bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective action of androgens on the molecular forms of esterases characterized by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis in the epididymis and vas deferens of the mouse
Authors: ABOU‐HAÏLA AÏDA , MARCELLE‐ANNE  , FAIN‐MAUREL  
Published: May 2008

SummaryMolecular forms of esterases were resolved in non‐denaturing conditions by using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis with isoelectric focusing in the first dimension and a time‐dependent polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis (PAGGE) in the second dimension. This procedure was used to analyse sequential changes in esterase composition along the excurrent genital duct of the mouse and to initiate a specific identification of the androgen‐regulated molecular forms. Almost all the 68 variants (pH 3.9–6.4 and 50–300 kDa) revealed by α‐naphtyl acetate from the fluids of the three parts of the epididymis (caput, corpus, cauda) and vas deferens, could be assigned to the carboxylesterase group as shown by their action on various substrates and sensitivity to inhibitors. Some of these variants co‐migrated with those in the serum and testis, whereas other enzyme forms made their first appearance in the caput (13), in the corpus (26) and in the vas deferens (3). The major changes occurred between the caput and the corpus of the epididymis. Only a few acidic spots were not revealed after neuraminidase digestion. Castration of mice (4 weeks) resulted in inhibition of the activity of 34 esterase forms, and thus abolished most of the regional differences in the excurrent duct system. By re‐initiating or repressing the synthesis of regional esterase variants, testosterone supplementation (2 and/or 4 weeks) of castrated animals restored the normal esterase pattern in the three epididymal parts, but not in the vas deferens. The major effect of efferent duct ligation (4 weeks) was the emergence in the corpus and cauda of the epididymis of two variants found in the caput of uncastrated mice.
Production and secretion of an interleukin‐l‐like factor is stage‐dependent and correlates with spermatogonial DNA synthesis in the rat seminiferous epithelium
Authors: SÖDER O. , SYED V. , CALLARD G. V. , TOPPARI J. , PÖLLÄNEN P. , PARVINEN M. , FRÖYSA B. , RITZÉN E. M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryIt has been shown previously that the intact adult rat testis produces large amounts of an interleukin‐1 (IL‐1)‐like growth factor. The present study has investigated whether this testicular IL‐1‐like factor (tIL‐1) is produced and secreted differentially by the fourteen stages of the seminiferous epithelial cycle in the rat testis. Seminiferous tubule segments representing defined stages were identified by tran‐sillumination‐assisted microscopy and isolated by microdissection. Pooled segments were either homogenized and extracted with aqueous buffer or incubated for 24 h to produce conditioned media (CM). The recovered material was then analysed for IL‐1 bioactivity in a sensitive murine thymocyte proliferation assay. When divided into four stage groups, extracts of stages II‐VI, IX‐XII and XIII‐I showed equally high IL‐1 activity whereas stage group VII‐VIII showed much lower activity. More detailed analysis with 10 different stage groups showed that tIL‐1 activity was undetectable in extracts of substages VIIab and VIIcd. The same pattern was seen when CM from cultured tubular segments were analysed. Labelling of seminiferous tubules with tritiated thymidine in vitro and analysis by auto‐radiography revealed that DNA‐synthesizing spermatogonia were absent in sub‐stages VIIb and VIIc and sparse in substages VIIa and VIId. The results show that tIL‐1 activity is produced in a stage‐dependent manner and suggest that tIL‐1 might be involved in the regulation of spermatogonial proliferation in vivo.
The fertility potential of male cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Gottlieb C. , Plöen L. , Kvist U. , Strandvik B. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryMen suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) are considered to be infertile because of azoospermia. In testicular biopsies from two patients with CF normal spermatogenesis was found despite the absence of sperm in the ejaculate. Fructose and prostaglandin were not detectable in the semen whereas the levels of acid phosphatase and zinc were within normal limits, indicating normal prostatic function and absence of seminal vesicles. These findings may improve the possibility for male patients with CF to father a child.
