bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luteinizing hormone pulsatility in men with damage to the germinal epithelium
Authors: TALBOT J. A. , SHALET S. M. , TSATSOULIS A. , GRABINSKI M. , ROBERTSON W. R.
Published: May 2008

Bioactive‐LH (B‐LH) was measured in plasma by in‐vitro bioassay and immunoactive‐LH (I‐LH) by immunoassay at 10 min intervals for 6 h in five men after standard chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease. Eleven normal men acted as controls. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) was markedly raised in the treated patients (mean ± SEM; 12.8 ± 2.8 vs. 2.7 ± 0.4 IU 1‐1, P >0.006) reflecting damage to the germinal epithelium. Bioactive (27.4 ± 2.8 vs. 12.9 ± 1.3 IU 1‐1) and I‐LH (9.6 ± 2.0 vs. 4.9 ± 0.4 IU 1‐1) were elevated (P>0.006) in the patient group whilst testosterone levels (24.0 3.8 vs. 19.6 2.4 nmol 1‐1) were normal. The testosterone I‐LH ratio, a putative index of Leydig cell dysfunction, was negatively correlated with FSH levels (r=‐0.85, P >0.02). Bioactive and I‐LH pulse peak amplitude were elevated, as were pulse maxima (P>0.05). In contrast, B‐LH pulse frequency was similar between the patients (2 pulses per 6 h) and controls (median 2, range 1–3 pulses per 6 h) as was the I‐LH pulse frequency (median 2, 1–2 pulses per 6 h in both groups). The mean B:I LH ratios were similar (2.94 ± 0.09 vs. 2.63 ± 0.14) in both groups, although the inter‐pulse B:I ratio was increased (P>0.007) in the patient group. It is concluded that normal levels of testosterone are maintained in men with chemotherapy‐induced damage to the germinal epithelium by a resetting of the hypothalamic‐pituitary unit such that LH pulse amplitude but not the pulse frequency is increased markedly. The mean biopotency of LH remained unchanged although the inter‐pulse B:I LH was increased.
Measurement of testicular volume by ultrasonography
Authors: FUSE H. , TAKAHARA M. , ISHII H. , SUMIYA H. , SHIMAZAKI J.
Published: May 2008

To measure testicular volume accurately, an ultrasonographic method was developed and the results obtained from this compared with those obtained by conventional measurements, namely (1) comparison with testis models, (2) an orchidometer, and (3) measurement of testicular volume by calipers through the scrotal skin. Data from these methods were compared with the actual volume measured at operation by slide calipers placed directly on the testis. The volume obtained by comparison with testis models or with an orchidometer tended to overestimate the actual volume. The volume measured by slide calipers on scrotal skin was also found to be incorrect. On the other hand, the volume measured by ultrasonography proved to be closer to, and to correlate well with, the actual volume, and was considered to be the best method.
Granulocyte elastase levels do not correlate with anaerobic and aerobic bacterial growth in seminal plasma from infertile men
Authors: CUMMING J. A. , DAWES J. , HARGREAVE T. B.
Published: May 2008

Seminal culture and leucocyte elastase measurements were undertaken on samples from 30 men attending an infertility clinic. Elastase levels over 1000 ng ml‐1 were obtained in 14 men and positive bacterial culture in 11 men, but there was no correlation between these two sets of measurements. While granulocyte elastase measurement in semen may reflect inflammation, our study suggests that it cannot be used as a simple marker of infection particularly in a population such as ours where the prevalence of prostatitis and genital infection is low.
Improvement in the assessment of human epididymal function by the use of inhibitors in the assay of α‐glucosidase in seminal plasma
Authors: COOPER T. G. , YEUNG C. H. , NASHAN D. , JOCKENHÖVEL F. , NIESCHLAG E.
Published: May 2008

Seminal α‐glucosidase had been used clinically as a maker of epididymal function. In this study enzyme inhibitors were used to increase the specificity of the human seminal α‐glucosidase assay and improved its diagnostic value as an indicator of distal epididymal occlusion in cases of azoospermia. Sodium dodecyluphate was added to the sample to eliminate the intetfering acid isoenzyme secreted by the prostate gland, and castonospermine was used with semen pools to provide a semen blank for the assay by eliminating non‐glucosidase‐regulated degradation of the substrate. with both inhibitors included in the assay, glucosidase activity in semen samples from 17 fathers was measured to provide reference values for the clinic (lower threshold 18 mU per ejaculate). With the improved assay glucosidase was non‐detectable in 8 mU per ejaculate). With the improved assay glucosidase was non‐detectable in 8 out of 11 cases of proven and 5 out of 8 cases of suspected ductal obstruction; other azoospermic patients with distal had values below 11 mU per ejaculate.
The influence of inflammation of the human male genital tract on secretion of the seminal markers α‐glucosidase, glycerophosphocholine, carnitine, fructose and citric acid
Authors: COOPER T. G. , WEIDNER W. , NIESCHLAG E.
Published: May 2008

