bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age dependent changes in FSH responsive adenylyl cyclase and FSH binding in rat testes
Authors: Jahnsen Tore , Hansson Vidar
Published: May 2008

FSH responsive adenylyl cyclase (AC) activities were examined in both homogenates and membrane particles from 9–71 days old rat testes, and FSH binding was determined in membrane particles from the same animals. FSH responsive AC was measured in the presence of either GTP (0.04 mM) or the non‐metabolizable GTP analogue, GMP‐P(NH)P (0.04 mM). From days 9 and 11 there was a gradual decrease in both basal and FSH stimulated AC activities and a very similar decrease in FSH binding. The relative stimulation by FSH, however, was fairly constant (2–3 fold stimulation). The excellent correlation between specific FSH binding and FSH responsive AC activities during sexual maturation does not support the notion that uncoupling of the FSH receptors from the AC is a primary reason for the attenuated FSH response during pubertal development. The age dependent decrease in both basal and FSH stimulated AC activities during sexual maturation is a reflection of the relative increase in germ cells (containing no FSH receptors and FSH responsive AC). The LH/hCG responsive AC in membrane particles from the same ages showed an age dependent increase in both absolute activities and relative responses, probably indicating the increased number of Leydig cells in the developing testis.
The importance of testicular interstitial fluid in the transport of injected hCG to the Leydig cells
Authors: Sharpe R. M.
Published: May 2008

High levels of hCG occur in testicular interstitial fluid (IF) following injection of the hormone, and the proportion that is taken up by the testis has been assessed by comparing the concentrations in IF of [125I]hCG and [125I]BSA (i.e. an inert protein) in rats treated with the same total dose of hCG. Adult male rats were injected with a total dose of either 0.5 or 45.5 IU hCG and which included either [125I]hCG or [125I]BSA, and were killed between 2 and 40 h later when the concentrations of the labelled proteins in plasma, IF and testicular tissue were assessed.

Treatment with either dose of hCG increased IF levels in the testis at 4–24 h after injection although this increase was much greater (350% v 61%) with the higher dose of hCG. In rats injected with [125I]hCG, the ratio of radioactivity in testicular tissue to that in IF (T/IF) varied between 0.3 and 2.1 depending on the total injected dose of hCG and the time after injection, whilst in rats injected with the same amounts of unlabelled hCG together with [125I]BSA, the T/IF ratio never exceeded 0.09 and remained constant with time. In the latter group, the IF/plasma ratio of [125I]BSA was always significantly higher than in rats injected with [125I]hCG, irrespective of the total dose of hCG injected. The difference between the IF/plasma ratios for [125I]BSA and [125I]hCG gives a measure of how much of the hCG has been removed by testicular uptake. The results show that following injection of either 0.5 or 45.5 IU hCG, the temporal pattern of testicular hCG‐uptake from IF is similar, although proportionately more (50–59%) of the hCG in IF has been taken up within 24 h of injection of the low dose of hCG than with the high dose (32–52%). It is concluded that testicular IF is an important medium for the transport of injected hCG from the blood to the Leydig cells.
Testosterone concentrations in spermatic venous blood plasma of prepubertal boys
Authors: Santoro S. , Boninsegni R. , Bassi F. , Pampaloni A. , Grisolia G. A. , Forti G. , Serio M.
Published: May 2008

Testosterone concentration has been measured in spermatic and peripheral venous plasma obtained during surgery from a total of 25 prepubertal boys affected either by inguinal hernia (Group I; N = 6; age range 2–8 years) or unilateral undescended testis (Group II; N = 19; age range 5–11 years). Median spermatic venous testosterone level was 58.7 ng/dl) (range 14.0–120.8 ng/dl) in Group I and 43.2 ng/dl (range 12.2–267.5 ng/dl) in Group II: median peripheral testosterone level was 4.9 ng/dl (range 2.3–15.4 ng/dl) and 5.6 ng/dl (range 1.1–89.3 ng/dl) in Group I and II, respectively. The difference between the spermatic and peripheral level was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.01 in Group I and P < 0.001 in Group II). These results indicate that the prepubertal human testis secretes testosterone, even if in a very low amount. It is also suggested that this secretion can be responsible for LH inhibition in prepubertal boys.
The influence of elevated testicular temperature and scrotal surgery on the number of gonocytes in the newborn pig
Authors: Frankenhuis M. T. , Wensing C. J. G. , Kremer J.
Published: May 2008

Morphological changes become apparent shortly after birth in the abdominally located testes of the pig. To test the influence of temperature on gonocyte multiplication, scrotal testes of newborn piglets were subjected to continuous artificial heating. It was found that in the young pig during the first 2 weeks of life when the mitotic activity of the gonocytes is high, they are very sensitive to a combination of elevated testicular temperature and scrotal surgery.
Sperm suppression with monthly injections of medroxyprogesterone acetate combined with testosterone enanthate at a high dose (500 mg)
Authors: Faúndes Aníbal , Brache Vivian , León Patrician , Schmidt Fred , Alvarez‐Sánchez Francisco
Published: May 2008

