bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gonadal function in male heroin and methadone addicts
Authors: RAGNI G. , de LAURETIS LUCIANA , BESTETTI ORNELLA , SGHEDONI DONATELLA , ARO V. G AMB 
Published: May 2008

SummaryGonadal function was elevated in 80 male heroin and/or methadone addicts by measuring basal plasma levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL) and testosterone. In 41 subjects semen analyses were also undertaken. Three groups were distinguished consisting of 15 heroin addicts, 42 undergoing methadone treatment but continuing to take heroin, and 23 taking only methadone. All patients had normal plasma levels of FSH, LH and testosterone. Prolactin levels were normal in all subjects except for the 15 heroin addicts, in whom they were significantly higher than in controls (P < 0.025). Semen analyses from all of the heroin addicts and from the dual heroin‐methadone users were abnormal, whereas only 10 out of 22 (45%) of the methadone takers were pathological. In all cases asthenospermia was one of the abnormalities (100%). Twenty‐four per cent also showed teratospermia and hypospermia and 17% showed oligozoospermia. Such seminal pathology, especially of forward motility, even in combination with normal hormone levels, might be an early indication of heroin toxicity to the male reproductive tract.
Effect of simulated orchiopexy on spermatogenesis in the dog
Authors: BAUMANS V. , SCHOORL M. , DIJKSTRA G. , WENSING C. J. G. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe poor fertility after orchiopexy can be due either to the previously prolonged high abdominal temperature, to surgical trauma or to congenitally malformed or dissociated testis and epididymis. In order to test whether manipulation of the testis and the spermatic cord in juvenile dogs causes damage to the seminiferous epithelium after puberty, orchiopexy was performed stepwise in 31 normal young dogs. In four dogs, in which traction to the proper testis ligament or biopsy was carried out, a significantly lower relative testis weight was found, together with impaired differentiation of the seminiferous epithelium. From these experiments it was clear that surgical procedures in the inguinal and scrotal region do not necessarily affect the development of the seminiferous epithelium in the dog. However, trauma to the vaginal tunic seemed to be crucial, causing damage to the differentiation of the seminiferous epithelium.
Effects of androgens, prolactin and bromocriptine on seminal vesicular enzymes of the pyruvate malate cycle involved in lipogenesis in castrated mature monkeys, Macaca radiata
Authors: ARUNAKARAN J. , BALASUBRAMANIAN K. , SRINIVASAN N. , ARULDHAS M. M. , GOVINDARAJULU P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe interaction of androgens and prolactin, the major factors regulating the male accessory sex organs, on the specific activity of seminal vesicular enzymes of the pyruvate/malate cycle were studied in castrated mature monkeys. Castration decreased the activity of these enzymes, including NADP+ isocitrate dehydroge‐nase, ATP citrate lyase, malate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase. Testosterone propionate (TP)/dihydrotestosterone given as replacement to castrates increased the activity of all these enzymes, except for malate dehydrogenase. Prolactin restored normal activity of ATP citrate lyase, malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase but not of isocitrate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase (MDH). Prolactin had a specific control over MDH. Moroever, when prolactin was combined with androgens a further stimulatory influence was observed on fatty acid synthase activity. In order to prove the direct influence of prolactin on enzymes of the pyruvate/malate cycle, bromocriptine was administered and this inhibited all of the enzymes. Thus prolactin was found to have a direct, as well as a synergistic, action with androgens on enzymes of the pyruvate/malate cycle in the seminal vesicles of monkeys.
Sperm loss in the urine of sexually rested men
Authors: BARRATT C. L. R. , COOKE I. D. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryIn the majority of species, the number of spermatozoa ejaculated is considerably less than the number of sperm produced. Two possible explanations for this discrepancy are the resorption of sperm in the reproductive tract and/or the passage of sperm to the urine. We have examined 24‐h urine samples from fertile men who abstained from sexual activity for up to 13 days. Very few sperm were found in the 24‐h urine samples. We conclude that sperm loss in the urine is not a significant pathway of sperm disposal in the sexually rested male.
