bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Once‐Daily Propranolol for Hypertension: A Comparison of Regular‐Release, Long‐Acting, and Generic Formulations
Authors: Carter Barry L , Gersema Lisa M. , Williams Glenys O. , Schabold Kay
Published: December 2015

This randomized, single‐blind, crossover study compared three formulations of propranolol, each given once daily for hypertension. After an initial titration phase, subjects randomly received regular‐release, long‐acting, or a generic propranolol formulation. Each drug was given for 4 weeks and each active treatment was separated by a washout phase to allow blood pressure to return to baseline. Twelve subjects received all three active treatments. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and pulses were significantly reduced from baseline by all formulations. There was no significant difference among drugs. Examination of diastolic blood pressures suggested some loss of antihypertensive control at the end of the dosing interval. These results indicate that it may be possible to administer propranolol once daily for hypertension and that there is no advantage for using the long‐acting form.
Evaluation of Factors Associated with Stability of Anticoagulation Therapy
Authors: Rospond Raylene M. , Quandt Christine M. , Clark Gary M. , Bussey Henry I.
Published: December 2015

Eighty‐two patients receiving long‐term warfarin therapy provided 199.34 patient‐years of data that were evaluated to determine if certain variables could identify those who might be monitored safely at less frequent intervals. Most patient demographics, social habits, medical histories, indications for anticoagulation, and concurrent therapy were not useful in discriminating between patients with stable (n = 67) and unstable (n = 15) anticoagulation. A few trends were noted, but they failed to achieve statistical significance. Patients who never achieved stability (the unstable group) tended to be younger than those who did (p 0.13). Among the stable patients, those with a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus, or with elevated alanine aminotransferase values, were significantly more likely to require a dosage change. The probability of requiring a dosage change at monthly visits did not correlate with the time required to become stable, but it did correlate inversely with the duration of stable anticoagulation. This probability declined from almost 16% when monitoring frequency was first extended to monthly intervals to less than 8% at 2 months of stable anticoagulation, and tended to decline further with longer periods of stable therapy. Of the 67 patients who became stable, 23 did not require a dosage change during an average of 526 days of follow‐up. Among the 44 stable patients who required a dosage change, the mean time to the change was 250 days after becoming stable. Few complications occurred, almost all of them early in therapy. The declining probability of requiring a dosage change and the very low frequency of complications with longer periods of therapy suggest that less frequent monitoring may be appropriate and safe for patients with 3 or more months of stable anticoagulation.
Effect of Metoclopramide, Bethanechol, and Loperamide on Gastric Residence Time, Gastric Emptying, and Mouth‐to‐Cecum Transit Time
Authors: Kirby M. Gray , Dukes George E. , Heizer William D. , Bryson Judy C. , Powell J. Robert
Published: December 2015

The effects of metoclopramide, bethanechol, and loperamide on the gastric residence time (GRT), gastric emptying (GE), and mouth‐to‐cecum transit time (MCTT) of a solution were investigated in three separate studies of five healthy male volunteers each. Metoclopramide in doses of 5, 10, and 15 mg prolonged GRT by 33, 88, and 162%, respectively, almost reaching statistical significance (p 0.058). A relationship was observed between GRT prolongation, and metoclopramide area under the plasma‐time curve (p 0.01) and metoclopramide observed time to maximum concentration (p 0.01). Metoclopramide had an inconsistent effect on MCTT. Bethanechol 50 mg prolonged GRT by 64% (p 0.031) and had no effect on MCTT. Loperamide at doses of 2 and 8 mg prolonged GRT by 18 and 115% (p 0.043) and MCTT by 30 and 130% (p 0.0001), respectively. None of these motility‐altering agents affected GE.
The Efficacy of Inhaled Beclomethasone in Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease
Authors: Hall Thomas G. , Kasik John E. , Bedell George N. , Schaiff Robyn A. Burns
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of inhaled beclomethasone in the treatment of stable chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD). Eight patients completed a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial of inhaled beclomethasone and oral prednisone. Each patient received 3 treatment regimens given for 14 days: inhaled beclomethasone, prednisone, and placebo. There were no statistically significant differences in pulmonary function tests, oxygen cost diagram, or 12‐minute walking distance test among the regimens. The only improvement in arterial blood gasses was partial pressure of oxygen, which was negligibly increased during prednisone treatment compared with beclomethasone and with placebo (p <0.05). Evaluation of 95% confidence intervals indicated that clinically significant mean differences were unlikely with either beclomethasone or prednisone. Larger studies are required to determine if a responsive subgroup exists, and to determine if this form of therapy has a role in treatment of COAD.
Clinical Features and Treatment of Lyme Disease
Authors: Tortorice Kathryn L. , Heim‐Duthoy Karen L.
Published: December 2015

Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by infected ticks. This disorder has a variable clinical course with multisystem manifestations, including dermatologic, neurologic, cardiac, and rheumatologic abnormalities. Although Lyme disease has been commonly associated with stages, the utility of staging may be limited due to the inconsistency of clinical manifestations among patients. Furthermore, stages may overlap as a result of the acute and chronic phases of the disease. The laboratory characteristics of Lyme disease are highly variable. The use of microbiologic cultures in establishing the diagnosis requires several weeks and has a low yield of positivity. Serologic assays using indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme‐linked immunosorbence are preferred. Because of the highly variable features of Lyme disease, clinical and laboratory features must be correlated and interpreted in the context of the disease. Treatment should be initiated as early as possible after the onset of illness. Prompt therapeutic intervention may result in early resolution of the dermatologic hallmark, erythema chronicum migrans, as well as prevention and attenuation of subsequent complications.
The Effect of Paraldehyde on Intravenous Tubing Sets
Authors: Schallinger Luke E. , Uden Donald L.
Published: December 2015

