bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arterialization of the liver prevents testicular atrophy in portacaval shunted rats
Authors: Bortolussi M. , Colombo L. , Strinna M. , Bottaro G. , Vassanelli P.
Published: May 2008

Portacaval anastomosis in male is known to induce testicular atrophy. The effect of liver revascularization by the right renal artery on the testes of portacaval shunted rats was examined. After shunting, there was a 75% decrease in testis weight compared to the control value and spermatogenesis was blocked in steps 8–9 of spermiogenesis. The in vitro binding of [125I]hCG was only 10% of the control value on a per testis basis and labelled areas in the interstitium of frozen sections subjected to topical autoradiography with [125I]hCG were also strikingly reduced. These parameters were maintained to normality in revascularized shunted rats which displayed also normal copulatory and fertilizing abilities. It is suggested that an adequate blood supply to the liver, as provided by arterialization, can preserve testicular integrity in shunted rats, even though the blood is arterial instead of portal.
Studies on the scrotal testis in unilateral experimental cryptorchidism in rat and guinea pig
Authors: Karpe B. , Hagenäs L. , Plöen L. , Ritzén E. M.
Published: May 2008

The effects of experimental unilateral cryptorchidism on the scrotal testis regarding weight, morphology and secretion of tubular fluid and the Sertolicell specific androgen binding protein (ABP) were studied. In the intact guinea pig testis and epididymis an androgen binding component similar to rat ABF was found. In juvenile and adult rats cryptorchid for 17 and 21 days, respectively, and in guinea pigs cryptorchid for ***11 weeks, the scrotal testis seemed unaffected regarding all parameters studied. With reference to previous findings of lowered fertility in unilateral cryptorchidism in man the possible mechanisms by which unilateral cryptorchidism may influence the scrotal testis are discussed.
Serum testosterone response to single injection of hCG ovine‐LH and LHRH in male rats
Authors: Hodgson Y. M. , de Kretser D. M.
Published: May 2008

A biphasic pattern of testosterone secretion in response to a single injection of 100 IU hCG has been observed in the rat. Serum testosterone increased from basal levels of 8.7 pL 3.1 ng/ml (mean pL SEM) to 23.0 pL 1.4 ng/ml within 2 h of hCG‐stimulation and returned to control levels by 2 days. A second, delayed, but significant increase in serum testosterone occurred, reaching a peak of 24.6 pL 4.0 ng/ml at 3 days and declining to basal values at 5 days. To study this response further, lower doses of hCG were tried. Administration of 10 IU hCG produced a single peak of testosterone, which did not occur until 24 h. Differences in the serum testosterone response were related to the concentration of hCG measured in the serum after injection, as injection of 1 IU, which failed to increase serum hCG levels above detection, was also inadequate to increase serum testosterone. The response after stimulatin with 500 μg ovine‐LH or 0.1–10.0 μg LHRH was also evaluated. Injection of 500 μg ovine‐LH produced a significant rise in serum testosterone reaching a peak at 2 h of 25.2 pL 2.6 ng/ml and subsequently declining over the next 48 h to control levels where it remained for 5 days. Stimulation with doses of 0.1–10.0 μg LHRH produced rapid and short increases in serum LH concentration which induced peaks of testosterone up to 48.8 pL 14.1 ng/ml 1 h post injection. No secondary peak of testosterone followed. Failure of ovine‐LH and LHRH to produce a second testosterone peak suggests that this response may be due to a re‐stimulation of the Leydig cell by elevated levels of hCG which persist until the fourth day after injection.
An assessment of inhibin‐like activity secreted by Sertoli cells in culture using castrated adult male rats
Authors: Nagendranath N. , Karanth S. , Sheth A. R. , Juneja H. S.
Published: May 2008

Sertoli cells isolated from testes of 16–18 days old male rats were maintained in culture. Incubation media from these culture were pooled on day 7 and tested for its inhibin‐like activity either with (SCCM) or after charcoal treatment (CSCCM) in castrated adult male rats. The assay was based on the tacit assumption that SCCM or CSCCM would specifically lower circulating blood serum levels of FSH. Subcutaneous (sc)injections of CSCCM at a dose level of 1 mg protein per rat, per day, x 3 days caused a specific suppression of FSH levels, while lower dosages of CSCCM (Protein content of 300 μg or 600 μg/rat/day, x 3 days) were without any affect on basal levels of FSH and LH. SCCM was ineffective at all dose levels tested. Intracardiac injections of varying doses of LHRH (25 to 400 ng/rat) to CSCCM pre‐treated rats (200 μg/rat/day, x 3 days) failed to increase the levels of LH and FSH. These results support the presence of inhibin like activity in SCCM by a bioassay procedure alternate to in vitro pituitary cell culture system used by other investigators.
Diurnal variation of gonadotrophin receptors in the rat testis
Authors: Huhtaniemi Ilpo , Tikkala Liisa , Martikainen Hannu
Published: May 2008

