bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of low doses of alpha chlorohydrin on the enzymes of glycolytic and phosphogluconate pathways in the rat testis and epididymis
Authors: Kaur S. , Guraya S. S.
Published: May 2008

A biochemical study has been made of the effects of low doses of alpha chlorohydrin on all the glycolytic enzymes and two key enzymes of phosphogluconate pathway i.e. glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G‐6‐PDH) and 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6‐PGDH) of rat testis and epididymis. All the glycolytic enzymes of testis and epididymis are decreased after treatment with alpha chlorohydrin. G‐6‐PDH and 6‐PGDH are decreased only in epididymis and not in the testis. LDH, ADH and glucose‐6‐phosphatase were also studied histochemically to show that the drug affects the glycolytic enzymes of epididymal epithelial cells and various testicular cell types of testis. Possible significance of these results is discussed.
Acid hydrolases in the epididymis of normal, castrated, vasectomized, cryptorchid and cryptepididymal rats
Authors: Mayorga Luis S. , Bertini Francisco
Published: May 2008

With the aim of gaining knowledge about the lysosomal apparatus of the rat epididymis, four acid hydrolases were analysed in homogenates of the whole organ and, in other experiments, in separated segments: proximal and distal caput, corpus and cauda. The activities were similar to those in the liver, and they were 50% recovered in a cytosol of 43 000 g× 60 min. Ten days after castration all segments showed similar changes, the activities of β‐glucuronidase and cathepsin D increased above normal levels while those of DNAase and acid phosphatase were found slightly decreased. After vasectomy region I (caput and corpus) showed decreased β‐glucuronidase activity and increased acid phosphatase activity. The activity of cathepsin D increased in both regions. In cryptorchid rats (90 days) the epididymis greatly decreased in weight, the activities of acid phosphatase and DNAase slightly decreased in region II (cauda) and in region I, respectively. In the abdominal epididymis (90 days) only region II decreased in weight. DNAase activity decreased in region I while cathepsin D did so in both regions. The results showed that a) the enzymes behave quite independently from each other, suggesting the existence of a specific regulation for each of them b) there were characteristic changes in enzymatic activity for each experimental condition.
Differentiation of the rat seminiferous tubules between 13 and 19 days of age
Authors: Hagenäs L. , Plöen L. , Ekwall H. , Osman D. I. , Ritzén E. M.
Published: May 2008

The differentiation of rat seminiferous tubules have been studied in 13 to 19 days old rats. Testicular weight and tubular cross‐sectional area were more than doubled during this period. The percentage of tubules with more than 10 primary spermatocytes increased from 4% to 90%, and the lanthanum excluding ability of the inter‐Sertoli cell junctions (the blood‐testis barrier) showed a similar increase but two days later. ABP production in vitro increased more than twentyfold from day 13 to day 19 of age. It is concluded that the differentiation of Sertoli cell function and the appearance of primary spermatocytes are temporally correlated which supports the assumption that the function of the Sertoli cells is important for initiation and maintainance of spermatogenesis.
Enzyme histochemical studies of human spermatozoa correlated with the spermiogram
Authors: Edvinsson A. , Heyden G. , Steen Y. , Nilsson S.
Published: May 2008

The activities of NADH2‐diaphorase, leucine aminopeptidase, and acid phosphatase were studied histochemically in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of 28 ejaculates from 13 men with proven fertility and in 31 ejaculates from 29 men living in infertile marriages. The enzyme activities were correlated with the spermiogram. The NADH2‐diaphorase activity was located exclusively in the midpiece of the spermatozoa, while the activities of leucine aminopeptidase and acid phosphatase seemed to be located only on the surface. A positive correlation was found between the NADH2‐diaphorase activity and the spermatozoal motility, density, and morphology.
Origin of the luminal fluid proteins of the rat epididymis
Authors: Wong P. Y. D. , Tsang A. Y. F. , Lee W. M.
Published: May 2008

Using a combined microperfusion and high resolution gel electrophoresis technique, the origin of the epididymal fluid proteins of the rat has been investigated. Some proteins originate from the testis, others are secreted by the epididymis or are released by spermatozoa. Of particular interest is a 32 000 dalton protein found to be actively secreted by the caput epithelium in situ and concenrated in the lumen. The cauda epididymidis contained the highest concentration of this protein. Radioactive labelling of the sperm surface proteins revealed that this protein was present on the surface of the mature cauda but not on the immature caput or corpus sperm, suggesting its acquisition by the sperm surface during epididymal transit. Another sperm surface protein of interest (MW 40 000) is present only on the plasma membrane of the cauda but not on that of the caput or corpus sperm. Since this protein was not identified in the epididymal perfusates or luminal fluids, its presence may result from some modification events taking place in the sperm membrane during maturation.
The effects of testosterone and progestins on the rate of β‐glucuronidase synthesis in mouse kidney as studied with an immunoprecipitation assay1
Authors: Gupta Chhanda , Mills Nathaniel C. , Bullock Leslie P. , Bardin C. Wayne
Published: May 2008

Testosterone increases the activity of β‐glucuronidase up to 50‐fold in mouse kidney by increasing the rate of synthesis of new enzyme molecules. Several progestins also influence the activity of this enzyme by mimicking, potentiating or inhibiting androgen action. These effects have been termed the androgenic, synandrogenic and antiandrogenic actions of progestins. The present study was performed to determine whether progestins, like androgens, exert their effects on β‐glucuronidase activity by changing its rate of synthesis. To determine this, β‐glucuronidase catalytic activity was compared to the rate of enzyme synthesis measured by immunoprecipitation assay. β‐Glucuronidase activity and rate of synthesis were measured in female mice treated with varying amounts of progestins (0.1 ‐ 10 mg/day) alone and in combination with ***
The effect of LH and copulation on the number of spermatozoa in the rat testis
Authors: Burgos Mario H. , Cavicchia Juan C.
Published: May 2008