Paraldehyde is used in the treatment of status epilepticus, alcohol withdrawal, and delerium tremens. Because it is a solvent, concerns have been raised about infusing it through plastic intravenous tubing sets. In a three‐phase study, 4% paraldehyde in 5% dextrose solution was analyzed over 24 hours for photodegradation, adsorption to polyvinylchloride‐ (PVC) and polyethylene‐ (PE) lined intravenous tubing, and the presence of di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Paraldehyde and DEHP samples were quantified by gas chromatography, and DEHP was confirmed by mass spectral analysis. On exposure to light for 24 hours, the concentration of paraldehyde decreased from 100 to 97%. This decrease is statistically significant but clinically insignificant. A 24‐hour continuous infusion of paraldehyde through the two types of tubing revealed a decrease in concentration attributable to adsorption of 4% with PE and 13% with PVC tubing at 2 hours. In addition, there was no appreciable leaching of DEHP over 24 hours with either type of tubing. Concerns about paraldehyde's light instability and effects on tubing integrity appear to be unwarranted with commercially available intravenous administration sets.
Acrosin, Proacrosin, and Acrosin Inhibitor of Human Spermatozoa: Extraction, Quantitation, and Stability
Authors: GOODPASTURE J. C. , POLAKOSKI K. L. , ZANEVELD L. J. D.
Published: December 2015

Ten different methods were evaluated to determine the treatment for obtaining maximal amounts of acrosin, proacrosin, and acrosin inhibitor (the acrosin system) from human spermatozoa by a single technique. Optimal results were obtained by extraction of the gametes with 10% glycerol at pH 2.8 for at least 12 hours. A single treatment by this technique provided approximately 95% of all available acrosin. The use of benzamidlne during extraction was essential for maximal recovery of proacrosin, i.e., to prevent zymogen activation. Benzamidlne did not affect the total amount of acrosin recovered. The levels of acrosin Inhibitor obtained did not vary with the method of treatment but were greatly influenced by the molecular pore size of the membrane used for dialysis of the extracts. An assay method for the simple determination of the components of the acrosin system is presented. Using the optimal extraction method and described assay technique, 42 pooled semen samples, each consisting of four to 14 ejaculates, were analyzed for the acrosin system. The total acrosin averaged 106 mlU/107 spermatozoa (S.D. = ±22 mlU/107 sperm). Almost all the acrosin was in the zymogen (proacrosin) form (93% ± 2%). After proacrosin activation, enough inhibitor was present to inhibit 94% ±5% of the acrosin. Acrosin and proacrosin were stable in spermatozoa kept in seminal plasma at room temperature for at least 6 hours. After solubilization, the enzymes were stable for at least one week when stored at pH 3.0,4 C, if the proacrosin was not activated to acrosin. After activation, the extracts were much less stable. Maximal conversion of proacrosin to acrosin occurred in 10 minutes when the extracts were incubated at pH 8.0 at room temperature. The presence of calcium ions severely retarded activation. The described extraction and assay techniques provide a standard method by which the acrosin system of spermatozoa can be measured, and may now be applied to the spermatozoa of infertile men to determine whether any abnormalities exist In the acrosin system of these gametes.
Multiple Forms of Rat Testicular Androgen Binding Protein: Physicochemical Properties and the Effect of Ca++
Authors: STRATICO DEBORAH , HSU AN‐FEI , OSHIMA HIROYUKI , TROEN PHILIP
Published: December 2015

The presence of two forms of androgen binding protein (ABP) was confirmed in rat testicular cytosol. Each was distinctly separated from the other by DEAE‐cellulose chromatography and showed a single peak with a slightly different Rf on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) (0.49 ± 0.03 (mean ± SD) for one (ABP I) and 0.55 ± 0.04 for the other (ABP II)). ABP I retained 90% of its binding capacity for dihydrotestosterone for 2 hours at 60 C, whereas ABP II lost more than 90% of its binding capacity within 10 minutes at 60 C. Other physicochemical properties of the two were very similar: identical values of Einstein's stokes radius of 47 A; sedimentation coefficient of 4.6–4.7 S; 5–8 minutes as half dissociation time of [3H]‐dihydrotestosterone‐ABP complex; identical elution positions from Sephadex G‐200 chromatography; and association constants for dihydrotestosterone of 2.1 × 108 M −1 for ABP I and 4.0 × 108 M 1 for ABP II. The order of binding affinity of the two forms was dihydrotestosterone > testosterone > estradiol‐17β >progesterone. The presence of Ca++ in the elution buffer caused the two forms to elute at lower ionic concentration off DEAE‐cellulose. This was reversed by the removal of Ca++ with the addition of (ethylenebis (oxyethylene nitrilo)) tetraacetic acid.
Effect of Vasectomy on the Osmolarity of Hamster Testicular and Epididymal Intraluminal Fluid
Authors: D'ADDARIO D. A. , TURNER T. T. , HOWARDS S. S.
Published: December 2015