Biochemical analysis was made of specific accessory gland products in the ejaculates of 362 men suffering from various acute inflammatory diseases of the reproductive tract and 33 normozoospermic patients acting as controls. The ejaculate content of the epididymal markers α‐glucosidase and l‐carnitine, but not glycerophosphocholine, was significantly reduced in ejaculates from men with epididymitis; citric acid was reduced in men suffering from prostatitis; both citric acid and α‐glucosidase were reduced in men suffering from adnexitis. The ejaculate content of epididymal and prostatic markers in prostato‐urethritis (adnexitis), where the exact localization of the inflammation was unclear, was not as low as in epididymitis or prostatitis. Seminal vesicle function, as judged from semen volumes and seminal fructose, was not different in these groups of patients. The results, although strongly related to the clinical diagnosis, were unrelated to the microbiological flora of the semen and indicate that both the epididymis and the prostate glands are involved in some forms of adnexitis.
Correlation of the hypo‐osmotic swelling test, semen score and the zona‐free hamster egg penetration assay in humans
Authors: OKADA A. , INOMATA K. , MATSUHASHI M. , FUJIO K. , MIURA K. , SHIINA K. , SHIRAI M.
Published: May 2008

The correlation between the hypo‐osmotic swelling test, the modified Eliasson score for human semen analysis and the hamster egg penetration assay was examined. The results showed a weak but significant correlation between the group of subjects with swelling rates below 50% and the above 80% group. These groups showed hamster egg penetration assay rates of 9±14% and 39±29%, respectively (P<0.035). A significant correlation was also found between modifed Eliasson scores (17±10 and 5±7, respectively) and swelling rates below 50% and above 70% (P<0.001). These results suggest that spermatozoa showing a low swelling rate have a poor fertilizing capacity. Therefore, the swelling tests and analysis of the patients semen can be used to discriminate sperm quality.
The cryopreservation of donor semen by a simplified method: use in an IVF and GIFT programme
Authors: MORROLL D. R. , MATSON P. L. , TROUP S. A. , IZZARD HELEN , PRIOR J. R. , BURSLEM R. W. , LIEBERMAN B. A.
Published: May 2008

The cryopreservation of semen used in assisted reproduction procedures was carried out exclusively by a simplified method in which a mixture of semen and cryoprotectant was contained in 1‐ml tuberculin syringes and plunged directly into liquid nitrogen. Donor semen samples halved and frozen in syringes and in straws in a controlled‐rate freezer showed no significant difference in post‐thaw motility (P=0.217) or survival (P=0.217) after 30 min. However, after 180 min the survival rate showed a significant reduction in syringes (P=0.045). A significant difference (P<0.00008) in the rate of fertilization of oocytes was seen in IVF cycles using frozen‐thawed donor sperm (58/142, 42%) when compared to fresh sperm from husbands (2315/3926, 59%). A significant reduction (P<0.00005) in fertilization rate was also observed in the case of supernumerary oocytes in GIFT cycles with the cryopreserved donor sperm (29/132, 22%) compared to the husbands' sperm (239/514, 46%). However, the pregnancy rate following IVF and embryo replacement was the same after fertilization with fresh sperm (75/351, 21%) as opposed to frozen sperm (3/14, 21%). Furthermore, a higher pregnancy rate was observed in GIFT with frozen donor sperm (9/19, 47%) than with fresh sperm from husbands (28/103, 27%), though this was not statistically significant (P=0.079). These results show this simplified method of semen cryopreservation to be effective when used in an IVF and GIFT programme, giving pregnancy rates comparable to fresh normo‐spermic semen samples. The method is simple, quick and inexpensive.
Seminal peroxidase positive cells are not an adequate indicator of asymptomatic urethral genital infection
Authors: BARRATT C. L. R. , ROBINSON A. , SPENCER R. C. , KINGHORN G. R. , WHITE A. , HARRISON P. E. , KESSOPOULOU E. , COOKE I. D.
Published: May 2008

The relationship between asymptomatic urethral infection and seminal white blood cells, as detected using the peroxidase enzyme system, was examined. Eighty‐four semen donors were tested. Twenty‐four (29%) were diagnosed as having an active urethral genital infection. There was no statistical relationship between the total number or concentrations of peroxidase‐positive cells and a urethral genital infection. Further studies should concentrate on the subtypes of seminal leucocytes and their surface receptors using monoclonal antibodies.
A morphological study of the efferent ducts of the human epididymis
Authors: SAITOH K. , TERADA T. , HATAKEYAMA S.
Published: May 2008

Efferent ducts of the human epididymis were studied with a light microscope and a computerized three‐dimensional image analyser by preparing complete serial sections. The efferent ducts were characterized by a columnar epithelium, which differed both from the cuboidal epithelium of the rete testis and from the tall columnar epithelium of the epididymal duct. Therefore, the junctions of the efferent ducts with the rete testis and epididymal duct could be identified morphologically. Five or six efferent ducts originated from the dilated extra‐testicular rete testis, ran in an extremely tortuous manner and transformed into the epididymal ducts in an end‐to‐end pattern near the border of the epididymal head and corpus. Computerized image analysis confirmed light microscopical findings and demonstrated three‐dimensional structures of the junctions of the efferent ducts with both the rete testis and the epididymal ducts.
Glycoprotein biosynthesis by testes of 40‐day‐old rats subjected to protein malnutrition
Authors: GUMA FÁTIMA C. R. , GUARAGNA REGINA , ROSA NEILA B. S. , MORAES G. G. S. , GAMALLO JUANA LIA , PERRY M. L. S. , BERNARD ELENA A.
Published: May 2008

