bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of androgen receptor and follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor mRNA levels in human and monkey testes by a ribonuclease‐protection assay
Authors: DANKBAR B. , SOHN M. , NIESCHLAG E. , GROMOLL J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA sensitive, solution‐hybridization ribonuclease‐protection assay (RPA) was established to quantify the expression of mRNA for the androgen receptor (AR) and follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in total RNA samples isolated from tissues of the cynomolgous monkey, human testes obtained from elderly patients undergoing orchidectomy because of prostatic carcinoma or from transsexual men undergoing gender reassignment as well as human cell lines DU 145, REP and RVP. Sensitivity experiments revealed that, in the human and monkey, 1–2 μg of total RNA were sufficient to achieve quantifiable signals of the different receptor mRNA species. Quantification of AR and FSHR mRNA levels showed a 1.7‐fold higher expression of AR mRNA and a 2.4‐fold higher expression of FSHR mRNA in the monkey testes compared to human testes from patients with prostatic carcinoma. Normal spermatogenesis in both human and monkey testes indicated no relationship between spermatogenic status and receptor expression. The significantly lower expression of AR and FSHR mRNA in humans than in monkeys might therefore be either age‐ or species‐related. Quantification of mRNA for AR and FSHR in the testis of the transsexual patients undergoing oestrogen and antiandrogen treatment displayed a drastic increase (4.5‐fold) in mRNA for the AR, whereas mRNA for the FSHR was barely detectable. Due to its high sensitivity, reproducibility and its ability to quantify mRNA transcripts, the RPA is a useful tool for investigating expression of low abundant receptor genes and their regulation when only very small amounts of tissue are available. Furthermore, it is suitable for use in clinical and experimental studies in which accurate quantification of transcripts is necessary.
Tobacco smoke disrupts testicular microcirculation in the rat
Authors: COLLIN O. , KILTER S. , BERGH A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAnaesthetized adult rats were exposed repeatedly to cigarette smoke for 2 s interspersed with exposure to fresh air for either 10, 15 or 30 s using a smoking apparatus. The acute effects of this treatment on testicular microcirculation were studied using laser Doppler flowmetry. Peripheral tissue O2 saturation was measured continuously in the foot during the experiment. Exposure to cigarette smoke caused a moderate acute increase in testicular blood flow and it inhibited vasomotion. Blood flow and the pattern of vasomotion were normalized after termination of smoke exposure. The time between the last smoke exposure and flow normalization was dependent on the smoke/air dose. Peripheral tissue O2 saturation did not change during the experiments. The effects on testicular microcirculation of local injection of an aqueous extract of cigarette smoke and passive smoking were also studied. Local injection of smoke extract increased blood flow and inhibited vasomotion. Passive smoking caused a moderate decrease in the frequency of vasomotion and amplitude. The observation that cigarette smoke influences testicular microcirculation acutely is discussed in relation to possible adverse effects on spermatogenesis.
Incidence of testicular mononuclear cell infiltrates in normal human males and in patients with germ cell neoplasia
Authors: JAHNUKAINEN K. , JØRGENSEN N. , PÖLLÄNEN P. , GIWERCMAN A. , SKAKKEBÆK N. E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe incidence of mononuclear cell (MNC) infiltrates was studied in the testes of the following: 45 patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) as the only lesion in the testis, CIS accompanied by an early invasion of CIS or CIS accompanied by invasive germ cell tumour (GCT) of the testis; 100 men and 146 boys who had died suddenly and unexpectedly, and 100 infertility patients. The results suggest that (1) the incidence of MNC infiltration increases with increasing severity of testicular malignant changes, (2) increased MNC infiltration is also evident in the contralateral testis where no malignant cells can be observed, (3) the incidence of MNC infiltration in men who died suddenly is not different from that in men who have had their testes biopsied because of infertility, and (4) the incidence of MNC infiltration is high in testes of boys younger than 1 year of age.
