bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ability of spermatozoa to bind to the zona pellucida during oligozoospermia induced with testosterone during a male contraceptive trial
Authors: LIU D. Y. , JOHNSTON R. , BAKER H. W. G. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTo determine the ability of spermatozoa to bind to the zona pellucida (ZP) in testosterone‐induced oligozoospermia, previously fertile men participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) male contraceptive trial in Melbourne were studied while oligozoospermic to various degrees. Semen analysis was performed according to WHO methods. One or two ejaculates from each subject were cryopreserved before commencing weekly intramuscular injections of 200 mg testosterone enanthate. The frozen spermatozoa were used as controls for ZP‐binding tests of spermatozoa obtained during testosterone‐induced oligozoospermia (<10 times 106/ml) in either the suppression or efficacy (n=6) and recovery (n=3) phases. Two other subjects in the recovery phase with normozoospermia were also tested. Human oocytes that failed to fertilize in vitro from infertile patients were used for the sperm‐ZP binding test. Control (frozen) spermatozoa were labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate and test (oligozoospermic semen) spermatozoa were labelled with tetramethylrhodamine B isothiocyanate. A mixture of equal numbers of labelled motile control and test spermatozoa were incubated with 4–6 ZP. There was a significantly (p <0.01) lower number of spermatozoa bound per ZP in oligozoospermic samples (65 ± 7, mean ± SEM) than in controls (80 ± 7). However, there were still large numbers of spermatozoa bound to the ZP for all the oligozoospermic samples. Five subjects had similar numbers of spermatozoa bound to the ZP for both control and oligozoospermic samples. Overall, the ZP‐binding ratio of test and control spermatozoa averaged 0.82 (range 0.51–1.13). Sperm‐ZP penetration was examined in three subjects and there were similar proportions of ZP penetrated for control (4/4, 4/4, 3/4) and oligozoospermic samples (4/4, 3/4, 3/4). In conclusion, although the number of spermatozoa bound to the ZP was significantly lower with testosterone‐induced oligozoospermia than with controls, the ZP‐binding ratio of oligozoospermic samples was within the normal range (>0.4). Also, the ability of spermatozoa to penetrate the ZP was not impaired. Thus, suppression of sperm production by testosterone appears to have little effect on the interaction between spermatozoa and the ZP.
Intrauterine insemination of washed spermatozoa for treatment of oligozoospermia
Authors: ARIBARG A. , SUKCHAROEN N. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryEfficacy of intrauterine insemination (IUI) using washed spermatozoa for treatment of oligozoospermia was evaluated by a prospective randomized study in 50 couples, using LH‐timed natural intercourse in the alternate menstrual cycles as a control. The quality of spermatozoa in terms of their concentration and motility before and after sperm washing was compared. Sperm motility increased significantly after sperm preparation but the number of sperm was reduced. Eight pregnancies occurred in 253 cycles of IUI with washed spermatozoa and clomiphene citrate‐stimulated cycles (3.16% per cycle). Only one patient conceived in 242 LH‐timed natural intercourse cycles (0.41% per cycle). Compared with LH‐timed natural intercourse, IUI provided a significantly improved pregnancy rate. When the sperm count was <5times106 per ml, no pregnancy occurred with the IUI method. Therefore, IUI is of rather limited usefulness when the sperm quality is very poor. Few complications occurred after IUI, but included slight cervical contact bleeding and mild abdominal discomfort and/or cramps. In conclusion, IUI should be considered as a useful and relatively non‐invasive therapeutic modality for treating infertility caused by moderate oligozoospermia (>5times106/ml), when sexual intercourse fails.