The combination of an initial injection of 1000 mg of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and 500 mg of testosterone enanthate, followed by monthly administration of 150 mg and 500 mg of the same drugs, was tested in 10 healthy males aged 28 through 39, with pre‐treatment sperm counts of 50 times 106/ml or more. Eight of the subjects achieved azoospermia, and the sperm counts of the other two declined 0.09 and 5 million/ml. This last subject was highly refractory to treatment as his sperm density recovered to 27 million sperm/ml at the 6th month of continuous therapy. FSH was severely depressed during the entire treatment period. LH fell to 30–40% of normal values in the first two months and then showed a slow recovery during maintenance treatment. Testosterone measured one month after each injection was between 10 and 30% of pre‐treatment values. Three of the subjects had increased libido and potency, none had decreased sexual drive or potency. All subjects gained weight with the average gain being 6 kg. The increase in the dose of testosterone enanthate to 500 mg/ng did not improve the results as compared to previous trials using lower doses of TE.
Single cilia formation in cells of the testicular interstitium in infertile men
Authors: Takayama Hidenori
Published: May 2008

Testicular biopsies from 4 infertile men showing germinal cell aplasia with interstitial cell hyperplasia on light microscopy were studied by electron microscopy. Single cilia formation was observed in myoid cells, fibroblast‐like cells and Leydig cells in the interstitium. Only 1 cilium was seen per cell. Transverse sections of most of cilia showed a 9+0 pattern of microtubule configuration. Cross striated rootlet fibers were attached to the basal bodies. The significance of the presence of cilia in the testicular interstitium is discussed.
The binding of oestradiol‐17ß to human spermatozoa — an electron microscope autoradiographic study
Authors: Cheng C. Y. , Rose R. J. , Boettcher B.
Published: May 2008

The location of steroid binding sites with specificity for oestradiol‐17ß at an ultrastructural level has been examined on human spermatozoa by electron microscope autoradiography. About 75% of the 438 grains produced by 3H‐oestradiol‐17ß, and counted on electron microscope autoradiographs, were found over the plasma membrane or within 1000 Å of it. This study provides evidence suggesting that the plasma membrane is a site of action of oestradiol‐17β in human spermatozoa.
Radiological anatomy of the internal spermatic vein(s) in 200 retrograde venograms.
Authors: Comhaire F. , Kunnen M. , Nahoum C.
Published: May 2008

The radiological anatomy of the internal spermatic vein(s) was studied in 200 retrograde venograms performed as part of presurgical evaluation in patients with variocele. A large range of anatomical variations was found at the left side. Bilateral reflux occurs in one out of four patients with unilateral varicocele at palpation. Bilateral treatment is therefore necessary in as much as one fourth of cases with ‘unilateral’ left side varicocele. In right side varicocele the spermatic vein generally enters the right renal vein. Varicocele ligation should be performed near the internal inguinal ring in order to interrupt reflux most securely. Non‐surgical treatment of varicocele by means of sclerosis or embolization of the internal spermatic vein, will remain restricted to those cases in which reflux passes through only one spermatic vein. Insufficient knowledge of the anatomy of the internal spermatic vein(s), and the resulting incomplete interruption of reflux in this (or these) vessel(s) may be the cause of poor treatment results reported by some authors.
Human seminal lectin. II. Properties of a lectin like factor in the human seminal plasma
Authors: Mahadevan Mahendran , Nayudu Ramachandra V. , Trounson Alan O.
Published: May 2008

A lectin like haemagglutinin (Human Seminal Lectin — HSL) is present in human seminal plasma. Partial purification and characterization of HSL has been achieved. HSL was shown to be almost completely inactivated at 100°C within 15 min. HSL was stable within a pH range of 5 to 10 for one hour, was resistant to trypsin, mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol and has a molecular weight of about 57 000 daltons and an iso‐electric point of about 6.8. HSL activity did not depend on either the incubation temperature or on the availability of free divalent cations such as Ca++, Mg++, or Mn++.
Creatine kinase in seminal plasma of infertile men: Activity and isoenzymes
Authors: Asseo Pl. P. , Panidis D. K. , Papadimas J. S. , Ikkos D. G.
Published: May 2008

Creatine kinase (CK) activity was determined in the seminal plasma of 169 men divided in a) 11 groups according to etiological diagnosis of infertility and b) 2 groups on the basis of the normal or abnormal spermiogram. Electrophoretic separation of CK isoenzymes on agarose gel was also performed. We found that: 1) in seminal plasma enzyme activity is 4.2 times higher than the upper limit in normal serum, 2) CK activity in seminal plasma is exclusively due to the isoenzyme BB (CK1), 3) there is a statistically significant difference of the enzyme levels between men with normal spermiogram and oligo‐asthenozoo‐spermics, yet with wide overlapping of the individual values, 4) there is no correlation between CK activity and the variables of the spermiogram, as well as between enzyme activity and fructose or acid phosphatase in seminal plasma.
The concentration of some inorganic ions and organic compounds in the luminal fluid of the human ductus deferens
Authors: Hinton B. T. , Pryor J. P. , Hirsh A. V. , Setchell B. P.
Published: May 2008

The concentrations of some inorganic ions (sodium, potassium, chloride and phosphate) and organic compounds (carnkine, myo‐inositol, glycerophos‐phocholine, phosphocholine and total phosphate) were estimated in the luminal fluid collected from sections of human ductus deferens removed at vasectomy. From the data presented it would appear that in contrast to non‐primate species, in the human the inorganic ions contribute more to the total osmolarity of the luminal fluid than do the organic compounds.
Factors affecting sperm motility VIII. Velocity and survival of human spermatozoa as related to temperatures above zero
Authors: Makler Amnon , Deutch Michael , Vilensky Alexander , Palti Yoram
Published: May 2008

