bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment with hCG increases the size of Leydig cells and testicular macrophages in unilaterally cryptorchid rats
Authors: BERGH A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAdult, unilaterally cryptorchid rats were treated with a single injection of 200 i.u. human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The morphological response of Leydig cells and testicular macrophages at 24 and 72 h after treatment was quantified using morphometry. Treatment with hCG induced an increase in the volume density of Leydig cells and macrophages, as well as in the average cell profile area of individual Leydig cells and macrophages in both scrotal and abdominal testes. However, the relative response was considerably larger in abdominal than in scrotal testes, and there was a strong positive correlation between the response of Leydig cells and macrophages. It is suggested that hCG, probably via effects on Leydig cells, also influences the function of testicular macrophages.
Effect of antispermatoeoal antibodies in seminal plasma upon spermatozoal function
Authors: MATSON P. L. , JUNK S. M. , SPITTLE J. W. , YOVICH J. L. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe indirect immunobead test for antispermatozoal antibodies of the class IgA, IgG and IgM was applied to the seminal plasma of male partners of infertile couples. The presence of both IgA and IgG was associated with a decreased incidence of good post‐coital test results and a reduced rate of fertilization of human oocytes. No significant differences were found for men with IgA or IgG alone when compared to men with no detectable antispermatozoal antibodies.
Abnormal sperm morphology and other semen parameters related to the outcome of the hamster oocyte human sperm penetration assay
Authors: OEHNIGER S. , MORSHEDI M. , KRUGER T. F. , SWANSON R. J. , HAMILTON MARY , SIMMONS KATHRYN F. , ACOSTA ANIBAL A. , MATTAP J. F. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA new method for evaluation of sperm morphology using strict criteria is currently used in the andrology laboratory at the Eastern Virginia Medical School. A prospective study was designed to evaluate the following semen parameters in samples of all patients over a set period of time: sperm concentration and motility, and normal sperm morphology. These factors were correlated with results of the hamster zona‐free oocyte/human sperm penetration assay (SPA). One hundred patients with a sperm concentration ranging from 2 to 219 × 106/ml, a motile sperm fraction ranging from 6.9 to 87%, and normal sperm morphology ranging from 1 to 39%, were evaluated. The statistical analysis system general linear model was used to judge the influence of the different variables. There was a statistically significant relationship between the per cent of sperm with normal morphology and penetration rate in the SPA (P = 0.001). Outcome of the SPA was also correlated with in‐vitro fertilization, retrospectively, in 84 patients. Thirty‐eight patients had an SPA < lo%, with no fertilization in vitro in 13 patients (33.3%) and fertilization in 25 (66.7%). Forty‐five had an SPA > 10% with fertilization in 37 (82.2%) and no fertilization in eight (17.8%) patients.
Early effects of hCG on human testicular cyclic AMP content, protein kinase activity, in‐vitro progesterone conversion and the serum concentrations of testosterone and oestradiol
Authors: PETERSSON F. , ANDERSSON R. G. G. , BERG A. Å:SON , HAMMAR M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTen infertile men underwent testicular biopsy. Cyclic AMP concentration and CAMP‐dependent protein kinase activity were determined in biopsies obtained before, and at 3, 10, 20 and 30 min after an intravenous injection of hCG (1500–5000 IU). The in‐vitro conversion of progesterone by testicular tissue, and the serum concentrations of testosterone and oestradiol were then studied before and at 30 min after hCG injection. Intravenous injection of hCG induced a rapid increase in cAMP concentration and in the activity of CAMP‐dependent protein kinase. The kinetics of this response indicated that cAMP and CAMP‐dependent protein kinase mediate hCG effects on the human testis, presumably via effects on the Leydig cells. No stimulatory effect on steroid conversion in vitro or on the serum concentrations of testosterone and oestradiol were seen after 30 min.