The testes of 40‐day‐old rats subjected to protein malnutrition show a marked delay in maturation of the seminiferous epithelium, as well as greater mannose incorporation into glycoprotein than observed in normal animals of the same age. Testes were incubated for 1 h with [2‐3H]mannose and germ cells were then separated by the Staput method. Mannose incorporation occurred in the same cell fraction, i.e. the spermatocytes, both in normally fed and protein‐undernourished animals. These data were confirmed by incubating the cells previously isolated on the gradient with [2‐3H]mannose. Comparison of these data with results obtained in previous studies on 20‐day‐old animals in which mannose incorporation was lower in undernourished rats suggests that the differences observed in the present study between the experimental groups are due to alterations in the germ cells.
Does vasectomy have long‐term effects on somatic and psychological health status?
Authors: THONNEAU P. , D'ISLE BÉATRICE
Published: May 2008

All the major international articles on the somatic and psychological consequences of vasectomy published over the last 10 years have been reviewed and analysed. Although some experiments on animals have revealed harmful effects, none of the large‐scale epidemiological studies has pointed to any increase in health risks (cardiovascular, hypertensive, psychiatric) in vasectomized men. The contradictions which arise between the clinical and large‐scale epidemiological studies may be the result of methodological or experimental conditions. As our knowledge stands at present it can therefore be considered that vasectomy has no major effects on the physical or mental health of men.
Electrophoretic pattern of rodent seminal vesicle proteins as revealed by silver staining
Authors: CARBALLADA R. , ESPONDA P.
Published: May 2008

Electrophoresis of seminal vesicle secretions (SVS) from several rodents showed a very simple pattern composed of 3–5 main protein bands when an anionic dye (Coomassie brilliant blue) was used. However, use of a silver staining method showed a more complex protein spectrum, and several minor components of 12–90 kD, were clearly revealed. Western blotting using antibodies to SVS demonstrated that these minor protein components were not serum contaminants. Rat, mouse and hamster SVS shared antigenic determinants which were not related to rabbit svs.
Male infertility due to asthenozoospermia and flagellar anomaly: detection in routine semen analysis
Authors: MARMOR D. , GROB‐MENENDEZ F.
Published: May 2008

Major monomorphous teratozoospermia, due to sperm tail structural anomalies, were detected in 42 out of 4231 infertile patients during routine semen analysis. The flagella were very short or absent in 16 cases, shortened with thickness irregularity in 18 cases, and of normal length with diameter anomalies in eight cases. These syndromes were always associated with poor forward motility, while mobility and penetration into human cervical mucus were sometimes impaired only partially. With good sperm smears and an experienced observer, the diagnosis could be made without the need for electron microscopic analysis. All the affected patients were sterile and several syndromes could have been transmitted genetically.
Comparison of measurements of human sperm motility characteristics by the automated CellSoft system and time‐exposure photomicrography
Authors: CHAN S. Y. W. , ZHANG G. H. , LO T. , LEUNG A. , WANG C.
Published: May 2008

Human sperm motility characteristics in 28 semen samples with sperm concentrations less than 40 ® 106 ml‐1, as determined by the World Health Organization manual analysis (WHO, 1987), were measured by the automated CellSoft semen analyser (Cryo Resources Ltd, New York, NY, USA) using different system parameter settings (Mortimer & Mortimer, 1988a). The results were compared with those obtained by time‐exposure photomicrographic (TEP) analysis. It was found that the settings of the minimum video frame rate and the threshold velocity used to distinguish motile from immotile sperm by the automated CellSoft system had a significant influence on measurements of percentage motility but not on linear velocity. At the five different parameter settings used in the present study, the automated CellSoft system gave significantly lower mean values for percentage motility in comparison with the WHO manual and TEP analyses. Measurements for linear velocity between the automated Cellsoft system and TEP analyses were found not to be significantly different in these defined semen samples.
Hyperactivated motility of sperm from fertile donors and asthenozoospermic patients before and after treatment with ionophore
Authors: PILIKIAN S. , ADELEINE P. , CZYBA J. C. , ECOCHARD R. , GUERIN J. F. , MIMOUNI P.
Published: May 2008

Hyperactivated motility of capacitated sperm was studied before and after contact for 30 min with the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Sperm from fertile donors and asthenozoospermic infertile patients were incubated in the presence of increasing concentrations of A23187 in the medium. At 5–10 μM, the ionophore induced a significant increase (P<0.05) in the percentage of hyperactivation of sperm from asthenozoospermic subjects. Higher concentrations (20 and 30 μM) were needed to enhance hyperactivation of sperm in the fertile population. In the latter, extended contact with the ionophore induced no significant change compared to a 30‐min incubation period. Since this type of movement is an essential feature of the fertilizing gamete, a low hyperactivation rate may partly explain fertilization failure in the asthenozoospermic group.
Variations in 3H‐diisopropylfluorophosphate binding proteins in human seminal plasma
Authors: FRENETTE G. , TREMBLAY R. R. , DUBÉ J. Y.
Published: May 2008

We have characterized the electrophoretic pattern and variations in 3H‐diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP)‐binding proteins in human seminal plasma from normal men and from 103 patients attending the infertility clinic of our hospital. This study shows that 34 kDa prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is the major 3H‐DFP‐binding protein and that two other ubiquitous bands of 100 and 60 kDa are also present in seminal plasma from all the men studied. Additional bands of92, 50–54 (doublet) and 38 kDa were also observed in some patients. The 38 kDa band was shown to be a highly glycosylated form of PSA. Further complexity was demonstrated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis in the 27–30 kDa range of the gels since at least 10 major spots and rows of spots were seen. The concentration of these spots, including PSA, was extremely variable, as was their pattern of inhibition by various active site inhibitors of serine‐proteases; these variations were not correlated with any specific sperm characteristics. With the exception of PSA, the proteins have not been identified. Their distribution suggests that most of them are exclusively of prostatic origin although a few could also derive from the seminal vesicles or blood. Future studies will be aimed at determining the nature of these proteins and their potential usefulness in andrology.
Biological functions of the water‐insoluble fraction of mouse seminal vesicle fluid. I. Suppression of the blastogenic response of lymphocytes
Authors: EMOTO M. , NISHIKAWA F. , HAMURO A. , OKU D. , KITA E. , KASHIBA S.
Published: May 2008