In the present work we have re‐examined our previous observations concerning the hormonal control of spermiation. We have applied a method which consists in the treatment of testicular homogenates by a detergent and subsequent counting of the resistant sperm heads. The results show that both LH administration and copulation are able to produce a significant diminution of the number of spermatozoa contained in the rat testis.
Testicular testosterone concentration, interstitial cell density and spermatogenesis in infertile men
Authors: Hirsh A. V. , Tyler J. P. P. , Landon G. , Pugh R. C. B. , Cameron K. M. , Pryor J. P. , Collins W. P.
Published: May 2008

The concentration of testosterone was estimated in testicular biopsies taken from infertile men under general anaesthesia and was found to vary between 0.77 and 9.87 nmol/g wet tissue (median 3.41 nmol/g). Spermatogenesis was assessed by the Johnsen scoring technique but there was no evidence of a deficiency of intratesticular testosterone being associated with dysfunction of the seminiferous tubules. Similarly, there was no direct relationship with testicular size, clinical diagnosis, or the concentration of testosterone found in peripheral plasma taken at the same time as the testicular biopsy. These negative findings were not explained by variation in the volume densities of the Leydig cells assessed in 10 biopsies selected to be representative of the range of testosterone concentrations found in the entire series. A retrospective comparison between the concentration of testosterone in peripheral plasma at the time of surgery and the available preoperative levels found in 10 patients provided further evidence for the previously reported lowering of testosterone levels by general anaesthesia. It is suggested that future studies of testicular androgens should be conducted on tissue obtained under local anaesthesia in order to eliminate this effect.
A follow‐up study among 285 men with azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia
Authors: Åbyholm Thomas , Stray‐Pedersen Sverre
Published: May 2008

The present investigation deals with the answer to a simple questionnaire from 147 men with azoospermia and 138 men with severe oligozoospermia (sperm counts < 10 million/ml), earlier admitted to our clinic as male partners in barren couples. Twenty men in the azoospermia group and 52 men in the oligozoospermia group had received different types of infertility treatment. The conception rates reported were 1.6% and 10% in the azoospermia group, and 19.8% and 17.3% in the oligozoospermia group for the untreated and treated subgroups respectively. Only 21% of the men were interested in adoption, whereas 61% answered that they were favourably inclined towards performance of heterologous insemination of their wives. No significant increase in the conception rate was observed in the couples who had achieved adoption. The marriages appeared to be remarkably stable, only 3.5% of the men were divorced or separated from their wives. These results emphasize the necessity of including control groups in treatment trials of male infertility and would also suggest that female partners in these couples should be treated more actively.
Hydrogenated soybean oil (HSO) as a vehicle for the chronic and controlled administration of testosterone in the orchidectomized rat1
Authors: Gerrity M. , Freund M. , Peterson R. N. , Falvo R. E.
Published: May 2008

The use of a novel vehicle, hydrogenated soybean oil (HSO) for the chronic and controlled release of testosterone (T) in the orchidectomized rat is described. At 60°C, HSO is a liquid in which T is readily soluble. When cooled at approximately 43°C; HSO can be injected into experimental animals without the need of special equipment. At body temperature, the oil forms a solid depot from which T is released over prolonged periods of time. Our studies indicate that a single injection of 5 mg T in HSO in the orchidertomized rat, maintains sex accessory gland weights (AGW) above castrate levels, decreases serum concentrations of LH and maintains serum concentrations of T within the intact range for 10 days after injection. In contrast, these parameters of functional androgenicity are maintained for only three days when T is administered at the same dosage in a conventional oil vehicle. A dose of 15 mg T in HSO maintained serum T concentrations and AGW within intact range for 55 days after injection, but was unable to maintain LH suppression in these castrated animals beyond 14 days after injection.
Hypospermiogenesis and chromosomal aberrations. A clinical study of azoospermic and oligozoospermic men with normal and abnormal karyotype
Authors: Åbyholm Thomas , Stray‐Pedersen Sverre
Published: May 2008

Clinical examinations including cytogenetical analyses were performed in 356 male partners of barren couples, 176 with azoospermia and 180 men with sperm counts below 10 million/ml. The chromosomal aberrations observed were: Klinefelter's syndrome (15 cases), 46 XX (3), 47 XYY (1), Y‐chromosome anomalies (5), robertsonian (8) and reciprocal autosomal translocations (1), and 46XY 16h+ (1). If minor variants were excluded this gave an incidence of constitutional chromosomal abnormalities of 11.9% in the azoospermia group and 4.4% in the oligozoospermia group. The phenotypes expressed by the specific anomalies showed great variations and appeared to be practically indistinguishable from those individuals having a normal karyotype.
Effect of clomiphene treatment on the human testicular response to a single dose of hCG
Authors: Martikainen H. , Leinonen P. , Vihko R.
Published: May 2008