The effect of temperature on motility and survival of ejaculated human spermatozoa was investigated with the aid of the multiple exposure photography (MEP) method for objective sperm motility determination. Fresh specimens from healthy donors were analyzed while being heated or cooled gradually, or during their storage at various temperatures from 0 to 48°C. Sperm velocity increased steadily from zero to 50.4 nm/sec between freezing point and body temperature. Thereafter, their activity dropped dramatically and total immobilization occurred at 45°C. The induced immobilization was reversible providing exposure to those extreme temperatures was short enough to prevent permanent damage. Sperm survived up to 24–48 h when stored at 23°C, while at body temperature, their survival in vitro was much shorter and rarely extended beyond 12 h. Their longevity was still shorter at higher or lower temperatures, especially when approaching 48°C. With the aid of the combined supravital staining and MEP methods it was found that temperatures of extreme levels induced mainly immobilization rather than a spermicidic effect. The possible mechanism of thermal effect on sperm motility and some of its practical implications are discussed.
Factors affecting the variability of semen analysis results in infertile men
Authors: Baker H. W. G. , Burger H. G. , de Kretser D. M. , Lording D. W. , McGowan P. , Rennie G. G.
Published: May 2008

Infertile men who had 3 or more semen analyses performed in one laboratory were placed in 2 groups (I) oligozoospermic group (n = 106), mean sperm concentration between 1 and 20 million/ml (II) asthenozoospermic group (n = 71), mean sperm concentration greater than 20 million/ml, and mean motility less than 60%. With increasing durations of abstinece from ejaculation before the tests there were significant increases in semen volume and sperm concentration. Semen volume increased over the first 4 days to a similar extent in both groups. Sperm concentrations increased over 15 days, but the effect of abstinence was much greater in the asthenozoospermic group than in the oligozoospermic group (14% compared with 1.4% of the within subject variation). Significant changes in results accompanied repeated testing, notably rises in sperm concentration and motility. Sperm motility was lower in winter and higher in summer in both groups and also, but to a lesser extent, in artificial insemination donors who collected semen in the laboratory.
Changes in male salivary testosterone concentration with age
Authors: Read G. F. , Harper M. E. , Peeling W. B. , Griffiths K.
Published: May 2008

Using a specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay for testosterone, the concentration of the steroid has been determined in samples of saliva taken from men of various ages. The results clearly show that the mean salivary testosterone concentration, which related to the plasma‐free, non‐protein‐bound steroid concentration, falls with advancing age from 236 pmol/l in the 3rd decade to 100 pmol/l in the 8th decade.
Biological studies with low and high molecular weight inhibin preparations
Authors: Vijayalakshmi S. , Sheth P. R. , Dandekar S. P. , Vaze A. Y. , Moodbidri S. B. , Sheth A. R.
Published: May 2008

The effects of both high and low molecular weight inhibin preparations on testicular and pituitary receptors were studied. Both these preparations were able to inhibit the binding of labelled hFSH to testicular receptor in a dose related manner, but were unable to affect the binding of labelled hCG to its receptor, suggesting that the observed inhibition of FSH binding was specific to inhibin. In addition, the binding of LHRH to pituitary receptors was affected by inhibin preparations. Interestingly, the antiserum raised against high molecular weight inhibin was able to neutralize, totally, the biological effect of high molecular weight inhibin, and only, partially, the biological effect of low molecular weight inhibin.
Specific effect of the thyroid on testicular enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism
Authors: Aruldhas M. Michael , Valivullah H. Mohammed , Govindarajulu P.
Published: May 2008

The effect of thyroidectomy (Tx) on some key enzymes involved in glycolysis and the HMP‐shunt pathway were studied in the testis of pre‐pubertal, pubertal and adult rats. Hexokinase (HK) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) did not show any significant change in activity after Tx. However, pyruvate kinase (PK) activity was reduced after Tx in the testis of pre‐pubertal animals although in pubertal and adult rats it was not affected. Both glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6P‐DH) and 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6‐PG‐DH) activities were reduced after Tx and thyroxine (T4) replacement brought both enzyme activities back towards normal. The possible effect of the thyroid on testicular steroidogenesis acting through the HMP‐shunt is discussed.
Partial characterization of human spermatozoal phosphodiesterase and adenylate cyclase and the effect of steroids on their activities
Authors: Cheng C. Y. , Boettcher B.
Published: May 2008