The effects of the water‐insoluble fraction of mouse seminal vesicle fluid (WIF‐SVF) on lymphocytes was investigated to clarify its role in reproductive immunity. WIF‐SVF inhibited the blastogenic response of T‐cells to concanavalin‐A (Con‐A), but it did not inhibit the blastogenic response of B‐cells to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Pretreatment of splenocytes with WIF‐SVF did not suppress the blastogenic response of splenocytes to Con‐A when treated cells were washed prior to culture. WIF‐SVF did not inhibit the proliferation of Con‐A activated splenocytes, the response of listeria‐immune splenocytes to listerial antigen, or the proliferation of IL 2‐dependent HT‐2 cells, or the growth of tumour cells (Yac 1 cells, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells, EL‐4 cells). A listerial antigen‐specific immune response was not induced after mice were immunized with both listerial antigen and WIF‐SVF. WIF‐SVF is mainly composed of protein and its suppressive activity was enhanced by heating at 100°C. These results suggest that WIF‐SVF inhibits the responsiveness of T‐cells to antigens or mitogens non‐specifically at the initial stage.
Efficiency of the countercurrent transfer of heat and 133Xenon between the pampiniform plexus and testicular artery of the bull under in‐vitro conditions
Authors: SØRENSEN H. GLAD , LAMBRECHTSEN J. , EINER‐JENSEN N.
Published: May 2008

The efficiency of countercurrent transfer of heat and 133Xenon (133Xn) in spermatic cords of the bull was measured under in‐vitro conditions. Plasma was pumped through the artery and veins via two separate systems under controlled temperature conditions. Cold plasma or 133Xn‐saline was introduced into the afferent veins and the transfer of heat or gas from the venous to the arterial side was measured. The mean efficiency of heat transfer was found to be 91% in five experiments. In four experiments a mean of 12% of the radioactive gas introduced into the venous system was recovered from the arterial side. It is concluded that the countercurrent transfer system in the spermatic cord is very effective with respect to the transfer of heat and probably moderately effective in the transfer of inert gases. The transfer is probably due to diffusion as eventual transfer through arterio‐venous shunts was minimal.
Reversible azoospermia induced by an androgen‐progestin combination regimen in Indonesian men
Authors: PANGKAHILA W.
Published: May 2008

The suppression of spermatogenesis by a combination of depot medroxyprogester‐one acetate (DMPA) and testosterone enanthate (TE) was studied in Indonesian men. Twenty healthy, fertile volunteers were allocated randomly to either of two treatments each consisting of four intramuscular injections at monthly intervals. Group I (n=10 men) received 100 mg DMPA plus 100 mg TE monthly while group II (n = 10 men) received 200 mg DMPA plus 250 mg TE monthly. Sperm concentration was suppressed markedly, with all men attaining azoospermia between the third and fourth month after the start of treatment. There was no significant difference in the suppression of spermatogenesis between the two dos age regimens. The median time to reaching azoospermia was 2.5 months from the onset of injections and the median time to recovery of sperm in the ejaculate was 2.0 months after cessation of treatment. Both steroid regimens were equally effective in suppressing LH, FSH and testosterone levels. Testosterone levels returned to baseline by the fourth post‐treatment month while LH and FSH demonstrated significant rebound above baseline levels from 3 to 5 months after cessation of treatment. No serious clinical side effects were observed. Weight gain and increases in libido were reported during treatment by most volunteers. A transient decrease in libido was noted in 5/20 (25%) men between 1–2 months after cessation of injections, presumably due to the prolonged effects of DMPA relative to TE. These results indicate that uniform induction of reversible azoospermia with minimal side effects can be achieved in a non‐Causasian population. This study therefore supports the feasibility of an effective and reversible hormonal male‐contraceptive in some populations even if this requires the consistent induction of azoospermia. The explanation for the higher frequency of azoospermia induced in Indonesian compared with Caucasian men remains to be clarified and is strategically critical to the future development of male contraception.
An automated chemiluminescence test for diagnosis of leukocytospermia
Authors: LEINO L. , VIRKKUNEN P.
Published: May 2008

A new rapid and sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) test was developed for the analysis of leucocytes in semen. Opsonized zymosan induced luminol‐dependent CL of diluted (1:500) semen was measured in samples from 64 fertile and infertile men with or without leukocytospermia, using an automated luminometer set‐up. The white‐blood‐cell (WBC) count in semen was determined using a conventional leucocyte‐peroxidase staining method. A good linear correlation (r= 0.932) was observed between the seminal white‐blood‐cell number and the CL response. The coefficients of inter‐assay variations for the CL method were 9.6% and 1.8% for semen samples with 0.3 times 106 WBC ml‐1 and 3.2 times 106 WBC ml‐1, respectively. The results also suggest that the previously reported inhibitory effect of seminal plasma on CL activity of human phagocytes is due to the quenching of light‐producing reactions and that this can be circumvented by using appropriate semen dilution. It is concluded that the simple and high‐capacity CL test is an especially convenient method for routine diagnosis of leukocytospermia.
Zeta potential of human X‐ and Y‐bearing sperm
Authors: ISHIJIMA S. A. , OKUNO M. , MOHRI H.
Published: May 2008