Inhibition of spermatogenesis in men using various combinations of oral progestagens and percutaneous or oral androgens
Authors: GUERIN J. F. , ROLLET J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryEight men (experiment 1) requesting male contraception received a daily oral dose of 20 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) combined with 125 mg percutaneous dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Three months later the mean sperm count was only diminished slightly; the replacement of DHT for four men by percutaneous testosterone at the same concentration led to a dramatic fall in sperm count. For 6–18 months all men were treated with MPA plus percutaneous testosterone (250 mg daily). The latter dose restored physiological levels of plasma testosterone. Follicle‐stimulating hormone levels were inhibited more severely than in the DHT‐treated group, whereas LH levels were variable. Azoospermia was achieved and maintained in six cases; two men were oligozoospermic and in one case a moderate secondary rise in the sperm count was observed. Twelve volunteers (experiment 2) received a daily oral dose of either 5 or 10 mg norethisterone acetate plus percutaneous testosterone (250 mg daily). All of them achieved azoospermia within 2 months, but two subjects later exhibited a partial restoration in sperm count. Follicle‐stimulating hormone and LH levels were inhibited more severely than in the first experiment. The sperm count and gonadotrophin levels returned to initial values within 6 months after cessation of the treatment in both experiments. No side‐effects were noted concerning blood parameters, libido or body weight. However, several female partners had elevated levels of plasma testosterone. In experiment 3 (13 volunteers), percutaneous testosterone was replaced by oral testosterone undecanoate (160 mg daily). Only seven men were azoospermic and most of them had lowered levels of plasma testosterone. Thus, the combination of percutaneous testosterone and oral progestagens appears to be the most convenient for male hormonal contraception.
Effect of unilateral cryptorchidism on the intertubular tissue of the adult rat testis: evidence for intracellular changes within the Leydig cells
Authors: KERR J. B. , RISBRIDGER G. P. , MURRAY P. J. , KNELL C.M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAdult male rats were made unilaterally cryptorchid for 1, 2 or 4 weeks, and the morphological response of the Leydig cells was then studied using morphometric assessment of total Leydig cell volume and number per testis in abdominal and scrotal testes. Serum hormone levels were measured and the steroidogenic properties of isolated Leydig cells were evaluated by in‐vitro stimulation with hCG and interstitial fluid (IF) obtained from normal rat testes. Total Leydig cell volume and number per testis were not altered in abdominal vs scrotal testes, although the volume of the abdominal testis was 46, 29 and 21%, respectively, of the volume of the contralateral scrotal testis after 1, 2 and 4 weeks. This reduction was accompanied by significant (P < 0.05) elevation of the serum levels of FSH and LH, although serum testosterone levels were unchanged from the normal range. Despite the lack of quantitative alterations in Leydig cell morphology, hCG‐ and IF‐stimulated testosterone production was significantly (P < 0.01) greater by abdominal Leydig cells when compared with scrotal Leydig cells derived from the same animals. Ultrastructural examination of Leydig cells in situ suggested an increase in volumetric density of mitochondria in abdominal Leydig cells. Together with the enhanced steroidogenic responses of these cells, these findings suggest that disruption of spermatogenesis in the cryptorchid testis is accompanied by intracelMar activation of Leydig cells. Since these effects were not exhibited by Leydig cells from the scrotal testis it is concluded that local factors within the cryptorchid testis are responsible, at least in part, for regulation of Leydig cell activity.