Hydrogen hexachloroplatinate induces the acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa
Authors: KÖHN F.‐M. , SCHUPPE H.‐C. , SCHILL W.‐B. , JEYENDRAN R. S. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryHuman spermatozoa from healthy donors (n= 7) were washed in Tyrode's medium containing 0.6 mg/ml freeze‐dried egg yolk, filtered through glass wool and exposed to 0.5, 5, 50, 500 or 1000 μM hydrogen hexachloroplatinate. Viability, membrane integrity and the acrosome reaction were examined using trypan blue exclusion, hypo‐osmotic swelling test and fluoresceinated Pisum sativum agglutinin, respectively, after incubation for 3 or 6 h at 37°C. While sperm motility, viability and membrane integrity were not affected by the platinum compound after incubation for 3 h, the number of acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa increased from 16.0 ± 6.4% (control, mean ± SEM) to 21.0 ± 3.3 (0.5 μM), 22.3 ± 4.3% (5 μM), 28.0 ± 4.3% (50 μM, p<0.01), 29.3 ± 3.9% (500 μM, p<0.01) and 43.9 ± 7.4% (1mM, p<0.001); a further increase was detected after incubation for 6 h. However, the percentages of dead and immotile spermatozoa and those with defective membranes were also higher, suggesting that the acrosome reaction was caused by degenerative processes after long‐term incubation. In conclusion, hydrogen hexachloroplatinate does not affect sperm motility, membrane integrity or viability, but it does induce the acrosome reaction after incubation for 3 h before cytotoxic effects are measurable. Similar effects of halide salts of platinum on receptor‐mediated exocytosis have been described in other cells such as mast cells and basophils in vivo and in vitro.
Application of the hypo‐osmotic swelling test to spermatozoa prepared by swim‐up and discontinuous Percoll separation
Authors: VIJATRASIL S. , MAKEMAHARN O. , UPAISILSATHAPORN P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe quality of spermatozoa prepared by washing and swim‐up or by discontinuous Percoll centrifugation, was compared by applying the hypo‐osmotic swelling (HOS) test to semen samples from 116 men of infertile couples. The HOS test performed on 95 normal semen samples showed that the percentage of swollen spermatozoa separated by both techniques was significantly higher than in the initial ejaculate (p<0.001). The percentage of HOS‐positive spermatozoa separated by the Percoll gradient technique was significantly higher than that separated by the swim‐up technique (p<0.001). On the contrary, in 21 abnormal semen samples, there was no significant difference in the percentage of spermatozoa which were positive in the HOS test between the Percoll gradient and the swim‐up technique (p=0.44). It is suggested that the Percoll gradient technique appears to be preferable to the swim‐up technique when semen parameters are normal, but there is no significant difference between these two techniques in abnormal semen.
Contribution of the male factor to unexplained infertility: a review
Authors: MACKENNA A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe more exhaustive the evaluation of couples with unexplained infertility, the more likely is the opportunity for detecting the aetiological factor responsible for infertility. Transport of spermatozoa through the upper genital tract and their ability to fertilize the oocyte are two obscure areas for the conventional evaluation of infertility. Although research in the former area is limited, there is indirect evidence that impaired sperm transport could be one of the causes of infertility in some couples with otherwise unexplained infertility. On the other hand, the availability of sperm function tests and the correlation of their results with in‐vitro fertilization rates have allowed the detection of a previously hidden male factor in couples with unexplained infertility. It has been demonstrated that couples suffering unexplained infertility have significantly lower in‐vitro fertilization rates in comparison with patients with tubal problems. These results can be explained because several case control studies in patients with unexplained infertility have reported defects in capacitation and sperm motion characteristics, binding of the spermatozoa to the zona pellucida, acrosome reaction, acrosin activity of the spermatozoa, and the ability of the spermatozoa to penetrate zona‐free hamster cocytes. These observations suggest that methods for assessing the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa have to be incorporated in the evaluation of couples with unexplained infertility in order to amplify the scope of the workup and to better decide the appropiate treatment for these couples.