In sonicated human spermatozoa, phosphodiesterase hydrolyzed adenosine 3′:5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) at 20.80 pL 3.23 nmoles/108sperm/20 min at 37°C (50 μM cAMP, initially). In human semen, about 60% of the phosphodiesterase activity was in the spermatozoa. Both polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis ind DEAE‐cellulose column chromatography indicated that there are at least 5 isozymes of phosphodiesterase. Various steroids were tested at a concentration of 2 μg/ml for their effects on phosphodiesterase activity in semen. None was found to have any significant effect. In sonicated human spermatozoa, adenylate cyclase synthesized cAMP at 0.02‐2.11 nmoles/108 sperm/20 min at 37°C (1 mM ATP, initially) depending on the availability of Mn2+ and caffeine in the assay mixture. Mn2+ was demonstrated to be a potent adenylate cyclase activator in human spermatozoa and its effect on human sperm adenylate cyclase was found to be dose‐dependent. Cholera toxin, at a concentration of 20 μg/ml, had no effect on human sperm adenylate cyclase activity after it had been incubated with the intact spermatozoa for between 5 min and 5 h at 37°C before the sperm were homogenized and the rate of cAMP formation assayed. In addition, human sperm adenylate cyclase decayed rapidly at 37°C. Of various steroids tested at a concentration of 2 μg/ml for their effects on human sperm adenylate cyclase activity, only oestradiol‐17β showed a significant effect, elevating the rate of cAMP formation by about 30%.
Testicular function after torsion
Authors: Danner Ch. , Frick J. , Rovan E.
Published: May 2008

A group of 20 patients with torsion was investigated. The study indicated that immediate surgical intervention with a period of torsion of the testis of less than 6 h will prevent impairment of testicle function. The histology of testicular biopsies taken from such patients revealed only interstitial oedema and, at the most, partial necrosis. If torsion time exceeded 6 h testicular histology revealed severe alterations, and surgical correction could not prevent atrophy of the testis. Patients with pathological spermiograms showed FSH values over or at the upper limit of the normal range. As far as can be concluded from one single basal hormone determination, the testosterone secretion remained unaltered. Libido, potency and virilization remained normal.
Inhibition of human and bovine sperm acrosin by divalent metal ions. Possible role of zinc as a regulator of acrosin activity
Authors: Steven F. S. , Griffin M. M. , Chantler E. N.
Published: May 2008

Human and bovine spermatozoa have been collected and washed repeatedly with isotonic saline to remove seminal plasma inhibitors and activate the acrosin. Then the acrosin activity of the cells was assayed with α‐N‐Benzoyl‐DL‐Arg‐β‐naphthylamide (BANA). It was found that the surface‐bound enzyme was not inhibited by high molecular weight inhibitors of trypsin but was markedly inhibited by low molecular weight trypsin inhibitors. Divalent metals (Zn++, Cu++, Hg++, Co++, Cd++) were all efficient inhibitors of acrosin on the washed cells. It was shown that the removal of zinc or copper from acrosin completely restored activity. It is proposed that the different levels of zinc in the male and female genital tract regulate acrosin activity. Aged cells released a soluble acrosin which was inhibited by serum and seminal plasma inhibitors of trypsin‐like enzymes as well as by zinc ions in an identical manner to the surface‐bound enzyme.
Lymphocyte infiltration in human testicular biopsies
Authors: Suominen Jyrki , Söderström Karl‐Ove
Published: May 2008

Testicular biopsies from 166 men with a clinical diagnosis of azoospermia or oligozoospermia were analysed for the presence of leucocytic infiltrations. In 8 cases (4.8%) a pronounced focal or general leucocytic infiltration was found. In all cases the vast majority of the cells were lymphocytes and their presence was not correlated to the histopathological diagnosis. Usually the lymphocytes were within the interstitial tissue, but in one case the lymphocytes were migrating through the wall of the seminiferous tubules. The spermatogenesis was most disturbed in the tubules located beneath the lymphocytic infiltrations. The changes observed were morphologically very similar to those described in experimental autoimmune orchitis and therefore it may be suggested, that immunological processes might mediate the deletorious effects of different factors on the testis more often than has been suspected.
Purification of rat epididymal proteins `D‘ and `E’, demonstration of shared immunological determinants, and identification of regional synthesis and secretion
Authors: Brooks D. E.
Published: May 2008

Two acidic secretory epididymal glycoproteins, protein D of 27000 daltons and protein E of 28000 daltons, have been purified and antisera prepared against each separately. Both proteins were found to share common immunological determinants when tested by double immunodiffusion and tandem crossed immunoelectrophoresis. By selective immunoprecipitation, protein D was shown to be synthesized and secreted by all regions of the epididymis with the exception of the initial segments. In contrast, the synthesis and secretion of protein E was restricted to the corpus and proximal cauda.
Percutaneous absorption of 5α‐dihydrotestosterone in man
Authors: Chemana D. , Morville R. , Fiet J. , Villette J. M. , Tabuteau F. , Brerault J. L. , Passa Ph
Published: May 2008

The particularities of percutaneous absorption of a natural androgen. 5α‐dihydrotestosterone, were evaluated in substitutive androgen therapy in masculin hypogonadism. Nine men presenting idiopathic haemochromatosis complicated by severe hypogonadism were treated with percutaneous administration of 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (125 mg/day) for 5 months. Plasma levels of 5α‐dihydrotestosterone and 5α‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol are greatly increased by treatment (from 0.86 to 18.39 nmol/l and 0.16 to 3.40 nmol/1, respectively). There is no modification of testosterone and oestradiol‐17β. Double blind study demonstrated the direct stimulating effect of 5α‐dihydro‐testosterone on sexual behaviour and psychism. Hepatic and metabolic tolerance was excellent in these patients, despite the preceding deleterious effects of the iron excess. The percutaneous route is original, practical and improves the androgen therapy of hypogonadism in men.
Effect of an LHRH Analogue on Testicular Function in the Immature Monkey (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Arslan M. , Khan S. A. , Qazi M. H.
Published: May 2008