The effect of antioestrogen treatment on the human testicular response to hCG was investigated in 17 adult men to further clarify the role of endogenous oestradiol in the regulation of testicular steroidogenesis. Clomiphene citrate was administered in 2 different modes. Group 1 (n = 8) was treated for 6 days (100 mg of the antioestrogen once a day) and a single dose of hCG (5000 IU im) was given at the beginning of the experiment. In group 2 (n = 9), the treatment was started 7 days prior to the hCG injection and was continued for additional 6 days. In both groups peripheral blood samples were collected up to 6 days after hCG, and the sera were analysed for FSH, prolactin and 8 steroids. In group 1, the steroidogenic response was identical to that found previously in untreated men. In group 2, the 7‐day treatment with clomiphene citrate led to elevated serum concentrations of LH, FSH, pregnenolone, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, 5α‐dihydrotestosterone and oestradiol. When compared with these elevated values, the responses of serum 17‐hydroxyprogesterone. dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione and testosterone to hCG were diminished. The ratios of the steroid concentrations support previous reports that hCG‐induced inhibition of 17‐hydroxylase, 17–20 desmolase and 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐Δ4–5 isomerase is decreased during antioestrogen administration. This further substantiates the idea of a central role for endogenous testicular oestradiol in the mediation of steroidogenic lesions following acute large doses of hCG.
The incidence of non‐specific infection in the semen in fertile and sub‐fertile males
Authors: McGowan M. P. , Burger H. G. , Baker H. W. G. , de Kretser D. M. , Kovacs G.
Published: May 2008

Microbiological analysis has been performed on semen from 174 males, 83 with a normal semen analysis and 91 from infertile married men with oligospermia and/or asthenospermia. Using the diagnostic criteria published by WHO (1979), 15% of the fertile male and 36% of the subfertile males were found to have infection present in the semen (P < 0.05). Comparison of the semen characteristics of both groups indicated that infection in the semen did not significantly affect the count, motility or volume of the specimen.
Effects of castration, sex steroids, LHRH and glucocorticoids on LHRH binding in the anterior pituitary of male rats
Authors: Naess Oddvar , Cusan Lionel , Brekke Inger , Purvis Kenneth , Torjesen Peter , Hansson Vidar
Published: May 2008

In the present study we have examined the effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (LHRH), sex steroids and glucocorticoids on the binding of LHRH to receptors in the pituitary of male intact and castrated rats. In intact rats, LHRH (10 μg/day) treatment for 11 days caused a significant increase in LHRH binding, whereas testosterone (500 μg/day) or oestradiol (50 μg/day) were inhibitory. 17‐hydroxyprogesterone and dexamethasone were without effects. In castrated rats, LHRH caused a marginal decrease in LHRH binding. Much greater inhibition was observed with testosterone and oestradiol. 17‐hydroxyprogesterone reduced binding to that of intact controls, whereas dexamethasone was ineffective. When different doses of sex steroids were tested, both oestradiol, testosterone and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone inhibited LHRH in a dose‐dependent manner. The lowest doses of steroids causing significant inhibition of LHRH binding in castrated animals were 0.5, 50 and 500 μg/day for oestradiol, 5α‐dihydrotestosterone and testosterone, respectively. The present study shows that pituitary receptors for LHRH are regulated both by sex steroids and LHRH itself.
Semen analyses in men with asymptomatic genital gonorrhoea
Authors: Pérez‐Plaza Miriam , Padrón Rubén S. , Más Jorge , Peralta Héctor
Published: May 2008

Thirty asymptomatic men with gonorrhoea were studied. No significant difference was seen in spermiogram (semen volume, sperm count, motility, velocity and normal morphology) and most of the seminal constituents studied (fructose, ascorbic acid, calcium, sodium, potassium, chlorides and magnesium) between this group of men and those of a normal control group. Citric acid levels were significantly lower in men with gonorrhoea (P<0.002), suggesting a non‐acute prostatitis. No significant difference was observed in the studies before and after treatment.
Microfluorometric assessment of sperm maturation in testicular biopsies from men with histologically normal or reduced spermatogenesis
Authors: Johannisson E. , Norén S. , Riotton G. , Eliasson R.
Published: May 2008

Spermatogenesis has been studied in testicular biopsies by means of microfluorometric assessment of the DNA‐DNP complex using ethidium bromide in 10 men with histologically normal spermatogenesis and in 10 men with histologically reduced spermatogenesis. The expected haploid DNA value was found in the round spermatids, whereas only 70% of the haploid fluorescence value was found in the elongated spermatids and around 60% in the testicular spermatozoa. No difference was found in the mean fluorescence values between the pathological group and the controls. It is suggested that structural changes or an increase in basic nuclear proteins gradually exclude the ethidium bromide from the binding to the DNA molecule and that this phenomenon occurs concomitantly with a decrease in double‐stranded RNA. The difference in fluorescence intensity before and after RNAase treatment was regarded as an approximate estimate of the RNA content. There was a significant decrease of these values during spermatogenesis.
Classification of plastic‐embedded rat seminiferous epithelium prior to electron microscopy
Authors: Ulvik N. M. , Dahl E. , Hars R.
Published: May 2008

Systematic electron microscopic studies of the changes which take place during the cycle of the rat seminiferous epithelium require that each of the 14 stages of the cycle are identified in the light microscope in plastic‐embedded material allowing each stage to be trimmed out separately before the electron microscopic study. The classification of the 14 stages has originally been based on the morphological characteristics seen in paraffin‐embedded tissue after PAS‐staining. PAS‐staining is less effective in plastic‐embedded material, and this may be a main reason why electron microscopic findings of the seminiferous epithelium relatively seldom are related to the stages of the cycle. In the present paper a method is described by which the 14 stages of the cycle can be easily identified in the light microscope in plastic‐embedded tissue. Some of the stages could be subdivided and a total of 23 stages were distinguished. This constitutes a safe method allowing accurate classification prior to electron microscopic examination of the seminiferous epithelium.
Determination of Δ5 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in intact isolated rat Leydig cells
Authors: Paz G. F. , Winter J. S. D. , Reyes F. T. , Faiman C.
Published: May 2008