Validation of a single‐step procedure for the objective assessment of sperm motility characteristics
Authors: HINTING A. , SCHOONJANS F. , COMHAIRE F. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA relatively cheap method is described for the objective assessment of sperm concentration and motility characteristics. The method uses a digitizing tablet with cursor, a micro‐computer and a phase‐contrast or dark‐field microscope equipped with a drawing tube. With this technique the following are accurately assessed: sperm concentration, percentage motility, motility grading, concentration of grade a motile spermatozoa, sperm velocity, linear velocity, linearity and angularity. The data are acquired in less than 5 min. Validation studies reveal this method to be accurate, reproducible (coefficient of variation of motility characteristics = <7%) and clinically useful.
Hormone levels in male ice hockey players during a 26‐hour cup tournament
Authors: TEGELMAN R. , CARLSTRÖM K. , POUSETTE Å. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryPituitary, adrenal and testicular hormones and steroid‐binding proteins were analyses in 15 active ice hockey players and in 16 spectators, matched for physical fitness, during a 26‐hcup tournament including three matches. Diurnal variations were noted for all compounds except FSH and SHBG. The levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), 4‐androstene‐3, 17‐dione (A‐4) and prolactin increased in players but not in spectators following the matches played in the afternoons, but not following the match played in the morning. Albumin and DHA sulphate (DHAS) levels increased in players following all three matches and SHBG levels increased slightly in players following the afternoon matches, all probably due to haemoconcentration. DHAS and albumin showed simultaneous diurnal variations with a nadir in the morning. 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP) and total and non‐SHBG‐bound testosterone showed similar diurnal patterns in spectators, with maximum levels in the morning. Levels of 17‐OHP were largely unaffected by physical stress, while the morning maximum for total and non‐SHBG‐bound testosterone was completely abolished in players. Minor or insignificant changes were noted for LH and FSH. While the changes in unconjugated adrenal steroids (cortisol, DHA and A‐4) reflect changes in acute ACTH stimulation, changes in albumin binding may be more important for the short‐term variations in levels of DHAS. The influence of physical stress upon the pattern of testosterone may be mediated mainly by inhibition of testicular steroidogenesis by elevated cortisol and/or prolactin levels, rather than by decreased gonadotrophic stimulation or by alterations in binding to SHBG.
Effects of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analogs on cis‐platinum‐induced spermatogenic damage
Authors: HANDELSMAN D. J. , PENG SUSIE , SIKKA SURESH , SWERDLOFF R. S. , RAJFER J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryIn order to test the hypothesis that pretreatment with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs might ameliorate cytotoxic drug‐induced testicular damage, mature male Wistar rats were pretreated for 2 weeks with a GnRH superactive agonist or a pure GnRH antagonist prior to, and for 1 week after, a 5 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of cis‐platinum. Despite inhibition of testicular function by both GnRH analogs prior to cis‐platinum administration, there was no evidence of protection or enhanced recovery of spermatogenesis at 6 and 12 weeks after cis‐platinum treatment, and spermatogenesis was significantly further depressed at both time‐points by both GnRH agonist and antagonist pretreatment. This suggests that pretreatment with GnRH analogs in the rat does not protect spermatogenesis from cis‐platinum‐induced testicular damage within up to two spermatogenic cycles and that hypogonadism at the time of cytotoxic drug treatments may aggravate testicular damage.
Treatment with an LHRH agonist or hCG increases interstitial fluid volume and permeability to Evans blue in the mouse testis
Authors: BERGH A. , DAMBER J. E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTreatment of adult mice with 1 μg of an LHRH‐agonist or with 5 i.u. hCG, subcutaneously, resulted in an increase in the permeability to intravenously injected Evans blue into the testicular interstitial space and in the volume of testicular interstitial fluid. These changes are probably related to an increase in vascular permeability but, in contrast to the situation in rats, this was accompanied neither by an accumulation of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in testicular blood vessels nor by the formation of large inter‐endothelial cell gaps in postcapillary venules. The mechanisms mediating the gonadotrophin‐induced increase in vascular permeability in the mouse testis thus remain unknown.