Temporal changes in sulphated glycoprotein‐2 (clusterin) and ornithine decarboxylase mRNA levels in the rat testis after ethane‐dimethane sulphonate‐induced degeneration of Leydig cells
Authors: FRASOLDATI A. , ZOLI M. , ROMMERTS F. F. G. , BIAGINI G. , FUSTINI M. FAUSTINI , CARANI C. , AGNATI L. F. , MARRAMA P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryShort‐ (3–24 h) and long‐term (4–50 days) changes in sulphated glycoprotein‐2 (SGP‐2) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) mRNA levels in the adult rat testis were studied following a single dose of ethane‐dimethane sulphonate (EDS), to destroy the Leydig cells. Distribution patterns of SGP‐2 and ODC labelling were consistent with prevailing expression of the two transcripts in Sertoli cells and germ cells, respectively. This pattern did not show appreciable changes following EDS administration. No labelling of SGP‐2 mRNA was noted in the interstitium of control and EDS‐treated rats. This finding indicates that Leydig cell death induced by EDS is not associated with increased SGP‐2 mRNA levels, a phenomenon related to apoptotic cell death in many tissues. Semi‐quantitative densitometric analysis of the preparations demonstrated differential changes in SGP‐2 and ODC mRNA levels in the tubular compartment following EDS treatment. At 6, but not at 3 and 12, h following EDS administration, SGP‐2 mRNA levels showed a significant increase, possibly secondary to a direct effect of the alkylating agent on Sertoli cells. A significant decrease in ODC mRNA levels was observed from day 7 to day 28, matching degenerative changes in the seminiferous epithelium. In contrast, a decrease in SGP‐2 transcript levels was observed from days 21–35 after treatment.In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that SGP‐2 mRNA, a putative marker of apoptosis, is not altered in the testicular interstitium during EDS‐induced degeneration of Leydig cells. In the tubular compartment, the content of both ODC and SGP‐2 mRNAs following EDS administration appears to be dependent mostly on the integrity of the germ cell complement and not to be influenced directly by changes in testosterone levels.
Validation of a scoring method predicting the in‐vitro fertilizing ability of human spermatozoa
Authors: PARINAUD J. , RICHOILLEY G. , MILHET P. , MOUTAFFIAN H. , VIEITEZ G. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe fertilizing ability of human spermatozoa depends upon numerous functions such as motility, normal morphology, ability to bind to the zona pellucida and to undergo the acrosome reaction. Hence a lot of tests have been developed to try and predict IVF results. In a previous study we had established a scoring method, based on parameters such as sperm morphology, vitality, motility and the acrosome reaction, which was able to predict up to 83% of in‐vitro fertilization results. The present study aimed to validate this score on a separate set of sperm samples. The results confirmed those of the first series. The score allowed prediction of fertilization failures with a 56% sensitivity, a 91% specificity, a 56% positive predictive value and a 91% negative predictive value. Therefore, this score could be used routinely to choose between conventional IVF and ICSI.
Electrovasography in normal and vasectomized men before and after vasectomy reversal
Authors: SHAFIK A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe electrical pattern of the vas deferens, or electrovasogram (EVG), was studied in 22 healthy volunteers, 20 vasectomy subjects and 18 individuals after vasectomy reversal. Their mean ages were 38.8 ± 7.3, 44.3 ± 7.9 and 58.6 ± 6.6 years, respectively. Two electrodes were applied to the posterior aspect of the upper part of the scrotum. During the operation of vasectomy reversal, an electrode was applied directly to each of the two vasal segments before and immediately after vasovasostomy. The electrical activity and intravasal pressure were measured. In normal subjects, slow waves or pacesetter potentials (PP) were recorded. They had identical frequency and a regular rhythm from the two electrodes and were consistent in the individual subject on all test days. PP were followed randomly by bursts of action potentials (AP). In vasectomized subjects, PP from the proximal vasal segment exhibited an irregular rhythm (vasoarrhythmia). During operation for vasectomy reversal, the proximal vasal segment recorded vasoarrhythmia whereas the distal segment revealed a silent EVG. Intravasal pressure was normal (p > 0.05) in the distal segment but high (p < 0.05) in the proximal segment. EVG performed 1–6 years after vasectomy reversal showed a normal pattern in four subjects and diminished frequency and amplitude in three. These seven subjects had impregnated their wives and had an obstructive interval of < 3 years. The 11 subjects who did not produce a pregnancy had a vasoarrhythmic EVG and an obstructive interval of > 3 years. In conclusion, an EVG could be identified for normal subjects. Vasectomy resulted in a vasoarrhythmic EVG pattern which proved to be correctable by vasectomy reversal if the obstructive interval was short.
