bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hormonal Milieu of the Seminiferous Tubules in the Normal and Cryptorchid Rat
Authors: Hagenäs L. , Ritzén E. M. , Suginami H. 
Published: May 2008

The intratesticular concentration of androgens seems to be of more importance for normal spermatogenesis than the concentration of androgens in the peripheral blood.Therefore, the levels of testosterone, 5α ‐ dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstenedione and FSH in the interstitial fluid of the rat testis were determined by radioimmunoassay. The following concentrations were obtained from the interstitial fluid of normal rats and from rats cryptorchid between 60 and 90 days of age: Testosterone 137 ± 25 (mean ± SEM) and 271 ± 34 ng/ml, DHT 11 ± 2 and 22 ± 5 ng/ml, androstenedione 8 ± 2 and 20 ± 4 ng/ml, respectively. The sum of testosterone and DHT in serum did not differ in the two groups. Serum FSH concentrations were significantly increased in the cryptorchid rats (942 ± 73 ng/ml) as compared to the control rats (600 ± 38 ng/ml). These elevated levels were also found in the testicular interstitial fluid (425 ± 33 ng/ml in controls, 641 ± 43 ng/ml in cryptorchid rats). It is thus evident that in the cryptorchid rat, both FSH and androgens are available to the seminiferouse tubules in significantly elevated amounts. Since these are the only hormones which are known to be of importance in spermatogenesis, the impaired Sertoli cell function and depletion of germinal cells in cryptorchidism is not due to an absolute shortage of stimulatory hormones.
Autoradiographic Study of the [3H] Carnitine Distribution in Rat Epididymis
Authors: Bøhmer T. , Sar M. , Stumpf W. E. , Hansson V. 
Published: May 2008

The distribution of [3H] carnitine in the epididymis has been studied by autoradiography 93 hours after injection of [3H]deoxycarnitine into intact, hemicastrated or hypophysectomized rats. In the intact animals, radioactivity is concentrated in the lumen of the caput and corpus with only a small amount observed in the caudal portion of the epididymis. In the hemicastrated rat, devoid of spermatozoa, the amount of radioactivity in the lumen of the caput and the cauda portions are lower than in the intact rats but still greater compared to the epididymal cells. In hypophysectomized rats the luminal labelling is much reduced. In contrast to the epididymis, the amount of radioactivity is low and evenly distributed in the heart from intact, hemicastrated and hypophysectomized rats and in the pituitary from intact and hemicastrated animals. The great reduction in luminal labelling after hypophysectomy emphasizes the hormonal dependence of the carnitine concentrating mechanism. These findings indicate that carnitine initially is concentrated in the caput and corpus portion of the epididymis. This intraluminal carnitine is subsequently transported into the caudal segment.The evidence strongly supports the existence of a hormonal dependent carnitine concentrating mechanism localized on the luminal side of the epithelium in epididymis.
Testosterone Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in the Male Dog
Authors: Vincent Douglas L. , Kepic Theresa A. , Lathrop James C. , Falvo Richard E. 
Published: May 2008

In the first experiment, plasma levels of testosterone (T) and LH were determined in male mongrel dogs following castration. Blood samples were collected every 4 h for 48 h and daily from days 3–12 post‐castration. Plasma T concentrations became undetectable by 8 h post‐castration, and remained undetectable until the end of the study. Plasma LH concentrations were undetectable for 16–20 h post‐castration, but increased to 4.5 ng/ml by 24 h. By 48 h, post‐castration, the LH reached 12.5 ng/ml, similar to levels reported previously in the castrated male dog.In a second experiment, studies were carried out to determine the effect of various numbers of T‐filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDS) capsules on plasma concentrations of T and LH in castrated male dogs. Dogs were implanted with either 1 empty PDS capsule or 1, 3, or 5 T‐filled PDS capsules. Blood samples were collected daily prior to implantation, following implantation, following castration, with capsules left in situ and following capsule removal. Replacement of T, using one T‐filled capsule, did not prevent the post‐castration rise of LH. Replacement of T. using 3 and 5 T‐filled capsules, maintained intact concentrations of both LH and T in castrated dogs. Removal of capsules from castrated dogs resulted in hypersecretion of LH similar to that observed in the first experiment. These studies indicate that T replacement within physiological limits will maintain LH in the castrated male dog at concentrations similar to those observed in the intact, untreated animal.
Inhibition of Glucose Catabolism in Rat, Hamster, Rhesus Monkey and Human Spermatozoa by α‐Chlorohydrin
Authors: Ford W. C. L. , Harrison Anne , Takkar G. L. , Waites G. M. H. 
Published: May 2008