Groups of 6 adult male rats were killed at 4‐h intervals over 24 h periods. The serum samples were assayed for LH, FSH, prolactin (Prl) and testosterone (T). LH, FSH and lactogen receptors were measured in the testis homogenates. In the 2 experiments performed, statistically significant (P < 0.01‐0.05) positive correlation was observed between serum LH and T levels, as well as between serum LH and testis LH receptor concentrations. Significant (P < 0.05) diurnal variation was seen in peripheral serum T (high levels at 08.00–12.00 h, low levels at 16.00–20.00 h) and LH (high at 24.00–08.00 h. low at 12.00–20.00 h), whereas FSH and Prl levels did not display significant variations over the period of 24 h. The testicular content of LH receptors showed significant (P < 0.05) diurnal periodicity in the 2 experiments performed. Maximal binding measured in each experiment was betwee 04.00 and 08.00 h. The low binding was in one experiment between 12.00 and 20.00 h. and in the other between 20.00 and 24.00 h. No consistent variation was measured in testicular FSH or lactogen receptors. These results suggest that, in addition to differential stimulation of steroidogenesis, physiological variations in gonadotrophin levels can induce autoregulatory changes in the testicular gonadotrophin receptors.
Human testicular LH receptors: correlations with circulating gonadotrophins and testicular steroid secretion
Authors: Leinonen Pekka , Bolton Nicholas , Vihko Reijo
Published: May 2008

Testicular androgen production is regulated by circulating LH, the effect of which is mediated by its testicular membrane receptors. In the present study, testicular [125I]hCG binding in man was investigated and found to be characterized by saturability and high affinity (mean KD in testes of 21 patients with prostatic carcinoma = 1.64 times 10‐10 M), and stimulated testosterone production in dispersed interstitial cells in vitro. The concentrations of the LH receptors correlated with serum FSH concentrations (r = 0.52, P < 0.05) but not with circulating LH levels. Neither had they any correlation with intratesticular testosterone, 5α‐dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, progesterone, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone or pregnenolone concentrations, which may be due to the fact that LH receptors are confined to Leydig cells, whereas steroids may be unevenly distributed in the different cells of the testis. In contrast, the concentrations of the LH receptor displayed positive correlations with the concentrations of testosterone (r = 0.81, P < 0.001), androstenedione (r = 0.54, P<0.05), 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (r = 0.76, P<0.001) and progesterone (r = 0.60, P < 0.05) in the spermatic vein serum of the patients. Our data suggest that the Leydig cells mainly responsible for steroid secretion into the blood are under gonadotrophic control exerted via their receptors, whereas Leydig cell function is not rapidly reflected in steroid concentrations within the testis itself.
Testicular responsiveness to human chorionic gonadotrophin in growth hormone deficient pre‐pubertal boys: lack of effect of replacement therapy
Authors: Zipf William B. , Kelch Robert P. , Hopwood Nancy J.
Published: May 2008

The effect of hGH therapy on testicular response to hCG was studied in 7 pre‐pubertal boys with known growth hormone deficiency. Each boy received 2000 IU hCG intramuscularly for 3 consecutive days either before starting hGH therapy or 4 months after temporarily discontinuing hGH therapy. A second 3 day series of hCG injections was administered after each boy had received 4 months of hGH treatment. Before each hCG challenge, serum concentrations of testosterone, LH and FSH were obtained and an iv GnRH test was performed. Growth hormone treatment either maintained ***or established linear growth velocities equal to or greater than expected for the patient's skeletal age. Testicular response off hGH therapy, either maximum serum concentration of testosterone or maximum rise above baseline, was not significantly different than testicular response while on hGH therapy. Testicular responses did not correlate significantly with either basal concentration of gonadotrophins or gonadotrophin responses to GnRH. Despite its effectiveness in stimulating growth, hGH did not effect testicular responsiveness to hCG in pre‐pubertal boys with hGH deficiency.
Lactate dehydrogenase‐X: an isozyme particularly sensitive to gossypol inhibition
Authors: Tso Wung‐Wai , Lee Chi‐Sing
Published: May 2008

The activities of lactate dehydrogenase (all isozymes and isozyme‐X alone) in the presence of a wide range of gossypol were examined in ejaculated mature boar spermatozoa. It was found that LDH‐X, a characteristic isozyme located mainly in primary spermatocytes, is more sensitive than the other isozymes to gossypol inhibition. Its possible role in the male antifertility effect of gossypol is discussed.
Spermatogenesis in the immature mouse proceeds faster than in the adult
Authors: Kluin Ph. M. , Kramer M. F. , de Rooij D. G.
Published: May 2008

The first appearance of spermatogenic cell types related to the age of the animal was studied in sections and tubular whole mounts of testes of normal mice (Cpb‐N strain) up to 34 days p.p. The first intermediate spermatogonia and leptotene spermatocytes were seen at days 4 and 7 p.p., respectively. It was found that the subsequent types of spermatogenic cells appear earlier than could be expected if spermatogenesis was to proceed at adult speed. [3H]thymidine labelling studies revealed that within a given interval of time, spermatocytes and spermatids in immature mice develop into more advanced cell types than in adults. The labelling studies and the observation that the cellular associations are always identical to those in the adult, indicate that the rate of acceleration in young mice is the same for spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids. The mean duration of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium during the age interval of 10 to 30 days p.p. is 7.51 pL 0.10 days, compared to 8.61 pL 0.08 in the adult. It increases gradually towards the adult level, reaching the value of 8.45 pL 0.17 days between days 33 and 56 p.p.
Antispermatogenic/antiandrogenic properties of solasodine (C27H43O2N) obtained from solanum xanthocarpum berries on the male genital tract of dog (Canis‐familiaris). A Histophysiological approach
Authors: Dixit V. P. , Gupta R. S.
Published: May 2008

