bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzymohistochemical and immunohistochemical study of the human efferent ducts
Authors: REGADERA J. , PALACIOS J. , MARTÍN‐CÓRDOVA C. , NISTAL M. , COBO P. , PANIAGUA R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAn enzymohistochemical and immunohistochemical study of the efferent ducts was performed in normal adult men. The epithelium donsists of two types of columnar cells: principal cells (PCs) and ciliated cells (CCs), and is surrounded by a lamina propria (LP) with cells arranged circularly (LPCs). Enzymohistochemical study revealed more intense activity of succinic dehydrogenase, NADP, and ATPase in the CCs than in the PCs. The LPCs also showed an intense reaction for NADP and ATPase. Acid phosphatase activity was only intense in the apical cytoplasm of PCs. Immunohistochemical study revealed that antibodies to oestradiol receptor‐related protein (ER‐D5) immunostained the PCs and CCs intensely and the LPCs weakly. AEl/AE3 antibodies (which stain keratins nos. 1–8 and14, 15 and 19) immunostained the PCs intensely, but was negative in both CCs and LPCs. Antibodies to keratin Ks.4.62 (which stain keratin no. 19) immunostained PCs and CCs but not LPCs. Epithelial membrane antigen antibodies (EMA) immunostained the adluminal surface and apical cytoplasm of PCs. Anti‐vimentin antibodies immunostained the cytoplasm of PCs and CCs weakly as well as isolated cells in the LP. Antibodies to desmin immunostained most LPCs. Antibodies to collagen IV immunostained the basal lamina and many extracellular spaces in the LP, mainly around the LPCs. The differences between the enzymohistochemical and immunohistochemical patterns of the efferent ducts and those of the epididymis may help to explain functional differences along the epididymis.
Sentinels of Leydig cell structural and functional changes in golden hamsters in early testicular regression and recrudescence
Authors: HIKIM A. P. SINHA , CHANDRASHEKAR V. , BARTKE A. , RUSSELL L. D. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe seasonally breeding hamster model was used to assess changes associated with Leydig cell activity and inactivity. Specifically, parameters of Leydig cell structure and function were studied to determine the early changes seen in seasonally breeding golden hamsters in photoperiod‐induced gonadal regression and photoperiod‐induced gonadal recrudescence. Time intervals used to characterize early regression and recrudescence were selected with the objective of determining the most sensitive parameters characterizing functional transitional states. In early regression, plasma levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) but not luteinizing hormone (LH) or testosterone were reduced significantly. Regressive structural changes included decreases in volume of the interstitium, total number of Leydig cells, blood vessels, and the seminiferous tubules and tubular lumen. A decrease in volume, but not numbers of Leydig cells, was accompanied by decreases in volume of Leydig cell tubular smooth endoplasmic reticulum (t‐ER), Golgi complex, and the peroxisomes and decreases in surface area of the inner mitochondrial membrane and t‐ER, suggesting that early Leydig cell changes are restricted primarily to organelles associated with steroid biosynthesis. In early recrudescence, at a time when there was an increase in the number of germ cells in the basal compartment, blood levels of LH, FSH and testosterone were all increased. There were increases in testicular weight, volume, seminiferous tubular lumen, blood vessel and interstitial volumes. Leydig cells increased in size as a result of increases in nuclear, nucleolar and cytoplasmic volumes, while Leydig cell numbers did not increase. At the subcellular level there were increases in the surface areas of the cell, mitochondrial membranes and cisternal endoplasmic reticulum (sparsely populated with ribosomes). Unlike the changes seen in early degeneration when steroid synthetic organelles were initially affected, the changes in early recrudescence indicate that Leydig cells must first rebuild their synthetic machinery (nucleus, nucleolus and rough endoplasmic reticulum) that, at a later time, will reconstitute the cell's steroidogenic machinery. Correlation of hormonal parameters with structural parameters did indicate a relationship between hormonal parameters and steroid secreting organelles. Correlations were strongest with testosterone but, surprisingly, plasma FSH levels correlated more strongly with many structural parameters of the Leydig cell than did the levels of LH. Since FSH receptors are not present on Leydig cells, these data add to the growing data suggesting a role for factors originating from the seminiferous tubule in modulation of Leydig cell function.