Testicular lesions and lymphocyte subpopulations in rats immunized with a soluble fraction of testicular homogenate
Authors: Doncel G.F. , Denduchis B. , Lustig L. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA soluble fraction obtained from a testicular homogenate by precipitation with ammonium sulphate (ASPM) was emulsified with Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) and injected into Wistar rats. At 50 days after the first immunization (total of three injections) the animals had developed moderate and multifocal testicular damage, characterized mainly by sloughing of the seminiferous epithelium. A delayed‐type hypersensitivity response and circulating antibodies to ASPM were detected at different times with maximum levels at 50 days. The addition of Bor‐detella pertussis to the immunization did not increase the severity of the lesion but augmented the cellular and humoral immune response to ASPM. The phenotypic characterization of cells present in the lymph nodes draining from the site of immunization in animals injected with CFA alone (control group) revealed an increase in CD8+ T‐cells and a low CD4/CD8 ratio. Conversely, rats immunized with CFA plus ASPM (experimental group) exhibited testicular damage and showed a significant decrease in CD8+ cells with a normal CD4/CD8 ratio. In conclusion, rats immunized with a testicular antigen developed focal aspermatogenic lesions and a concomitant specific immune response as well as lymph‐node cell variations focused apparently on the CD8+ T‐cell subpopulation.
Pattern of Sertoli cell degeneration in cryptorchid prepubertal tests
Authors: RUNE G. M. , MAYR J. , NEUGEBAUER H. , ANDERS CH. , SAUER H. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySeventy‐three testicular biopsies from 54 children (aged 2 months‐14 years) with undescended testes were examined by light and electron microscopy. The biopsies included abdominal, inguinally fixed, inguinally moveable, and retractile testesl. Alterations in Sertoli cell morphology were found in all biopsies. The alterations included dilated elements of rough endoplasmic reticulum, vacuolization of the cytoplasm, mitochondria with poorly preserved cristae, increase in electron density of the matrix, elongation of the nuclei, and irregularities of the nuclear membrance. According to the numerical appearance of these cells and to the extent of lesions in single Sertoli cells, seven phases in the contionuous process of tubular alteration were distinguished. The most severe tubular damaged (phase VII> occurred when the seminiferous epithelium consisted exclusively of necrotic cells. All phases of tubular alterations were seen regularly in each of the biopsies investigated. Germ cells occurred only in phases I‐IV and were never observed in tubules in phases V‐VII. Significant differences became evident between inguinal and retractile tests by morphometric evaluation. It was demonstrated that the number of germcells per cross‐sectioned tubule (S/T value) correlated negatively with the percentage of tubules in phases V‐VII. In contrast to inguinal testes, a complete absence of Sertoli cells and an S/T value <0.1 were never found in retractile tests and the percentage of tubules in phases V‐VII was reduced signficantly compared with inguinal testes.Our findings indicate that (i) maldescended testis in patients between 1 and 15 years‐of‐age is associated with a special pattern of Sertoli cell degeneratlion; (ii) Sertoli cell degeneration is a continuous process, which can lead eventually to complete dissolution of the seminiferous epithelium; (ii) total degeneration is not related to age but is dependent on testicular pposition; (iv) a defined phase of degeneration excludes germ cell development, and therefore enhanced Sertoli cell degeneration in cryptorchid tests must also account for the reduction in germ cell number.
The role of the seminal vesicles and coagulating glands in fertilization in the rat
Authors: SOFIKITIS N. , TAKAHASHI C. , KADOWAKI H. , SHIMAMOTO T. , NAKAMURA I. , MIYAGAWA I. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTo investigate the role of the seminal vesicles (SV) and coagulating glands (CG) in fertilization in the rat, partial resections of the SV (25|X%–group B), 50|X%–group E, and 75|X%–group D) or bilateral resection of the SV alone (100%|X%group E), or together with the CG (group F) were undertaken. In other groups, bilateral resection of the CG only (group G), or bilateral resection of the CG with ipsilateral SV resection (group H) were performed. A group of sham‐operated rats served as controls (group A). There were no significant differences among groups A, B, C and D in the number of fertile rats post‐operatively but significant differences were evident in groups E, F, G, H when compared with the control group (P<0.01 for all groups). Only the fertile rats ere able to form copulatory plugs (CP) post‐operatively.Bilateral ligation of the SV ducts was performed in ten fertile rats. Post‐operatively, the proportion of fertile rats was decreased significantly (P<0.01). Removal of the ligatures resulted in a significant increase (P<0.01) in fertility. It was also demonstrated that the addition of rat seminal vesicular secretions (SVS) to epididymal sperm suspensions resulted in a significant decrease (P<0.001) in sperm motility.These results suggest that the SV and CG are necessary for fertility in rats, and that one role of SVS is the formation of a CP and not the maintenance of sperm motility.