A method for the determination of Δ5 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenaseisomerase (3β‐HSD) activity in intact isolated Leydig cells was established. This method utilizes the conversion of [7‐3H]dehydroepiandrosterone (1.04 μmole) to androstenedione and expresses the activity of the enzyme as μmoles of androstenedione produced/μg DNA/h. The reaction is limited to 0.5‐4 μg DNA of Leydig cells/ml (equivalent to 0.1‐0.8 million of Levdig cells/ml) and to 1 h of incubation at 34°C. The 3β‐HSD activity of 44 suspensions of Leydig cells isolated from adult rats was found to be 1.13 pL 0.03 (SE) μmoles/μg DNA/h. This new method for direct measurement of 3β‐HSD activity in intact Leydig cells was found to be rapid, easy to perform and highly reproducible.
The effect of calmodulin, trifluoperazine and other psychoactive drugs on the activity of the Mn2+‐dependent adenylyl cyclase (AC) in testicular germ cells
Authors: Gordeladze J. O. , Conti M. , Purvis K. , Hansson V.
Published: May 2008

This paper is concerned with the effects of calmodulin and different psychoactive drugs on the activity of the rat germ cell Mn2+‐dependent adenylyl cyclase (Mn‐AC) of various degrees of purity. Trifluoperazine inhibited the enzyme activity in a dose‐dependent manner (ID50∼50–70 μM) irrespective of the degree of purification. Calmodulin, on the other hand, elicited little or no activation of the Mn‐AC except for a marginal stimulation (20–30%) of the most purified enzyme preparation. The dose of calmodulin required to achieve this effect was extremely high (ED50∼ 3 μg ml). The trifluoperazineinhibition of a partly purified Mn‐AC was not substantially counteracted by the presence of calmodulin (20 μg/ml). We have also, by kinetic analyses, examined the mode by which trifluoperazine inhibits the Mn‐AC activity. Increasing concentrations of the drug decreased the maximal velocity (Vmax) (Ki∼ 50 μM), but did not influence the apparent affinity (Kma) for MnATP2‐. In contrast, the Kma for Mn2+ was decreased, and double reciprocal plots (1/V vs 1/Mn2+ free) were parallel and compatible with uncompetetive inhibition (Ki∼ 55μM). Other psychoactive agents (pimozide, trifluoperazine, medazepam, promethazine, chlordiazepoxide, haloperidol and chlorpromazine‐sulfoxide), all known to inhibit calmodulin‐activated cAMP phosphodiesterase with varying potencies (ID50s), inhibited the germ cell Mn‐AC with ID50s which parallelled those for cAMP phosphodiesterase inactivation. An exception was haloperidol (a potent phosphodiesterase inhibitor) which exerted a very low effect on the Mn‐AC activity (ID50∼ 2500 μM). The present results indicate that calmodulin or a calmodulin‐like protein may be associated with the Mn‐AC. Another possibility is that trifluoperazine and other psychoactive drugs may bind directly to the Mn‐AC molecule and prevent Mn2+‐activation.
Cytogenetic and histological studies in a series of subfertile males
Authors: Curtis D. , Thomas A. , Williams J. L. , Lenton E. , Cooke I. D.
Published: May 2008

Cytogenetic and histological studies were carried out on a series of 68 men during investigations for subfertility. Somatic chromosome analysis identified 4 cases with abnormal karyotypes. Meiotic chromosome analysis identified 4 cases with abnormal meiosis. Analysis of cell stages of the spermatogenic cycle in cytogenetic preparations identified 12 cases with missing cell cycle stages. Histological analysis of tissue samples identified defects of the spermatogenic cycle in 23 cases. A kinetic model of spermatogenesis is used in order to relate the different types of abnormality to the spermatogenic cycle.
Direct inhibition of testicular steroidogenesis and gonadotrophin receptor levels by [(imBzl)‐D‐His6, Pro9‐NEt]GnRH and [D‐Trp6, Pro9‐NEt]GnRH, potent agonists of GnRH
Authors: Cao Yung‐Qing , Sundaram Kalyan , Bardin C. Wayne , Rivier Jean , Vale Wylie
Published: May 2008

The effects of [(imBzl)‐D‐His6, Pro9‐NEt]GnRH and [D‐Trp6. Pro9‐NEt]GnRH on testicular function in rats was evaluated. In adult rats the administration of 0.01, 0.1 or 10 μg of either agonist induced rapid increases in serum LH, FSH and testosterone (T) levels which started to decline within several hours. Both agonists caused a decrease in testicular LH and FSH receptor concentrations. The testicular FSH receptor concentration started to decline earlier than the LH receptor concentration but, both reached their lowest levels by day 2 after the administration of the agonists. The recovery of FSH receptor content was slower than that of LH. The extrapituitary effects of the 2 agonists were investigated in immature hypophysectomized animals. Administration of hCG (5 IU daily) to hypophysectomized rats for 5 days caused an increase in serum T levels. Concomitant administration of either of the agonists (10 μg) inhibited the steroidogenic action of hCG. Administration of the agonists alone caused a reduction in testicular LH receptor concentration in hypophysectomized rats. Treatment of the hypophysectomized rats for 0–4 days suggested that the direct antitesticular action of the agonists requires 1 ‐ 2 days to become evident.
D‐Tryptophan‐6‐luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone in the treatment of normogonadotropic oligoasthenozoospermia
Authors: Schwarzstein Luis , Aparicio Néstor J. , Schally Andrew V.
Published: May 2008