The Gubernaculum in adult female, adult male and TFM male mice
Authors: GRIFFITHS A. L. , MOMOSE Y. , HUTSON J. M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThere is still controversy over whether androgens are involved in gubernacular migration during descent of the testis, prompting a review of anatomical events controlled by androgens. The gubernacular position in adult female, male, and testicular feminized male (TFM) mice (with complete androgen resistance) was observed macroscopically to determine its caudal limit and whether the adult TFM male still contained guvernacular bulk. The length of the processus vaginalis was measured, and the presence of a differentiated cremaster muscle was determined histologically. In 10 adult female mice there was neither a processus vaginalis nor a cremaster muscle, and the gubernaculum (round ligament of the ovary) attached to the external inguinal ring. In 10 adult TFM mice the gubernaculum ended at or just beyond the external ring, and was present in an amount corresponding to its size at the end of the outgrowth phase of development, with secondary infiltration by fat. The processus vaginalis was poorly developed, the cremaster muscle was undifferentiated, and there was no eversion of the cremaster sac. In 10 normal adult male mice the gubernaculum and testis had migrated to the scrotum, and the gubernaculum had regressed fully. Because gubernacular development in the androgen‐resistant mouse ceases after termination of transabdominal testicular migration, the anatomy of the adult confirms that, in the mouse, normal androgenic function is essential for eversion of the cremaster sac and gubernacular migration beyond the groin to the genital folds.
Collective isolation of two major, close molecular weight coagulum proteins occurring in human semen before liquefaction
Authors: MANDAL ARABINDA , BHATTACHARYYA ASOK K. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTwo major, close molecular weight basic coagulum proteins of freshly ejaculated human semen identifiable on reducing SDS‐PAGE, have been isolated together from washed seminal coagulum. The latter was solubilized in urea, followed by reduction and carboxymethylation of disulphide bonds. By high‐resolution chromatography on carboxymethy‐Sephadex and Sephacryl S‐300 using 8 M urea in 0. 1m Tris‐HCl (pH 7.4) as eluate these proteins were isolated together (purity 99%) with a yield of 10.5%. The molecular weights of the isolated proteins on SDS‐PAGE were 75 and 79 kD.
Management of bilateral nonpalpable testes: laparoscopic diagnosis and orchidectomy
Authors: HAUSER R. , LESSING J. B. , SAMUEL D. , YAVETZ H. , PEYSER M. R. , PAZ G. F. , HOMONNAI Z. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBilateral nonpalpable testes in the adult human are associated with testicular malignancy, infertility and other abnormalities. Investigation for localization of the testes is mandatory, and either orchidopexy or orchidectomy is indicated. Laparoscopy was performed in an azoospermic male with bilateral unpalpable testes. A diagnosis of intra‐abdominal testes was made and bilateral orchidectomy was performed. Laparoscopy is recommended for diagnosis and precise localization, as well as for orchidectomy, thus avoiding open abdominal operation in cases of intra‐abdominal testes.
Expression of the c‐kit protein product in carcinoma‐in‐situ and invasive testicular germ cell tumours
Authors: MEYTS E. RAJPERT‐DE , SKAKKEBKK N. E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryCarcinoma‐in‐situ of the testis (CIS) is the precursor of invasive germ cell tumours. It is believed that CIS cells may originate from early fetal gonocytes. Recently, the proto‐oncogene c‐kit has been implicated as crucial for the development and migration of primordial germ cells. In this study, CIS and overtly invasive human male germ cell tumours were analysed immunohistochemically for expression of the c‐kit proto‐oncogene protein product. Testicular tissue samples from 36 patients with various types of testicular germ cell neoplasia and 19 control specimens were stained using an indirect immunoperoxidase method. High expression of c‐kit was found in almost all cases of CIS, both when the lesion was the only pathology, and when CIS was adjacent to invasive tumours. The Kit staining was retained in seminomas with variable intensity; the majority of cells in tumour mass exhibited c‐kit expression in 61% of the samples while focal expression was observed in 39% of the samples studied. No expression of c‐kit was detected in non‐seminomas or in normal testicular germ cells. High expression of the proto‐oncogene in CIS cells supports the hypothesis of their origin from primordial germ cells. In addition, we propose that the c‐kit protein product is a new marker for carcinoma‐in‐situ of the testis.