The zeta potential of human X‐ and Y‐bearing sperm was measured by two different methods: (i) using an electrophoretic light scattering spectrophotometer, and (ii) using a laser‐rotating prism. The X‐ and Y‐bearing sperm were separated by free‐flow electrophoresis, and their purities were determined by staining for the F‐body using quinacrine mustard. The zeta potential of the sperm in the fraction containing more than 80% Y‐bearing sperm was approximately ‐16 mV, whereas that of sperm in the fraction containing more than 95% X‐bearing sperm was approximately — 20 mV. In other words, the net negative‐charge on the cell surface of human X‐bearing sperm is higher than that of Y‐bearing sperm.
Review Sperm transport in the human female reproductive tract—a dynamic interaction
Authors: BARRATT C. L. R. , COOKE I. D.
Published: May 2008

The interaction between sperm and the human female tract has been largely ignored. This review summarizes the data available from animal species with specific reference to sperm in the oviduct. Our knowledge of sperm transport within the human female tract is explored and, using the data available from animal species, three lines of future experimental design are suggested. Firstly, there is the need to improve and develop techniques to recover sperm successfully from the tract. Second, an in‐vitro approach which examines the modulation of reproductive tract fluids on sperm function is advocated. Third, an in‐vitro tissue/cell culture system is required to investigate in more detail the interaction between the epithelium and sperm. Using such approaches many of the questions posed in this review can be addressed confidently in the near future.
Movement characteristics and hyperactivation of human sperm on different epithelial cell monolayers
Authors: GUERIN J.‐F. , OUHIBI N. , REGNIER‐VIGOUROUX G. , MENEZO Y.
Published: May 2008

Studies of sperm movement characteristics concern mainly sperm swimming between two glass surfaces (as in the Makler chamber). Using automated videomicrography, (CellSoft®, Cryo Resources, New York, USA), we have analysed the movements of human sperm swimming on monolayers of different origins: monkey kidney (Vero) cells, bovine oviduct cells, and human endometrial cells. About 105 sperm were deposited upon preparations consisting of monocellular layers adhering to a coverglass, and placed in a deep slide‐coverglass system. Experiments were first performed at room temperature then at 37d̀C. At room temperature, motion characteristics on Vero cell layers (six samples) were not different from those measured in either the conditioned or corresponding non‐conditioned media, except for the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) which was significantly lower. Comparison of the three different cell monolayers showed no difference between them for the corresponding motion parameters. The data were dramatically different at 37d̀C: sperm swimming on cell monolayers of genital origin (oviduct or endometrium) exhibited high rates of hyperactivation (HA: 36.7% and 38.6% respectively), which was significantly more than on either Vero cells (10.9%) or in a control medium (12.6%). Moreover, HA rates were significantly higher on genital cell monolayers than in the corresponding conditioned medium. Hyperactivated sperm exhibited lasting ‘star‐spin’ trajectories rather than ‘transitional phases’. It is concluded that passage of sperm on either oviduct or endometrial epithelial cell monolayers can induce sperm hyperactivation and improve their fertilizing capacity.
Effects of LHRH‐analogue treatment of spermatogenic dysfunction in the dog
Authors: Kawakami E. , Tonsho H. , Tsutsui T. , Ogasa A.
Published: May 2008

Three male dogs, aged 2–4 years, which exhibited a high percentage of sperm with abnormal tails in their semen and low levels of peripheral plasma LH and testosterone were given two injections of 400 μg an LHRH analogue (LHRH‐A) 3 h apart. The semen quality of all three dogs and the peripheral plasma levels of LH and testosterone were examined in two of the dogs. Plasma levels of LH and testosterone in both dogs peaked at 30 and 90 min respectively, after the injection of LHRH‐A. The semen quality of all three dogs had improved temporarily 20 days after the injection. To be specific, although the mean percentage of sperm with abnormal tails in the three dogs was 19, 26 and 32% respectively before injection of LHRH‐A, these values had decreased to 10, 16 and 13%, respectively, 20–40 days later. Thereafter, however, the percentage sperm abnormalities increased again. The testes and epididymides of two of the dogs were examined histologically at the end of 90 days. Sloughed germ cells were observed in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, and pyknotic epithelial cells were noted in some of the epididymal ducts. The other dog, which had a history of three unsuccessful matings was treated again with LHRH‐A and mated with three bitches 30, 75, and 110 days later, respectively. Only the bitch mated with this dog 30 days after a second series of injections conceived. It is assumed that the semen quality of the three dogs improved because of a temporary rise in plasma LH and testosterone levels after the injection of LHRH‐A. It is concluded that the fertility of dogs with a high percentage of sperm with abnormal tails can be improved approximately 30 days after treatment with an LHRH‐A.
Does unilateral orchidectomy influence blood flow, microcirculation and vascular morphology in the remaining testis?
Authors: Bergh A. , Damber J.‐E.
Published: May 2008