Sperm chromatin stability and zinc binding properties in semen from men in barren unions
Authors: KJELLBERG S. , BJÖRNDAHL L. , KVISTt U. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySperm chromatin stability and zinc binding properties were studied in semen samples from 115 men living in barren unions. Of these men, 26|X% had a high proportion of swelling sperm, i.e. less than 80|X% sperm with stable chromatin after exposure to the detergent sodium dodecyl sulphate. From 2–67|X% of seminal zinc was bound to high molecular weight ligands of vesicular origin (HMW). This shows that, among infertile men, liquefied seminal plasma has huge variations in zinc chelating properties. The relationship between prostatic palpatory status, the proportion of abnormal sperm, the percentage zinc bound to HMW (HMW‐Zn), the time between ejaculation and analysis and chromatin stability were studied. Samples with low chromatin stability were found more frequently in men with low HMW‐Zn levels in semen. The proportion of stable sperm decreased in samples with prolonged exposure to seminal plasma. Neither the proportion of stable sperm heads nor the percentage zinc bound to HMW could be used to predict the future chances of the infertile men fathering children when studied 15–180 min after ejaculation. To differentiate between initial zinc‐dependent stability and superstability developed in seminal plasma, other more sensitive methods must be developed.
Management of the non‐descended testis: doubtful value of luteinizing‐hormone‐releasing‐hormone (LHRH). A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multicentre study
Authors: OLSEN L. H. , GENSTER H. G. , MOSEGAARD A. , JØRGENSEN F. S. , HOFMAN N. , JENSEN V. B. , LASSEN L. B. , RASSMUSSEN M. , VINZENTS L. , DAMMEGAARD L. , MUNCK S. , BRÖNDUM‐NIELSEN K. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryIn a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multicentre study, the effect of luteinizing‐hormone‐releasing‐hormone (LHRH) in 141 boys was analysed after 4–week treatment period with 0.4 mg LHRH nasal spray or placebo nasal spray three times daily. Data from 123 boys was analysed, with 62 boys in the treatment group and 61 in the placebo group. Full response i.e. the testis at the bottom of the scrotum on both sides in boys with bilaterally undescended testes, was found in six patients, one of them in the placebo group [Therapeutic gain of LHRH with 95% CI: 8.1% (0.1–16.6%, P = 0.12)]. Only in these boys could surgery be avoided. Considering the number of testes (and not the number of boys) a significant effect was found on at least one testis in 25% of boys with bilaterally undescended testes [Therapeutic gain with 95% CI: 24.0% (13.2–34.8%, P = 0.001)]. In unilateral undescended testes, the LHRH treatment showed no effect (P = 1.00). The inclusion of retractile testes did not affect our results. In our opinion LHRH has a limited place in treatment of the non‐descended testis.
Effect of different culture techniques used to induce capacitation on the chromatin stability of human sperm
Authors: OLIVA A. , PORSTMANN E. , CAILLE A. , BARTOLOMEO C. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTo validate an in‐vitro bioassay for assessing chromatin stability of human sperm, 38 semen samples from infertile men were studied using sodium dodecyl sulphate, an anionic detergent which disorganizes only the cytoplasmic membrane. Assay sensitivity was 50 sperm, whilst the within‐ and between‐assay variation, and the between‐observer variation were found to be within the accepted range for this type of bioassay. The influence of different in‐vitro treatments currently used in some clinical assisted fertilization programmes was evaluated: a destabilizing effect occurred in Grade I (stable) and Grade III (swollen) sperm. In the former, all treatments reduced stable sperm; in the latter, a significant (P<0.001) increase in swollen sperm was shown with two methods that used Ham's F‐10 as culture medium. Different chromatin patterns found in the treated sperm suggest the possibility that the recovered samples could be modified compared to their status at the time of isolation.