The combination of two semen preparation techniques (glass wool filtration and swim‐up) and their effect on the morphology of recovered spermatozoa and outcome of IVF‐ET
Authors: AL‐HASANI S. , ALPÜSTÜN S. , LUDWIG M. , DIEDRICH K. , BAUER O. , KÜPKER W. , WOLFF A. , KREBS D. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe aim of this prospective study was to relate sperm quality, especially sperm morphology, to the outcome of IVF results, when glass wool filtration (GWF) and swim‐up were used in combination for the preparation of spermatozoa. A total of 60 ejaculates were analysed. GWF was compared with glass wool filtration/swim‐up (GWF‐SU) by using aliquots from the same semen samples to increase the precision of the comparison and to establish the cumulative effect of these two semen preparation methods on the morphology of the recovered spermatozoa. Sperm parameters were examined in native semen, in semen preparation samples after GWF and GWF‐SU. The mean percentages for motility, morphology and velocity were improved significantly over those in fresh semen only when GWF‐SU was used. GWF alone resulted only in a significantly higher recovery of motile spermatozoa. In semen preparation, 10% of spermatozoa with normal morphology appeared to be the cut‐off point as there was a significantly higher recovery in fresh semen samples containing > 10% morphologically normal spermatozoa after GWF‐SU. Outcome of IVF‐ET following preparation with GWF‐SU showed better results in comparison to the swim‐up procedure alone, though this difference was not statistically significant. The cut‐off point was also > 10% morphologically normal spermatozoa. Improvement in all aspects of IVF‐ET occurred when native semen contained > 10% morphologically normal spermatozoa. It is concluded that GWF alone did not produce significantly better results but, in combination with swim‐up, it resulted in significantly better sperm morphology and in an improved outcome of IVF‐ET for fresh semen samples with > 10% morphologically normal spermatozoa.
RU486 inhibits penetration of human spermatozoa into zona‐free hamster oocytes
Authors: YANG J. , SERRES C. , BAULIEU E.‐E. , JOUANNET P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryPrevious studies have shown that RU486 decreases the concentration of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in human spermatozoa in vitro and partially antagonizes the effect of progesterone on calcium influx and sperm acrosome reaction. The present study has examined the effect of RU486 on the penetration of human spermatozoa into zona‐free hamster oocytes. RU486 (10 μM) decreased significantly the rate of penetration of zona‐free hamster oocytes by human spermatozoa, and nearly abolished penetration when present in the medium at concentrations of 50 and 100 μM. RU486 must be present in the medium to exert its inhibitory effect. At the same concentration (10 μM) as RU486, progesterone was unable to reverse the inhibitory effect of RU486 on the penetration rate of human spermatozoa.
Glucose is not essential for the occurrence of sperm binding and zona pellucida‐induced acrosome reaction in the mouse
Authors: URNER F. , SAKKAS D. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryGlucose is necessary, in some species, for successful fertilization, but its role in the different gamete functions has only been documented partially. In this study we have examined the progression of mouse spermatozoa through the oocyte investments in order to determine which steps require glucose. Evidence is presented of glucose involvement during this sequence of events, since in‐vitro fertilization was inhibited in glucose‐free medium even when spermatozoa were capacitated in the presence of glucose. Access to the zona pellucida was not inhibited in the absence of glucose, suggesting that capacitation, progressive motility and zona binding of spermatozoa do not depend on the presence of an extracellular glycolysable substrate. However, zona penetration was prevented in the absence of glucose. Most importantly, the zona pellucida‐induced acrosome reaction was found to occur in glucose‐free medium. It is proposed that hyperactivated motility, which has been described to require glucose in the literature, may be the precise process responsible for the failure of spermatozoa to enter the perivitelline space.
Reproductive parameters of older compared to younger men of infertile couples
Authors: ROLF C. , BEHRE H. M. , NIESCHLAG E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryIn order to evaluate possible age‐dependent influences on male infertility, semen parameters, sex hormone levels and pregnancy rates were compared retrospectively in three groups of men attending our fertility clinic: group A: 39 patients > 50 years. Group B (39 patients < 30 years) was established as the ‘standard infertile patient’ seen in our Institute. These patients were matched with patients of group A according to the year of their first visit to the clinic. Group C: 39 young patients (< 30 years) who were selected on the basis of their wives' advanced age. The frequency of sexual intercourse in group A was significantly lower compared to group C. The period of sexual abstinence was longer in group A than in group B. Ejaculate volume and sperm motility in group A were lower compared to groups B and C. The differences in other semen parameters were only minor. The differences in serum levels of testosterone and FSH were significant between group A and groups B and C. Pregnancies were reported in 6 of 26 couples from group A (duration of infertility: mean 79 months, range 16–187), in 17 of 28 couples from group B (duration of infertility: mean 54 months, range 16–104) and in nine of 30 couples from group C (duration of infertility: mean 66 months, range 25–125). Since the infertility pattern of me older patients desiring offspring was not significandy different from that of younger patients, it is concluded that the age of the female partner, rather than the age of the husband, is most important in determining the fertility chances of couples presenting with infertility.