Intraluminal fluids from the hamster seminiferous tubules and cauda, corpus, and caput epididymidis were obtained In vivo using micropuncture techniques. The effect of vasectomy on the osmolarity of these fluids was studied two weeks and four months postvasectomy. There was an overall decrease in the osmolarity of reproductive fluids at two weeks postvasectomy that was not apparent at four months postvasectomy.
Fructolysis in Human Spermatozoa Under Normal and Pathological Conditions
Authors: MANN THADDEUS , JONES ROY , SHERINS RICHARD J.
Published: December 2015

Anaerobic fructolysis was studied in human spermatozoa from 1) normal, 2) oligospermic, and 3) necrospermic semen, as well as 4) in normal spermatozoa irreversibly immobilized with a spermicidal agent (lipid peroxide); the rate of fructolysis was determined by measuring the amount of L‐(+)‐lactic acid produced during anaerobic incubation in fructose‐supplemented sperm suspensions with identical concentrations of spermatozoa and fructose. Motile spermatozoa from normal semen produced lactic acid at a steady rate for at least 2 hours at 37 C, but when immobilized with peroxidized linoleic acid they lost rapidly and irreversibly all fructolytic ability. There was no substantial difference in the rates of anaerobic fructolysis between sperm suspensions prepared 1) from six individual specimens of normal semen and 2) from pooled ejaculates of ten oligospermic patients. In three of a group of four infertile men diagnosed as necrospermic, the immotile spermatozoa failed to produce lactic acid from fructose. In the fourth individual, the spermatozoa, although immotile at the time of testing, were able to convert fructose to lactic acid, but at a reduced rate; this patient's semen has been examined periodically over the last three years and has contained mostly immotile spermatozoa, but a few times motility was definitely observed, especially after treatment with caffeine. The authors conclude from their results that necrospermia may be associated with diverse metabolic defects, one of them being loss of fructolytic ability by human spermatozoa.
Biochemical Aspects of the Coagulation and Liquefaction of Human Semen
Authors: TAUBER P. F. , PROPPING D. , SCHUMACHER G. F. B. , ZANEVELD L. J. D.
Published: December 2015

The coagulation and liquefaction process of human semen was studied in some detail. It was found that contact of seminal vesicle fluid with the other accessory sex gland secretions or spermatozoa does not seem to be essential for the formation of the coagulum, and that heparin and sodium citrate do not affect coagulum formation, indicating a difference between the seminal coagulation process and that of the blood clot. Regarding the liquefaction process of the seminal coagulum, it was shown that 1) spermatozoa do not influence liquefaction; 2) that the seminal plasminogen activator, lysozyme, α‐amylase, pepsin, and neuramini dase are not the primary liquefying factors; 3) that the liquefying agent is present in the first portion of a split ejaculate, is heat labile, is partially destroyed by freezing at −20 C but is stable to lyophilization, is precipitable with (NH4)2SO4, is not affected by serum or EDTA, and is inhibited by rabbit bile but not by the seminal plasma proteinase inhibitors, the Kunitz pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, or epsilon‐aminocaproic acid (EACA). All of these prop erties are characteristics of the seminal en zyme, seminin. A partially purified preparation of this enzyme enhanced liquefaction, and two patients who had low seminin activity pos sessed poorly lysing coagula. These findings confirm that seminin is the agent primarily re sponsible for liquefaction of the seminal coagulum of man. The data further show that liquefaction of the seminal coagulum occurs by a different mechanism than that of the lysis of the blood clot.
Effects of Hemicastration or hCG‐treatment on Steroids in Testicular Vein and Jugular Vein Blood of Stallions
Authors: AMANN RUPERT P. , GANJAM VENKATASESHU K.
Published: December 2015

The relationships among testicular vein and jugular vein concentrations of androgens and estrogens were studied in anesthetized stallions. Blood was sampled from a vein on the surface of the testis and simultaneously from an artery on the surface of the testis and from the jugular vein. Concentrations of total 17β‐hydroxy‐androgens and total estrogens were measured for all samples and testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 3α‐andostanediol, 3β‐androstanediol, and 5‐androstenediol were quantified In selected samples. Following halothane anesthesia and hemicastration of 19 stallions, the testosterone concentration in jugular blood dropped over 3 hours but returned to normal within two days. Although jugular levels of total 17β‐hydroxy‐androgens were normal (∼1.4 ng/ml) 12 days after hemicastration, the concentration of total 17β‐hydroxy‐androgens in testicular vein blood was sixfold greater (P < 0.01) than it had been at hemlcastratlon (368 vs 62 nglml). The ratio of testosterone to 5α‐reduced‐androgens was similar in testicular vein blood from the first and second testes. Apparently, the clearance rate for testosterone had changed from ∼2.4 I/minI stallion to ∼6.2 1/min/stallion in 12 days. Concentrations of total estrogens in testicular vein blood were similar for the first and second testes (27, 400 pg/ml) as compared with the values for jugular vein and testicular artery blood (63 and 293 pg/mI, respectively). Clearance rate of estrogens (∼23.3 1/mm in Intact stallions) apparently decreased by 50%. Although anesthesia plus hemicastration may have altered blood flow to the remaining testis, a change in blood flow could not account for the concurrent increase in testosterone and decrease in estrogen clearance rates. Injection of 1500 IU of hCG markedly increased (P < 0.01) the concentration of total 17β‐hydroxy‐androgens in testicular vein blood 1 hour later, but the concentration of total estrogens was unaltered 1 or 2 hours after treatment. We concluded that the concentrations of total 17β‐hydroxy‐androgens and total estrogens in jugular blood bear little relationship to their concentrations a few minutes earlier in venous blood draining the testis.
In Vivo and In Vitro Investigation of the Extrapituitary Antireproductive Effects of a Potent LHRH Agonist in Immature and Adult Male Rats
Authors: BEX FREDERICK J. , CORBIN ALAN
Published: December 2015