Chronic administration of solasodine (20 mg/kg alt. day for 30 days) caused testicular lesions resulting in a severe impairment of spermatogenic elements. The epididymides were devoid of spermatozoa. Total protein, sialic acid and glycogen contents of the testis and epididymis were reduced significantly whereas the testicular cholesterol was elevated. Acid Phosphatase enzyme activity of the testes was low after solasodine treatment. Serum enzymes (SGPT, alkaline phosphatase) serum protein, triglycerides, non esterified fatty acid levels were in normal range when compared with their own controls. Cholesterol and phospholipid levels were elevated after solasodine treatment to intact dogs. Reduced androgen production was reflected in low levels of sialic acid in the testes and epididymides and reduced Leydig cell nuclei. Castration alone brought about reduction in size of the epididymis. Castration followed by solasodine treatment caused epididymal degeneration. Simultaneous administration of TP to solasodine treated castrated dogs failed to stimulate the epididymal growth. Antispermatogenic/antiandrogenic activity of the compound solasodine is discussed. Solasodine administration in dogs definitely rendered the male infertile as evidenced by the absence of sperms in the cauda epididymis and ductus deferens.
Potassium leakage: not the cause of gossypol induced anti‐motility in spermatozoa
Authors: Tso Wung‐Wai , Lee Chi‐Sing
Published: May 2008

Gossypol induced a dose‐dependent potassium leakage from boar spermatozoa suspended either in Krebs‐Ringer phosphate buffer or in isotonic tris‐HCl buffer. It had, however, practically no effect on the spermatozoal intracellular sodium ion content. As spermatozoal motility arrest was observed at a much lower gossypol concentration, the gossypol anti‐motility effect does not seem to have stemmed from potassium leakage.
Local differences in Leydig cell morphology in the adult rat testis: evidence for a local control of Leydig cells by adjacent seminiferous tubules
Authors: Bergh Anders
Published: May 2008

In order to test the hypothesis that Leydig cell function in the adult rat testis is influenced by the surrounding tubules, Leydig cell morphology was compared in different types of interstitial areas. Triangular interstitial areas surrounded by 3 cross‐sectioned tubules in nearly the same stage of spermatogenesis were chosen for quantitative light microscopy. It was found that the volume density of Leydig cells in such areas was about 30%, except when the surrounding tubules were in stages IX‐X or XI‐XII, when it was only about 20%. This variation in total Leydig cell mass seemed to be due to a variation in Leydig cell size and not in Leydig cell number. The largest Leydig cell profile area, 118 pL 6 μm2 (mean pL SE n = 6 rats), was observed when the surrounding tubules were in stages VII‐VIII, i.e. just prior to sperm release. The smallest Leydig cells were seen when the surrounding tubules were in stages IX‐X and XI‐XII (68 pL 3 and 66 pL 4 μm2). The present results indicate that there may be a Leydig cell cycle in the adult rat testis, which is regulated by the adjacent tubules.
Nature of the proteins which form disulfide bonds during the maturation of rat spermatozoa
Authors: Sattayasai N. , Panyim S.
Published: May 2008

The proteins which form disulfide bonds during the maturation of rat spermatozoa were studied by comparing the [14C]carboxamidomethylated products between the caput and caudal spermatozoa. The total incorporation of [14C]iodoacetamide into 106 spermatozoa from the caput epididymis was 13.4 nmole, and those from the caudal epididymis was 3.6 nmole. The proteins extractable from the caput and caudal spermatozoa showed no detectable difference in SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic patterns. Similarly, no detectable change was observed when the proteins were extracted and analysed on polyacrylamide gel containing the cationic detergent cetyltrimethyl‐ammoniumbromide (CTAB). However, when the [14C]carboxamidomethy‐lated products were compared, large differences were evident. There were 4 major carboxamidomethylated products on proteins with molecular weights of 32.000; 29.000; 22.000; and 13.000. The 32.000 and 29.000 dalton proteins were carboxamidomethylated about 15 times in the caput over the caudal spermatozoa. The results suggest that these 4 proteins constitute the majority of those which form disulfide bonds during the maturation of rat spermatozoa. The probable origins of those proteins were briefly discussed.
Effect of androgens on the activity of acid hydrolases in rat epididymis
Authors: Mayorga Luis S. , Bertini Francisco
Published: May 2008

The enzymatic activity of 6 acid hydrolases was studied in rat epididymal homogenates following castration, testosterone replacement and during postnatal growth. Acid phosphatase and N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase activity decreased after castration and increased with hormonal treatment as well as during growth. β‐Glucuronidase and cathepsin D activity increased during the involution of the organ and decreased or did not change with hormone treatment or during sexual maturation. Arylsulphatase and deoxyribonuclease did not recover normal activity after hormonal treatment. Their activities were particularly high in epididymal and rete testis fluid of normal animals.
Current concepts in the management of testicular germ cell tumours in adults A review
Authors: Ekman Peter
Published: May 2008

Due to a combination of aggressive chemotherapy and radical surgery today most cases of advanced non‐seminomatous germ cell tumours of the testicle can be cured. The most active chemotherapeutic regimen is a combination of cis‐platinum, velban, and bleomycin; the epipodophyllotoxin VP‐16–213 still being a second hand alternative. Surgery is applied for definite cure in low‐stage disease and for debulking of remaining tumour after initial chemotherapy in advanced stages. Survival figures today are given as 100% in stage I, 90% in stage II, and 60% in stage III. Low‐stage seminoma is still routinely treated with radiotherapy, however, chemotherapy seems to markedly improve survival also in advanced stages of this disease. The use of highly toxic chemotherapy and advanced surgery necessitates a concentration of these cases to few centres with experienced staff. The article also briefly discusses classification, symptoms, diagnostic aids, and follow‐up procedures.
Intratesticular and plasma steroid profiles in fertile and infertile men
Authors: de la Torre B. , Norén S. , Hedman M. , Ritzén M. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: May 2008