D‐Tryptophan‐6‐LH‐RH was assessed in the treatment of patients with normogonadotropic oligoasthenozoospermia in 18 subjects selected on the basis of at least 3 spermiograms, long standing infertility, normal LH, FSH, prolactin and testosterone serum levels and lack of evidence of any other pathologic involvement. Testicular biopsies performed on these patients showed hypospermatogenesis with foci of alteration at the spermatid stage in some of them. D‐Trp‐6‐LH‐RH was administered in for 90 days at a dose of 5 μg every 2 days, 10 μg daily or 10 μg every 2 days. There was no significant improvement in the concentration of spermatozoa or in the motility and vitality parameters. Moreover, in 5 patients who received 10 μg daily, basal levels of LH and FSH and the response to LH‐RH, decreased significantly during treatment. D‐Trp‐6‐LH‐RH at the dose used in this study does not seem useful for the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia normogonadotropic patients.
The deleterious effect of mechanical dissociation of rat testes on the functional activity and purification of Leydig cells using Percoll gradients
Authors: Aldred Louise F. , Cooke B. A.
Published: May 2008

The effect of mechanically dispersing rat testes prior to collagenase treatment on the activity of the subsequently isolated Leydig cells has been investigated. The latter were obtained by centrifugation of the testes cells on Percoll density gradients. It was found that the lutropin‐stimulated testosterone and cyclic AMP production were 5 and 3 times higher, respectively, in the purified Leydig cells when the mechanical dispersion was omitted, whereas the specific binding of human choriogonadotrophin was unchanged. It is concluded that mechanical treatment of rat testes, unlike mouse testes, decrease the activity of the Leydig cells.
Is testosterone involved in the initiation of spermatogenesis in humans? A clinicopathological presentation and physiological considerations in four patients with Leydig cell tumours of the testis or secondary Leydig cell hyperplasia
Authors: Chemes Héctor E. , Pasqualini Titania , Rivarola Marco A. , Bergadá César
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of testosterone on the puberal development of spermatogenesis and to present additional clinicopathological data which bring about new information to this controversial subject. Four pre‐pubertal patients are presented, 2 of them bearing Leydig cell tumours of the testis in the form of nodular masses. In both cases seminiferous tubules in the immediate vecinity to the tumours showed complete development of spermatogenesis, while those located away from the tumours were infantile in nature. Gonadotrophic levels were within the normal pre‐pubertal range in these 2 cases. In one of the patients, testosterone concentration in the testis showed higher values than normal, and a concentration gradient was detected between the tumoral nodule and non‐tumoral parenchyma. The 3rd patient had a pineal choriocarcinoma producing high amounts of hCG and consequently a diffuse hyperplasia of Leydig cells with high levels of plasma testosterone. Seminiferous tubules showed development up to pachytene spermatocytes. The last case was a precocious puberty in a boy with a tumour of the 3rd ventricle area. He had elevated levels of testosterone in the testis and plasma. In the testicular biopsy, stimulation of Leydig cells was detected. The seminiferous tubules showed mature Sertoli cells and pachytene spermatocytes. FSH levels were abnormally low. These 4 cases present in common different situations in which abnormally high amounts of testos‐happens in the immature rat, the interaction between testosterone and gonadotrophins is essential for the normal initiation of spermatogenesis in normal puberty. Considerations are discussed on the possible synergistic role of gonadotrophins or other factors in relation with stimulation of seminiferous tubules by testosterone.
Relation between sperm count and semen volume, 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 sperm analysis including sperm count and semen volume during the years 1950‐52 was studied 20 years later using a questionnaire, replied by 785 (72.9%). There was a significant correlation (P < 0.01) between sperm count and number of living children, but no relation to abortions and pathological pregnancies. Furthermore, sperm count was correlated (P < 0.01) to time interval from wish of pregnancy to pregnancy obtained. Of 53 men with sperm count ≤ 5 mill/ml 22.6% obtained living children compared with 52.2–63.1% living children in 730 men with sperm count > 5 mill/ml. Sperm count is concluded to be proper for fertility classification, and sperm count 5 mill/ml is found to be the clinically significant borderline of male infertility. There was no relation between semen volume and pregnancies obtained, however, there was a statistical relation (P < 0.01) to time interval to pregnancy obtained. Semen volume is concluded not to be suited for fertility classification.
A direct effect of α‐chlorohydrin on rat epididymal spermatozoa
Authors: Paz G. F. , Homonnai T. Z.
Published: May 2008