Adult rats were hemi‐orchidectomized and various aspects of testicular blood flow, microcirculation and vascular morphology were studied in the remaining testis after 30 days and compared to that in intact sham‐operated animals. Testis weight, total testicular blood flow (measured with microspheres), capillary blood flow pattern (studied with laser Doppler flowmetry) and the volume of interstitial fluid in the testis (index of vascular permeability) were all unaffected by hemiorchidectomy. Morphometric measurements on perfusion‐fixed testicular tissue showed that the volume densities of Leydig cells, blood vessels and small exchange blood vessels were increased by hemi‐orchidectomy (by approximately 45, 33 and 42%, respectively). The volume density of Leydig cells in individual testes was correlated to the volume and surface density of capillaries + small postcapillary velules (r = 0.72 and 0.86, respectively). Hemi‐orchidectomy is known to result in a doubling in testosterone secretion per Leydig cell. This increased endocrine activity results in moderate increase in the vascular exchange area but other aspects of testicular microcirculation and blood flow are apparently unaffected.
Seminal emission by electrical stimulation of the spermatic nerve and epididymis
Authors: Sato K. , Kihara K. , Ando M. , Sato T. , Oshima H.
Published: May 2008

The spermatic nerve and epididymis were stimulated electrically in dogs to elucidate the possibility of artificial seminal emission after bilateral transection of the hypogastric nerves and sympathetic trunks. Before transection, electrical stimulation of a distal end of the severed spermatic nerve caused a trace amount of emission in two dogs and no emission in the remaining four. In contrast, 1 month after the transection, stimulation of a distal end of the severed spermatic nerve caused seminal emission in all six dogs examined, with full seminal volume in four dogs and partial volume in the remaining two. Anatomically, sympathetic nerves originating from the upper portion of the lumbar sympathetic ganglia descended along the spermatic arteries to the testes as spermatic nerves. The present results indicate that spermatic nerves have the potential to generate seminal emission as a compensatory pathway after bilateral transection of the hypogastric nerves. Both direct and percutaneous electrical stimulation of epididymal tails resulted in a full volume of seminal emission in all dogs with transection of both hypogastric nerves and lumbosacral sympathetic trunks as well as in unoperated controls, while high voltage (8 V vs 40–80 V) was required to cause seminal emission by electrical stimulation on the skin surface. Direct stimulation of epididymal tails in men undergoing orchidectomy as treatment for prostatic carcinoma or during biopsy of the contralateral testis in a patient with a testicular tumour, resulted in seminal emission in all five epididymides examined either from the end of the servered vas deferens or in the posterior urethra if the vas deferens was not severed.
Treatment of idiopathic oligozoospermia with tamoxifen — a randomized controlled study
Authors: KRAUSE W. , HOLLAND‐MORITZ H. , SCHRAMM P.
Published: May 2008

There is no conclusive evidence of the usefulness of tamoxifen in the treatment of idiopathic oligozoospermia (OAT‐syndrome), as it has been used mostly in uncontrolled studies. We herein report on the controlled treatment of OAT‐syndrome with tamoxifen versus placebo following a randomized design. Seventy‐six men with sperm counts of 2–20 times 106 ml‐1, sperm motility of 20–50%, and sperm morphology (abnormal cells) between 50 and 80% were involved in the study. Patients with varicocele, a history of testicular maldescent or genital inflammation were excluded. Thirty‐nine patients received tamoxifen (30 mg daily), 37 patients placebo. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean serum testosterone level after treatment in the tamoxifen‐treated group (from 4.9 ± 1.9 to 7.9 ± 3.6 ng ml‐1) in comparison to the placebo group (5.3 ± 2.0 and 5.6 ± 2.0 ng ml‐1).serum FSH levels increased slightly in the tamoxifen group (from 6.8 ± 4.1 to 7.3 ± 4.8 mU ml‐1), but this was not statistically significant in comparison to the placebo group (from 5.9 ± 3.9 to 5.2 ± 3.5 mU ml‐1). Serum levels of LH did not show any differences between groups. The sperm count increased during treatment from 9.3 ± 11.7 to 11.4 ± 13.7 times 106 ml‐1 in the tamoxifen group and from 9.1 +‐ 7.1 to 9.3 +‐ 8.8 * 10‐1 in the placebo group; this difference did not reach statiscal significance. The percentage of motile and abnormal sperm was not different between the two treatment groups. In 5 out 37 of the tamoxifen‐treated patients and in 3 out 39 patients of the placebo group, a conception in the female partner was recorded within 9 months after treatment. The fact that the difference in sperm output and pregnancy rate between tamoxifen‐and placebo‐treated men is not statistically significant in out study might be due to the small size of the groups, and a more extensive study might overcome this problem.
Evaluation of the effect of peritubular cell secretions and the testicular paracrine factor P‐Mod‐S on Leydig cell steroidogenesis and immunoactive inhibin production
Authors: RISBRIDGER G. P. , SKINNER M. K.
Published: May 2008

Testicular peritubular cells have been shown to produce a paracrine factor, termed P‐Mod‐S, under androgen control that has dramatic effects on Sertoli cell function and may provide an important mode of androgen action in the testis. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the possibility that peritubular cell secretory products could feedback and regulate Leydig cell function. The Leydig cell functional parameters that were examined included testosterone production and inhibin secretion. Purified forms of P‐Mod‐S (P‐Mod‐S(A) and P‐Mod‐S(B) shown to be biologically active on Sertoli cells) had no effect on basal or gonadot‐rophin‐stimulated production of testosterone or inhibin by Leydig cells. A preparation of peritubular cell‐secreted proteins (PSP) with molecular weights > 3 kDa did not influence testosterone production by Leydig cells. PSP, however, did influence cultured Leydig cell morphology and improved cell viability. PSP also had no effect on the ability of LH to stimulate Leydig cell testosterone production. Whilst determining the effect of PSP on Leydig cell inhibin production, PSP was found to contain endogenous levels of inhibin apparently due to 2% contamination of the peritubular cell cultures with Sertoli cells. When this endogenous inhibin level was considered, PSP was found to have no influence on basal or hormone‐stimulated production of inhibin by Leydig cells. Results of the current study indicate that peritubular cell secretory products, including the paracrine factor P‐Mod‐S, do not appear to play a major role in the regulation of Leydig cell function. Therefore, the regulation of Leydig cell function by the seminiferous tubule will primarily be due to Sertoli cell secretory products.
Controlling the swimming speed of human sperm by varying the incubation temperature and its effect on cervical mucus penetration
Authors: FORD W. C. L. , PONTING F. A. , MCLAUGHLIN E. A. , REES J. M. , HULL M. G. R.
Published: May 2008