Myoid cell proliferation in rat seminiferous tubules after ischaemic testicular atrophy induced by epinephrine. Morphometric and immunohistochemical (bromo‐deoxyuridine and PCNA) studies*
Authors: SANTAMARÍA L. , MARTÍN R. , CODESAL J. , PANIAGUA R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe proliferation of peritubular myoid cells in the testes of rats treated for 1–11 weeks with intra‐scrotal injections of epinephrine was investigated using immunohistochemistry and quantitative histology. The percentage of peritubular cells that were immunopositive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) or that were labelled with 5′‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in the S‐phase of the cell cycle, were calculated in control and treated rats after 1,3,5,8 and 11 weeks of treatment. In addition, the change in the number of peritubular cells per testis was calculated using two different stereological methods. The possible correlation between the changes observed using the two proliferation indices (PCNA immunoreaction and labelling of BrdU) in peritubular myoid cells was evaluated by regression analysis. The results of the study indicate that both proliferation indices increased in peritubular cells between the third and the eighth weeks of treatment, and that this increase was correlated with an increase in the number of these cells. From weeks 8–11 of treatment, both proliferation indices decreased and the same occurred with the number of peritubular cells. We hypothesize that proliferation of the peritubular cells occurs in order to increase their secretion of extracellular matrix components leading to enlargement of the lamina propria of the seminiferous tubule.
Effect of androgens on the germ cell‐depleted testes of prenatally irradiated rats
Authors: VERHOEVEN G. , DEBOEL L. , SWINNEN J. , ROMBAUTS L. , VANDERHOYDONC F. , ROSSEELS J. , HOEBEN E. , HEYNS W. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTo study the effect of androgens on somatic testicular cells, rats were rendered germ cell depleted by prenatal irradiation (RX). Adult RX rats were treated with a desensitizing dose of a GnRH agonist (GnRHa; Zoladex), combined with an antiandrogen (Nilutamide) to preclude all androgen effects, or combined with testosterone or hCG to restore androgen action. The effect of these treatments for 3 weeks on the weight of testes and accessory sex glands, hormones (LH, FSH, testosterone, inhibin), testicular proteins, the pattern of incorporation of [35S]‐methionine into testicular proteins (studied by two dimensional gel electrophoresis) and steady state mRNA levels for transferrin and androgen‐binding protein (ABP) were evaluated. Combined treatment with GnRHa and antiandrogen virtually eliminated gonadotrophins, androgens and androgen effects. Testicular weight was reduced to 50% of that observed in RX controls. Treatment with GnRHa and testosterone resulted in supraphysiological levels of testosterone and testicular weights comparable to those observed in RX controls. FSH levels in these animals, however, were in the normal range. A low dose of hCG also restored testicular weight in the presence of low concentrations of serum testosterone and low normal levels of FSH. Neither polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of total testicular proteins nor two dimensional gel electrophoresis of [35S]‐methionine labelled proteins revealed striking changes in distinct testicular proteins as a result of androgen withdrawal or androgen treatment. Dot blot hybridization showed a three‐fold increase in the mRNA level for ABP (expressed per μg total RNA) in the Sertoli cell enriched testes of RX rats. This level was barely influenced by androgen withdrawal or androgen administration. The mRNA level for transferrin was increased six‐fold in RX rats. A 50% reduction of this level was observed after combined treatment with GnRHa and antiandrogen. It is concluded that, in the germ cell‐depleted testis, the major effect of androgens is an overall increase in protein and RNA synthesis rather than a very important and selective increase of a few gene products.