Spermatozoa from the cauda epididymidis of rats treated with RS‐α‐chlorohydrin (10 mg/kg/day p. o. × 7) had the same ATP content as control spermatozoa immediately after collection, but were unable to metabolize glucose in vitro and so their ATP content declined more rapidly than that of control spermatozoa.The in vitro metabolism of glucose by spermatozoa from rat, hamster, rhesus monkey and human was inhibited by 80% or more after 15–30 min preincubation in the presence of RS‐α‐chlorohydrin concentrations of < 1, > 10, 5–10 and > 50 mM, respectively. Inhibition of glucose oxidation was correlated with a reduction in ATP concentration in the spermatozoa.These data support the hypothesis that α‐chlorohydrin acts as an antifer‐tility agent by inhibition of sperm glycolysis but suggest that RS‐α‐chlorohydrin would not be an effective contraceptive in man. However, the glucose metabolism of human spermatozoa was significantly inhibited by < 10 mM of the S‐enantiomer of α‐chlorohydrin.
Emission of Spermatozoa Age of Onset
Authors: Hirsch M. , Shemesh J. , Modan M. , Lunenfeld B. 
Published: May 2008

The determination of the age at which the first release of spermatoza takes place in boys – spermarche, has been hampered by social and ethical considerations. Based on observation by Baldwin (1928) that spermatozoa can be detected in urine specimen after emission of spermatozoa, we conducted a cross sectional study on 429 Israeli school boys aged 11–16, in order to estimate the age of spermarche.Based on the collection of at least three consecutive urine samples from most of the boys, the median age of spermarche was estimated to be 14.5. These findings confirm previous assumption based on retrospective questionnaires and correlate well with histological findings at the age of onset spermatogenesis.Among the boys with spermaturia the frequency of positive findings was one out of the two days in the age group of 12 years while it was one out of three days in the 15–16 year old older boys, with an intermediate frequency in the 13 years old.
Actions of Androgens on the Kidney of Female Mice: Strain Differences in the DNA and β‐Glucuronidase Responses
Authors: Mills Nathaniel C. , Mills Teresa M. , Yurkiewicz William J. , Bardin C. Wayne 
Published: May 2008

The anabolic effects of testosterone on kidneys from two strains of female mice were studied over a course of 25 days. The A/J and C57BL/6J strains were selected because they carry regulatory alleles Gura and Gurb which determine rapid and slow induction of β‐glucuronidase, respectively. (A major goal of this study was to determine whether these mouse strains have other differences in their responses to testosterone). The wet weight, dry weight and total protein content of the kidneys of both strains increased about 70% in both strains. Total RNA increased 112% and 93% in a biphasic manner in the A/J and C57BL/6J mouse strains, respectively. The steep slope during the first 5 to 7 days was attributed to a selective stimulation of RNA accumulation while the latter, less rapid, RNA increase occurred in parallel with tissue growth. The total DNA content of kidneys from testosterone treated A/J mice never increased above that of controls, indicating that hypertrophy could account for renal enlargement in this strain. By contrast, testosterone treatment produced a 24% increase in total kidney DNA in C57BL/6J mice, signifying that both hypertrophy and hyperplasia are important factors in the anabolic response of this strain. These observations indicated another difference in the androgen induced response of A/J and C57BL/6J mice.As a consequence of the testosterone stimulated increase in renal β‐glucu‐ronidase synthesis, the excretion of the lysosomal form of the enzyme into the urine increased 2200‐fold in A/J but only 57‐fold in C57BLIGJ. The total enzyme activity excretedidayimouse was only 4 times higher in A/J versus C57BLi6J with the differences reflecting the basal activity which was 10‐fold higher in C57BLIGJ mice. The basal excretion of another lysosomal enzyme, β‐galactosidase, was also several fold higher in C57BL/6J, suggesting that lysosomes in those animals are either larger or their contents are excreted at a faster rate.
Direct Effects of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on Testes: Possible Mechanisms Examined by Testicular Perfusion
Authors: Worgul T. , Baker H. W. G. , Murray F. T. , Jefferson L. S. , Bardin C. W. 
Published: May 2008