In 24 apparently healthy men who requested sterilization by vasectomy, we have measured the intratesticular and peripheral plasma levels of 9 unconjugated and 5 sulphoconjugated steroids. These steroid levels were then compared with those found in a group of 18 men, admitted to the hospital with complaints of infertility. With the exception of higher dihydrotestosterone levels in the infertile group, no differences were found between the two groups with regard to the peripheral plasma levels of the unconjugated or sulphoconjugated steroids studied. On the other hand, the intratesticular levels of cortisol, pregnenolone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, pregnenolone sulphate and testosterone sulphate (but not those of testosterone) were significantly diminished in the infertile group. With the exception of dehydroepiandrosterone levels in the fertile group, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and dihydrotestosterone sulphate in the infertile group, the intratesticular steroid levels were uncorrelated with the plasma levels. The data are interpreted as suggesting that a) male infertility may be associated with intratesticular alterations of steroid metabolism which are not reflected by the peripheral steroid levels; b) the plasma and intratesticular levels of testosterone are not sensitive enough indices for the endocrine evaluation of male infertility; c) the role of the sulphoconjugated forms of steroids in the maintenance of male fertility deserves further investigation.
Relation between morphologically abnormal spermatozoa and pregnancies obtained during a twenty‐year follow‐up period
Authors: Bostofte Erik , Serup Jørgen , Rebbe Heinrich
Published: May 2008

The clinical fertility of 1077 men investigated with semen analysis including detection of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa during the years 1950‐52 was studied 20 years later using a questionnaire replied to by 785 (72.9%), There was a significant correlation (P<0.01) between increasing number of abnormal spermatozoa and decreasing chance of getting living children, but no relation to abortions and pathological pregnancies. Moreover, there was a significant correlation P<0.01) to time‐interval to first pregnancy. Median values for those obtaining living children was 25% abnormal spermatozoa compared with 28% for those not doing so. Up to 60% abnormal spermatozoa, fertility was not reduced, and the borderline between normal and reduced male fertility is therefore defined to be 60% morphologically abnormal spermatozoa.
The effect of orchidectomy on gubernacular outgrowth and regression in the dog
Authors: Baumans Vera , Dijkstra Grietje , Wensing C. J. G.
Published: May 2008

To test whether the outgrowth and regression of the gubernaculum testis and consequently testicular descent are testis dependent, unilateral and bilateral orchidectomies were performed on foetal dogs at 49 days post coitum (p.c.). and on newborns at day 0 and day 3 after birth. Prior to these experiments the vascularisation of the testis, epididymis and gubernaculum had been studied to develop a method of orchidectomy, in which the vascularisation of the gubernaculum and epididymis was minimally damaged. After bilateral orchidectomy at 49 days p.c., outgrowth of the gubernaculum stopped completely, and the epididymis remained in its original abdominal position. After bilateral orchidectomy at birth, the descent of the remaining epididymis from an intra‐abdominal to an extra‐abdominal position was retarded, due to retarded regression of the gubernaculum. Bilateral orchidectomy 3 days after birth resulted in a slightly retarded gubernacular regression. After unilateral orchidectomies the effects were similar but less pronounced. It was concluded that the testis induces and maintains the outgrowth and initiates regression of the gubernaculum, thereby regulating the process of testicular descent. However, once the regression had started, it appeared to proceed more or less autonomously.
Prognosis of varicocelectomy in the treatment of infertility, based on pre‐surgery characteristics
Authors: Abdelmassih Roger , Fujisaki Syuchi , Faúndes Anibal
Published: May 2008

The semen characteristics, before and after varicocelectomy, were studied in 220 husbands from infertile couples, whose wives had no significant abnormalities. All couples were followed for one year or until the wife became pregnant. Sperm density, vitality, motility and percent with normal morphology were analysed before surgery. Based on these results, subjects were divided into 2 groups according to whether their semen had normal or abnormal characteristics. The group with semen parameters within normal limits showed significantly less improvement after surgery, and the posttreatment pregnancy rate was independent of the effect of surgery on the characteristics of sperm. Between 71 and 84% of the subjects with abnormal semen characteristics showed improvement after surgery, and between 56 and 72% of those who improved, impregnated their wives. Subjects whose abnormal semen characteristics did not improve after surgery, had a very low pregnancy rate.
The interrelationships between acid phosphatase, aminopeptidase, diamine oxidase, citric acid, β‐glucuronidase, pH and zinc in human prostatic fluid
Authors: Kavanagh J. P. , Darby C.
Published: May 2008