A modification of testicular biopsy reporting
Authors: FIDAS‐KAMINI A. , BUSUTTIL A. , HARGREAVE T. B. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA modified method has been devised which enables the pathologist to evaluate more efficiently the seminiferous tubules and to present a more detailed histological report on testicular biopsies in patients investigated for infertility. This basically involves the production of a diagrammatic representation of the actual biopsy onto a specifically designed reporting form: a detachable prismatic arm attached to an ordinary light microscope enables the pathologist to transfer an actual outline of each of the seminiferous tubules contained in the biopsy onto this form. The seminiferous epithelium and Leydig cells are scored using the method of Johnsen. This method was evaluated using 20 consecutive biopsies. Skill in its usage was quickly acquired and it has been found to be a more clinically acceptable way of histopathological reporting, further facilitating standardization and inter‐laboratory comparison.
Monoclonal antibody labelling of human spermatozoa: an electron microscope study
Authors: HUNEAU D. , VILLARROYA S. , SCHOLLER R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe antigenic determinants recognized by six anti‐human sperm monoclonal antibodies were localized at the subcellular level using an indirect peroxidase immu‐noelectron microscopic method. Labelling was performed using fresh spermatozoa, and after cell permeabilization (by osmotic shock or freeze‐thawing) or detergent demembranation. Two antibodies bound to distinct regions of the plasma membrane, one over the acrosome and the other on the tail, but both also bound to intracellular sites on damaged cells. The internal organelles labelled by the other four antibodies were identified as the acrosomal membrane of the equatorial segment, structures in the connective piece, mitochondrial membranes and axon‐emal microtubules, respectively. These results are compared with those of a previous immunofluorescence study (Villarroya & Scholler, 1986) and the advantages of joint light and electron microscopy for sperm immunocytochemistry are discussed.
Evaluation of the direct and indirect mixed antiglobulin reaction with latex particles for the diagnosis of immunological infertility
Authors: COMHAIRE F. H. , HINTING A. , VERMEULEN L. , SCHOONJANS F. , GOETHALS I. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe direct Mixed Antiglobulin Reaction (MAR test) is a simple method for the detection of auto‐antibodies attached to spermatozoa in fresh semen. The test was improved by using IgG‐coated latex particles (SpermMAR) instead of coated red blood cells. A positive direct MAR test with adherence of latex particles to 40% or more of the motile spermatozoa was found in 16 out of 312 men (5%) consulting for infertility, but never in fertile controls. The percentage of motile spermatozoa reacting with the coated latex particles was correlated significantly with the serum titre of sperm agglutinins assessed by the tray agglutination test. The direct MAR test on semen was highly specific but rather insensitive, particularly if the serum titre of agglutinins was low. The same kit (SpermMAR) can be used to detect circulating sperm antibodies in serum of male or female patients with the indirect mixed antiglobulin reaction. The indirect MAR test discriminated clearly between serum with low (< 1/32) or high (> 1/32) titres of circulating agglutinins assessed by the tray agglutination test. Considering their simplicity and accuracy, both the direct test on semen and the indirect spermMAR test on serum should be included in the routine evaluation of the infertile couple.
A prognostic score for subfertile men based on anamnestic data and semen variables
Authors: ABRAMSSON L. , DUCHEK M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryOver a 4‐year period, 259 men were investigated for primary (86%) or secondary (14%) infertility. Some 3–5 years after the initial investigation, 200 of these men were followed up and the conception rate of their partners assessed. Their age at investigation, total testicular volume, sperm density, sperm motility, percentage morphologically normal sperm and the duration of infertility all gave information about the prospects of conception. A stepwise discriminant analysis showed that the age of the men at investigation, sperm density, sperm motility and the duration of infertility all had a strong discriminant bearing on future conception. A score based on these four variables for the estimation of prognosis in ‘subfertile’ men has been devised and would seem to be clinically useful.