Response of the immature monkey testis to an LHRH analogue, D‐Ser‐(TBu)6‐EA10‐LHRH, has been assessed by measuring testicular androgen production in the immature rhesus monkey. Administration of the analogue (2.5 μg x 2 daily) for 5 days induced a significant increase in testicular testosterone compared with untreated animals. The response of the control and the LHRH‐agonist treated monkey testis to gonadotrophin (hCG) was assessed by in vitro androgen production. Whereas the testicular tissue from LHRH analogue primed monkeys responded to in vitro stimulation of hCG, no significant increase in androgen production was observed when testicular tissue from untreated animals was incubated with the gonadotrophin. The present data suggest a functional differentiation of the immature monkey testis following the LHRH analogue treatment.
Suppression of pituitary and testicular function in rats by a transplanted adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Ric M.E. Harris , Mason J. I. , Bartke A.
Published: May 2008

Snell adrenocortical carcinoma was transplanted into immature 4‐week‐old male rats, and the animals were sacrificed 3 weeks afterward for study of adenohypophyseal and testicular function. The weight of the tumour was 11pL5 g; plasma corticosterone levels were elevated and plasma progesterone levels were massively increased compared to those in rats with no tumours. The weights of the adrenals, testes and androgen‐dependent accessory reproductive glands were significantly decreased, as was the diameter of seminiferous tubules. The concentrations of testosterone, LH and FSH in the plasma were significantly reduced, whereas the levels of Prl and oestradiol were not affected. We suggest that steroid products of the transplanted tumour suppressed release of gonadotrophins from the pituitary, leading to a severe reduction of testosterone synthesis in the testes.
Secretion of macromolecules by the rat epididymis
Authors: Wong P. V. D. , Tsang A. Y. F. , Lee W. M.
Published: May 2008

Sperm maturation in the rat epididymis is dependent on the secretion of specific proteins by the epididymal epithelium and subsequent interaction of these proteins with spermatozoa. Evidence has shown that fertility and motility development of epididymal spermatozoa may be impaired by interfering the interaction of these proteins with spermatozoa. When the spermatozoa reach the cauda epididymidis, they are fully mature but their longevity is maintained by being stored in a quiescent state in the cauda. The unique ionic medium therein (low Na+, low Ca2+, high K+ and low pH) suppresses sperm motility and hence reserving energy for the vital processes of capacitation and fertilization. During ejaculation, when the spermatozoa are mixed with the copious secretion from the accessory glands they burst into vigorous motility. This results from an influx of sodium coupled to efflux of K+ and H+ across the mature sperm membrane. In the presence of a peptide secreted by the cauda epididymidis, these ionic events activate the already mature but otherwise inactive spermatozoa to full motility.
Specific IgG levels appearing in the cauda epididymidis after systemic immunization of male rabbits
Authors: Bedford J. M. , Weininger R. B. , Fisher S. , Rifkin J.
Published: May 2008

RIA of specific IgG in serum and epididymal fluids following systemic immunization of male rabbits with DNP‐BGG showed a mean IgG epididymal fluid/serum molar ratio of 4.0 times 10‐3, and in epididymal fluid a mean concentration of 3.8 times 10‐7 moles/1 or the equivalent in the caudal lumen of 40 000 anti‐DNP IgG molecules/spermatozoon there. This concentration did not change after the distension of the duct seen in the first months after vasectomy nor very markedly in the first 6 days after androgen withdrawal brought by castration. But the mean luminal level of specific IgG did rise some ten‐fold in the cauda subjected to body temperature for 6 days. Consideration is given to the prospect that such levels of antibody could compromise fertility if this were directed against some component that is essential for sperm function.
Analysis of steroid conversion in vitro by testicular tissue as a means of selection of infertile males for gonadotrophic substitution therapy
Authors: Berg A. Å:son , Hammar M. , Kjessler B.
Published: May 2008

Testicular biopsy specimens from 11 infertile men were incubated in vitro with [3H]progesterone before and during long term gonadotrophic treatment. The main metabolites along the Δ‐4 metabolic pathway and 20α‐dihydro‐progesterone were determined and the ratio between 20α‐dihydro‐progesterone and 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone formed in vitro was calculated. In 5 patients with originally high ratios (indicating gonadotrophic understimulation), steroid metabolism changed significantly towards a more stimulated pattern. Three of these patients also showed a significant increase in sperm output and 2 of them fathered children. In 6 patients with an originally low ratio (indicating adequate gonadotrophic stimulation) no change in steroid metabolism in vitro or spermatogenesis was seen during therapy. Thus, this ratio between formed 20α‐dihydro‐progesterone and 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone in vitro seems to be of value in predicting whether gonadotrophic treatment will be of clinical benefit.
Semimal plasma testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels in men with varicoceles
Authors: Hudson R. W. , Hayes K. A. , Crawfor V. A. , McKay D. E.
Published: May 2008

Testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were measured in the seminal plasma of men with varicoceles, azoospermic vasectomized men and men with normal seminal parameters. Testosterone levels were not different significantly in these groups of men. DHT concentrations and the DHT T ratio were significantly lower than normal in men with varicoceles and sperm densities below 30 million/ml and the vasectomized men, but not different from normal in the men with varicoceles whose sperm densities were greater than 30 million/ml. In men whose sperm density and/or motility improved after varicocelectomy, there was an increase in seminal plasma DHT levels and the DHT/T ratio. When seminal parameters were not improved by varicocelectomy, there was no change in DHT levels or in the DHT/T ratio. It is concluded that men with varicoceles and sperm densities below 30 million ml have a deficiency in the epididymal 5α‐reduction of testosterone.
An analysis of the direct effects of gossypol on human spermatozoa
Authors: Aitken R. J. , Liu J. , Best F. S. M. , Richardson D. W.
Published: May 2008

The direct effects of gossypol and its acetic acid adduct, on the movement and functional competence of human spermatozoa were investigated employing exposure times of 1, 5 or 15 min and concentrations of 50 μM, 500 μM and 1000 μM. These compounds markedly reduced the motility, velocity, frequency of sperm head rotation and linearity of sperm progression, the most significant effects being observed with gossypol acetic acid on populations of ‘capacitated’ spermatozoa. Significant direct effects of gossypol on the ability of human spermatozoa to penetrate both cervical mucus and zona‐free hamster ova were also observed, which were independent of any effects on motility. These results reinforce the notion that gossypol may serve a contraceptive role in the female as a ‘spermicidal’ agent, and suggest that this compound may also be of scientific value as a probe for identifying and isolating functionally important components of the human spermatozoon.
Compensatory development of a patent vascular supply to the testis after intra‐abdominal transection of its main blood vessels
Authors: Noordhuizen‐Stassen E. N. , Dijkstra G. , Schamhardt H. C. , Wensing C.J.G.
Published: May 2008

The compensatory development of testicular vascular supply was studied in the pig after intra‐abdominal transection of the testicular artery and vein at a young age (2 months). Post‐pubertally (6 1/2 months) in these animals, normal spermatogenic epithelium and testosterone values were found. Functionally important anastomoses developed from latent connections between the vasal and testicular arteries at the coiled part of the latter and on the surface of the testis. Blood supply to the testes of operated animals reached 80% of values measured in control animals.
Ontogeny of the secretory pattern of LH and FSH in male mice during sexual maturation
Authors: Jean‐Faucher Christiane , Watik Nadjat El , Berger Michel , de Turckheim Marc , Veyssiere Georges , Jean Claude
Published: May 2008

Plasma LH and FSH concentrations were measured in male mice at 10‐day intervals from 1 to 90 days and at 2‐day intervals between 20 and 40 days. The skewed distribution and variability of LH concentrations observed in mice aged 20 to 90 days suggests that LH is released in an episodic fashion. Mean levels of LH and baseline concentrations increased significantly from infantile (1–20 days) to adult age (50–90 days). Pulsatile discharges of LH appeared to start at 22 days, and their frequency increased from 9.6% (prepubertal stage: 20–30 days) to 31.6% (pubertal stage: 30–40 days). In contrast, for FSH no evidence of pulsatile secretion was found, and mean levels increased 5‐fold from the infantile to the peripubertal stage, and adult levels were then attained.
A simple automated method for determination of citric acid levels in semen
Authors: Gavella M.
Published: May 2008

An automated enzymatic method for determination of seminal citric acid by using an Abbott ABA‐100 bichromic analyzer is presented. The technique recommended in this communication is a rapid and simple micromethod which does not require semen deproteinization and which has been optimized to provide satisfactory precision and accuracy.
The effects of acidic epididymal glycoprotein (AEG) and some other proteins on the motility of rat epididymal spermatozoa
Authors: Pholpramool C. , Lea O. A. , Burrow P. V. , Dott H. M. , Setchell B. P.
Published: May 2008

Acidic epididymal glycoprotein (AEG) had a slight stimulatory effect on the motility of spermatozoa showing low initial motility which had been removed by micropuncture from the caput and corpus epididymidis of rats. However, similar effects were seen when bovine serum albumin (BSA) or purified gammaglobulin against AEG was used instead of AEG. Furthermore, BSA, normal rabbit serum and serum from a rabbit immunized against AEG reduced the motility of spermatozoa which showed high initial motility after removal from the caput, while AEG had no effect. These studies emphasize the importance of the effects of proteins on the motility of spermatozoa but do not provide any clear evidence for a specific effect of AEG.
The steroidogenic activity of isolated Leydig cells from mature rats depends on the isolation procedure
Authors: Molenaar R. , Rommerts F. F. G. , van der Molen H. J.
Published: May 2008