The uptake of 3H‐testosterone by the nuclear androgen receptor of rat testis was studied using a perfusion system which was adapted for the simultaneous perfusion of 8 testes. Following perfusion with 3H‐testosterone, the major nuclear steroid in the testis of hypophysectomized rats was testosterone rather than one of its 5α‐metabolites. The accumulation of 3H‐testosterone in testicular nuclei was saturable, inhibited by perfusion with excess testosterone or 4 progestins (including medroxyprogesterone acetate, MPA) which are known to bind to the androgen receptor. Saturation of testicular androgen receptors with 3H‐MPA could not be demonstrated due to the high non‐specific binding of this non‐polar steroid. However, specific binding of 3H‐MPA was demonstrated by fractionation of salt‐extractable testicular nuclear receptor on sucrose gradients.Perfused rat testes were also used to examine the direct effects of MPA on testosterone secretion. When testes were perfused with MPA, 20 μg/ml (but not 1 μg/ml) both basal and hCG induced testosterone secretion were inhibited 30 % and 60 %, respectively. In conclusion, MPA could exert a direct effect on testis via the androgen receptor as it docs in other androgen responsive tissues. Another direct effect of this progestin on the testis could be by inhibiting testosterone secretion. 7his response requires high levels of MPA in the perfusion medium suggesting that this might be a pharmacological effect of this pregestin.
Studies on Regional Fine Structure and Function in the Rabbit Epididymis
Authors: Nicander Lennart , Plöen Leif 
Published: May 2008

The regional fine structure of principal cells in the rabbit epididymal duct is described. Pinocytotic markers and enzyme cytochemistry were used to study pinocytotic mechanisms. Three main segments were defined. The initial segment showed selective micropinocytosis with transfer of surface membrane into large multivesicular bodies. The middle segment showed profuse pinocytosis of opaque material in the lumen and of the pinocytotic markers, and abundant lysosomes. The terminal segment showed some micropinocytosis only with small multivesicular bodies. Iron dextrin only was taken up.There was some evidence of micro‐merocrine protein secretion in the initial segment, but most of the lumenal materials was taken up again in the proximal part of the middle segment. Small vacuoles appeared to form from the Golgi complex in the other segments, too. The possibility is suggested that these vacuoles may represent merocrine secretory vacuoles in all principal cells of the epididymis.Morphological sperm maturation is completed in the proximal half of the middle segment, functional maturation in the proximal third of the terminal segment.
Survey of 185 Sperm Analyses of Fertile Men in an Infertility Service
Authors: Bahamondes Luis , Abdelmassih Roger , Dachs J. Norberto 
Published: May 2008

This paper presents the results of the last spermiogram of 185 men who cousulted because of infertility and whose wives became pregnant by natural means. The mean lapse of time between the spermiogram and the last menstrual period was 4.5 months.Volume, sperm count, motility at 2, 4 and 24 h, morphology, fructose, acid phosphatase and semen culture are described. The results are compared with those of other publications.
Bacterial Flora in Semen before and after Doxycycline Treatment of Infertile Couples
Authors: Moberg Peter J. , Eneroth Peter , Ljung Åsa , Nord Carl‐Erik 
Published: May 2008

A group of men under investigation for infertility have been studied with regard to findings of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in their ejaculates before and after medication. The group consisted of 27 men who received doxycycline concomitantly with their partners according to a fixed treatment schedule. Prior to medication 23 men delivered ejaculates which demonstrated bacterial growth. A total of 53 isolates were obtained. Following doxycycline treatment a significant number of men had a reduction in the number of isolates. The reduction was mainly confined to peptococci and propionibacteria.Of the 9 men whose partners subsequently conceived, 6 harboured peptococci and/or propionibacteria in their semen before but not after treatment. It is concluded that these results warrant more extensive studies of the possible part played by peptococci and propionibacteria in genital‐tract infections in the male partners of infertile unions.
Seasonality in Endocrine and Exocrine Testicular Function of the Adult Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta) Maintained in a Controlled Laboratory Environment
Authors: Wickings E. Jean , Nieschlag E. 
Published: May 2008