Co‐incubation with a potent LHRH agonist, D‐Ala6‐Des‐Gly10‐Pro9‐NHEt‐LHRH (Wy‐18, 481), did not affect testosterone or progesterone production by adult intact rat testes in vitro. Prior administration to adult intact rats in vivo (100 μg/rat/day, subcutaneously) reduced subsequent basal and hCG‐stimulated testosterone production in vitro and dramatically increased progesterone production. Similar chronic administration of the agonist in vivo to adult hypophysectomized (hypx) rats also depressed testosterone production in vitro but had no effect on that of progesterone. Using dosages which produce marked inhibition of the weights of the testes and of accessory reproductive glands in both immature and adult intact rats, long‐term (up to 28 days) treatment with Wy‐18, 481 slightly potentiated the atrophy of the testes and of the seminal vesicles due to hypophysectomy in the immature rat but had no apparent effect in the hypx adult. Concurrent administration of Wy‐18, 481 did not affect the support provided to the reproductive organs by dihydrotestosterone replacement in either immature or adult hypx rats. These results suggest that extended exposure is required to elicit direct effects of the agonist on testicular function and that these effects, which involve interference with steroidogenesis and not steroid action, differ qualitatively in the hypx animals from those occurring In the presence of the pituitary. Moreover, there appears to be an age‐related difference in sensitivity to the direct effect of the agonist.
Sperm Motility and Histomorphometry of the Testis of the Genetically Obese Zucker Rat
Authors: PISER JOEL A. , EDMONDS ELAINE S. , HOFTIEZER VIRGIL
Published: December 2015

The reproductive system of male obese Zucker rats was studied to determine whether there are abnormalities in testis composition, organ weights, or sperm motility, which might contribute to their severely reduced reproductive capacity. The left testes of obese and lean rats were evaluated histomorphometrically according to Chalkley's method (1943). Relative to weight, the percentage of seminiferous tubules, interstitial space, and Leydig cells of fat rats did not differ significantly from those of their lean littermates. The weights of the testes and accessory glands were not significantly different in fat versus lean groups. Sperm recovered from the testes and head and tail of the epididymides showed no differences between fat and lean rats in the percentage classified as immobile, oscillatory, circularly moving, or forwardly progressing. These findings suggest that the testes of obese Zucker rats have a normal composition of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells and a normal pattern of maturation of motility as sperm pass through the reproductive tract. The severely reduced reproductive capacity of the obese male may be primarily due to the previously reported abnormal sexual behavior. It is not due to an inability to produce motile spermatozoa.
Follicle‐stimulating Hormone Receptor Binding Inhibitors in Human Seminal Plasma
Authors: DIAS JAMES A. , TREBLE DONALD H. , BENNETT ALAN H. , REICHERT LEO E.
Published: December 2015

Human seminal plasma, freed of spermatozoa by centrifugation, inhibited binding of iodine‐125 (125I)‐hFSH to receptors in calf testes. Binding inhibition (BI) was seen in seminal plasma from intact as well as vasectomized adult males. There was a significant (60%) decrease in FSH‐BI activity following dialysis against Spectrapor #1 membrane (passing substances of molecular weight 6000 or less). Both dialyzed and undialyzed seminal plasma gave binding inhibition curves nonparallel to that of human FSH. FSH‐BI activity in seminal plasma was unaffected by repeated freezing and thawing or by extraction with ether or chloroform. It was, however, markedly decreased after adsorption of seminal plasma with charcoal and could be precipitated with 80% ethanol. There was no loss of FSH‐BI activity upon heating seminal plasma at 95 C for up to 80 minutes, but an approximate 40% loss occurred after heating for 24 hours at 95 C. GeI filtration and ultrafiltration experiments indicated FSH‐BI activity in seminal plasma to be associated with two major components, one with a molecular weight of about 19, 500, the other with a molecular weight of about 1000. The inhibition of 125I‐hFSH binding to calf testes receptors by an 80% ethanol precipitate of human seminal fluid was studied by direct least‐square nonlinear regression analysis. The data best fitted a model whereby the FSH receptor contained two hormone binding sites with identical affinity constants, one of which could be blocked by FSH‐BI with a simultaneous reduction in affinity for FSH at the second site. Using the rat as a model, high levels of FSH‐BI activity were detected in extracts of testis and other urogenital tissue, although to varying degrees. In contrast, extracts of rat heart had barely detectable levels of FSH‐BI activity, suggesting a tissue specificity for the inhibitor. From our studies we conclude that human seminal fluid contains factors capable of inhibiting binding of FHS to testis receptors. The nature and physiologic significance of these factors are as yet uncertain.
Turnover of Monocytoid Cells Within the Limiting Membrane of Rat Seminiferous Tubules
Authors: HERMO LOUIS , CLERMONT YVES
Published: December 2015