Influence of epididymal maturation on cyclic AMP levels in hamster spermatozoa
Authors: WHITE D. R. , AITKEN R. J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryWhilst in their native epididymal fluid, sperm from the caput epididymis of the rat and hamster contain significantly (P < 0.01) greater amounts of cAMP than do sperm from the cauda epididymis. The cAMP levels in both cell types from these species underwent a rapid increase concomitant with dilution to a density of 20 × 106/ml. Further analyses in the hamster indicated that this increase was calcium‐dependent, and could be enhanced by treatment with the calmodulin antagonist, calmidazolium. Dilution of hamster sperm to a concentration of 1 × 106/ml was not associated with a rapid rise in cAMP levels. This effect was shown to be due to the dilution of a component in epididymal plasma. When incubated at this lower density, the cAMP content of hamster caput sperm remained low over a 3 h period, whilst similarly treated caudal sperm exhibited a progressive rise in cAMP levels. Thus, in contrast to other species, cAMP does not appear to play a pivotal role in acquisition of the capacity for movement during epididymal maturation in the rat and hamster. However, this nucleotide may be involved in the post‐ejaculatory modifications of motility which accompany the terminal stages of capacitation.
Identification and characterization of arginine vasopressin receptors in the clonal murine Leydig‐derived TM3 cell line
Authors: MAGGI M. , MORRIS PATRICIA L. , KASSIS S. , RODBARD D. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySpecific arginine vasopressin (AVP) binding sites were identified and characterized using Leydig cell membranes prepared from a clonal murine Leydig‐derived cell line, TM3. 3H‐AVP binding data analyses demonstrated that the radioligand binds to a high affinity, low capacity, homogeneous class of sites with a dissociation constant of 0.5 nM. Characterization of these AVP binding sites included competition studies. Displacement of 3H‐AVP binding with high affinity by unlabelled AVP, LVP and the V1 antagonist, d(CH2)sTyr(Me)AVP, indicated that the Leydig cell AVP receptor is of the V1 type. Furthermore, AVP did not increase adenylate cyclase activity in TM3 membranes, a finding consistent with the V1 type of AVP receptor. No competition with 3H‐AVP was found with the V2 agonist, dVDAVP, or the selective oxytocin agonist, [Thr4, Gly7]oxytocin. No specific binding for oxytocin was found in Leydig cell membranes. No specific binding for either 3H‐AVP or 3H‐oxytocin was observed in membranes prepared from the Sertoli cell line or peritubular cell line. These findings indicate that murine Leydig cells have specific AVP binding sites of the V1 type. These AVP sites are not coupled to the adenylate cyclase system.
True hermaphroditism with bilateral ovotestis: a case report
Authors: BERGMANN M. , SCHLEICHER G. , BÖCKER R. , NIESCHLAG E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA true hermaphrodite with a 46 XX/47 XXY karyotype, gynaecomastia, hypospadia and scrotal gonads was investigated. Gonadectomy performed at 14 years of age revealed bilateral ovotestes. The ovarian portion contained follicles of all developmental stages. The testicular portion was immature consisting of seminiferous cords with Sertoli cells at various steps of differentiation and few germ cells within massive aggregates of collagenous connective tissue. Leydig cells as well as germ cells remained in an embryonic stage of development. Sections of a differentiated Wolffian duct (ductuli efferentes, epididymis, vas deferens) as well as of a Müllerian duct (hypoplastic fallopian tube) were found adjacent to both gonads. Postoperative treatment consisted of androgen substitution therapy leading to progression of puberty.