The effect of α‐chlorohydrin (α‐CH) on rat epididymal spermatozoa was studied in vivo and in vitro. α‐CH was injected sc in doses of 5 and 20 mg daily for 16 days. The 20 mg dose resulted in diminished epididymal spermatozoal content (8 pL 4 vs. 44 pL 5 million, m pL SE, n = 5) and motility (13 pL 7 vs. 74 pL 4%) as compared to saline injected‐controls. Fertility rates were significantly reduced; control‐100% (5/5), 5 mg ‐ 25% (1/4), 20 mg ‐ 0% (0/4). a‐CH was added to suspensions of spermatozoa in vitro and a level of 132 μg ml depressed motility by 90% (P < 0.0001) and O2 consumption by 40% (P < 0.05). Intrauterine insemination of in vitro treated spermatozoa was performed in 61 pro‐oestrous rats. α‐CH treated spermatozoa (from 5.3 to 26.400 μg/ml) were found to be completely infertile compared to untreated spermatozoa which showed a 63% fertility rate. There was almost complete absence of oocytes in the flushed ampullas of recipients of α‐CH treated sperm, in the lowest dose which did not affect sperm motility. Thus, α‐CH has direct effect upon spermatozoal function and also has a possible effect on the female reproductive tract.
Comparison of the antispermatogenic effects of a new D‐homo‐steroid and testosterone in rabbits
Authors: Didolkar A. K. , Bertram H. P. , Zaidi P. , Neumann F. , Nieschlag E.
Published: May 2008

In comparison to testosterone, 18β‐hydroxy‐18α‐methyl‐16α, 17α‐methylene‐D‐homo‐5α‐androstane‐3‐one (D‐homo‐S) shows more pronounced anti‐gonadotrophic than androgenic properties in rats. The present study was initiated in rabbits to investigate the potential of D‐homo‐S to suppress spermatogenesis. D‐homo‐S in sesame oil was administered at the doses of 0.1 (DI), 3 (D II) or 10 mg (D III) per rabbit each day for 8 weeks. During treatment serum testosterone, sperm concentration and quality of sperm motility decreased, whereas sex drive, semen volume and seminal plasma concentrations of fructose and zinc were not changed in any of the groups. Testicular weight and intratesticular testosterone concentration decreased significantly in groups D II and DIII, while weights of accessory sex glands increased in those groups. Testosterone in the same dose regimen did not suppress sperm count, motility or serum testosterone, however, seminal plasma zinc concentration in group TIII and fructose in group TI increased. Testicular weight and intratesticular testosterone concentration decreased in group TIII only. On the other hand, the weight of the accessory sex glands increased in the same group.

In conclusion, D‐homo‐S suppresses spermatogenesis and increases accessory sex gland weights at doses, when testosterone is still ineffective. Thus, in rabbits D‐homo‐S appears to be a more potent androgen than testosterone but a dissociation between antigonadotrophic and androgenic properties could not be observed.
Effects of bromocriptine‐induced hypoprolactinaemia on the developmental pattern of androgen and LH levels in the male rat
Authors: Kovačević R. , Krsmanović L. , Stojilković S. , Simonović I. , Marić D. , Andjus R. K.
Published: May 2008

In immature male rats, receiving daily injections of bromocriptine (3 mg/kg bw), serum prolactin (Prl) remains low throughout development. In such hypoprolactinaemic males androgen variables are affected: a) the normally low pre‐pubertal serum androgen (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone‐T, DHT) is considerably increased, in correlation with a precocious development of the testicular Leydig cell population; b) the peri‐pubertal rise of androgen is not prevented, but it is followed by significantly lower post‐pubertal T, DHT levels, in correlation with moderately reduced Leydig cell counts and with strongly attenuated growth rates of sex accessory organs. Observed alterations of the post‐natal androgen pattern cannot be related to LH changes since developmental LH values remained essentially unaltered. Results are in concordance with a marked age‐dependent sensibility of androgen variables to a lack of Prl in the developing male.
The response of seven prostatic fluid components to prostatic disease
Authors: Kavanagh J. P. , Darby C. , Costello C. B.
Published: May 2008

282 human prostatic fluid samples have been investigated for their pH value, zinc, and citrate concentration and their acid phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase, diamine oxidase, and β‐glucuronidase activities. The results have been analysed in terms of the clinical status of the patients. Significant differences between patient categories were found with all but diamine oxidase and β‐glucuronidase. These differences were mainly found between men with apparently healthy prostates and prostatitis patients; the pH being raised and the acid phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase, zinc and citrate being reduced. The diagnostic value of these parameters was evaluated, each could be used to classify correctly 90% of patients from these 2 groups. Zinc, citrate and leucine aminopeptidase showed no age relationship and were better than acid phosphatase and pH in discriminating between BPH and prostatitis. Evidence was also found for a return of normal secretory function sometime after an episode of prostatitis. Zinc and citrate are likely to be the most useful parameters for clinical evaluation.
ATP and ADP content of human ejaculated spermatozoa
Authors: Orlando C. , Caldini A. L. , Fiorelli G. , Cuomo S. , Serio M.
Published: May 2008

ATP and ADP were measured by a bioluminescent method in human ejaculated spermatozoa from 31 normal donors and oligozoospermic patients. ATP and ADP expressed for the sperm total number were significantly correlated (P < 0.001). ATP and ADP levels were found significantly correlated with the total motile spermatozoa and with the total viable cells (respectively P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 for ATP and P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 for ADP). ATP/ADP ratio was found significantly lower in subjects with sperm motility less than 50% (P= 0.024) and total viable cells less than 80% (P= 0.026).
Epididymal carbohydrate metabolism in experimental hypercorticosteronism: studies on mature male rats
Authors: Balasubramanian K. , Pereira Ben M. J. , Govindarajulu P.
Published: May 2008