The mode of renewal of mononuclear leukocytes found between the myoid cells forming the limiting membrane of rat seminiferous tubules was investigated by histometric methods. The average number of leukocytes per unit area of tubular wall varied significantly In relation to the cyclic events taking place in the seminiferous epithelium. Two peaks in their number were observed in tubular segments at stages IX—XII and XIV—I of the cycle. Degenerating monocytold cells were also observed with high incidences at the same stages. Monocytoid cells, seen In division, presented high mitotic indices in stages V—VI and XIV of the cycle. Correspondingly, labeling indices of these leukocytes, obtained in radioautographed tubules of 3H‐thymidine‐injected rats, showed two peaks in tubular segments at stages II—IV and XIII of the cycle. Sensitive to X‐irradiation, the population of monocytoid cells was restored within 24 days following treament with X‐rays (450 r). These various data, in view of the relatively few images of migration of leukocytes from the interstitial tissue into the limiting membrane, indicated that the monocytoid cells may form a self‐renewing cell population.
Effects of Experimentally Induced Hyperprolactinemia on the Hypothalamus, Pituitary, and Testes in the Golden Hamster
Authors: BARTKE A. , STEGER R. W. , KLEMCKE H. G. , SILERKHODR T. M. , GOLDMAN B. D.
Published: December 2015

Hyperprolactinemia was induced in adult male golden hamsters by transplantation of four homologous pituitaries under the renal capsules. The resulting elevation of plasma prolactin (PRL) levels was accompanied by a dramatic increase in the concentration of FSH in peripheral plasma. In contrast, plasma LH levels were not affected. The content and concentration of testicular LH receptors, testicular weight, and plasma testosterone levels were significantly greater in hyperprolactinemic hamsters than in the sham‐operated control animals. Experimentally induced hyperprolactinemia was associated also with an increase in the hypothalamic content of LHRH and norepinephrine, while the dopamine level in the hypothalamus was not affected. Furthermore, hyperprolactinemia appeared to have increased the release of LH and FSH from the incubated hemipituitaries in the presence and in the absence of LHRH, but only release of LH under basal conditions was significantly affected. The authors conclude from these observations that experimentally induced hyperprolactinemia stimulates testicular function in the golden hamster by increasing the release of endogenous FSH and by increasing the number of LH receptors in the testes. Comparison of these findings with the results of similar experiments in rats and mice suggests that the number of testicular LH receptors can be profoundly influenced by chronic changes in plasma levels of both LH and PRL and that PRL can stimulate LH binding only when LH levels are reduced or unaltered.
A Method for Improvement of Sperm Quality of an Ejaculated Human Specimen Using Bovine Cervical Mucus as a Biological Filter
Authors: BERGMAN ARIE , YEDWAB GIDEON , DAVID MENACHEM P. , HOMONNAI ZVI T. , PAZ GEDALIA F.
Published: December 2015

A method is described for improving the quality of semen from subfertile men. Semen samples were filtered through bovine cervical mucus (collected at estrus) into spermatozoa‐free seminal plasma (from the same ejaculate following centrifugation, or from azoospermic donor ejaculates). Evaluations were performed after 2 to 4 hours of filtration at 34 C. The filtered spermatozoa found in the seminal plasma reservoir were characterized by a significant increase in the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, higher sperm motility, and a higher percentage of living sperm. Sperm density was in the range deemed adequate for fertility. After filtration into human cervical mucus, sperm penetration tests were performed with good results, which could be improved by the addition of caffeine to the semen. This method was found to be reliable and to enable the use of the filtered spermatozoa for insemination (AIH).
The Physiologic Effects of Testosterone in Hydrogenated Soybean Oil Vehicle as Compared to Free Testosterone, Testosterone Propionate, and Testosterone Enanthate in a Conventional Oil Vehicle
Authors: GERRITY M. , FREUND M. , PETERSON R. N. , FALVO R. E.
Published: December 2015

We have recently described a new technique that utilizes hydrogenated soybean oil (HSO) as the vehicle for the controlled and sustained release of testosterone (T) (Gerrity et al., 1981). The purpose of the present study was to compare the physiologic effects of this mode of T administration with those of the clinically used T preparations (free T; T propionate, TP; or T enanthate, TE) when administered in liquid soybean oil (LSO), a conventional vehicle. Castrated male rats were treated with 5 mg T in either HSO or LSO, or an equivalent amount of TP or TE in LSO. Groups of four animals were sacrificed 1, 3, 5, or 7 days after injection. Serum concentrations of T and luteinizing hormone (LH) and accessory gland weights (AGW) were determined.

The results of these experiments indicate that there is a difference in all three parameters of functional androgenicity when various testosterone preparations are administered. A single injection of free T in LSO was incapable of producing either a significant increase in AGWs, a sustained increase in serum concentrations of T, or suppression of the high serum concentrations of LH in the castrated rat. The same dose of free T administered in HSO produced a marked increase in serum concentrations of T and in AGW and a suppression of serum concentrations of LH. The difference in duration of action of T when administered in these two vehicles was dramatic. Whereas T was not detectable in the serum of rats five days after injection of T in LSO, serum concentrations of T in animals treated with T in HSO remained in the physiologic range throughout the period studied. TP produced an effect similar to that of T in LSO, and TE produced an effect similar to that of T in HSO.

