Jones A. R.
Published: May 2008

The action of (R,S)‐α‐chlorohydrin in inhibiting glycolysis in boar sperm is due to the (S)‐isomer. Its effect on the concentrations of glycolytic intermediates suggests that the pathway is inhibited at the glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase reaction. α‐Chlorohydrin is oxidized by boar liver homogenates via 3‐chlorolactaldehyde to 3‐chlorolactate. Racemic mixtures of both compounds, and a proposed metabolite, 3‐chloropyruvate, inhibit the oxidative metabolism of fructose, lactate and pyruvate possibly by interfering with processes occurring within the sperm mitochondria. It is proposed that the toxic action of these metabolites account for the effects of (R)‐α‐chlorohydrin on sperm motility, as this compound possesses no antifertility activity of itself.
The influence of age on Leydig cell function in patients with varicocele
Authors: Andò S. , Giacchetto C. , Beraldi E. , Panno M. L. , Lombardi A. , Sposato G. , Golpi G.
Published: May 2008

In a large group of patients with varicocele (n = 108, mean age: 30.9 years) Leydig cell function was investigated by determining the plasma levels of gonadotrophins under basal conditions and after GnRH stimulation, and by measuring the plasma levels of 17‐OH‐progesterone (17‐OH‐P), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oestradiol (E2). There was a significant positive correlation between age and the peak plasma LH values after GnRH stimulation (n = 48, r = 41, P < 0.01). Conversely, an inverse correlation was observed between age and the basal plasma levels of 17‐OH‐P (n = 56, r = 0.47, P < 0.01) and T (n = 108, r = 0.27, P < 0.01). In normals controls of the same age range (n = 46, mean age: 30 years) such correlations were absent. In patients with varicocele, the 17‐OH‐P/T ratio was increased significantly in peripheral plasma under basal conditions (P < 0.01) and after hCG stimulation (P < 0.05), and a similar increase was found in spermatic venous blood. This suggests that in varicocele patients there is some enzymatic impairment involving the last steps of T biosynthesis. In order to verify the influence of ologozoospermia on plasma steroid levels we divided the patients into 2 groups according to sperm count (more than or less than 10 times 106/ml). Three analyses of variance were then carried out between these 2 groups of patients: 1) analysis of peripheral plasma T levels; 2) analysis of peripheral plasma levels of 17‐OH‐P and 3) spermatic vein levels of these 2 steroids. However, none of these analyses revealed any significant difference between the 2 groups of patients. When we re‐grouped the patients according to age (15–30 and 30–45 years) the same analyses of variance revealed significantvaricocele per se influences Leydig cell activity.
Synthesis and secretion of proteins in vitro by isolated epithelial strips from the proximal and distal vas deferens of the rat
Authors: Wenstrom John C. , Hamilton David W.
Published: May 2008

Epithelial strips of rat vas deferens were isolated by a new technique and used to study differences in protein synthesis and secretion between morphologically defined segments of the vas deferens. The isolated strips were viable as judged by linear oxygen uptake over the incubation period and by preservation of structure. Epithelium from the proximal vas deferens incorporated more labelled amino acids into cytosolic (P < 0.02) and incubation medium (P < 0.01) proteins than did epithelium from distal vas deferens; this incorporation was inhibited by cycloheximide. Although some of the incubation medium proteins arose by leakage from damaged cells, specific protein secretion was indicated by differences in SDS‐PAGE autoradiogram banding patterns and by differences in glycosylation between proteins in the incubation medium and those in the cytosol. Thus, the former contained more label from [14C]galactose incorporation than did cytosolic proteins (proximal: P < 0.05; distal: P < 0.005).
Strain differences in the concentration, motility and morphology of epididymal sperm in relation to puberty in mice
Authors: Albert Martine , Roussel Claude
Published: May 2008

Changes in the concentration, motility and morphology, of epididymal sperm have been evaluated in males of between 40 and 100 days of age in BALB. CBA, C3H and C57BL strains of mice. Particular attention was paid to sperm morphology, and a multiple entry classification system was used for its quantitation. At 40 days in each of the 4 strains studied sperm were few in numbers with poor motility and highly atypical morphology, particularly in the head region. From 80 days of age values for the 3 parameters were within the normal range. At equivalent ages during puberty the 4 strains differed in the concentration and motility of epididymal sperm, indicating difference in the time of onset of puberty between the strains. However, once adulthood was reached the strains differed only in the percentage of normal forms and in the frequency distribution of sperm with the various morphological abnormalities.
Testicular function in potential sperm donors: normal ranges and the effects of smoking and varicocele
Authors: Handelsman David J. , Conway Ann J. , Boylan Lyn M. , Turtle John R.
Published: May 2008