The objective of the present experiments was to study the effect of sperm velocity as a single variable on the ability of sperm to penetrate cervical mucus in a modified Kremer test. Sperm incubated at 13, 22 and 37d̀C exhibited progressive velocities of 25±1.7, 40±2.1 μ sec‐1 (mean±SEM, n = 6) respectively, but the percentage of progressively motile sperm, their lateral head displacement and the viscoelastic properties of cervical mucus remained comparatively unchanged over this temperature range. The number of sperm which penetrated the mucus and the percentage of successful collisions were correlated strongly with the average velocity of the sperm population (r = 0.82 and r = 0.72 respectively).

It is concluded that sperm velocity has an important influence on the penetration of cervical mucus because it governs the frequency of collisions with the mucus interface and is determined by the thrust generated by the flagellum which also determines the ability of the sperm to traverse the mucus interface.
Glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC) diesterase related alterations in the oxygen consumption profile of rat spermatozoa in differing functional states
Authors: CHOWDHURY M. , MITRA J.
Published: May 2008

The functional interaction of the estrogen‐induced uterine enzyme glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC) diesterase with epididymal rat sperm before and after incubation under capacitating conditions was investigated indirectly, by measuring the glycerol phosphate (GP) released on enzymatic hydrolysis of GPC and using oxygen consumption as a measure of oxidative phosphorylation by the sperm.

Freshly released, washed sperm metabolized GP but not GPC. Utilization of GP was found to be inhibited by 2 μM oligomycin but was enhanced dose‐dependently in the presence of the uncoupling agent, 2,4‐dinitrophenol, indicating that the process was essentially similar to that occurring in somatic mitochondria in that it involved electron transport via ubiquinone and the cytochrome system and was coupled to ATP synthesis.

However, on incubation of sperm under conditions supporting capacitation, which led to a striking increase in oxygen consumption, the presence of GP decreased oxygen uptake significantly, in a manner similar to that occurring in the presence of the glycolyzable substrate, glucose. The implications of these GPC diesterase‐induced metabolic alterations in sperm function are discussed.
Intravasal injection of formed‐in‐place silicone rubber as a method of vas occlusion
Authors: SHENG‐CAI ZHAO , SHU‐PING ZHANG , RUI‐CHUAN YU
Published: May 2008

This report describes the procedure for percutaneous injection of silicone to form plugs in the vas deferens. The injection of 0.1–0.16 ml Chinese‐made silicone into 14 men achieved occlusion of a 1‐cm length of the vas. Sperm concentrations declined within 1 month of the operation and azoospermia was achieved in all men by 9 months.
Recovery of fertility after removal of polyurethane plugs from the human vas deferens occluded for up to 5 years
Authors: SHENG‐CAI ZHAO , YI‐HE LIAN , RUI‐CHUAN YU , SHU‐PING ZHANG
Published: May 2008

The present study reports the outcome of operations to remove MPU plugs from 130 men who had had occlusions of the vas deferens for between 0.5 and 5 years. The female partners of all the men achieved a pregnancy over a period of 0.5–4 years after the reversal operation.
Safety and efficacy of percutaneous injection of polyurethane elastomer (MPU) plugs for vas occlusion in man
Authors: ZHEN‐WEN CHEN , YI‐QUN GU , XIAO‐WEI LIANG , ZHI‐GANG WU , ER‐JING YIN , HONG LI‐
Published: May 2008

This report describes the safety and efficacy of the procedure for percutaneous injection of medical‐grade polyurethane elastomer (MPU) to form plugs in the vas deferens. The injection of 0.16–0.22 ml MPU in 53 men resulted in occlusion and azoospermia in 85% of the men after 12 months; 96% achieved azoospermia by 2 years. The success rate of the method and the rate of sperm suppression to azoospermia depended on the shapes of the plugs; this was determined by palpation after insertion. There were few complications and the results are discussed in terms of the reversibility potential of this method.
Subnormal sperm parameters in conventional semen analysis are associated with discrepancies between fertilization and pregnancy rates in in‐vitro fertilization and embryo transfer
Authors: de GEYTER CH. , de GEYTER M. , SCHNEIDER H. P. G. , NIESCHLAG E.
Published: May 2008