Corticosterone induced changes in serum hormonal profiles and the key enzymes involved in glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathways were studied in caput, corpus and cauda epididymides of mature male rats (200–250 g body weight). Corticosterone (3.5 mg/100 g body weight sc. for 20 days) treatment was found to depress serum testosterone and prolactin while the gonadotrophins were unaltered. Enzymes of both the glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathways were significantly decreased in caput epididymidis. But in corpus and cauda epididymides only the glycolytic enzymes were reduced. Withdrawal of treatment (for 20 days), resulted in restoration of the glycolytic enzymes to normalcy. The serum hormonal profiles were also found to be within the normal range. The pentose phosphate pathway in caput epididymidis showed a significant increase in enzyme activities following withdrawal of treatment. From the present investigation it is clear that hypercorticosteronism had a definite influence on epididymal enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
Isolation and characterization of plasma membranes containing LH sensitive adenylate cyclase from a Leydig cell tumour
Authors: Levi S. N. , Dix C. J. , Thomas M. G. , Cooke B. A.
Published: May 2008

An LH sensitive adenylate cyclase from a tumour Leydig cell has been investigated. The plasma membranes, prepared by a 2 phase (dextran‐polyethylene glycol) centrifugation method were found to have the following properties: In the presence of LH plus p(NH)ppG (guanosine 5′‐β,λ‐imido triphosphate) or fluoride ions, maximum adenylate cyclase activity was obtained in the plasma membranes with 4 to 6 mM Mg2+ plus 0.33 to 2 mM ATP. LH alone stimulated adenylate cyclase activity 2‐fold when compared with basal activity and the time course of cyclic AMP production was linear up to 45 min. With GTP (10‐5M) and GTP plus LH, adenylate cyclase activity was increased 3 and 6‐fold, respectively, for up to 20 min and thereafter declined. In contrast p(NH)ppG (10‐5 M) and p(NH)ppG plus LH increased adenylate cyclase activity 7 and 14‐fold which was maintained for at least 45 min. Fluoride ions increased the enzyme activity linearly over 45 min approx 18‐fold. When GTP or p(NH)ppG were added alone there was a lag time of activation of approximately 10 min which was abolished by the addition of LH. GTP but not p(NH)ppG at concentrations greater than 10‐4 inhibited basal and LH stimulated adenylate cyclase when compared with 10‐5 M GTP. The tumour Leydig cell adenylate cyclase is thus essentially similar to other hormone sensitive somatic cells. The present study makes it feasible to prepare plasma membranes by a simple method from large quantities of pure Leydig cells.
Gossypol
Authors: Prasad M. R. N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: May 2008

The discovery by the Chinese scientists of gossypol as a male fertility regulating agent constitutes a major lead in male contraception. Gossypol is a polyphenolic compound present in the seed of the glandular variety of the cotton plant. Most of the basic and clinical studies in China and in other countries more recently, have been carried out with gossypol or gossypol acetic acid. Species differences and strain differences among rats have been reported in the antifertility action of gossypol. The damage to the testis seems to be specific, affecting the cell types of the seminiferous epithelium. The pharmacokinetics and toxicology of gossypol show species differences. Nearly 8800 men were treated in China with gossypol/gossypol acetic acid, 20 mg/day for 60–70 days, followed generally, by a maintenance dose of 60 mg/week; azoospermia or sperm counts < 4 mn/ml were seen in 2–3 months in over 99% of treated subjects. Recovery of sperm counts after cessation of treatment appears to be related to the length of treatment and degree of effects on the testis. Chances of recovery appear to be (a) greater in subjects who have not achieved azoospermia, and (b) gready reduced with longer duration of treatment of over 2 years. The primary side effect is hypokalemia and hypokalemic paralysis, occurring in 0.75% of treated subjects in China. This appears to show regional differences and may be related to dietary intake of potassium. No changes in serum potassium occurred in Brazilian men treated with gossypol. Though gossypol has been used extensively in clinical trials in China, a number of concerns have been expressed on the safety of the compound, particularly with reference to hypokalemia, toxicity and reversibility. It is necessary to re‐evaluate the safety of gossypol to permit Drug Regulatory agencies to consider its use for male fertility regulation. A scheme for the assessment of safety of gossypol is outlined. Gossypol represents the only approach which appears to have a reasonable chance to reach large‐scale clinical testing before the end of this decade.
Testicular development in Macaca irus after birth
Authors: Kluin Ph. M. , Kramer M. F. , de Rooij D. G.
Published: May 2008

The seminiferous epithelium of 34 pre‐pubertal, 1 pubertal and 6 adult Macaca irus (syn. Macaca fascicularis, cynomolgus monkey) was studied histologically. The testicular weight roughly doubled each year up to 3.5 years after birth, whereafter a 25‐fold increase occurred with puberty. During the first year, the abundant interstitial connective tissue present at birth, was replaced by seminiferous cords that expanded by longitudinal growth. Few changes were seen within the tubules up to 3 years. Adark and Apale spermatogonia were already present in the stillborn monkeys. Before puberty much more Adark than Apale spermatogonia were counted, the Ad/Ap ratio varying between 1.5 and 6.9 before puberty and between 0.8 and 1.3 in the adult. B spermatogonia were present in small numbers after the first year. At puberty large numbers of spermatocytes and spermatids were found. Small testis fragments were incubated with [3H]thymidine and processed for autoradiography. Very few labelled Adark spermatogonia were found both before and after puberty. The Labelling Index (L.I.) for Apale spermatogonia was constant before puberty (6.5%), but increased to 14.9% thereafter. The L.I. for B spermatogonia was 18.7% in the adult. Before puberty the L.I. of Sertoli cells was low (0.27%) but constant. No labelled Sertoli cells were observed in adult monkeys. It is discussed that proliferating adult type A spermatogonia are present between birth and puberty but that, in contrast to the adult situation, differentiation of these cells into B spermatogonia is limited.
Early effects of efferent ductule ligation on the proximal segment of the rat epididymis
Authors: Nicander L. , Osman D. I. , Pløen L. , Bugge H. P. , Kvisgaard K. N.
Published: May 2008