Testicular exocrine (semen analysis) and endocrine (plasma LH, FSH, prolactin and testosterone) function was assessed in 119 consecutive healthy men presenting for screening as potential sperm donors. Since these volunteers were unbiased with respect to their fertility status, this sample of the general male population was suitable to determine normal ranges and the influence of a variety of physical (height, weight, standardized body weight, varicocele) and demographic (age, marital and fertility status, tobacco and alcohol consumption) factors on normal human testicular endocrine and exocrine function, without the confounding effects of bias in selection of subjects. The statistical distribution of all seminal parameters was non‐gaussian, but cube‐root transformation of the data normalized the distribution, allowing for parametric statistical analysis. The median (and 95% confidence limits) for the various semen parameters was 73.0 (10.6–235.3) million sperm per ml; 189.0 (12.6–868) million sperm per ejaculate; 50.4 (5.9–181.9) million motile sperm per ml; 133.0 (6.9–661.7) million motile sperm per ejaculate; 54.0 (7.0–172.9) million morphologically normal sperm per ml and 138.5 (7.5–672) million morphologically normal sperm per ejaculate. Testicular volume was correlated positively with measures of physique such as standardized body weight (r = 0.25, P < 0.01) and body surface area (r = 0.30, P < 0.002), and negatively with plasma levels of FSH (r = ‐0.31), P < 0.002) but not LH. Sperm output was positively correlated with testicular volume (r = 0.28, P < 0.005) and negatively correlated with plasma FSH (r = ‐0.31, P < 0.002) and plasma LH (r = ‐0.31, P < 0.002). Smoking was associated wih a highly significant reduction in sperm output and motility. Men with varicocele (25%) were significantly taller, had slightly lower haemoglobin levels and moderate left (but not right) testicular atrophy, but neither seminal nor hormonal parameters were different from men without varicocele. There was no difference in any markers of human testicular function between men according to marital or fertility status, grades of moderate alcohol consumption or the presence of low titres of sperm antibodies.
Evidence for the prostatic origin of immunoreactive inhibin‐like material in human seminal plasma
Authors: Beksac M. S. , Khan S. A. , Eliasson R. , Skakkebæk N. E. , Sheth A. R. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: May 2008

Inhibin is defined as a gonadal peptide exerting an inhibitory effect on the secretion of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary. Using a radioimmunoassay (RIA) procedure developed for a homogeneous inhibin‐like peptide with a molecular weight of 14 000 daltons isolated from human seminal plasma, immunoreactive inhibin‐like matrial (ILM) was quantitated in serum, urine and semen of men in order to investigate its origin. Vasectomy did not result in a significant reduction in seminal plasma ILM. Determination of ILM immunoreactivity in ejaculates form normal men and semen samples characterized by prostate‐rich and prostate‐deficient secretions, indicated high levels of ILM in the prostatic secretions. Immunoreactive ILM levels estimated in different fractions of split ejaculates from normal men paralleled those of zinc and acid phosphatase activity and were significantly higher in fractions representing prostatic secretions compared to those representing the secretions of seminal vesicles. Estimation of ILM in semen, serum and urine from bilaterally gonadectomized men showed that immunoreactive ILM levels remained high after gonadectomy. It is concluded that the bulk of the immunoreactive ILM present in the semen, blood and urine of men is not secreted by the testes. The principal site of origin of this material, at least in semen, appears to be the prostate.
Early signs of Sertoli and Leydig cell dysfunction in the abdominal testes of immature unilaterally cryptorchid rats
Authors: Bergh A. , Damber J.‐E. , Ritzén M.
Published: May 2008