Three hundred and twenty‐eight consecutive treatment cycles in 168 couples were analysed retrospectively in order to examine the influence of conventional semen analysis results on the outcome of in‐vitro fertilization and embryo transfer with respect to the occurrence of both fertilizations and pregnancies. All treatments were performed under maximally standardized and controlled conditions. Each of the three main determinants of the spermiogram, namely the concentration, motility and morphology of sperm in seminal plasma, was of significant importance for fertilization and subsequent pregnancy. Best correlations were achieved by counting the number of progressively (a + b) motile sperm and the number of normally formed sperm in seminal plasma. The pregnancy rate was reduced significantly in cases in which the sperm concentration was < 10 × 106ml‐1 (P< 0.01), or in which there was <40% progressively motile sperm (P<0.001), or <30% normally formed sperm (P< 0.001). If more than one parameter in the spermiogram was abnormal, the fertilization rate depended mainly on the most disturbed sperm parameter. The implantation rate as well as the pregnancy rate was reduced significantly in patients with low progressive sperm motility and normal morphology rates. The difference could only be attributed partially to the lower number of embryos replaced. In conclusion, subnormal sperm quality seems to interfere with developmental stages beyond the process of fertilization.
Relationship of azoospermia to inguinal surgery
Authors: SANDHU D. P. S. , OSBORN D. E. , MUNSON K. W.
Published: May 2008

Nearly one‐third of paediatric surgery consists of operations on the inguinal canal. A late complication of this is male sterility due to damage to the vas deferens. Correction of this preventable cause is problematical and there is poor outlook for the severly oligozoospermic and azoospermic male. The true incidence of unilateral damage to the vas deferens is unknown, as this can be masked by a normal reproductive tract on the contralateral side. However, occasionally more subtle changes other than direct transection and fibrosis of the vas deferens can prevent sperm transport. This may be related to damage to the vas pseudocilia, it's auto‐nomic and peptidergic innervation leading to defective contractility. This report presents four cases, which confirm the vunerability of the vas deferens during inguinal surgery and highlight azoospermia as a late complication.
Effect of isotypes of antisperm antibodies on semen quality
Authors: GONZALES G. F. , KORTEBANI G. , MAZZOLLI A. B.
Published: May 2008

A direct immunobead test (IBT) was performed on 233 men who attended an immunological centre. Thirty‐four (14.6%) of these men were found to be positive (>20% binding) for antisperm antibodies (ASA). IgA, IgG and IgM were the most common sperm‐associated immunoglobulins. In 50% of men with ASA astheno‐zoospermia, teratozoospermia, leukocytospermia or hypofunction of the seminal vesicles was observed.

Semen parameters were altered most frequently when IgM was present in association with IgA and/or IgG. This suggests that there is an active inflammatory process in the reproductive tract, as evidenced by leukocytospermia, and this could be responsible for the abnormal semen parameters. ASA generation could be a consequence of this process rather than being the cause of the abnormal semen quality. If ASA do affect fertility, this could take place in the female reproductive tract.
Possible involvement of the accessory sex glands in the regulation of pituitary hormones
Authors: HURKADLI K. S. , KAPASI A. A. , KADAM M. S. , BILLIMORIA F. R. , SHETH A. R.
Published: May 2008

A time‐course alteration in the blood levels of gonadotrophin was evaluated in male rats aged 49 days after: (a) removal of the seminal vesicles, (b) bilateral orchidectomy, or (c) bilateral orchidectomy together with removal of the seminal vesicles. Age‐matched sham‐operated animals served as controls. Removal of the seminal vesicles resulted in elevation in the blood levels of LH, FSH and prolactin compared to controls. As expected, bilateral orchidectomy also resulted in the elevation of serum gonadotrophins. In the absence of both the seminal vesicles and the testes, LH and FSH levels were increased further compared to orchidectomy alone. Thus the present study suggests the presence of a feedback mechanism between the seminal vesicles and pituitary which is more pronounced in the absence of the testes.
Isolation and culture of testicular macrophages from a seasonally breeding species, Phodopus sungorus. Evidence for functional differences between macrophages from active and regressed testes
Authors: MAYERHOFER D. , MAYERHOFER A. , BARTKE A.
Published: May 2008

We have developed an isolation and cultivation protocol for testicular macrophages from the seasonally breeding Siberian hamster, Phodopus sungorus which allows serum‐free culture. Macrophages were isolated from the active testes of adult Phodopus kept in long photoperiod (LD,18hL:6hD), and from the inactive testes of animals with gonadal regression induced by exposure to a short photoperiod (SD, 6hL;18hD; for 10 weeks). The isolated cells were identified as macrophages by (a) electron microscopy, (b) non‐specific phagocytosis, and (c) the presence of Fc‐receptors. Treatment of the cultures with oFSH (at 0.5 and 1 μgml‐1 for 1 and 4 days) significantly stimulated lactate secretion by testicular macrophages from LD hamsters, as expected from studies in the rat. In marked contrast, oFSH did not affect lactate secretion by testicular macrophages from SD hamsters, or by peritoneal macrophages. To test possible macrophage‐Leydig cell interactions, the influence of testicular macrophage‐conditioned medium (TM‐CM) from FSH‐responsive LD macrophage cultures was assessed and compared with the effect of peritoneal macrophage‐conditioned medium (PM‐CM) on testosterone production by testicular parenchyma from LD hamsters. Unexpectedly, and in contrast to previous reports in rats, testosterone production by testes was inhibited significantly by TM‐CM from cultures pretreated with either 0.1 or 0.5 μg FSH ml‐1. FSH alone stimulated testosterone production (due either to LH contamination or to possible paracrine effects). PM‐CM from cultures pretreated with FSH did have an inhibitory effect. It is concluded that:

(i) There is indirect evidence for the presence of functional FSH receptors on macrophages from the active testes of Phodopus.

(ii) Testicular macrophages from inactive testes of Phodopus are not responsive to FSH, implicating impaired macrophage function in the regressed testes of Phodopus exposed to SD.

(iii) Testicular macrophages produce a factor which can inhibit testosterone production by incubated testicular tissue.