Three different collagenase dispersion techniques for isolation of Leydig cells from testes of mature rats have been compared with respect to the yield and quality of the isolated cells. No Leydig cells could be isolated after perfusion of the testis with collagenase (10 mg/ml) followed by incubation at 37°C without shaking, whereas Leydig cells were obtained after incubation of decapsulated testis tissue with collagenase (1 mg/ml) and shaking (80 cycles/min or 1500 cycles/min). Of the total phenylesterase activity, which is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum of interstitial cells, 50 and 85% was released after shaking at 80 and 1500 cycles/, respectively. After sedimentation of the cells 14 and 56% of the microsomal esterase activity was present in the supernatant, whilst 6 and 10% of the esterase activity could be recovered in Ficoll‐purified cells. The high esterase activity in the supernatant and the low esterase activity in the purified cells indicated the presence of many broken cells. Testosterone production by cells prepared with the low shaking frequency could be stimulated 9‐fold by LH, whereas cells prepared with the high shaking frequency did not respond to LH. Cell preparations which could be stimulated with LH could also be stimulated (3‐fold) with NADPH, indicating the presence of damaged cells in addition to intact cells. The percentage of damaged cells in the preparations was estimated using an NADH‐dependent histochemical test for mitochondrial diaphorase activity, which shows activity when cell membranes are damaged. Using this criterion, it was found that about 30% of ficoll‐purified cells were damaged, whereas only 2% of cells which were pre‐incubated and attached to plastic appeared to be damaged. In***
Restricted entry of an anti‐rat epididymal protein IgG into the rat epididymis
Authors: Wong P. Y. D. , Tsang A. Y. F. , Fu W. O. , Lau H. K.
Published: May 2008

A rat epididymal protein (MW 32 000) was isolated and purified from the rat caudal epididymal fluid. Mono‐specific antiserum against this protein was raised in rabbits, purified and labelled with 125I. The labelled IgG was infused intravenously into anaesthetized male rats, and the transfer of the labelled IgG across the luminally perfused cauda epididymidis was studied. It was found that during the 2 h infusion period, radioactivity in blood rose, but no radioactivity could be detected in the perfusates, irrespective of whether the epididymis was perfused with Krebs bicarbonate solution or a solution which resembled the rat caudal fluid in ionic composition. In some experiments, rats were given a single intravenous injection of labelled IgG and radioactivity in the epididymal content was measured 10 days later. It was found that despite a high IgG level in blood and liver, no radioactivity could be detected in epididymal fluid and sperm. It is concluded that the blood‐epididymis barrier restricts the passage from blood to lumen, an immunologlobulin directed against an epididymal protein.
Effect of thyroxine treatment on epididymal carbohydrate metabolism in the pubertal rat
Authors: Pereira B. M. J. , Balasubramanian K. , Govindarajulu P.
Published: May 2008

The influence of thyroxine treatment on key enzymes involved in the glycolytic and HMP shunt pathways was studied in the caput, corpus and cauda epididymides of pubertal rats, and related to the serum hormone profile. The activity of 6‐phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase was significantly increased in all 3 segments of the epididymis, but the HMP shunt pathway was suppressed. Thyroxine treatment was found to depress the serum levels of testosterone, LH and FSH, although an increase in prolactin levels was observed. Withdrawal of hormone treatment resulted in the restoration of normal activity of 6‐phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase and restoration of normal serum hormone levels. However, the activity of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase increased following withdrawal of treatment. It is concluded that hyperthyroidism exerts an influence on epididymal enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
Influence of hypothyroidism on epididymal enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism Studies in pubertal and adult rats
Authors: Pereira Ben. M. J. , Balasubramanian K. , Govindarajulu P.
Published: May 2008

The influence of thyroidectomy on key epididymal enzymes of the Embden‐Meyerhof and pentose phosphate pathway have been studied in pubertal and adult animals in relation to the serum hormone profile. Age related differences in the response of epididymal segments were observed with respect to hexokinase activity, although the other 2 key enzymes of the Embden‐Meyerhof pathway (6‐PFK and PK) were suppressed in all regions of the epididymis in both pubertal and adult rats. The enzymes involved in the pentose phosphate pathway (G‐6‐PDH and 6‐PGDH) remained unaltered. The serum hormone profile revealed that while FSH and testosterone titres were reduced, LH and Prl were unaltered. Replacement of T4 in thyroidectomized animals maintained serum hormone levels and the activities of the enzymes studied at control levels. It is inferred that thyroid hormones may be one part of a complex mechanism that controls carbohydrate metabolism in the epididymis.
Testosterone supplementation attenuates the antifertility effects of an LHRH agonist in male rhesus monkeys
Authors: Akhtar F. Bint , Marshall G. R. , Nieschlag E.
Published: May 2008

Continuous administration of LHRH agonists in high doses disrupts pituitary and testicular function, thus providing an approach to male fertility control. However, testosterone supplementation is required to prevent the side effects associated with low androgen concentrations resulting from chronic LHRH agonist treatment. Three adult male rhesus monkeys were treated with the LHRH agonist, Buserelin, using osmotic minipumps implanted subcutaneously. Testosterone was administered simultaneously via Silastic capsules. This combined treatment led to a marked decrease in testicular volume, and all animals were oligospermic within 8–15 weeks of treatment. Azoospermia was, however, not achieved even after 22 weeks of treatment although in a previous study in which the LHRH agonist had been administered alone, azoospermia had been achieved after 8–10 weeks. It is concluded that in this primate species testosterone supplementation attenuates the suppressive effects of LHRH agonist infusion on spermatogenesis.
Stage‐dependent topographical relationship of spermatogonia and early spermatocytes to Sertoli‐Sertoli interspaces in the rat testis
Authors: Ulvik Nils Magnus
Published: May 2008