Therapy with human chorionic gonadotrophin alone induces spermatogenesis in men with isolated hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism‐long‐term follow‐up
Authors: VICARI E. , MONGIOÌ A. , CALOGERO A. E. , MONCADA M. L. , SIDOTI G. , POLOSA P. , D'AGATA R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe effects of long‐term (14–120 months) hCG‐treatment of 17 male patients affected by isolated hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (IHH) on testicular volume, plasma testosterone levels, and sperm concentration were assessed. Mean testicular volume increased from 3.8 ± 0.2 (Mean ± SEM) ml to a maximal of 14.9 ± 1.1 ml after 22.2 ± 2.3 months of hCG treatment. Maximal testicular volume correlated positively with the volume recorded before the patients had undergone any previous treatment. Testicular growth was also analysed by sorting the patients into two sub‐groups according to whether their initial testicular volume was <4 ml (small testis subset, STS) or ≥4 ml (large testis subset, LTS), supposedly indicating complete or partial gonadotrophin deficiency, respectively. Testicular volumes in the LTS group were always greater than those of the STS. Plasma testosterone levels reached adulthood values during hCG treatment and no statistically significant difference was detected between LTS and STS patients with IHH. Thirteen patients (70%) became sperm‐positive during treatment with hCG alone; five out of eight (60%) were STS patients and eight out of nine (90%) were LTS. In addition, LTS patients always had a greater sperm output than did STS patients. Sperm concentration correlated positively with maximal testicular volume, but not with patient age, length of treatment, or initial testicular volume. The administration of hMG to eight of these patients caused an increase in testicular volume in two patients but the mean volume was not statistically different from that recorded at the end of treatment with hCG alone. Similarly, sperm concentration improved in three patients but again it did not differ significantly from that achieved in the course of hCG treatment. It is noteworthy that one patient became sperm‐positive after the addition of hMG to his therapeutic regimen. Among sperm‐positive patients attempting conception, seven out of 10 succeeded, two of whom were from the STS group.In summary, this study indicates that hCG alone is an effective treatment to induce complete spermiogenesis in IHH patients regardless of their initial testicular volume. However, a number of IHH patients may benefit from the addition of hMG in terms of testicular volume, sperm output, and pregnancy outcome.
Efficacy of varicocele embolization versus ligation of the left internal spermatic vein for improvement of sperm quality
Authors: YAVETZ H. , LEVY R. , PAPO J. , YOGEV L. , PAZ G. , JAFFA A. J. , HOMONNAI Z. T. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryEfficacy of surgical varicocelectomy versus embolization of the spermatic vein was studied in 137 men diagnosed as suffering from left varicocele. The men were divided randomly into three groups according to the methods of treatment: A ‐embolization of the internal spermatic vein (51 men); B ‐ Ivanissevich technique of high ligation of the spermatic veins (43 men); and C ‐ Bernardi technique of high ligation (43 men). The groups were similar in terms of age, duration of infertility and possessed semen characterized as oligoteratoasthenozoospermia. The fertility of the female partners was evaluated carefully and they were found to be potentially fertile. Varicocele was diagnosed by at least two of the following methods: physical palpation during valsalva manoeuvre, venography, or scrotal scanning using the technetium pertechnate radioactive method. Semen quality was assessed before treatment and at 3, 6 and 9 months post‐treatment. Fecundity was followed‐up for 18 months. The major results were:

Shrinkage of the varicocele was found in all three groups studied. The same rate of recurrence was recorded in the three groups (24%, 37% and 35% in groups A, B and C, respectively).
Improvement of sperm quality was significant in groups A and B, with better results in group B.
The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in group B, compared with A (38.2% vs. 20.6%; P <0.05).

Thus, high ligation of the internal spermatic vein yields better results than low ligation or embolization as far as semen quality and pregnancy is concerned.
Temporal changes in the serum levels of gonadotrophins and testosterone in male rats bearing subcutaneous implants of 5α‐dihydrotestosterone
Authors: PARTE P. , JUNEJA H. S. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThis study has assessed the effect of s.c. implants of 5a‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the blood levels of testosterone and gonadotrophins in intact and castrated adult male rats. The rats were bled via cardiac puncture at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 70 days after DHT implantation. On days 28 and 49 post‐implantation, rats were injected with LHRH (25 ng) and bled 15 min later. In intact rats bearing DHT implants, the serum levels of LH and testosterone were suppressed significantly with no significant changes in FSH levels. Ventral prostate, seminal vesicles and the pituitary were reduced significantly in weight when compared with controls with empty implants. DHT significantly inhibited LHRH‐induced release of FSH in intact rats. In castrated rats, DHT implants inhibited the secretion of both LH and FSH, with a rise in serum DHT levels. DHT stimulated the LHRH‐induced release of LH but inhibited FSH. DHT implants increased the weight of the seminal vesicles and ventral prostate but inhibited the weight of the pituitary when compared to castrated rats bearing empty implants. This study demonstrates specific inhibition of serum LH and testosterone by DHT implants in intact adult rats.