The effects on the proximal caput epididymidis of efferent ductule ligation were studied. After 6 h there was a slight increase in autophagocytosis in the initial segment proper (1A). After 12 h this segment showed cell death and cytoplasmic regression and after 24 h large amounts of necrotic cells and focal degeneration in the epithelium, and desquamated cells and débris in the lumen. After 48 h the epithelium was lower, but degeneration less obvious. Segments 1B, 1C and 2 showed marked cell death and cytoplasmic degeneration. This was more evident after 3 days, especially in 1B. After 5 and 7 days some degeneration was still seen, but essentially regional differences had disappeared, leaving a lower, inactive epithelium throughout. Except for an increase in glycogen granules in segment 1C after 48 h, marked focal degeneration always appeared before general cytoplasmic alterations. Sham operation produced no changes. The regression might be caused by the cut supply of androgen binding protein or a growth factor in rete testis fluid.
Lack of effect of vasectomy on peripheral gonadotrophin and steroid levels
Authors: de la Torre B. , Hedman M. , Jensen F. , Pedersen P. H. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: May 2008

In order to re‐assess the possible hormonal consequences of male sterilization, the peripheral plasma levels of lutropin (LH), follitropin (FSH), and dihydro‐testosterone sulphate (DHT‐S) were measured in a group of 20 healthy men at weekly intervals in the month before and at bimonthly intervals up to 2 years after vasectomy. In addition, the levels of 14 steroids of gonadal and/or adrenal origin were measured before, and then every second month (12 subjects) or every sixth month (8 subjects) following vasectomy No significant alterations were observed in the levels of any of the hormones studied The results are interpreted as indicating that in the first 2 years following vasectomy in men there is no consistent or progressive change in the peripheral plasma levels of gonadotrophins or in a variety of steroids of testicular and/or adrenocortical origin.
Quantification of germ cells and seminiferous tubules by stereological examination of testicles from 50 boys who suffered from sudden death
Authors: Müller Jørn , Skakkebæk Niels E.
Published: May 2008

A stereological study of the development of testicular volume, the germ cell population and the seminiferous tubules was carried out on testes from 50 boys between 0 and 18 years of age who had suffered from sudden unexpected death. Semi‐thin sections (0.5 μm) of testicular tissue were prepared and examined by point and profile counting using a projection microscope. Testicular weight was recorded in 48 of the cases. Median volume of pairs of testes increased from 1.1 (range 0.3–1.9) to 3.0 cm3 (range 2.8–3.4) during the 0–10 year period, while the median of the total number of germ ceils per boy was augmented from 13 times 106 (range 4.4–36 times 106) to 83 times 106 (range 32–122 times 106) during the same period. The median length of the seminiferous tubules per boy was 181 m (range 27–361) in the 0–1 year period and 411 m (range 277–660) in the group 5–10 years. Mean tubular diameter was unchanged during the first 10 years of life, whereas the mean nuclear diameter of the germ cells showed significant negative correlation to age in boys less than 10 years. After the age of 10 years a more marked growth of testicular volume, an increase in the number of germ cells and the diameter as well as the length of the seminiferous tubules were observed. Thus, the study showed that testicular size, the number of germ cells and the total length of the seminiferous tubules per boy increased not only in puberty but also during the first ten years of life.
Cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in Leydig cells from the testes of postpubertal cryptorchid patients
Authors: Gotoh Momokazu , Miyake Koji , Mitsuya Hideo , Hoshino Takeshi , Yamada Kazuyori
Published: May 2008

During the course of electron microscopic studies on testes from cryptorchid patients, we have observed an inclusion body in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. Such inclusion bodies were detected in Leydig cells of post‐pubertal patients (16 to 30 years), but were not evident in the cells of pubertal and pre‐pubertal patients (3 to 12 years), or in cells from the concralateral descended scrotal testes of cryptorchid patients or in cells from normal controls. These inclusion bodies are therefore believed to result from specific cytological changes which occur in cryptorchid testes during puberty.
Carcinoma in situ of germ cells and subsequent development of an invasive seminoma in a hyperprolactinaemic man
Authors: Ishida Hajime , Isurugi Koichiro , Niijima Tadao , Matsumoto Keiich , Nomura Kazuhir , Hirose Kinjiro
Published: May 2008

A 25‐year‐old man was first seen complaining of impotence and found to have a pituitary tumour and hyperprolactinaemia. Both testes were small and atrophic, but a testicular tumour was not apparent. Biopsy of the right testis was performed, and the pathology report described thickening of the seminiferous tubule walls and impaired spermatogenesis. The patient refused to undergo an operation for his pituitary tumour and was lost to follwow‐up. 5 years later, the same patient presented with enlargement of his right testis, and this and the pituitary tumour were excised. The testicular tumour was classified as seminoma, and the pituitary tumour as an adenoma with low malignancy. Re‐examination of the previous specimen of his right testis revealed foci of carcinoma‐in‐situ. This is an additional example of the growth of an invasive germ cell tumour from non‐invasive carcinoma‐in‐situ of the testis.