Seminal sperm antibodies exhibit an unstable spontaneous course and an increased incidence of leucocytospermia
Authors: PASCHKE R. , BERTELSBECK D. SCHULZE , BAHRS S. , HEINECKE A. , BEHRE H. M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe prognostic significance of seminal sperm antibodies for male fertility is difficult to define. Among other factors, spontaneous remissions and transient induction through genito‐urinary infections may change their significance for male fertility considerably. We therefore investigated their spontaneous course over time and their association with leucocytospermia. For the investigation of possible relationships between the mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) test results for IgA and IgG sperm antibodies and leucocytospermia, 138 patients with <1 million leucocytes/ml ejaculate were compared with 1051 patients with <1 million leucocytes/ml ejaculate (WHO normal range). In a second part of the study the spontaneous course of MAR IgG and IgA test results was investigated in 58 of the 1189 patients who had three or more MAR tests and a leucocyte concentration of <1 million/ml ejaculate. The mean interval between the first and second MAR test was 4.1 (SD ±4.2) and between the second and third MAR test 6.0 (SD ± 6.7) months. In total, 64% of patients with an MAR IgG test result >40% showed a stable spontaneous course. Patients with lower MAR IgG test results and the majority of all MAR IgA‐positive patients were found to have an undulating course of MAR test results. There was a higher incidence of leucocytes <1 million/ml ejaculate in patients with higher MAR results (p <0.05 for IgG, p <0.001 for IgA). The unstable spontaneous course of MAR IgG results <40% and all MAR IgA results suggests that evaluations of the in‐vivo significance of seminal sperm antibodies for male fertility should be based on repeated MAR determinations. Moreover, the association of leucocytospermia (<1 million leucocytes/ml ejaculate) with an increased incidence of positive MAR test results suggests a thorough evaluation, treatment and follow‐up of possible genital tract infections in MAR‐positive patients with <1 million leucocytes/ml ejaculate.
Analysis of spermatozoa from the proximal vas deferens of vasectomized men
Authors: WEN R‐Q. , LI S‐Q. , WANG C‐X. , WANG Q‐H. , LI Q‐K. , FENG H‐M. , JIANG Y‐J. , HUANG J‐C. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThis study assessed the condition of spermatozoa from the proximal vas deferens of men after vasectomy. The fluids of both proximal vas deferens were collected from 67 vasectomized men by cannulating the vas deferens at the time of vasectomy reversal. Selected sperm parameters were analysed after incubation of the spermatozoa for 30 min at 37°C. Spera concentration in the proximal vas from vasectomized men (16 312 ± 21 496 million per ml, geometric mean: 7948 ± 398 million per ml) was significantly higher than that of fertile men and was maintained at a constant level independent of the duration of vas obstruction. The means of sperm motility (36.2 ± 26.2%), spermatozoa with normal morphology (50.7 ± 21.7%), sperm viability (53.0 ± 25.3%) and hypo‐osmotic swelling test (HOS‐test, 53.9 ± 21.7%) were statistically lower than the respective values for normal fertile men. There was no significant correlation between the duration of vas obstruction and the above semen parameters. In 46.4% of vas fluids all spermatozoa were immotile and this condition was more common after 3 years of vasectomy. Immotile spermatozoa in the proximal vas fluids at the time of vasectomy reversal may be an important factor for predicting semen quality and fertilizing ability after vasovasostomy. There were no significant differences in the results of sperm‐cervical mucus penetration test (CMPT) between spermatozoa fiom vasectomized and fertile men. Antisperm antibodies on the surface of spermatozoa from the vas of vasectomized men were determined by the immunobead test (IBT; 78.6% for IgG, 32.1% for IgA) and sperm cervical mucus contact test (SCMC, 36.4%). The presence of antisperm antibodies on the spermatozoa from the vas of vasectomized men may explain, in part, the lower pregnancy rate after vasovasostomy. These parameters of spermatozoa from the proximal vas of vasectomized men may closely reflect those in the cauda epididymis after vasectomy.
Assessment of protein synthesis and secretion by rat seminiferous and epididymal tubules in vivo
Authors: TURNER T. T. , AVERY E. A. , SAWCHUK T. J. 