Testicular exocrine and endocrine function was monitored in adult male rhesus monkeys maintained for up to 4 years in a controlled environment isolated from seasonal changes in light, humidity and temperature and from female animals.Marked circannual variations were found in both functions. Spermatogenesis and exocrine function were maximal in the autumn and winter months as indicated by histological studies and the measurement of testicular volume, frequency of spontaneous and provoked ejaculations and in sperm output. The serum level and metabolic clearance rate and production rate of testosterone were also maximal during this period as were the serum concentrations of dihydrotestosterone, cortisol and biologically active luteinizing hormone. By contrast the serum prolactin and dehydroepiandrosterone levels showed an inverse pattern, achieving their highest levels in spring, during the period of reduced testicular function.Since such marked circannual variations in testicular and pituitary functions persist in monkeys isolated from external environmental influences, the existence of an inherent regulatory mechanism can be postulated. Such distinct variations in testicular function must be taken into consideration when using the male rhesus monkey as an experimental model for human reproductive function.
Correlations between the Quantitative Morphology of the Human Testis and Sperm Production The Testis of Healthy Men with Normal Sperm Counts
Authors: van Dop P. A. , Kurver P. H. J. , Scholtmeijer R. J. , Baak J. P. A. , Oort J. , Stolte L. A. M. 
Published: May 2008

Stereology was used as a morphometric method to study the testicular biopsies of 8 healthy volunteers with a proven fertility and normal sperm counts.The geometrical mean of the sperm density and total sperm count of 2 semen samples were correlated with the measured and calculated stereological parameters. The volume density of the germinal cell nuclei (r= 0.72) and the intra‐tubular tissue volume density (r= 0.81) were significantly correlated with the sperm density. A significant correlation was demonstrated between the total sperm count and the volume density of the germinal cell nuclei (r= 0.71) and the volume density of the Leydig cells (r=–0.70).Using stepwise multiple regression analysis the prediction of the observed variance of the log sperm density was feasible (r= 0.996; P= 0.0007) with 4 stereological parameters: the volume density of the germinal cell nuclei (positive correlation), the volume density of the tubular wall (negative correlation), the volume density of the Leydig cells (negative correlation) and the tubular surface density (positive correlation).The observed variance of the log total sperm count was predicted (r= 0.96; P= 0.003) with 3 stereological parameters: the volume density of the germinal cell nuclei (positive correlation), the volume density of the Leydig cells (negative correlation) and the volume density of the blood vessels (negative correlation).
Regional Differences in Steroidogenesis and Hormone Levels in the Epididymis and Vas Deferens of Adult Rats
Authors: Kumari G. L. , Allag I. S. , Das R. P. , Datta J. K. 
Published: May 2008

In vivo and in vitro studies with different parts of the epididymis and vas deferens were carried out to determine their inherent capacity to synthesize steroids and to correlate with the endogenous levels with or without the administration of hCG.Incubation with 14C‐labelled pregnenolone and testosterone demonstrated that caput epididymidis was more active than other parts in synthesizing testosterone from 14C‐pregnenolone and in converting labelled testosterone to 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The cauda epididymidis and vas deferens accumulated more radioactivity in progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) than the caput epididymidis.The levels of DHT, testosterone and 4‐androstene‐3,17‐dione in the caput epididymidis were reduced after ligation of ipselateral efferent ductules indicating the testicular origin of these steroids. The cauda epididymidis and vas deferens had higher levels of progesterone as compared to the other regions of the epididymis, which were decreased after the ligation. Intravenous injection of hCG increased the levels of oestradiol‐17β in all tissues and markedly in the cauda epididymidis and vas deferens. The high levels of progesterone and oestradiol‐17β present in these organs may be of importance in maintaining fertilizing ability of spermatozoa stored in the cauda epididymidis and vas deferens and their transport.
Fine Structure of the Sertoli Cells of the Rat Testis in Experimental Unilateral Cryptorchidism
Authors: Aumüller G. , Hartmann K. , Giers U. , Schenck B. 
Published: May 2008