Biochemical analysis of 328 human prostatic fluid samples were performed. The urea concentration of 69 samples was similar to that of serum and not indicative of significant contamination with urine. The pH of normal fluids was acidic (mean pH = 6.7). The interrelationships between zinc, citrate, acid phosphatase aminopeptidase, β‐glucuronidase, diamine oxidase and pH were investigated by factor analysis. Two significant factors were extracted, the first accounted for 89% of their common variance and the second for 11%. Zinc, citrate, acid phosphatase and aminopeptidase were positively and pH was negatively related to factor one. β‐glucuronidase was positively related to factor two and diamine oxidase was largely independent of both factors. It was concluded that variables related to factor one share a common secretory control and mechanism, that some other mechanism operates in the case of β‐glucuronidase and that diamine oxidase may not be a true secretory product of the prostate.
Prolactin receptors in interstitial cells of testes from rats at different stages of development
Authors: Shiu Robert P. C. , Paz G. , Faiman C.
Published: May 2008

The developmental pattern of prolactin receptors was examined in intact interstitial cells isolated from testes of 19‐day old foetuses (F19), 1 to 45‐day immature (N1 to N45) and adult animals. The prolactin binding activity in F19 interstitial cells is low, being 27% of that found in cells of the adult. There is an abrupt 60% increase in prolactin binding immediately after birth (N1), followed by a slow, but gradual, increase for the next 34 days. A second rapid increase in prolactin binding occurs between days 34 and adulthood which follows an increment in serum prolactin concentrations after day 24. Equilibrium analysis revealed that the receptors in interstitial cells from N1, N34 and adults have similar affinity (Kd= 2.7 to 3.3 times 10‐10M) for prolactin. However, cells from adults contain twice as many prolactin receptors per cell as that of immature animals. This increase in prolactin receptors may play a role in the modulation of interstitial (Leydig) cell function during sexual maturation.
Testosterone concentration within the tunica vaginalis of boys and adult men
Authors: Karpe B. , Fredricsson B. , Svensson J. , Ritzén E. M.
Published: May 2008

The testosterone level in fluid contained in the tunica vaginalis has been determined in 25 adult men referred for infertility and in 20 boys aged 0–10.5 years operated on for hydrocele. The median concentrations of testosterone were found to be 392 nmole/1 (range 78–957) and 1.1 nmole/1 (range 0.16–182). respectively. The median value for adult men was 20 times the concentration of testosterone found in the peripheral blood of that group while the median value for the boys was 4 times that found in their peripheral blood. It is concluded, firstly, that the high level of testosterone in the peritesticular space of adult men strongly indicates that diffusion of testosterone through the testicular capsule does take place. Secondly, testosterone levels in fluid from the peritesticular space which significantly exceeds those in peripheral blood in prepubertal boys furnishes evidence of testicular secretion of testosterone in that age group. Consequently, the peritesticular tissues such as the epididymis, gubernaculum and scrotum are exposed to quantities of testosterone far exceeding those brought by the general circulation.
Guanine nucleotide mediated desensitazation of adenylate cyclase in cell free preparations from a Leydig cell tumour
Authors: Levi S. N. , Schumacher M. , Dix C. J. , Cooke B. A. , Thomas M. G.
Published: May 2008

Cell free desensitization of a tumour Leydig cell plasma membrane adenylate cyclase has been demonstrated in the presence of guanine nucleotides. In experiments in which the membranes were pre‐incubated with various nucleotides and LH, it was shown that this decreased adenylate cyclase activity was dependent on the presence of GTP and occurred both in the presence and absence of ATP. While pre‐treatment with LH alone appeared to enhance subsequent adenylate cyclase activity, this hormone was able to potentiate the desensitizing effect of GTP. The desensitizing effect of GTP was not inhibited by sodium fluoride. In contrast, the GTP analogue p(NH)ppG (guanosine 5′β, λ‐imido triphosphate) caused a persistent activation of the adenylate cyclase. GMP and guanosine also initially inhibited the adenylate cyclase activity, but this was entirely reversed by p(NH)ppG plus LH. GDP in addition to GTP caused desensitization but this was only partially reversed by p(NH)ppG plus LH. It is proposed that in similarity with the ovary (Bockaert et al. 1976; Ezra & Salomon 1982a) desensitization of Leydig tumour cell plasma membrane adenylate cyclase may involve a GTP‐mediated phosphorylation step.
ATP and ADP content of human ejaculated spermatozoa
Authors: Caldini A. L. , Orlando C. , Fiorelli G. , Cuomo S. , Serio M.
Published: May 2008

ATP and ADP content of ejaculated spermatozoa of 7 donors were measured by a bioluminescent method within 24 h. The semen samples were kept at room temperature and at prefixed time were tested for motility and viability and extracted for ATP and ADP measurement. ATP pattern in relation to the time was studied with a mathematical model and the resulting curve showed a very high significance (P < 0.001). ADP decrease with time was not significant and was variable among our subjects. The relationship between ATP decrease (%) and the decrease (%) of viability and motility was not linear, and till now no mathematical model has been found to express this phenomenon.
Carbohydrate composition of specific rat epididymal protein
Authors: Garberi J. C. , Fontana J. D. , Blaquier J. A.
Published: May 2008

Previous results demonstrated that androgen‐dependent rat specific epididymal proteins (SEP) were bound to spermatozoa during their maturation in the epididymis. This paper describes the purification of glycoprotein DE, which constitutes 40% of SEP, and the identification and semiquantitative determination of the sugars forming its oligosaccharide chain. Affinity chromatography on Sepharose‐Concanavalin A produced a sample of D‐E 95% pure in which 10.5 g of sugar were present per 100 g protein. The percentual composition of the oligosaccharide was D‐mannose 19%; D‐galactose 3%; N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine 33%; N‐acetyl‐neuraminic acid 31% and D‐glucose 13%.
Effect of preweaning undernutrition on testicular development in male mice
Authors: Jean‐Faucher Ch. , Berger M. , de Turckheim M. , Veyssiere G. , Jean C.
Published: May 2008