Effect of seminiferous tubule size on hCG‐induced regeneration of peritubular Leydig cells in hypophysectomized, EDS‐treated rats
Authors: SAVAGE G. N. , KERR J. B. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryFollowing their selective destruction 3 weeks previously by administration of ethane dimethanesulphonate (EDS) the regenerative capacity of Leydig cells was assessed in relation to seminiferous tubule morphology in hypophysectomized adult rats administered 7 daily injections of 100 iu hCG. Total Leydig cell volume per testis in hCG‐treated rats (30.2 ±3.2 μl, mean ± SEM) was significantly (p<0.01) greater than in the testes of rats at 3 and 4 weeks after EDS‐treatment (7.6 ± 0.7 and 22.7 ± 1.4 μl, respectively). Regeneration of Leydig cells in hCG‐treated rats significantly (p<0.05) favoured peritubular locations (18.6 ± 2.8 μl/testis) compared to central or perivascular sites of origin (11.6 ± 1.2 μl/testis). Partial restoration of spermatogenesis occurred in hCG‐treated rats (tubule diameters usually >250μm) and a significant inverse correlation was found between peritubular Leydig cell percentage, or total volume per testis, and the volumetric proportion of seminiferous tubules (r=‐0.94, p<0.001) or the seminiferous epithelium (r=‐0.73 to ‐0.79, p<0.05–0.01). No significant (p>0.4–0.9) correlation existed between centrally‐regenerated Leydig cells and these parameters. The results show that in response to hCG stimulation, Leydig cells are more likely to develop around smaller seminiferous tubules, suggesting that hCG alone cannot mimic the expected pattern of Leydig cell regeneration (central and peritubular origins) which occurs during normal sexual maturation or at 3–4 weeks after EDS treatment. It is concluded that other factors, possibly FSH, are required for typical Leydig cell development which in turn may be influenced by local cellular growth factors originating from either the seminiferous tubules or the adjacent intertubular tissue.
Long‐term intracavernous self‐injection with prostaglandin E1 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction
Authors: CANALE D. , GIORGI P. M. , LENCIONI R. , MORELLI G. , GASPERI M. , MACCHIA E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryIntracavernous self‐injection with vasoactive drugs has become a widely accepted treatment for erectile dysfunctions (ED). Sixty‐eight patients affected by ED have been followed during long‐term (at least 1 year) treatment with intracavernous prostaglandin E1. Each patient underwent a penile dynamic ultrasound examination using a high‐definition probe (13 MHz) before and during the treatment. The drop‐out rate was 8.8%. An improvement in spontaneous erections was reported by 13% of patients. The onset of fibrotic nodules occurred in three (4.4%) patients. In one of the latter cases the occurrence of nodules could be related to the frequency and dose of the drug administered, whereas in the other two cases no such correlation could be hypothesized. These findings draw attention to this possible side‐effect of long‐term treatment with PGE1.
Human chorionic gonadotrophin‐induced testicular inflammation may be related to increased sensitivity to interleukin‐1
Authors: BERGH A. , DAMBER J.‐E. , HJERTKVIST M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTreatment of adult male rats with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) results in an inflammation‐like response in the testicular microcirculation. Polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes accumulate in venules and vascular permeability is increased. The mechanism behind this response was studied. Treatment with an interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist partly prevented the hCG induced accumulation of PMN leukocytes 4 h after treatment. Human recombinant interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) and β (IL‐1β), serotonin, and histamine were injected intratesticularly on one side and saline injected on the contralateral side in both intact and hCG‐pretreated adult rats. A low dose of IL‐α (a dose that did not increase vascular permeability in unstimulated testes) increased vascular permeability in the testes of animals treated with hCG 4, 6 or 8 h earlier, but it was without effect in testes from rats treated with hCG 0,1, 2, 16 or 32 h prior to IL‐1 injection. The sensitivity to the pro‐inflammatory effect of locally injected IL‐1β was also increased by hCG treatment. There was no increase in vascular permeability after local injection of a large dose of histamine or serotonin in either saline‐ or in hCG‐pretreated animals. Hypothetically, the hCG‐induced inflammation‐like increase in testicular vascular permeability could be related to increased sensitivity to constitutively produced mediators such as IL‐1.