Mature rats were made unilaterally cryptorchid for 28 days. ABP concentrations of the abdominal epididymis were significantly reduced, indicating impaired secretory activity of the Sertoli cells.The FSH serum level was increased and testosterone levels both of the serum and of homogenates of the cryptorchid testis were slightly reduced. Sertoli cells of the cryptorchid testis showed signs of regression. Although Sertoli cell junctions were still impermeable to lanthanum, a reduction of membrane particles forming the Sertoli cell junctions was observed in freeze‐fracture replicas. In thin sections it was seen that the plasma membrane‐apposed cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum or the adjaacent microfilaments were partially lacking. No such changes were observed in the scrotal testis.
Varicocelectomy and Male Fertility: Comparison of Semen Quality and Recurrence of Varicocele Following Varicocelectomy by Two Techniques
Authors: Homonnai Z. T. , Fainman N. , Engelhard Y. , Rudberg Z. , David M. P. , Paz G. 
Published: May 2008

Two hundred thirty‐eight infertile men aged between 20 and 50 years suffering from left varicocele underwent high ligation of the internal spermatic vein. The patients were operated on using Ivanissevich technique IT (210 patients) or the Bernardi technique BT (28 patients). In the BT group recurrences were found in 7.1% as against 28% in the IT group. The low rate of recurrence found in the BT group might be due to the fact that the patients were under local anaesthesia and collaborated with the surgeon.Varicocelectomy was followed by significant improvement in sperm quality 3 to 9 months after operation. Improvement among the fertile men was more rapid than among the infertile men. Sperm concentration improved significantly in 50% of the cases. Sperm motility improved in 37% of the cases, while morphology improved only in 29% of the cases. Sperm vitality was identical in response to that of motility. Varioocelectomy did not cause any change in the seminal plasma constituents (volume. pH, fructose). Improvement in sperm quality was identical in the IT and BT groups, as was the impregnation rate. 94 couples reported pregnancies 39.5%), which occurred within 2 years after operation (12 ± 1.5 months mean ± SEM). No correlation was found between size of varicocele and improvement in sperm quality and fertilizing capacity.
The Effect of Chronic Administration of a Synthetic LH‐RH Analogue Intranasally in Cryptorchid Boys
Authors: Frick J. , Danner Ch. , Kunit G. , Galvan G. , Bernroider G. 
Published: May 2008

Eighteen boys with either unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism were treated with a synthetic LH‐RH analogue (“D‐Leu 6. Des‐Gly‐10 LH‐RH ethylamide”) intranasally. The peptide was dissolved in aqueous solution (25 μg in 0,2 ml) and administered in the form af nasal drops. The patients were divided in two groups: in group A, 50 μg of the synthetic LH‐RH analogue were administered intranasally every 48 h for 36 days; in group B same dose was given every 24 h. Additionally, in 4 cases a LH‐RH test prior the trial was performed with the same peptide. The nasal administration resulted in a fivefold increase of LH and of FSH plasma concentration in 30 min and in 60 min, respectively.The endocrine profiles for T, LH and FSH were studied in each group over the treatment period and in group B (same dose was given every 24 h) a significant decrease of the LH and FSH plasma levels could be found. The clinical effect of treatment was same in the both groups. In the whole material 44% had either unilateral or bilateral descent of the testis after the therapy.
Short Term Metabolic Effects of the Anti‐Fertility Agent, Gossypol, on Various Reproductive Organs of Male Mice
Authors: Coulson P. B. , Snell R. L. , Parise C. 
Published: May 2008

In order to evaluate the short term metabolic effects of gossypol on the testes as well as any possible effects on the secondary sex organs, Balb C mice were injected subcutaneously with various doses of gossypol (0.25‐25.0 mg/kg body weight) in corn oil for 10 days. Wet weights of several different secondary sex reproductive organs decreased during gossypol treatment. However, wet weights of the testes during treatment remained equal to or greater than control values. Following 10 days of gossypol treatment, incorporation of [3H]thymidine or [3H]amino acids into trichloroacetic acid precipitable macromolecules was inhibited in the seminal vesicles and ventral prostates normalized to either DNA or wet weight. Treatment with gossypol also had an inhibitory effect on epididymal sperm count at the two highest doses.These results demonstrate that gossypol will decrease sperm count at high dose levels after treatment of male mice for as short as 10 days. However, its overall effects are not limited to the testes and spermatogenesis but, in addition, it has dramatic inhibitory effects on protein and nuclei acid metabolism in the secondary sex organs.