Endocrine, seminal and peripheral effects of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and testosterone enanthate in men
Authors: HEDMAN M. , GOTTLIEB C. , SVANBORG K. , BYGDEMAN M. , de la TORRE B. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryDepot medroxyprogesterone acetate (D‐MPA, 250 mg) and testosterone enanthate (TE, 200 mg) were administered twice with a 4‐week interval to nine healthy men, and the levels in blood of steroids, gonadotrophins, lipoproteins, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and prostaglandins (PGs) were measured, as well as steroid levels in semen and the sperm count and motility. The hormones analysed were: MPA, testosterone, androstenedione (A), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), oestradiol (E2), cortisol (C), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the sulphoconjugated forms (‐S) of testosterone, DHT, pregnenolone (5‐P) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Peak values of MPA (10.2 ± 4.6 nmol/l) and testosterone (28.0 ± 10.0) were found in the first blood samples 2 days after each injection. Thereafter the levels of MPA decreased gradually and reached the limit of detection 18–20 weeks after the second injection. Blood levels of testosterone fell sharply from the peak values and were grossly subnormal 2 weeks after each injection; levels did not return to pretreatment values during 24 weeks of follow‐up. The pattern of change of DHT, A, E2 and sulphonated androgens was similar to that of testosterone. These data suggest that D‐MPA and TE are absorbed at similar rates, and that the TE is metabolized rapidly. The subsequent reduction in the levels of A, testosterone‐S and DHT‐S was less marked and reached pretreatment values earlier than did the testosterone levels. No obvious changes were found in the levels of C, 5‐P‐S and DHEA‐S or in the seminal plasma levels of the various steroids studied. The blood levels of LH and FSH fell precipitously 2 days after the first injection, then started to increase 4 weeks after the second injection to reach pretreatment values 12 weeks later. Of the lipoproteins studied only the levels of HDL‐cholesterol and SHBG were found suppressed after treatment. Severe oligozoospermia and the complete absence of progressively motile sperm, in at least one semen sample, was observed in all subjects at 3–7 and at 5–16 weeks, respectively, after the last injection, suggesting that the men were infertile for at least 1 month after treatment. A spurious increase in the PG content of semen was also observed. In spite of the low blood testosterone levels, no subject reported changes in sexual behaviour or other signs of anabolic imbalance during or after the study. However, the increase in levels of E2 in some individuals should be kept in mind as a possible cause of side‐effects. This study suggests the possibility that repeated injections of D‐MPA given alone, at least during an initial period of time, induces and sustains reversible male infertility, and merits further clinical investigation.
Investigation of, the cause of low sperm motility in asthenozoospermic patients by multiple quantitative tests
Authors: YEUNG C. H. , BALS‐PRATSCH M. , KNUTH U. A. , NIESCHLAG E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryMultiple tests were done on the ejaculates of 10 asthenozoospermic patients and nine healthy normozoospermic volunteers in an attempt to identify individually the cause of low sperm motility in these patients. Possible defects in the sperm plasma membrane and the motility apparatus of sperm, and in epididymal function affecting the development of motility, were investigated. The presence of seminal sperm antibodies or any motility‐inhibiting factors in the seminal plasma that could be removed by washing were also tested. Each test was positive in only one or two patients but axonemal dysfunction was identified in nine patients. Removal of seminal plasma from asthenozoospermic samples did not improve sperm motility to any greater extent than with donor ejaculates, and the motile sperm of these patients exhibited characteristics mostly similar to those of donors under various incubation conditions. Selection procedures are, therefore, required to obtain samples of good quality sperm from such asthenozoospermic ejaculates.
Pituitary and testicular function in the restricted (Hre) rat
Authors: HEINDEL J. J. , BERKOWITZ A. S. , GROTJAN H. E. , HERBERT D. C. , KLEMCKES H. G. , BARTKE A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA systematic morphological and biochemical examination of the pituitary‐testicular axis in the male restricted (Hre) rat was undertaken in order to understand the possible site(s) and mechanism(s) responsible for their infertility. The adult Hre rat had increased plasma levels of LH and FSH but normal levels of prolactin and testosterone, and normal weights of the sex accessory glands. The increased plasma levels of LH and FSH correlated with hypertrophy and vacuolation of the gonadotrophs in Hre rats. Leydig cells from adult Hre rats exhibited an enhanced testosterone response to LH and hCG in vitro but not in vivo. There was a shift in the normal age‐related decline in the response of cultured Sertoli cells to FSH in Hre rats, which was evident as early as 25 days of age, and which corresponded to a delay of 10–14 days in the pubertal increase in testicular weight. The search for the mechanism of the suppression of spermatogenesis in the Hre rat should take into account two events, which may or may not be related: (i) the delay in the onset of spermatogenesis during puberty and (ii) inhibition of spermatogenesis in the adult, which may result from abnormal function of both the Sertoli and Leydig cells.