Testicular descent was prevented unilaterally by cutting the gubernaculum testis of newborn rats. When 20 days old unilaterally cryptorchid rats were injected intraperitoneally with 2 μg bFSH per gram body weight and killed 6 h later when testicular testosterone (T) and oestradiol (E2) concentrations were determined. The increase in E2 was subnormal in abdominal testes. In 18‐day‐old unilaterally cryptorchid rats the efferent ducts were ligated bilaterally, and the rats were killed 48 h later. The weight increase, due to accumulation of seminiferous tubule fluid, was significantly greater in the abdominal testes. In contrast, the ABP content of the abdominal epididymis was subnormal in 20‐day‐old unilaterally cryptorchid rats. Unilateral orchidectomy was performed in 16‐day‐old unilaterally cryptorchid rats and at 20 days of age intratesticular T and E2, and plasma FSH and LH concentrations were determined and compared to that in 20‐day‐old control unilaterally cryptorchid rats. Removal of an abdominal testis resulted in increased plasma FSH and intratesticular E2, whereas plasma levels of LH and intratesticular levels of T were unaffected. Removal of a scrotal testis resulted in increased plasma FSH and LH coupled with increased intratesticular T and E2. Rats with a single abdominal testis had higher plasma FSH and LH and intratesticular T, but similar intratesticular E2, than rats with a single scrotal testis. It is concluded that Sertoli and Leydig cell function are influenced by cryptorchidism at a stage when the temperature difference, and the morphological differences between the testes are very discrete.
Two‐dimensional electrophoresis of proteins in various fractions of the human split ejaculate
Authors: Rui H. , Mevåg B. , Purvis K.
Published: May 2008

Two‐dimensional electrophoresis of six fractions of split ejaculates from normal men (median age 23 years, n = 6) revealed large differences in the pattern of proteins found between the prostate‐enriched fractions and secretions associated with the seminal vesicles. The glandular contributions were assessed using the concentrations of spermine, zinc and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) for prostatic secretion, and fructose and prostaglandin E for seminal vesicle secretion in the various fractions. Aside from PAP, four additional proteins were apparently associated with the prostatic fraction, one of which shared the biochemical characteristics of the specific ventral lobe protein of the rat prostate, prostatein (molecular mass 16000, pI 4.8). The presumptive vesicular fractions contained a large number of low molecular mass proteins (10–20 000), with widely varying pI‐values. The concentration of albumin and transferrin appeared to be highest in the sperm cell enriched fractions, indicating a major contribution to the ejaculate of testicular epididymal origin.
Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels in the epididymis, vas deferens and preputial gland of mice during sexual maturation
Authors: Jean‐Faucher Christiane , Berger Michel , de Turckheim Marc , Veyssiere Georges , Jean Claude
Published: May 2008

The levels of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the epididymis. vas deferens and preputial gland were assessed in mice from 1 to 90 days. The weight increase of these 3 organs was proportionately greater than that of the whole body until 50 or 60 days, and they attained their adult histological appearance approximately 20 days prior to puberty. Expressed in ng/g, the concentration of androgens (T+DHT) in the epididymis (14.3 to 36.5), vas deferens (6.6 to 24.0) and preputial gland (1.5 to 4.7) were higher than in plasma (0.2 to 3.6 ng/ml). The concentration of either androgen varied little during sexual maturation and was not correlated with circulating levels. The highest concentration of androgen (T+DHT) was observed at birth suggesting that the neonatal period is crucial for development of the accessory sexual organs. In the epididymis and preputial gland T was the predominant androgen during the infantile phase of development, whilst DHT predominated thereafter. In the vas deferens concentrations of T were always equal to or higher than those of DHT. These results suggest that the ability of the accessory sexual organs to accumulate androgens appears to be more important than the circulating concentration of androgens in determining their growth and differentiation.
Effects of human chorionic gonadotrophin, oestradiol and estromustine on testicular blood flow in hypophysectomized rats
Authors: Daehlin L. , Damber J.‐E. , Selstam G. , Bergman B.
Published: May 2008

The effects of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), eostradiol benzoate (E2) and estromustine (Eo) on testicular and prostatic blood flow and plasma levels of testosterone were studied in hypophysectomized rats. Daily injections of 5 IU hCG induced a significant increase in testicular blood flow when measured after 8–9 days treatment. This stimulatory effect was inhibited by concomitant injection of E2 (50 μg/day) but not by Eo. In contrast, the stimulatory effect of hCG on plasma levels of testosterone was inhibited by administration of E2 as well as by Eo. This inhibition was correlated with decreased blood flow to the prostate. The present study gives further support to the hypothesis the oestrogens have direct effects on the testis and prostate.
Effect of cryptorchidism on the morphology of testicular macrophages: Evidence for a Leydig cell‐macrophage interaction in the rat testis
Authors: Bergh Anders
Published: May 2008