A placebo‐controlled flow cytometric study of the effect of low‐dose prednisolone treatment on sperm‐bound antibody levels
Authors: RÄSÄNEN M. , LÄHTEENMÄKI A. , AGRAWAL Y. P. , SAARIKOSKI S. , HOVATTA O. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryIn this placebo‐controlled study the effect of short term, low‐dose prednisolone treatment on sperm‐bound antibody levels was investigated using an objective flow cytometric (FCM) measurement. Twenty infertile men, positive for antisperm antibodies by the mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) test, were treated with either 20 mg/day prednisolone (n= 10) or placebo (n= 10) for 3 weeks. The two groups were similar with respect to sperm count, motility and antibody levels. The proportion of spermatozoa positive for IgG and IgA antibodies and the antibody load, expressed as the number of IgG and IgA antibody molecules bound per spermatozoa were measured by FCM. The study showed that, overall, the antibody levels measured before and after treatment with low‐dose prednisolone or with placebo were not statistically different. However, in the prednisolone group a marked decrease in the proportion of spermatozoa positive for IgG and IgA antibodies was observed in two of the patients. An examination of the FCM data of these two patients revealed that, in their ejaculates, only the spermatozoa with low to moderate amounts of sperm‐bound antibodies had responded to prednisolone treatment, while spermatozoa with high levels of sperm antibodies had remained resistant to prednisolone. These results point to the existence of an as‐yet‐undefined subset of prednisolone‐responsive, antibody‐positive spermatozoa.
Glutathione S‐transferase‐M1 ‘null’ genotype and alcohol‐induced disorders of human spermatogenesis
Authors: PAJARINEN J. , SAVOLAINEN V. , PEROLA M. , PENTTILÄ A. , KARHUNEN P. J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe association between alcohol‐induced disorders of human spermatogenesis and glutathione S‐transferase‐M1 genotype was investigated in an autopsy study comprising 271 subjects, including interviews with relatives or close acquaintances on the alcohol consumption of the deceased. Of the 50 moderate drinking men (reported mean daily alcohol consumption < 40 g), 21 (42.0%) had normal spermatogenesis, whereas 24 men (48.0%) had partial, and five (10.0%) complete arrest of spermatogenesis. Of the 21 men with normal spermatogenesis, nine (42.9%) had GST M1 ‘null’ genotype, while this genotype was found in 13 (44.8%) of the 29 men with partial or complete spermatogenic arrest. Of 212 heavy‐drinking men (reported mean daily alcohol consumption > 80 g), only 45 (21.2%) had normal spermatogenesis, whereas 77 (36.3%) had partial spermatogenic arrest. Complete arrest of spermatogenesis was found in 81 men (38.2%) and nine men had Sertoli‐cell‐only syndrome (4.2%). Of the 45 heavy drinkers with normal spermatogenesis, 27 (60%) men had GST M1 ‘null’ genotype (OR 2.7, with 95% confidence intervals: 1.0–4.0, when compared to those with disorders of spermatogenesis). The frequency of GST M1 ‘null’ genotype in heavy drinkers with normal spermatogenesis also differed from that of corresponding moderate drinkers, whereas the frequency of GST M1 ‘null’ genotype in heavy drinkers with disorders of spermatogenesis was similar to moderate drinkers with or without disorders of spermatogenesis. The finding that > 20% of men in the heavy‐drinking group had normal spermatogenesis suggests individual variations in sensitivity to alcohol‐induced disorders of this process. Heavy drinkers with GST M1 ‘null’ genotype were slightly less prone to develop disorders of spermatogenesis. Thus, the GST M1 locus may be associated with susceptibility to develop alcohol‐induced disorders of spermatogenesis.