Inhibition of growth and differentiation of fetal hamster gonads grafted into the adult testis
Authors: ARRAU J. , BUSTOS‐OBREGÓN E. , CABELLO R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA cytomorphological analysis of the effect of adult testes on growth and differenti ation of grafted fetal testis or ovaries was performed in hamsters. Fetal gonads, taken at 14 days post‐coital age, were grafted for 30 days either under the renal capsule or testicular capsule of scrotal or cryptorchid testes of adult hamsters (weight 115 ± 23 g). Renal grafts were also performed in males castrated 30 days prior to receiving the fetal gonads. Growth and differentiation of the fetal gonads (testis or ovary) was totally inhibited by the scrotal testis. When the cryptorchid testis was the recipient of fetal gonads, inhibition was correlated inversely with the degree of spermatogenic damage elicited in the cryptorchid testis. No inhibition was observed in fetal gonads grafted under the kidney capsule, nor in castrated, normal or cryptorchid animals. As normal growth and differentiation of both testis and ovary occurred when grafted under the kidney capsule, the inhibitory effect of adult gonads seems to be unrelated to plasma testosterone levels in the host, as levels were undetectable in castrated hamsters and reduced drastically in cryptor chid animals. At the same time, the testicular‐inhibiting substance in normal animals did not act at a distance, since its effect was restricted to fetal gonads grafted under the testicular capsule. This inhibitory substance may correspond to the spermatogonial chalone, known to be produced by differentiating spermato genic cells (mainly spermatocytes and round spermatids in the rat and mouse); these chalones prevent spermatogonial proliferation and, consequently, the critical number of spermatogonia needed to enter meiosis is not attained. It is doubtful if the same substance has the ability to differentiate the fetal ovary or if this effect can be ascribed to a more complex situation involving other testicular peptides of paracrine action and/or locally high levels of androgens.
Nutrition‐related alterations in liver microsomal testosterone hydroxylases
Authors: GIL L. , ORELLANA MYRIAM , VASQUEZ H. , SILVA MARCELA 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe oxidation products of testosterone formed by liver microsomes from normal‐fed and protein‐energy malnourished male rats have been analysed by HPLC. Microsomes from normal‐fed rats oxidized testosterone at a rate of 4.52 nmol/min/ mg protein. The major products formed were: 6β‐, 7α‐ and 16α‐hydroxytestos‐terone; these three metabolites represented 65% of the total testosterone meta bolism. Microsomes from protein‐energy malnourished rats oxidized testosterone at a reduced rate of 2.03 nmol/min/mg protein. The major product formed was 7α‐hydroxytestosterone, which accounted for 43% of total testosterone oxidation. Microsomes from protein‐energy malnourished rats showed a CO‐reduced cyto‐chrome P‐450 spectra with a maxima at 452 nm, and a 38% decrease in the total content of cytochrome P‐450. Some testosterone hydroxylases were drastically affected by protein‐energy malnutrition but others, such as 7α‐hydroxylase, remained unchanged. The present results suggest that nutritional status can modify the relative amounts of individual cytochrome P‐450 isozymes, thus explaining the observed changes in several testosterone hydroxylases. Protein‐energy malnutri tion seems to be an excellent tool with which to obtain a microsomal fraction containing predominantly P‐450 isozymes, which are probably involved in key mono‐oxygenations of physiological substrates.