Published: May 2008

Summary In vivo microperifbsion and micropuncture were used to study tubule protein synthesis and proluminal secretion by the male reproductive tract in vivo. Somniferous and caput and cauda epididymal tubules were perihsed for 3 h. with [35S]‐methionine. Perifused interstitial fluid (IF), lumen fluid (LF), and tubule extract (TE) were collected. Proteins were separated by SDS‐PAGE, and autoradiograms were developed.Trichloroacetic acid precipitable proteins in each fluid were determined and a protein synthesis index (PSI) was calculated. PSI values demonstrated that the cauda epididymis synthesized less protein in vivo than did either seminiferous or caput tubules.Seminiferous tubules synthesized and secreted into the tubule lumen a relatively constant panel of proteins. Epididymal tubules synthesized and secreted proteins in a region‐specific manner. In the caput epididymis the most prominent secreted bands were consistent with the heavy and light chains of epididymal clusterin. In the cauda epididymis, the most prominent synthesized and secreted protein was a 25 kDa protein consistent with the protein D. The above approach to studying protein synthesis and secretion will allow direct study of the physiological and path physiological effects on this important epithelial hnction in vim
Influence of hypothyroidism induced at prepuberty on epididymal lipids and the number and motility of spermatozoa in rats*
Authors: KUMAR P. N. S. , ARULDHAS M. M. , JUNEJA S. C. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryFifteen prepubertal male rats (age 30 days) were divided into three groups of five each: Group 1, hypothyroid (Tx)—rats were thyroidectomized at day 30; Group 2, T4 &‐thyroxine) replacement therapy (Tx+T4)—rats were thyroidectomized at day 30 and treated daily i.m. with T4 (6μg/100 g body weightlday) for 30 days from day 31 to day 60 post‐thyroidectomy (age 90 days); Group 3, control—rats were sham‐operated and treated with vehicle. The rats from all groups were killed on day 61 post‐thyroidectomy or post‐sham operation (age 91 days). The serum levels of testosterone, T, and T, decreased in the Tx group (p<0.001). In the Tx+T4 group the levels of T, and T, were restored to control values, whereas testosterone levels remained lower than in the control group. Hypothyroidism caused various changes in the levels of epididymal phospholipids and neutral lipids. These were restored differentially or were altered further in the Tx+T4 group. The number and forward motility of spermatozoa, recovered from the cauda epididymis, were decreased significantly (p<0.01) in the Tx group and were not restored in the Tx+T4 group. This study shows that chronic hypothyroidism, induced at prepuberty and continued for 60 days, causes various changes in the lipid composition of the caput and cauda epidldymis and lowers the quality and quantity of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis. T4 therapy for 30 days, especially during the postpubertal period, did not restore the quality or quantity of spermatozoa and caused differential changes in the levels of epididymal lipids, depending upon the region. The study may be helpful in revealing the reasons for subfertility in hypothyroid male patients.
An in vitro promoting role for hydrogen peroxide in human sperm capacitation
Authors: GRIVEAU J. E. , RENARD P. , LANNOU D. Le 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA complex process of maturation called capacitation is an essential step for spermatozoa to fertilize oocytes. Recent studies have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can enhance the capacitation of human spermatozoa and sperm‐zona interaction. We have investigated whether hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) could trigger capacitation of human spermatozoa and the acrosome reaction. The addition of catalase, a specific H202 scavenger, at the beginning of the capacitation process decreased the levels of both hyperactivation and induced‐acrosome reaction whereas catalase added 15 min before the induction of the acrosome reaction by the calcium ionophore had no effect. Supplementation of the medium with H2O2 resulted in increased levels of hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction, whereas H2O2 added 15 min before induction of the acrosome reaction did not have any stimulatory effect. These results suggest that H2O2 may be involved in the capacitation process of human spermatozoa but not in the acrosome reaction.
Effect of pentoxifylline on experimentally induced lipid peroxidation in human spermatozoa
Authors: GAVELLA M. , LIPOVAC V. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryWe demonstrated previously that pentoxifylline in millimolar concentrations can inhibit superoxide anion production by human spermatozoa. In the present study we have examined the effects of the same concentrations of pentoxifjrlline on experimentally induced lipid peroxidation, as measured by malondialdehyde formation in the thiobarbituric (TBA) assay. Under the experimental conditions used, preincubation of spermatozoa with pentoxifjdline led to a significant dose‐dependent stimulation (p<0.005) of malondialdehyde production amounting to 10.77 ± 2.35%, 13.45 ±2.99% and 17.4 ± 1.99% (mean ± SEM) for 1.9, 3.7 and 11.2 mmol/l pentoxifylline, respectively. In the presence of 11.2 mmol/l pentoxifylline, an increase in iron‐catalysed lipid peroxidation potential was detected in samples of spermatozoa from 29 infertile men, regardless of their initial levels of malondialdehyde. The results of this study indicate that pentoxifylline might further augment the ferrous ion‐stimulated decomposition of pre‐accumulation lipid hydroperoxides in the sperm plasma membrane and thus promote malondialdehyde generation in the TBA assay.It is concluded that the stimulatory effect of pentoxifjdline on iron‐induced lipid peroxidation may have an adverse effect on the quality of sperm suspensions prepared for in vitro fertilization, a possibility which should be investigated further.