This study also presents evidence that T esters such as TP or TE may not act at the level of the pituitary gland in the same manner as T itself. The order of potency in LH suppression is TE > T in HSO > TP > T in LSO. This potency in decreasing serum LH levels does not correlate with peak serum T levels.
The Presence of Spermatozoa in the Semen of Vasectomized Men
Authors: FREUND MATFHEW J. , COUTURE MARGARET
Published: December 2015

Repeated semen specimens were examined from 24 men who had been vasectomized for periods of time ranging from two to 31 years. Five‐micron filters were used to collect the spermatozoa in each specimen. Sperm were found in 62 of the 63 semen specimens received from the 24 men and in at least one specimen from each of the men. The mean number of sperm per specimen was 126.29 (SE = ± 32.73) and the range was from 8 to 2096 sperm per specimen. These data demonstrate the presence of a small number of spermatozoa in the semen of 24 vasectomized men and suggest that this is a normal or usual sequela of vasectomy. Additionally, hundreds to thousands of sperm fragments were noted for each intact sperm that was identffiable as such. The data suggest that sperm are passed from the epididymis to the urethra through (or past) the site of vasectomy by a mechanism that differs hi degree from that of “recanalization.” The term “microrecanalization” is proposed for this mechanism.
Time Resolution of the Reactions Preceding Penetration of the Zona Pellucida
Authors: FLORMAN HARVEY M. , SALING PATRICIA M. , STOREY BAYARD T.
Published: December 2015

3‐Quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) is a potent inhibitor of fertilization of mouse eggs in vitro: it acts by blocking penetration of the zonae by sperm. The time course of this inhibition was examined by addition of 50 μM QNB to the in vitro system for fertilization of cumulusfree mouse eggs at increasing times post‐insemination. QNB, added prior to and at intervals up to 20 minutes post‐insemination, inhibited fertilization by more than 90%. When added at longer times, QNB inhibition decreased; at 60 minutes post‐insemination, added QNB had no effect on fertilization. The time course of onset of insensitivity to QNB inhibition was compared to the time courses of other reactions identified as precursors to fertilization in the mouse system. The most rapid reaction is Ca2+‐mediated binding of sperm to zonae, which is reversible by EGTA; it has no time lag and is complete by 15 minutes post‐insemination. The second reaction is onset of insensitivity of this binding to reversal by EGTA; it has a lag time of 5 minutes post‐insemination and all bound sperm become insensitive 20 minutes post‐insemination. The acrosome reaction occurring in sperm bound to zonae has a lag time of 25 minutes, and is not completed in all bound sperm until 240 minutes post‐insemination. The time course of loss of QNB inhibition lies between the second reaction and the acrosome reaction. These studies allow the time resolution of four sequential reactions, which lead to fertilization of mouse eggs in vitro and occur prior to penetration of the zona pellucida. These are: EGTA‐reversible, Ca2+‐mediated binding of sperm to zona; onset of insensitivity to EGTA reversal of binding; onset of insensitivity to QNB inhibition of zona penetration; and onset of the acrosome reaction in sperm bound to zonae.
The Effect of Inhibitors of Trypsin and Phospholipase A2 on the Penetration of Zona Pellucida‐free Hamster Eggs by Acrosome‐reacted Hamster Sperm
Authors: DRAVLAND J. ERIC , MEIZEL STANLEY
Published: December 2015

The involvement of a trypsin‐like enzyme and a phospholipase A2 in hamster sperm‐egg fusion was investigated. Previously acrosome‐reacted sperm and zona pellucida‐free eggs were incubated in a low‐K+ medium in the presence of nontoxic levels of low molecular‐weight synthetic inhibitors of these enzymes. The level of K used in the fertilization droplet (0.6 mM) did not support further acrosome reactions and thus results were not due to inhibitor effects on the acrosome reaction. The operational definition of “sperm‐egg fusion” used in the present work includes both attachment and fusion, since we could not distinguish between these events in these experiments. Sperm‐egg fusion, as assayed by counting the number of decondensed sperm heads per egg, and the percentage of eggs penetrated were significantly reduced in the presence of the trypsin inhibitors benzamidine (1.2 mM) and p‐nitrophenyl p′‐guanidinobenzoate (55 μM) but not in the presence of the phospholipase A2 inhibitors p‐bromophenacylbromide (12 μM) or Up‐john Compound #1002 (100 μMM). Preincubation of the sperm but not eggs in p‐nitrophenyl‐p'‐guanidinobenzoate reduced subsequent fusion in the absence of inhibitor. Examination of semithin sections revealed that all sperm which penetrated eggs were decondensed. These results support a role for a sperm trypsin‐like enzyme but not a sperm or egg phospholipase A2 in hamster sperm‐egg fusion.
Anti‐Mouse Sperm Antiserum
Authors: SALING PATRICIA M. , O'RAND MICHAEL G.
Published: December 2015

Rabbit anti‐mouse sperm (αMS) Fab fragments have been prepared, which are capable of inhibiting spermzona interaction (both binding and penetration) and sperm‐egg fusion in vitro. In cumulusintact eggs, αMS Fab did not inhibit zona penetration, but did inhibit sperm‐egg fusion, implying that separate and distinguishable antigens are involved in these two fertilization events. Preliminary identification of the antigens recognized by αMS IgG, using a gel overlay technique, revealed four major antigens of 200 Kd, 55–63 Kd, 37 Kd, and 33 Kd, and three minor antigens of 110 Kd, 48 Kd, and 40 Kd.
Effect of Fatty Acids on Fertilization and Development of Mouse Embryos In Vitro
Authors: QUINN PATRICK , WHITFINGHAM DAVID C.
Published: December 2015

The interaction of protein and fatty acids on the fertilization and preimplantation development of mouse embzyos in vitro was investigated.