Does follicle‐stimulating hormone or pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin influence testicular blood flow in rats?
Authors: BERGH A. , DAMBER J‐E. , LIEU L. , WIDMARK A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTreatment of adult rats with 25 iu follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) did not influence testicular blood flow, serum testosterone, vasomotion or intravascular leucocyte concentration at 6, 12 and 24 h after treatment. Treatment of adult rats with 50 iu pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) resulted in a two‐fold increase in testicular blood flow at 24 h, and an increase in interstitial fluid volume at 36 h after treatment. This PMSG‐induced increase in blood flow did not occur in Leydig cell‐depleted animals, suggesting that the effect on blood flow is mediated via the Leydig cells. PMSG injection stimulated testosterone secretion but it did not influence vasomotion, and it only marginally increased the secretion of leuco‐tactic factors in the testis. The present study suggests that FSH has no apparent effects on testicular blood flow and that the effects of PMSG (a hormone with both FSH and LH‐like activity) is mediated via stimulation of the Leydig cells.
Migration sedimentation technique as a predictive test for the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa in an in‐vitro fertilization programme
Authors: HAUSER R. , HOMONNAI Z. T. , PAZ G. F. , YAVETZ H. , AMIT A. , LESSING J. B. , PEYSER M. R. , YOGEV L. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe migration‐sedimentation technique (MST) has been proposed as a means of separating high quality motile spermatozoa. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate whether sperm performance following separation by MST predicts their fertilizing capacity in an in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) programme. Ninety semen specimens were analysed for use in an IVF‐embryo transfer (ET) programme. Each specimen was divided into two parts: one was processed in the IVF programme and was used after sperm swim‐up separation for insemination of human ova. The other aliquot (0.2 ml) was separated by MST, and the sperm then characterized by their concentration, motility, degree of motility and morphology. Sperm characteristics after separation by MST were then correlated with the results of the IVF‐fertilization rates. In 79 of 90 IVF‐ET cycles, at least one oocyte was fertilized. All post‐MST sperm characteristics were significantly higher in cycles with fertilizations compared to IVF cycles without fertilization. A larger percentage of the total motile spermatozoa were recovered after MST in semen specimens with fertilization, compared to semen specimens without fertilization (39.9 ± 3.6 and 20.6 ± 6.6%, respectively; P<0.05). This value was correlated with the percentage of fertilized oocytes (r= 0.24; P<0.02). More IVF cycles with fertilizations were recorded in cases in which the recovery of motile sperm was >25%(P<0.005), or when more than 1.5 times 106 motile spermatozoa were recovered after MST (P <0.0001). As sperm characteristics after MST correlated significantly with their fertilizing capacity, the MST test could be used in evaluation of the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa.
Enhanced detection of reactive oxygen species produced by human spermatozoa with 7‐dimethyl amino‐naphthalin–1, 2‐dicarbonic acid hydrazide
Authors: AITKEN R. J. , BUCKINGHAM D. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA new chemiluminescence technique has been assessed for the detection of reactive oxygen species generated by purified populations of human sperm. This revised protocol involves the use of horse‐radish peroxidase (HRP) in combination with a luminol analogue, 7‐dimethyl aminornaphthalin‐1,2‐dicarbonic acid hydrazide (DNDH), that exhibits two‐three times the quantal efficiency of luminol itself. The chemiluminescent signal generated with these reagents was significantly (P < 0.001) greater than that obtained with the conventional luminol‐based methodology for both the steady‐state situation and following stimulation of the sperm with PMA and A23187. Dose‐response analyses indicated that the DNDH/HRP chemi‐luminescence system could give linear standard curves with hydrogen peroxide concentrations into the nmol I‐1 range. In contrast, the exponential rise in chemiluminescence recorded with luminol was not observed until hydrogen peroxide concentrations exceeded 10 umol I‐1. It is concluded that the enhanced sensitivity of the DNDH/HRP system to low levels of hydrogen peroxide should facilitate the application of chemiluminescent techniques to the diagnosis of oxidative stress in cases of male infertility.