Macrophages and Leydig cells in the testes of adult rats which had been made bilaterally or unilaterally cryptorchid at birth were examined by morphometry for total mass, total number, volume density, and individual cell profile area. The total Leydig cell mass and the average size of Leydig cells, as well as the total mass and the average size of macrophages, were reduced in unilateral abdominal testes, but were unchanged in bilateral abdominal testes when compared to scrotal testes. Leydig cell and macrophage morphology were correlated suggesting a functional coupling between these cell types. The physiological significance of this cell interaction remains to be discovered.
Ultrastructural categorization of human sperm cryopreserved in glycerol and in TESTCY
Authors: Heath Everett , Jeyendran R. S. , Perez‐Pelaez M. , Sobrero A. J.
Published: May 2008

The motility of human sperm after thawing and the ultrastructural intgegrity of their acrosomal region was evaluated in 5 semen donors after utilizing 2 cyproprotective extenders – glycerol and TESTCY. Sperm motility in the fresh control semen fraction (65.5%± 6.1) was significantly (P < 0.05) better than the immediate post‐thaw motility in both cyprotected fractions (38.8%± 2.0 for glycerol and 31.0%± 2.9 for TESTCY), and there was no significant difference between the two cyprotective treatments. The overall % of normal intact sperm heads was significantly less than in controls (P < 0.05) following cypropreservation in glycerol, but values for sperm stored in TESTCY were not significantly different from controls or glycerol. However, when expressed as % change from controls values, sperm preservation was significantly better (P < 0.05) in TESTCY than in glycerol. TESTCY is considered a better cryoprotective agent for human sperm.
Steroid therapy for male infertility associated with antisperm antibodies. Results of a small randomized clinical trial
Authors: Almeida Marta De , Feneux Danièle , Rigaud Catherine , Jouannet Pierre
Published: May 2008

Ten infertile men with significant titres of antisperm antibodies were entered into a randomized double‐blind study to test the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy compared to a placebo. Prednisolone was given orally at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 9 days repeated over 3 cycles (their wives' menstrual cycles). This treatment had no significant effect, when compared to placebo, on fertility, serum antibody levels or semen characteristics. A slight decrease in the titre of seminal antibodies was, however, observed in patients receiving prednisolone. In individuals, there were important fluctuations in antibody levels which were independent of drug administration.
Prevention of hypo‐osmotic swelling by detergents provides clues to the membrane structure of rat sperm
Authors: Cooper T. G.
Published: May 2008

The proportion of sperm from the caput epididymidis of the rat that swelled in hypo‐osmotic media was reduced in a dose‐dependent manner by detergents, with relative effectiveness as follows: CTAB < Digitonin < Hyamine 10‐X < SDS < Triton x‐100 > Deoxycholate. Polymyxin was a poor lytic agent, possibly because anionic lipids are in the inner leaflet of the membrane. Less digitonin was needed to lyse mature sperm from the distal cauda epididymidis, suggesting that there is less cholesterol in their membranes.
Effect of intra‐epididymal injection of copper particles on fertility, spermatogenesis, and tissue copper levels in rats
Authors: Xu Ye , Xiao Fen‐Ling , Xu Ning , Qian Shao‐Zhen
Published: May 2008

In male rats, a single injection of 10 mg metallic copper particles in oil into each caput epididymidis induced infertility, whilst leaving mating behaviour and blood testosterone levels unchanged. Fertility tended to recover 5.5 months after the copper treatment. Although the copper content of the caput epididymidis reached a level of around 100 times higher than control values, the serum copper concentration did not rise significantly. This finding and the observation that treated animals gained weight as fast as the controls suggest a low systemic toxicity of this method. The testicular copper concentration was significantly higher than that in controls and different degrees of damage, including vacuolation, karyorrhexis, pyknosis, and cytolysis, were seen mainly in pachytene spermatocytes and early spermatids. Clumps of foreign particles, apparently metallic copper, were found in the interstices of the caput epididymidis together with degenerative changes in the epithelial cells of the caput, suggesting a possible effect of copper on the epididymal epithelium. The viability of epididymal sperm decreased more markedly than the decrease in sperm density. It is therefore most likely that the major cause of infertility after copper injection into the caput epididymidis is a direct inhibitory effect of copper on the sperm, whilst damage to the seminiferous and epididymal epithelial may contribute.
Altered glycosylation of γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) in seminal fluid from men with accessory gland infection
Authors: Delanghe J. , Comhaire F. , de Buyzere M. , Vermeulen L.
Published: May 2008