Testicular development was evaluated in male mice subjected to undernutrition from birth to weaning (20 days) by separating pups from their mothers. Underfed and normally fed animals were sacrificed every 10 days from 20 to 60 days. From 20 to 60 days, body and testes weights were significantly lower in underfed males. In undernourished males, the establishment of spermato‐genesis and the appearance of mature Leydig cells were delayed. The maximal production of testosterone by the testis of underfed males occurred later and was 50% lower than that of controls. The data shows that despite the hypoandrogenic state induced by undernutrition, puberty occurred and spermatogenesis was preserved.
Sertoli cell — Leydig cell interaction in the regulation of testicular function
Authors: de Kretser D. M.
Published: May 2008

Considerable evidence exists to indicate that the Leydig cells influence the seminiferous tubule by maintaining a high concentration of testosterone in the peritubular compartment of the testes. Recent studies using various types of agents to disrupt spermatogenesis, have shown that significant changes occur in the structure and function of the Leydig cells. In these situations, Leydig cells enlarge, show hyperresponsiveness to hCG stimulation in vitro and contain a reduced number of receptors for LH/hCG. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that the changes in Leydig cell structure and function are the result of local factors. The data provide support for the concept that the functioning of Leydig cells is modulated by the seminiferous tubules.
Control of spermatogenesis in primates: Effects of active immunization against FSH in the monkey
Authors: Raj H. G. Madhwa , Murty G. S. R. C. , Sairam M. R. , Talbert L. M.
Published: May 2008

Spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis are 2 important functions of the testis. It is well known that the 2 pituitary hormones, namely FSH and LH, regulate these functions of the testis. Based on the early work of Greep et al. 1936; Greep & Fevold 1937), FSH is held to be responsible for control of spermatogenesis and LH for testosterone production. However, the precise role of FSH in spermatogenesis is not clear. We used specific and potent antisera to FSH to neutralize this hormone and study its role in spermatigenic function of the immature and adult rat (Madhwa & Dym 1976; Madhwa Raj et al. 1980). Our earlier work on the rat demonstrated the need for FSH during the first wave of spermatogenesis, but not in the adult rat. Further, the precise role of FSH in spermatogenesis of primates including the human male is also not clear. In view of this, we have undertaken studies to examine the effects of neutralizing FSH activity on spermatogenesis in the monkey, M fasicularies.
Preliminary observations on enzymatic galactosylation of glycoproteins on the surface of rat caput epididymal spermatozoa
Authors: Hamilton David W. , Gould R. P.
Published: May 2008

Experiments are reported on enzymatic galactosylation of rat caput epididymal spermatozoan plasma membrane glycoproteins. It is shown that molecules of Mr 37 000 and 23 000 are the most heavily labelled, although up to 12 other bands appear on an autoradiogram of a one dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoretogram. It is also concluded that the galactosyltransferase of RTF is a glycoprotein galactosyltransferase. These results are discussed in relationship to the role of cell surface glycosylation in spermatozoan maturation.
Ultrastructural studies in Morphological assessment of human spermatozoa
Authors: Bartoov B. , Eltes F. , Langsam J. , Snyder M. , Fisher J.
Published: May 2008

The fine morphology of the regional structure of ejaculated spermatozoa which was observed by light microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope was the basis for the classification of various morphological characteristics. A quantitative analysis of the frequencies of these morphological characteristics in the fertile and suspected infertile populations was conducted. A discriminant analysis of these data revealed that 6 morphological characteristics out of 30 examined by light microscope, 9 out of 42 examined by scanning electron microscope and 8 out of 35 examined by transmission electron microscope were discriminatory. In addition, the discriminant analysis enabled obtaining a morphological score for each semen sample which was calculated from the weights of the different discriminatory characteristics for the 3 microscopic techniques. It was possible to separate the fertile from the infertile population using these morphological scores. The fertile man obtained positive scores while the suspected infertile men obtained negative scores. The practical use of the different morphological scores as diagnostic tools for male infertility clinics is discussed.
Progress in the isolation of inhibin like activity(ies) from different sources: A 1981 report
Authors: Sairam M. R. , Raj H. G. Madhwa
Published: May 2008

This brief status report is based on the round table discussion on inhibin at which progress in purification was one of the topics discussed. During the past 3–4 years more and more reports on the purification of ILA have appeared. Although in many instances recovery problems persist, the difficulties are not insurmountable. With the participation of more laboratories in the isolation work, we can expect significant new data on the identification of ILA and resolution of many outstanding issues.
Responses of serum testosterone levels to human chorionic gonadotrophin stimulation in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome after long‐term androgen replacement therapy
Authors: Fukutani Keiko , Ishida Hajime , Shinohara Mitsuru , Minowada Shigeru , Niijima Tadao , Isurugi Koichiro
Published: May 2008