Influence of photoinhibition on GABA and glutamic acid levels, and on glutamate decarboxylase activity in the testis and epididymis of the golden hamster
Authors: FRUNGIERI M. B. , GONZALEZ‐CALVAR S. I. , CALANDRA R. S. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryGamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is found in the gonads and accessory reproductive organs, and a direct effect on steroidogenesis and sperm viability and motility has been described. The golden (Syrian) hamster is a seasonal breeder, and a pattern of regression‐recrudescence in their reproductive organs is observed when adult animals are exposed to less than 12.5 h daylight for an extended period of time. The purpose of this study was to investigate: (1) the presence of GABA in the testis and epididymis of golden hamsters undergoing regression and spontaneous recrudescence; (2) glutamic acid levels and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity in both tissues, and (3) testicular and epididymal testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and 5α‐androstane‐3α, 17β‐diol concentrations. Adult golden hamsters were exposed to long (LP 14L:10D) or short (SP 6L:18D) photoperiods for 9, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 22 weeks. When animals were exposed to SP for 14–16 weeks, the testis and epididymis reached maximal involution. Testicular and epididymal androgen levels showed a marked decrease (p<0.05) during the regression period, and after 18–22 weeks, values began to recover. Between 12 and 18 weeks in SP, the testicular and epididymal content of GABA and glutamic acid was reduced significantly. The concentration of GABA in both tissues showed a sharp rise (p<0.05), while the concentration of glutamic acid diminished during the period of maximal involution (p<0.05). In the testis, GAD activity was increased (p<0.001) after 14 weeks in SP, with no change in the epididymis. In conclusion, glutamic acid via GAD activity could be the main source of GABA in the testis, but not in the epididymis. Furthermore, the presence of GABA in testicular cells and its subsequent photoperiodic variations might act as an important autocrine and/or paracrine modulatory signal in gonadal processes.
Infection with Trypanosoma brucei potentiates the antifertility effect of gossypol, especially in the protein‐malnourished male rat
Authors: AKINGBEMI B. T. , AIRE T. A. , OKE B. O. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryReproductive parameters were investigated in gossypol‐treated male rats that had been infected experimentally with Trypanosoma brucei and then placed on one of two diets of differing (low and normal) protein content. The endpoints assessed were reproductive organ weights, semen epididymal sperm counts, serum testosterone and histological, stereological and histomorphometric evaluation of the testis and accessory reproductive organs. Most of the parameters studied were lowest in the protein‐malnourished, gossypol‐treated, trypanosome‐infected animals, when compared to those obtained from the corresponding animals that were only gossypol‐treated or trypanosome‐infected. Mean testicular size and the diameter and the total length of seminiferous tubules were especially reduced, indicating that the overall volume of the seminiferous epithelium in these animals was smaller. These findings suggest that reproductive capacity could be impaired in protein‐malnourished, trypanosome‐infected animals fed on gossypol‐containing products, even when there are no obvious clinical signs of disease. This could translate into increased production costs in a farm enterprise. Screening for haemoparasitism would also seem to be worthwhile prior to evaluation and/or use of gossypol (or perhaps other potential contraceptives) in human subjects, especially in communities that are confronted with severe food shortages.
Expression of protamine P2 in the testis of the common marmoset and man visualized using non‐radioactive in‐situ hybridization
Authors: SAUNDERS P. T. K. , GAUGHAN J. , SAXTY B. A. , KERR L. E. , MILLAR M. R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryInformation on the organization of the spermatogenic cycle of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a small New World primate, is limited to a single histological report on the differentiation of spermatids. In the present study we have used non‐radioactive in‐situ hybridization with a cRNA probe directed against marmoset protamine 2, on fixed sections of marmoset and human testis to elucidate the organization of mature germ cells within the seminiferous epithelium. Specificity of the probe was checked on Northern blots; mP2 hybridized exclusively to mRNA in samples extracted from marmoset and human testis. In sections from human and marmoset testis, positive staining for mRNA was confined to round and elongating spermatids and in the human was reduced in samples from patients with incomplete spermatogenesis. In the human, P2 mRNA was present in groups of cells consistent with the presence of more than one stage of the spermatogenic cycle in transverse sections of individual tubules. In the marmoset, P2‐positive cells were detected as a continuous ring of staining in the majority of sections of tubules whilst in others only a group(s) of cells was positive. We conclude that the arrangement of the spermatogenic wave in this New World primate may be intermediate between that seen in rodents (segmental) and in the human (helical).