Gene expression in the dog epididymis: a model for human epididymal function
Authors: ELLERBROCK K. , PERA I. , HARTUNG S. , IVELL R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe physiology of the epididymis is an integral part of the maturation process by which human spermatozoa acquire the abdity to reach and fertilize an oocyte. Because of the high degree of species specificity exhibited by the epididymal proteins involved in sperm maturation, we have assessed tissue from several alternative species for their suitability as a model for human epididymal physiology. Of these, the dog appears to offer an appropriate system. Northern hybridization using cDNA probes specific for human epidldymal genes established that, irrespective of dog breed, the canine equivalents of the epididymis‐specific HE1, HE4 and HE5 mRNAs were expressed highly in the canine epididymis. cDNA cloning and sequencing confirmed that the canine gene products, CE1, CE4 and CE5 were indeed true structural homologues of their human counterparts. Finally, tissue culture conditions were established wherein all three specific canine genes remained up‐regulated after 5 days of culture. Thus, the prerequisite criteria for the development of a system which models human epididymal physiology are to a large degree fulfilled by this canine culture system.
Quantified testicular histology in boys with sex chromosome abnormalities
Authors: MÜLLER JØRN , SKAKKEBÆK NIELS E. , RATCLIFFE SHIRLEY G. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTesticular histology in adult men with Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) is characterized by degenerative changes of the seminiferous epithelium. In contrast, limited changes have been reported in XXY fetuses. However, knowledge about the natural history of the degeneration of testicular histology in KS is scarce, and similarly testicular histology in prepubertal individuals with XY/XXY and XYY karyotypes is described incompletely. We have performed a qualitative and quantitative study of testicular histology in 11 XXY, one XY/XXY mosaic and two XYY boys between the neonatal period and 13 years of age using stereological methods and control data from normal XY boys and XY boys undergoing surgery for testicular maldescent. Testicular specimens were obtained at autopsy (n=2) or at time of surgery for malposition of the testis (n=10) or for inguinal hernia (n=2). The seminiferous tubules showed no signs of degeneration in any of the specimens. The volume density of seminiferous tubules was normal at all ages, whereas mean tubular diameter was reduced in all but three XXY boys. Germ cell numbers were only normal in XXY and XYY infants as well as in the 12 year old mosaic. No germ cells were observed in any XXY boy age 2 years or more. Leydig cells were observed in the infants and in a 13 year old XXY boy. The changes were comparable to what has been found in the most severely affected XY boys with testicular maldescent. We conclude that testicular histology in individuals with sex chromosome aneuploidy seems to be near normal during infancy, after which time degenerative changes occur.
A non‐human primate study (baboon; Papio hamadryas) to determine if a long‐acting progestogen, levonorgestrel butanoate, combined with a long‐acting androgen, testosterone buciclate, can suppress spermatogenesis: I. Dose‐finding study
Authors: GONCHAROV N. P. , KATZIA G. V. , BUTNEV V. U. , RICHKOR E. G. , MATIKAINEN T. , WAITES G. M. H. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThis study in adult male baboons was conducted to establish the dose of a long‐acting progestogen, levonorgestrel butanoate, and that of a long‐acting androgen, testosterone buciclate, which, when combined, would achieve optimal and prolonged suppression of spermatogenesis. Two intramuscular injections of levonorgestrel butanoate at 3‐month intervals and in the dose range 1–8 mg/kg reduced sperm production and plasma concentrations of testosterone, LH and FSH for periods of up to 6 months. The suppression of sperm production was greatest and most prolonged in the 4 mg/kg group. Two intramuscular injections of testosterone buciclate at 3‐month intervals, and at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg, induced variable changes in circulating levels of testosterone, elevated by the higher dose, and caused sperm suppression, in some animals to azoospermia. It was concluded that 8mg/kg testosterone buciclate would provide adequate androgen replacement when combined with 4 mg/kg levonorgestrel butanoate as a putative male contraceptive regimen.