The heterogenity of γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) in seminal plasma has been studied using Con A‐chromatography. This parameter was then related to the fructose concentration, the acid phosphatase activity, ejaculate volume, sperm density and the number of bacteria per ml. Multivariate regression analysis and stepwise elimination of the least fitting factors, revealed that Con A‐binding correlated with the number of bacteria per ml of semen and the acid phosphatase activity with 49 % of the variance of GGT‐binding being explained by these parameters. This result suggests that glycosylation of seminal GGT is altered by accessory gland infection. Neuraminidase digestion suggests that the pattern of Con A‐binding of seminal GGT depends only partly on its sialic acid content.
LDH‐C4 in human seminal plasma and its relationship to testicular function
Authors: Eliasson R. , Virji N.
Published: May 2008

Lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) isoenzyme LDH‐C4 (LDH‐X) has been analyzed quantitatively in semen from men with different fertility status, such as men with pregnant wives, men with primary or secondary infertility, volunteers, men taking salazopyrine and men exposed to very hot baths. LDH‐C4 activity per ml or per ejaculate was not related to the fertility status of the men. The situation was different when the LDH‐C4/sperm ratio was used as a variable. The median (p50) LDH‐C4 activity in semen was (in nanokat/108 spermatozoa) 9.4 for samples from men (N=34) whose wives were in early pregnancy, 24.7 for men (N=102) with primary infertility and 28.8 for men (N=18) taking sulphasalazine. The differences in median values between the former group and the latter two groups were highly significant (P < 0.001). In addition, semen samples from 3 infertile men who took daily hot baths as a habit, had a significantly higher LDH‐C4/sperm ratio than samples collected during periods when they did not take hot baths. Semen samples were subdivided according to the number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate after correction for days of abstinence and the size of the testes. There was an inverse correlation between the LDH‐C4/sperm ratio and the adjusted sperm count (million per day and per ml testes). Men with an adjusted sperm count of 0.5 or less had a median (p50) LDH‐C4 activity of 38 nanokat/103 spermatozoa compared to 14.5 in samples from men with an adjusted sperm count of more than 1.0 (P < 0.001). The LDH‐C4/sperm ratio in seminal plasma may therefore serve as an indicator of the function of the seminiferous epithelium, and its assessment may provide a new means for the study of spermatogenesis and male reproduction.
Physical properties and non‐enzymic components of human ejaculates. Relationship to spontaneous liquefaction
Authors: Mandal Arabinda , Bhattacharyya Asok K.
Published: May 2008

The relationship between spontaneous liquefaction and the characteristics of ejaculated human semen has been investigated. The liquefaction time of ejaculates was found to be significantly correlated with their extent of coagulation and some non‐enzymic components of seminal plasma. Human ejaculates were classified into 3 distinct groups depending on their liquefaction time, and the groups were characterized physico‐chemically. The liquefaction time also revealed a low but significant negative correlation with semen volume. It is concluded that an individual's ejaculatory characteristics can be evaluated simply by determining its liquefaction time.
Penetration of sperm from teratospermic men into zona‐free hamster eggs
Authors: Shalgi Ruth , Dor Jehoshua , Rudak Edwina , Lusky Ayala , Goldman Boleslaw , Mashiach Shlomo , Nebel Laslo
Published: May 2008

The ability of sperm samples from male partners of infertile couples, with isolated teratospermia (ITS), to penetrate zona‐free hamster eggs was examined. The ITS patients had a significantly lower proportion of normal spermatozoa than did a control group of men of proven fertility (23.6% and 47.8%, respectively; P < 0.001), while the mean total sperm count and the % motility did not differ between the two groups. The mean hamster egg penetration rate of sperm from ITS patients was 2.64% compared to 31.1% in the control group. A significant negative correlation was found in the ITS group between the proportion of a) abnormal forms and the ability to penetrate zona‐free hamster eggs, and b) pyriform‐shaped sperm and the penetration rate. Of the sperm parameters which were examined, only the morphology could be correlated with the rate of penetration.
Psychology of male infertility — a literature survey
Authors: Bents Hinrich
Published: May 2008