Responses of serum testosterone levels to repeated daily injections of 5000 IU hCG for 4 days were studied in 24 patients with Klinefelter's syndrome. Eighteen patients were untreated, and 8 had been given previous treatment with depot testosterone 100 mg intramuscularly every 2–3 weeks for an average duration of 4.7 years. Among them, 4 patients were examined both before and after the therapy. The hCG test was performed at least 2 weeks (0.5–12 months) after the last injection of depot testosterone in the treated patients. Mean basal testosterone level of the treated patients, 139 ± 98 ng dl (Mean ± SD), was not significantly different from that of the untreated patients, 172 ± 110 ng/dl. Maximum stimulated testosterone level in the treated patients, 170 ± 107 ng/dl (P <0.05). These results suggest that long‐term androgen administration may decrease the functional reserve of Leydig cells in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome.
Paracrine regulation of Leydig cells by the seminiferous tubules
Authors: Bergh Anders
Published: May 2008

Testes of adult control and unilateral cryptorchid rats were fixed by vascular perfusion. The cell profile area of peritubular Leydig cells surrounding tubules in different stages of spermatogenesis, and the cell profile area of perivascular Leydig cells were determined. The size of peritubular Leydig cells was dependent on which type of tubulus the cells were surrounding. Some peritubular Leydig cells, especially those surrounding stages VII–VIII (88.1 ± 7.1 μm2, mean ± SD, n = 6 rats), were larger than perivascular Leydig cells (69.3 ± 5.9 μm2). The size of Leydig cells surrounding stages IX–XIV was similar to that of perivascular cells. In the abdominal testes no spermatogenic cycle was present and the sizes of peritubular and perivascular Leydig cells were equal (63.0 ± 5.1, vs 66.7 ± 7.3 μm2, mean ± SD, n = 5 rats). It is suggested that the tubules and the spermatogenic cycle locally modulate Leydig cell activity and that Leydig cell malfunction in abdominal testes may be due to a decreased stimulatory influence from the damaged tubules.
Effect of adrenalectomy and dexamethasone treatment on testicular enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism
Authors: Valivullah H. Mohammed , Aruldhas M. Michael , Govindarajulu P.
Published: May 2008

The effect of adrenalectomy on specific activities of testicular hexokinase, 6‐phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and glycogen concentration have been studied. A general increase in specific activities of all enzymes was seen after adrenalectomy in rats of all ages studied. However, lactate dehydrogenase activity and glycogen concentration in pre‐pubertal rats alone were depleted with no alteration in pubertal and adult animals. This was accompanied by increased prolactin titres, but gonadotrophins and testosterone were unaltered. Dexamethasone treatment returned all enzyme activities and hormonal profiles to normal.
Early morphological changes in the abdominal testes in immature unilaterally cryptorchid rats
Authors: Bergh Anders
Published: May 2008

Testicular descent was prevented unilaterally in newborn rats by cutting the gubernaculum testis. Morphological changes due to non‐descent of the testes were studied in 16‐, 20‐, and 24‐day‐old rats. Scrotal and abdominal temperatures were measured in control rats, and a difference was noted from 16 days and onwards. At 16 days of age the abdominal testes showed an abnormal accumulation of lipid droplets in the Sertoli cells at certain stages of spermatogenesis, and the number of tubules which had developed a lumen was slightly greater than in the scrotal testes. At 20 days of age, some spermatocytes were degenerating in the abdominal testes, especially in the tubular segments where lipid accumulation had been seen earlier. Lipid accumulation was noted in the Sertoli cells in all stages of spermatogenesis and additional ultrastructural signs of Sertoli cell malfunction such as dilatation of the SER and dilatation of the intercellular space between adjacent Sertoli cells was observed. Also the number of tubules containing a lumen was slightly larger in the abdominal testes. At 24 days of age, the number of spermatocytes was reduced in abdominal testes and the morphological changes seen earlier in the Sertoli cells were more pronounced. The function of the blood‐testis barrier was investigated by the ability of the tubules to exclude lanthanum, and no differences were found between scrotal and abdominal testes at 16 and 20 days of age. The present study suggests that the earliest morphological changes in experimentally primary abdominal testes may occur in the Sertoli cells.
Zinc content of maturing spermatozoa in oestrogen treated rats
Authors: Srivastava Archana , Chowdhury A. R. , Setty B. S.
Published: May 2008

Zinc content of spermatozoa collected from the caput and cauda portions of the rat epididymis was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results showed about 60% reduction in the spermatozoal zinc content by the time they reach the cauda epididymis. This reduction was inhibited in rats receiving micro dose oestrogen which incuced ‘functional’ sterility. It appears that the fall in zinc content of spermatozoa during their transport in the epididymis is related to sperm maturation and that oestrogen treatment interferes with this reduction in sperm zinc content.
Effect of vasectomy on the steroid profile of human seminal plasma
Authors: Ying Wang , Hedman M. , de la Torre B. , Jensen F. , Pedersen P. H. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: May 2008

The effect of vasectomy on the steroid profile of seminal plasma was studied in 19 healthy men at 4‐monthly intervals during a 2‐year post‐vasectomy period. The steroids analyzed by radioimmunoassays were: androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), oestradiol (E2) and the sulpho‐conjugated forms of pregnenolone (Δ5P‐S), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA‐S), testosterone (T‐S), dihydrotestosterone (DHT‐S), oestrone (E1‐S) and oestradiol (E2‐S). The quantitatively most important steroids present in the seminal plasma were DHEA‐S, Δ5P‐S and DHT‐S. Vasectomy resulted in a significant but non‐progressive reduction in DHT (40%) and T (23%) levels. The levels of E2, Δ5P‐S and DHT‐S also exhibited a smaller reduction following vasectomy. No significant changes were observed in the levels of the other steroids studied. The results are interpreted as suggesting that under normal conditions the bulk of the steroids present in the ejaculate is contributed by the accessory reproductive organs. In addition, a significant part of the DHT and T reach the ejaculate together with the sperm directly from the testis and/or epididymis. It is suggested that the normal steroid levels in seminal plasma established in this investigation could serve as reference values in the hormonal evaluation of male infertility.
Effect of high dose oral Kallikrein treatment in men with idiopathic subfertility: evaluation by means of in vitro penetration test of zona free hamster ova
Authors: Comhaire F. , Vermeulen L.
Published: May 2008