Localization of lactoferrin in the male reproductive tract
Authors: WICHMANN L. , VAALASTI A. , VAALASTI T. , TUOHIMAA P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe immunohistochemical localization of lactoferrin in the normal human prostate, seminal vesicle, vas deferens, epididymis and testis was studied using the per‐oxidase‐antiperoxidase method at the light and electron microscopical level. Lactoferrin immunoreactivity was localized in the glandular epithelial cells and granulocytes in the prostate and seminal vesicle. In the prostate, lactoferrin showed an uneven distribution; some of the glands contained exclusively positive cells and others were completely lactoferrin netative, while the rest contained scattered positive cells. The seminal vesicles were divided into three segments, and their lactoferrin content varied significantly although it was always epithelial. The ductus deferens, epididymis and testis contained no lactoferrin. In conclusion, lactoferrin was found in the prostate and seminal vesicles, but not in the testis.
A simple spot test for the detection of fructose deficiency in semen
Authors: JUNGREIS E. , NECHAMA M. , PAZ G. , HOMONNAI T. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe concentration of fructose in seminal plasma is an important variable that should be measured in the assessment of fertility status. The current method requires the boiling of diluted seminal plasma with resorcinol. The present study offers a new two‐point spot test which uses the metol method. The results of analysis of 104 seminal plasma samples are in excellent correlation with the resorcinol method. The reported method is easy to use, inexpensive, and can be introduced into any laboratory.
Pulsatile LHRH therapy in patients with oligozoospermia and disturbed LH pulsatility
Authors: AULITZKY W. , FRICK J. , HADZISELIMOVIC F. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryPulsatile administration of LHRH can drive the pituitary to secrete LH and FSH in a pattern that closely mimics the physiological pattern of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis. As there is evidence that infertility in some men is due to dysfunction of this axis, 14 men with reported infertility of more than 2 years duration were treated by long‐term pulsatile LHRH therapy. They were 24–42 years of age, with variable degrees of oligozoospermia, elevated FSH levels but normal LH and testosterone levels. The number of endogenous LH pulsed/24 h was less than eight in all 14 subjects. The degree of testicular damage was assessed on semi‐thin sections prepared from biopsies of both testes. Scores for spermatogonia per seminiferous tubule (SPT) were calculated from the actual number of Ad‐spermatogonia/tubule. Patients were grouped according to sperm density and SPT score (groups I—III). Pulsatile LHRH therapy was administered by means of a portable infusion pump; 4 μg LHRH were administered subcutaneously every 120 min for a period of 6 months. This treatment restored the normal pattern of LH secretion to 12 LH pulsed/24 h in all patients. A statistically significant decrease of mean FSH levels to normal, and an increase of mean LH levels was observed in most of the 14 patients. Testosterone values did not change in any group. Marked improvement of the sperm count was observed in eight out of 14 patients (groups I and II) and three pregnancies were reported during the treatment periods. These results suggest that some states of male infertility are due to hormonal dysregulation and that these patients may benefit from pulsatile LHRH therapy.
Inhibin secretion is influenced by Ley dig cells: evidence from studies using the cytotoxin ethane dimethane sulphonate (EDS)
Authors: KRETSER D. M. DE , O'LEARY P. C. , IRBY D. C. , RISBRIDGER G. P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAdult male rats given a single intraperitoneal injection of the Leydig cell cytotoxin ethane dimethane sulphonate (EDS) show a significant decrease in testosterone from 7 to 14 days, and elevation of serum FSH and LH levels commencing 7 days after treatment, returning to normal at 28 days for LH and 49 days for FSH. A significant rise in serum inhibin levels was seen at day 14 after EDS treatment with levels returning to normal at day 49. In a second series of experiments, silastic implants of testosterone, either 2.5 cm or 22.5 cm in length, were introduced subcutaneously into adult male rats which were treated with EDS 10 days later. Both doses of testosterone suppressed basal LH levels but did not significantly change FSH levels. The rise in FSH and LH levels seen in normal rats after EDS treatment did not occur in either group of testosterone‐implanted rats. However, serum inhibin levels rose significantly in both groups after EDS treatment, suggesting that the rise in serum inhibin levels was not due to stimulation arising from the increase in FSH levels after EDS treatment. The data suggest that the rise in serum inhibin levels after EDS treatment is linked to destruction of the Leydig cells through mechanisms that require further investigation.