In the rat seminiferous epithelium the Sertoli‐Sertoli interspaces can be regarded as ending at the surface of basal germ cells as well as at the basement membrane. The relationship between these basal endings (BEs) of the Sertoli‐Sertoli interspaces and the basal germ cells was examined using the electron microscope. The number of BEs in a given area of the seminiferous epithelium was counted and found to be constant throughout the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Undifferentiated spermatogonia had contact with very few BEs while differentiating type A spermatogonia at stage VII and later during the cycle seemed to be associated with a maximum of BEs. As type A spermatogonia developed to intermediate spermatogonia, type B spermatogonia, and preleptotene spermatocytes, the average number of BEs per cell decreased exponentially. Thin, fingerlike cell projections emerged from the differentiating type A and intermediate spermatogonia along the basement membrane. These projections were associated with BEs. It is concluded that a specific stage‐dependent topographical arrangement is established between Sertoli cells and germ cells long before the first synchronous division of type A spermatogonia takes place. The significance of this arrangement is discussed.
The morphology of the human undescended testis with special reference to the Sertoli cell and puberty
Authors: Läckgren Göran , Plöen Leif
Published: May 2008

The morphology of the undescended testis was studied in 50 boys aged 1–15 years. A low mean number of spermatogonia was found, but there were marked differences between the boys, some having high numbers whereas others were devoid of spermatogonia. Most Sertoli cells did not undergo normal maturation during pubery, but instead seemed to proliferate at a slow rate. It is concluded that treatment of undescended testes should be performed during the prepubertal period. It is also suggested that some undescended testes have a primary defect whereas others are damaged during the onset of puberty.
Haemodialysis and testicular function
Authors: de Vries C. P. , Gooren L. J. G. , Oe P. L.
Published: May 2008

Gonadal dysfunction in men with chronic renal failure is well established. However, the effect of haemodialysis on the function of the testis has not been studied in detail, so we have investigated the effect of haemodialysis by measuring the plasma levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, SHBG binding capacity and salivary levels of testosterone. Plasma levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and salivary testosterone levels were significantly lower in patients on haemodialysis than in controls. There was also a reduction in 5α‐reductase activity as evidenced by a reduced 5α DHT/T ratio. SHBG levels were comparable to those found in eugonadal men. No differences were found in the parameters studied before and after 6 h haemodialysis. It is concluded that haemodialysis is not of obvious benefit to gonadal function.
Lamellar germ cell processes: structures for possible interaction between germs cells and Sertoli cells during spermatogonial differentiation and early meiotic prophase
Authors: Ulvik Nils Magnus
Published: May 2008

The recent finding of a stage‐dependent topographical relationship of basally located germ cells to Sertoli‐Sertoli interspaces in the rat testis (Ulvik 1983a) has suggested a focal interaction between Sertoli cells and early germ cells at the sites where 2 Sertoli cells meet over a basal germ cell. Focal, stage‐dependent interaction between Sertoli cells and germ cells may require specializations of the germ cell membrane. Therefore, in the present work the surface of spermatogonia and spermatocytes has been studied under the electron microscope throughout the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Lamellar processes, 1–3 μm long, were found to emerge from germ cells and protrude into the spaces between the overlying Sertoli cells. The processes appeared on differentiating type A spermatogonia after stage VI, on intermediate and type B spermatogonia, and on leptotene, zygotene, and early pachytene spermatocytes; however, they were not found on type A spermatogonia prior to stage VII or on preleptotene spermatocytes at stage VII. The lamellar processes are thus stage‐specific and may be sites of focal interaction with the Sertoli cells. Since the cell processes always protrude into the Sertoli‐Sertoli interspaces this finding supports the hypothesis of focal, stage‐dependent interaction between early germ cells and Sertoli cells via the narrow Sertoli‐Sertoli interspaces.
The blood‐testis barrier in sterile blue fox ‐ silver fox hybrids compared with that in normal foxes of both species
Authors: Berg Kjell Andersen
Published: May 2008

The integrity of the blood‐testis barrier in the blue fox, the silver fox and hybrids of these 2 species was compared at the ultrastructural level during the breading season by use of a lanthanum penetration technique. In the normal blue and silver fox, penetration of the tracer was blocked at the level of the inter‐Sertoli cell junctions, whereas these junctions were permeable in the hybrids, permitting penetration of lanthanum into the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. Spermatogenesis in the hybrids was found to be arrested at the early pachytene stage of meiotic prophase. The observed permeability of the inter‐Sertoli cell contacts in the hybrids indicates a lack of occluding junctions, and this may be partly the cause of the sterility in these animals.
The role of citrate in determining the activity of calcium ions in human semen
Authors: Ford W. C. L. , Harrison Anne
Published: May 2008

The concentrations of calcium and citrate in 52 samples of human semen obtained from 10 donors were 11.07 ± 0.41 (mean ± SEM) and 27.2 ± 1.62 mM, respectively, and were strongly correlated (r =+ 0.79). The pH of the semen was 7.65 ± 0.069. All 3 parameters varied significantly between the donors (P < 0.001 in each case), but the activity of calcium ions measured with a calcium electrode was 0.24 ± 0.022 mM (n = 45) and did not vary significantly between donors. The expected activity of calcium ions was calculated on the hypothesis that the chelation of calcium by citrate could explain the discrepancy between the concentration and the activity of the ion. The result was 0.57 ± 0.043 mM (n = 52). It was concluded that chelation by citrate could be the most important factor in determining the low activity of Ca++ in semen.