High dose oral Kallikrein treatment (600 U Padutine® per day) was given to 10 infertile men with poor semen quality. After 3 months of this treatment no pregnancies occurred, and no significant changes in routine semen characteristics were observed. Moreover, the capacity of the spermatozoa to migrate in vitro and to penetrate zona free hamster ova remained unchanged after Kallikrein ingestion. It is concluded that Kallikrein treatment was ineffective in these men.
The effect of oral Kallikrein treatment on sperm motility in asthenozoospermia
Authors: Batterink G. J. , Kremer J. , Jager S.
Published: May 2008

Nineteen men with asthenozoospermia were treated with oral Kallikrein (600 U daily for 12 weeks) and sperm motility evaluated in 16 of these patients. No quantitative or qualitative improvement in motility or the duration of motility was found in semen samples examined 4, 12 and 24 weeks after starting the treatment. Two pregnancies occurred 11 and 40 weeks after discontinuation of the Kallikrein therapy.
The influence of medium composition, osmolarity and albumin content on the acrosome reaction and fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa: development of an improved zona‐free hamster egg penetration test
Authors: Aitken R. J. , Wang Y‐F. , Liu J. , Best F. , Richardson D. W.
Published: May 2008

The influence of medium composition, osmolarity and albumin concentration on the ability of human spermatozoa to undergo the acrosome reaction and penetrate zona‐free hamster ova has been investigated. Raising the osmolarity but not the albumin concentration of the media was found to significantly increase the proportion of spermatozoa exhibiting an acrosome reaction and penetrating hamster ova, without influencing motility. There was, however, no correlation between the size of the acrosome reacted population and penetration rates between samples, suggesting that the zona‐free hamster egg penetration test is more than just a measure of the availability of acrosome reacted cells. As a result of this study, a revised protocol for the hamster egg assay is described which is shorter and considerably more sensitive than conventional procedures.
Developmental pattern and sensitivity to down‐regulation of testicular LH receptors in the pig
Authors: Sundby A. , Torjesen P. , Hansson V.
Published: May 2008

Testicular receptors for luteinizing hormone (LH) were quantified in 40 pigs between the day of birth and 22 weeks of age. The highest specific binding capacity (fmol hLH bound/mg protein) occurred at about 2–3 weeks of age which coincides with the age when the relative volume of Leydig cells is at a maximum. Significantly lower binding capacity was observed at 7 weeks of age which is the time of maximum Leydig cell regression. hCG was injected intramuscularly to immature (3000 IU, 22 days old) and adult boars (10 000 IU. 30–40 weeks old). Twentyfour h after injection the numbers of available LH receptors were reduced to 6 and 18% of control values, respectively. At this time occupied receptors were at a maximum (90% and 67% of controls, respectively). The total number of LH receptors (avaiiable + occupied) was increased 1 h after injection after which a gradual decrease was observed. Three days after hCG administration the total receptor quantities were at a minimum in both immature and adult pigs (59% and 31% of controls, respectively) and returned to control levels 5–7 days after treatment. Thus, pig LH receptors appear to be subjected both ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ regulation as previously described in the rat.
Effect of dexamethasone on testicular enzymes of the Embden‐Meyerhof and pentose‐phosphate pathways
Authors: Valivullah H. Mohammed , Aruldhas M. Michael , Govindarajulu P.
Published: May 2008

The influence of dexamethasone on the specific activities of testicular enzymes involved in the Embden‐Meyerhof and pentose‐phosphate pathways was studied in pre‐pubertal, pubertal and adult rats. All of the enzymes showed a decrease in specific activity after dexamethasone treatment, an effect which was most drastic in pre‐pubertal animals. After cessation of treatment, the specific activity of all the enzymes reverted to normal levels, except for glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in the pre‐pubertal group.
Receptors for luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in the human undescended testis and the effect of hCG‐treatment
Authors: Läckgren Göran , Plöen Leif , Berg Anders Åson , Hansson Vidar
Published: May 2008

Human testis tissue contains specific receptors for luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) with Ka's of 1.5 and 1.6 × 109 M‐1, respectively. Specific binding of [125I]hLH and [125I]hFSH was studied in testicular biopsies from 33 boys (4–16 years of age) with undescended testes and in 2 adult men with normally descended testes. Ten of the boys were treated with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and operated 1–4 days after the last injection. Samples from each testis were taken for histological evaluation. Specific binding of LH in biopsies from pre‐pubertal boys (stage I) was low and differentiated Leydig cells could not be identified histologically. In later pubertal stages the LH binding increased and differentiated Leydig cells could now be recognized. hCG‐treatment caused a highly significant increase (P < 0.001) in the binding of LH without affecting FSH binding. The highest binding of FSH occurred during the onset of puberty. Treatment with hCG did not cause premature differentiation of Sertoli cells or germ cells, but appeared to stimulate Leydig cells.