Normal fraction V and fatty‐acid‐free bovine serum albumin (V‐BSA and FAF‐BSA) supported high rates of fertilization, but the addition of palmitic and/or oleic acids inhibited fertilization of mouse ova in vitro. Trichloroacetic acid‐extracted BSA (TCA‐BSA) totally inhibited fertilization, even in the absence of fatty acids. The normal V‐BSA was capable of supporting the development of one‐cell zygotes and, later, the preimplantation stages to fully expanded hatched blastocysts. Only 50% of oneand two‐cell embryos developed to fully expanded blastocysts in the presence of FAF‐BSA; TCA‐BSA did not support continued development to the blastocyst stage until culture was initiated at the eight‐cell stage. Oleic acid was better than palmitic acid, and the combination of both acids was best in promoting the formation and hatching of blastocysts from the one‐cell stage in medium containing FAF‐BSA. Thus, exogenous fatty acids inhibit fertilization of mouse ova, but they are required for the development of embryos.
Psychological Factors Involved in Impotence A Review of the Literature
Authors: TURNBULL JAMES M. , WEINBERG PAUL C.
Published: December 2015

Recent developments in the treatment of impotence and studies on the results of psychological methods for its treatment seem to indicate that the number of individuals who suffer from impotence of purely psychogenic origin is less than was reported in literature of the last decade. It is undoubtedly true, however, that psychological factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

This review looks at psychological factors involved in impotence from three perspectives. Beginning with a historical review, those theoretical bases which formed the premise for psychological therapies are described. Second, diagnostic issues are explored in some detail. Finally, the variety of treatment modalities which have been used, with varying degrees of success, is described. It appears that whatever psychological treatment method is used, the patients who have the best prognosis are those in whom the disorder has lasted for less than two years, who have a strong motivation for psychotherapy, persisting sexual desire, and who are without significant psychopathology.
The Nonprogressive Motility of Sperm Populations from Mice with a tw32 Haplotype
Authors: OLDS‐CLARKE PATRICIA
Published: December 2015

We have previously reported that epididymal spermatozoa from mice carrying a tw32 haplotype have a lower net velocity than do spermatozoa from congenic +/ + males. Using a test for nonprogressive motility based on the inability of a spermatazoon to leave a cube 200 μm on each side in less than 4 seconds, the frequency of nonprogressively motile sperm in these populations now has been determined to be above 90% after 2 to 5 hours of incubation in vitro. The nonprogressive motility never appears in sperm populations incubated in media with < 0.1mM Ca2+, although normal motility is well‐maintained. Nonprogressive motility was also observed at low frequencies in uterine sperm populations, and at higher frequencies among uterotubal sperm from both +/+ and tw32/+ males. These observations suggest that nonprogressive motility may be a component of normal sperm function, either during sperm transport within the oviduct, or during fertilization.
Suppression of the Proliferative Response of the Seminal Vesicles to Testosterone by Inhibitors of Prostaglandin Synthesis Testosterone, Indomethacin, and Proliferation in Seminal Vesicles
Authors: LYSOŃ KRZYSZTOF , PAWLIKOWSKI MAREK
Published: December 2015

Effects of indomethacin (1.25 mg/kg) and aspirin (20 mg/kg) on testosterone‐induced (0.25 mg/rat), and of indomethacin on dihydrotestosterone‐induced (0.25 mg/ rat) mitotic activity of the seminal vesicles and the ventral prostate in rats were examined. The results demonstrate that the seminal vesicles' proliferative reaction induced by testosterone was suppressed by treatment with indomethacin and aspirin; whereas, in the ventral prostate, the mitogenic effect of testosterone was not blocked by either of these inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. Cellular proliferation induced by dihydrotestosterone was not inhibited by indomethacin in either the seminal vesicles or the ventral prostate. These results suggest the existance of different mechanisms of proliferative reactions of the seminal vesicles and the ventral prostate to testosterone. The results further suggest an involvement of prostaglandins in the mitogenic effect of testosterone on the seminal vesicles.
Regulation of Testicular Ornithine Decarboxylase In Vitro
Authors: OSTERMAN JURAJ , MURONO EISUKE P. , LIN TU , NANKIN HOWARD R.
Published: December 2015

We have examined hormonal regulation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in decapsulated rat testis, isolated testicular interstitial cells, and purified Leydig cells under defined conditions in vitro. Both immature (15 to 26 days old) and adult (60 to 90 days old) rat testes were employed. Basal (fresh tissue) ODC activity varied widely among rats of the same age but was similar (<5% difference) in pairs of testes from the same animal. For this reason, pairs of testes were compared in subsequent in vitro studies. ODC activity of decapsulated testes of adult rats declined (to 25 to 30% of basal) during 4 hours of incubation in Medium 199 + 0.1% bovine serum albumin + 0.1 mM 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine at 34 C. The addition of FSH, LH, prolactin, prostaglandin E2, epidermal growth factor, insulin, or 10% fetal calf serum singly or in combination failed to prevent this decline in ODC activity. In contrast, ODC activity of decapsulated testes of immature rats remained stable (versus fresh tissue) during 4 hours of incubation. The addition of FSH (100 ng/ml) caused a small but statistically significant (P < 0.005) stimulation of the enzyme activity, and 8‐bromo cyclic AMP (0.5 mM) mimicked the effect of FSH.