Fifty‐three articles on the psychology of male infertility published between 1948 and 1985 are reviewed with respect to theoretical backgrounds, methodological approaches and results suggesting an influence of psychological factors on male fertility. Although the data of most empirical studies are found to be incomplete and inconclusive because of conceptual deficiencies and insufficient methods, there is some evidence for stress responses negatively affecting male fertility. The variety of psychological factors presented in the literature indicates the heterogeneity of psychological involvement in male infertility. In conclusion, goals for future research on psychobiological aspects of male infertility are suggested and methodological criteria are outlined.
Diagnostic value of the zona‐free hamster oocyte penetration test and sperm movement characteristics in oligozoospermia
Authors: Aitken R. J.
Published: May 2008

A group of 27 oligozoospermic patients were folloved up for 4.2 ± 1.1 years in a prospective study designed to determine which aspects of semen quality are of value in the diagnosis of fertility. The semen analysis included the zona‐free hamster oocyte penetration test, the assessment of sperm movement characteristics by time exposure photomicrography and a conventional semen profile. During the follow up period, 7 patients (25.9%) initiated a pregnancy. The identity of these fertile subjects could not have been ascertained by any single criterion of sperm movement or any feature of the conventional semen profile. The zona‐free hamster egg penetration rates were also of little value in this respect since 4 of the 7 fertile patients scored 0% in this assay. Using a multivariate discriminant analysis, however, a combination of 7 criteria was identified, including hamster oocyte penetration and elements of both sperm movement and the semen profile, which could predict the fertility of these patients with 85.2% accuracy.
Are conventional sperm morphology and motility assessments of predictive value in subfertile men?
Authors: Zaini A. , Jennings M. G. , Baker H. W. G.
Published: May 2008

Sperm morphology and motility are believed to be important prognostic factors for fertility. Results of a group of 67 men investigated for primary infertility who had mean sperm concentrations greater than 5 million per ml and who later produced pregnancies, were compared with those of 67 matched controls who remained infertile. All female partners were potentially fertile. The groups were matched for other known prognostic factors for fertility, namely wife's age, the duration of infertility, sperm concentration and varicocele size. There were no significant differences between the two groups overall in the (mean ± SEM) % of sperm with normal morphology (58.3 ± 2.1; 58.5 ± 2.2), or motility (40.6 ± 1.8; 37.0 ± 2.0). However, among oligospermic men from the two groups, sperm motility was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the subsequently fertile group (43.1 ± 2.6%) than in the persistently infertile group (33.3 ± 3.7). These results indicate that sperm morphology as currently assessed may not be important in predicting fertility in subfertile men with a mean sperm concentration over 5 million/ml and the % sperm motility may only be a relevant predictor in oligospermic men.
Inhibition of liquefaction and protein degradation in human semen by gossypol
Authors: Vongsorasak Likasit , Svasti Jisnuson
Published: May 2008

The liquefaction of freshly ejaculated human semen was delayed by gosssypol. Liquefaction is normally accompanied by an autolytic degradation of semen proteins, and prior incubation with gossypol can inhibit factors (presumably proteinases) present in seminal plasma that degrade semen proteins. The possible consequences of this inhibition are discussed in relation to the proposed use of gossypol as a vaginal contraceptive.
Methods for improvement of the success rate of artificial insemination with donor semen
Authors: Comhaire Frank H. , Thiery Michel
Published: May 2008

The cumulative probability of conception within 12 cycles of insemination with frozen‐thawed donor semen increased from 59 to 70% by selecting the semen on the basis of its concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) rather than on the basis of its motile sperm count. The success rate further improved to 83% by performing induction of ovulation in all recipients who did not achieve pregnancy within the initial 6 cycles.
Adenylate cyclase activity of mouse sperm during capacitation in vitro: effect of calcium and a GTP analogue
Authors: Monks N. J. , Stein D. M. , Fraser L. R.
Published: May 2008