Male factors and the likelihood of pregnancy in infertile couples. I. Study of sperm characteristics
Authors: JOUANNET P. , DUCOT B. , FENEUX D. , SPIRA A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA prospective study of 394 infertile men was conducted over 3 years following a primary semen analysis. The cumulative pregnancy rate was 43 and 64% after 1 and 3 years, respectively. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the secondary infertile group. The study of various sperm factors and the occurrence of pregnancy showed that they were not of equal significance in predicting male fertility potential. The percentage of pregnancies decreased significantly only when the sperm concentration was <5×106/ml. The pregnancy rate increased significantly with the percentage of motile sperm. The percentage of sperm with normal morphology was also found to be significantly higher when a pregnancy occurred than when the couple remained infertile (43.6%vs 37.7%). In a detailed morphological analysis of the sperm, six abnormalities (microcephaly, double head, amorphous head, cytoplasmic droplet, bent tail and coiled tail) were found to be significantly more frequent when a pregnancy did not occur. The most predictive value was given by the Multiple Anomalies Index (MAI), which is the mean number of abnormalities observed per abnormal sperm. The pregnancy rate was significantly lower after both 1 and 3 years when the MA1 was greater than 1.6. Multivariate analysis showed that the best prognostic indicator of fertility was given by the percentage of motile sperm and the MAI, particularly in patients with primary infertility.
Male factors and the likelihood of pregnancy in infertile couples. 11. Study of clinical characteristics — practical consequences
Authors: DUCOT B. , SPIRA A. , FENEUX D. , JOUANNET P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA prospective study of 394 infertile men was conducted over 3 years following a primary semen analysis. Simple comparisons between the groups of men whose partners conceived and those that did not, showed that the mean duration of infertility in the primary infertile group was significantly shorter when a pregnancy was observed, while age differed significantly between the two populations in the secondary infertile group. Multivariate analyses, taking these variables and sperm characteristics into account, showed that prognostic variables for the occurrence of pregnancy were the duration of infertility, sperm motility and the multiple anomalies index in the primary infertile group, and age of the male partner and percentage of normal sperm in the secondary infertile group. Tables for estimating the probability of observing a pregnancy as a function of these criteria are presented. In this study no positive influence of treatment on the occurrence of a pregnancy was found during the 3 years following the first semen analysis.
Glycerophosphocholine in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men
Authors: MIEUSSET R. , BUJAN L. , MANSAT ARLETTE , PONTONNIER F. , GRANDJEAN HÉLÉNE , CHAP H. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryGlycerophosphocholine (GPC) was measured in seminal plasma from 65 fertile men, 276 infertile men and 10 men before and after vasectomy, using a new enzymatic method. Extra‐epididymal excretion of GPC accounted for 30% of the total seminal levels of GPC. From a diagnostic point of view, GPC determination did not appear to be a specific tool which could discriminate between secretary and excretory azoospermia. Although the seminal content of GPC was related positively to the total sperm count in both fertile and infertile men, there was an inverse relationship between the level of GPC and sperm motility when considering classes displaying the same total sperm count. This was observed in all classes from infertile men as well as in fertile men with a total sperm count lower than 200 × 106perd/ejaculate. These results suggest a possible role of GPC in the regulation of human sperm motility, which warrants further investigation.
Identification of sperm antigens that regulate fertility
Authors: SHAHA CHANDRIMA , SURI A. , TALWAR G. P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryPolyclonal antisera were generated in rabbits against human sperm extracts. Out of many such antisera, one was selected (antiserum I) because it recognized relatively few antigens on Western blots. Antiserum I identified immunostainable material on the acrosome of human, monkey, rabbit, hamster. rat and mouse sperm. A detailed histochemical study using rat testes showed that the antigen was detectable on early spermatids and sperm, but not on less mature germ cells. Immunohisto‐chemistry at the electron microscope level localized the antigen on the plasma membrane of rat sperm. In Western blots using human sperm extracts, the antibody recognized a major band with an apparent molecular weight (MW) of 40 000 and minor bands at 43 000 and 72 000, With extracts of monkey sperm and rat testicular cytosol, antiserum I recognized antigens of 69 000 and 23–24 000, respectively. Functionally, antiserum I produced strong agglutination of human sperm. It also prevented attachment of mouse sperm to mouse oocytes in vitro and reduced fertility when administered to female mice. These results suggest that antiserum I can be used as a possible reagent for selecting sperm antigens as components of a contraceptive vaccine.