In isolated interstitial cells from adult rats, LH stimulated ODC activity in a dose‐ (10 pg‐200 ng/ml) and time‐dependent fashion. 8‐Bromo cyclic AMP mimicked the effect of LH. Prolactin, FSH, estradiol, insulin, prostaglandin E2, and epidermal growth factor did not alter the enzyme activity. LH also stimulated ODC activity of purified Leydig cells. This study demonstrates for the first time direct in vitro stimulation of rodent testicular ODC activity by gonadotropins and reveals marked age‐dependent differences in regulation of this enzyme in vitro.
Immunohistochemical Study on the Initiation of Acid Phosphatase Secretion in the Human Prostate Cytochemistry and Biochemistry of Acid Phosphatases IV
Authors: AUMÜLLER GERHARD , SEITZ JÜRGEN , BISCHOF WOLFGANG
Published: December 2015

Acid phosphatase was purified from human prostatic tissue and from seminal plasma. Antisera to antigens from both sources were raised in rabbits. These antisera have been used for immunohistochemical localization of the respective antigens in the prostates of neonatal, infantile, prepubertal, and adult individuals. Immuno‐reactivity of the prostatic epithelium with the seminal fluid‐derived antigen developed progressively in pubertal specimens with increasing age. It was not present in fetal and infantile organs. Antiserum prepared from human prostatic tissue‐derived acid phosphatase gave a positive immunoreaction both with stroma and epithelium of the pre‐and postpuberal glands. The results give evidence for a clear cut androgen‐dependence in the appearance of the acid phosphatase present in semen, which therefore has been identified as secretory. The second antigen is nonsecretory, tissue‐bound, nonandrogen dependent, and shares antigenic determinants with leukocyte‐derived acid phosphatase.
Structural Features of Cultured Epithelial Cells from the Adult Rat Epididymis
Authors: OLSON GARY E. , JONAS‐DAVIES J. , HOFFMAN LOREN H. , ORGEBIN‐CRIST MARIE‐CLAIRE
Published: December 2015

Epithelial cells isolated from the caput epididymidis of adult rats were placed in primary culture and examined daily for ten days for changes in external anatomy, reorganization of cytoskeletal components, maintenance of characteristic cytoplasmic features, and reponse to media formulated to minimize nonepithelial cell proliferation. Significant cell attachment to the substrate began after the first 24 hours of culture. After attachment, the cells underwent a progressive flattening and became closely applied to the substrate. This was accompanied by a redistribution of microvilli on the cell surface and a reorganization of cytoskeletal elements within the cell. After flattening, the cultured cells displayed an extensive array of 10‐nm filaments which were associated with the desmosomes attaching adjacent cells. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that these were keratin‐containing intermediate filaments and 2‐D gel electrophoresis of intact cells and cell cytoskeletons revealed that a family of “keratin‐like” polypeptides were major components of the cells. Epithelial cell attachment, morphology, and maintenance in the primary culture were unaffected by D‐valine, cytosine arabinoside, or both; however, these agents, either individually or in combination, reduced significantly the number of cells incorporating 3H‐thymidine. These data show that isolated epithelial cells retain some differentiated structural features that characterize the intact cell and that enriched cultures of epithelial cells can be maintained under conditions where fibroblast proliferation is inhibited.
An Experimental Study of the Effect of Ischemia on Testicular Structure in the Rat Efficacy of Intravenous Inosine
Authors: CARMIGNANI GIORGIO , TEDDE GIOVANNI , DESTEFANI STEFANO , MONTELLA ANDREA , MAFFEZZINI MASSIMO
Published: December 2015

The damages caused by experimental testicular ischemia lasting 60 minutes have been examined in the rat. The histologic alterations of the germinal epithelium and of the tunica propria are studied, using semi‐thin sections stained with 1% toluidine blue. The results show that a testicular ischemia of 60 minutes causes damages to the testicular structures. These damages cannot be prevented or avoided by either surface cooling or cold perfusion; however, intravenous inosine prior to ischemia has a protective effect.
The Binding Patterns of Antisera to Sex Steroids and Human Gonadotropins on Human and Rhesus Monkey Spermatozoa
Authors: ALLAG I. S. , DAS R. P. , ROY S.
Published: December 2015

The presence of different hormones on the surface of ejaculated spermatozoa was determined by immunofluorescence studies of the binding patterns of specific antisera to these hormones. There were striking similarities in the binding pattern of antisera to steroid hormones found on human and monkey spermatozoa. Assuming the intensity of fluorescence is proportional to the concentration of the hormone, concentrations of testosterone on the acrosomal and the postacrosomal regions were higher than levels of progesterone and estrogens. Spermatozoa with a “tapering head” had more hCG bound on the acrosomal and postacrosomal regions than spermatozoa with “normal head” (oval shaped). Correlating these findings to the functions of spermatozoa will require further studies.