Earlier studies have shown increased adenylate cyclase (AC) activity in epididymal mouse sperm incubated under capacitating conditions in vitro. The present study investigated the effect on AC activity of excluding calcium and/or glucose from the sperm incubation medium, which would modulate expression of fertilizing potential. AC activity was higher in sperm incubated for 120 than 30 min, and was higher in sperm incubated in calcium‐containing than calcium‐free media for all except acrosome‐reacted populations. Calcium added at the time of assay stimulated AC activity, the degree of this response being independent of the functional state of the sperm population. The guanine nucleotide analogue Gpp(NH)p slightly enhanced AC activity, but did not alter the stimulatory effect of calcium. Since calcium can increase AC activity, possibly by interaction with a divalent cation allosteric site on the catalytic subunit of the enzyme, a rise in intracellular calcium levels during capacitation may mediate the increased activity of AC, allowing expression of cAMP dependent events which are a prerequisite for fertilization.
The human sperm nucleus takes up zinc at ejaculation
Authors: Björndahl Lars , Kjellberg Svante , Roomans Godfried M. , Kvist Ulrik
Published: May 2008

Ejaculated and vasal sperm were obtained from men referred for vasectomy, and sperm nuclear elements were determined by X‐ray microanalysis. Sperm head zinc concentrations, expressed as the ratio Zinc to Sulphur, were significantly higher in ejaculated than in vasal sperm. A physiological sperm nuclear zinc uptake is discussed in relation to sperm chromatin decondensation.
The effect of serum on motility of human spermatozoa in culture
Authors: Liu De Yi , Clarke G. N. , Baker H. W. G.
Published: May 2008

The motility of spermatozoa was higher at 6–22 h in Ham's F10 culture medium supplemented with 20–30% human serum than with lower proportions of serum or with 1% human serum albumin. Heat treatment (56°C, 1 h), charcoal extraction and dialysis (18 000 molecular weight cut‐off) of the serum did not reduce sperm motility suggesting that high molecular weight components are responsible for maintenance of motility. Renewing the medium (Ham's F10 with 30% serum) at 7 h resulted in better sperm motility and velocity at 22 h. At 22 h the pO2, pCO2, pH and sodium concentrations were not different in replenished and control cultures, but the concentration of glucose was higher and that of potassium lower if the medium was changed. These results suggest that addition of 20–30% human serum and renewal of medium at intervals is beneficial for sperm culture and may be of use in in vitro fertilization.
Testicular volume, semen profile and serum hormone levels in fertile Thai males
Authors: Aribarg A. , Kenkeerati W. , Vorapaiboonsak V. , Leepipatpaiboon S. , Farley T. M. M.
Published: May 2008

The fertility profile of 307 Thai male volunteers whose wives were currently in early pregnancy was established by genital examination, semen analysis and serum hormone analysis. Ninety percent of the subjects had testicular volumes of 12–25 ml (mean 17.2 ml) which was found to relate to body weight, height and the ponderal index as well as to the sperm count. However, values for semen analysis were significantly below the recognised standard for Caucasian males. There was an inverse relationship between testicular volume and the serum concentration of FSH, LH and prolactin. It is suggested that a common protocol for male fertility assessment should be used to establish standard parameters for racially different male populations.
Epidermal growth factor stimulates lactate production and inhibits aromatization in cultured Sertoli cells from immature rats
Authors: Mallea L. E. , Machado A. J. , Navaroli F. , Rommerts F. F. G.
Published: May 2008

The addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) at nanomolar concentrations to cultures of Sertoli cells from 16‐day‐old rats induced more than a 2‐fold stimulation of lactate production after 12 h of incubation. The effects of EGF, insulin and FSH on lactate production were very similar and the concentrations that produced half maximal stimulation were 11, 22 and 25 ng/ml or, in molar terms, 1.8, 3.5 and 0.6 nM for EGF, insulin and FSH, respectively. No synergistic or additive effects of these hormones on lactate production could be demonstrated. In contrast, EGF inhibited FSH‐stimulated oestradiol synthesis by more than 50%. Insulin had no effect on FSH‐stimulated aromatization.
Immunohistochemical localization of alphafoetoprotein in testes of mouse embryos at 17 days of gestation
Authors: Rivers Elissa N. , Hamilton David W.
Published: May 2008

Immunohistochemistry was used to localize alphafoetoprotein (AFP) in 1 μm plastic sections of embryonic testes in order to investigate the cellular basis of AFP production in murine teratocarcinomas. Atypical germ cells and scattered foci of normal germ cells were AFP‐positive in both tumour‐susceptible and control animals. AFP could not be demonstrated, however, in tumour stem cells. These results suggest that AFP may be a marker for the endodermal origin of germ cells.