Structure of small blood vessels in the testes of infertile men
Authors: JEZEK D. , SCHULZE W. , ROGATSCH H. , HITTMAIR A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryIn the testis, ‘hyalinization’ of the lamina propria of seminiferous tubules is often accompanied by similar changes within the walls of testicular blood vessels. The aim of our study was to investigate the structure of small blood vessels in hyalinized human testes by means of immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and image analysis methods. Results of immunohistochemical analysis indicated that, despite hyalinization, testicular small blood vessels retained positive immunostaining for desmin and actin. Their basement membranes remained immunopositive for collagen IV and laminin. No proliferative (Ki‐67) activity was observed in the blood vessel walls in testes from both control and infertile men. P‐170 glycoprotein was found to be expressed only in primary spermatocytes. No difference in expression and localization of this antigen was observed between control and affected testes.Electron microscopy revealed a number of testicular arterioles with a notably narrow lumen due to enlarged endothelial cells in infertile men. Such arterioles also had a thickened subendothelial layer and an abundant tunica adventitia rich in connective tissue fibres and ground substance. Some venules in hyalinized testes displayed increased connective fibres and ground substance in the subendothelial layer, between the smooth muscle cells of the tunica media and the tunica adventitia. However, no changes were found in the capillary network, when compared to controls. Image analysis data showed a statistically significant increase in the surface of tunica intima and adventitia of arterioles and tunica media of venules. It is concluded that hyalinization mostly affects testicular arterioles and venules, but not capillaries. Our immunohistochemical data indicate that the ‘nature’ and/or extent of hyalinization in testicular small blood vessels differs from that described previously for the lamina propria of seminiferous tubules.
Polymorphism in the cytochrome P450 2E1 gene 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 four restriction fragment polymorphisms (DraI, MspI, PstI and RsaI) of the cytochrome P450 2E1 gene was investigated in an autopsy study on 254 men. Acquaintances were interviewed and the mean daily alcohol consumption of the subjects was calculated on the basis of the interviews. Spermatogenesis score and testicular morphology were assessed by light‐microscopy, and cytochrome 2E1 polymorphic genotypes were determined using the polymerase chain reaction. Of the 204 heavy‐drinking men, 42 (20.6%) men had normal spermatogenesis (p<0.001, compared to moderate drinkers). Partial spermatogenic arrest was observed in 76 (37.3%) men and complete spermatogenic arrest in 79 (38.7%) men (p<0.001, compared to moderate drinkers), whereas seven men (3.4%) had Sertoli cell only syndrome. The overall allelic frequencies for the common and rare polymorphic alleles were 0.98 and 0.02 (MspI) and 0.99 and 0.01 (PstI and RsaI), respectively. No associations between heterozygosity in the MspI, PstI or RsaI loci, or the allelic frequencies of common and rare alleles, and disorders of spermatogenesis were observed. The allelic frequencies for the common and rare polymorphic alleies in the DraI locus were 0.90 and 0.10, respectively. No significant difference was observed, either among moderate or heavy drinkers, in the frequency of the rare allele between men with disorders of spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis in the respective group, although men with disorders of spermatogenesis in general had a slightly lower frequency of the rare allele when compared to those with normal spermatogenesis. In conclusion, we were unable to demonstrate a significant association between any polymorphisms in the CYP2E1 gene and disorders of spermatogenesis. RsaI, MspI and PstI polymorphisms were extremely rare in our population and could thus possibly be excluded as reasons for genetic susceptibility to disorders of spermatogenesis in our series.
Neuronal input from the inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG) affects sperm transport within the rat cauda epididymis*,†
Authors: RICKER D. D. , CHANG T. S. K. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySympathetic nerves emanating from the inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG) innervate the mammalian epididymis and vas deferens. We have reported previously that surgical removal of the rat IMG results in excessive accumulation of spermatozoa within the cauda epididymis. The objective of the present study was to determine whether sperm accumulation following IMG removal was due to a denervation‐induced change in the rate of sperm transport within the cauda epididymis. In these studies epididymal sperm numbers were counted and used as a measure of sperm transport within the epididymis. In order to examine sperm transport within the cauda epididymis specifically, efferent duct ligation (EDL) was used to prevent further entry of testicular spermatozoa into the epididymis. Rats were divided into four treatment groups: sham‐operated control, EDL alone for 7 days (EDL+7), EDL alone for 14 days (EDL+14), or EDL for 7 days at which time the IMG was removed and the rats were maintained for an additional 7 days (EDL+IMG). Epididymides were homogenized and the number of spermatozoa in the caput and cauda epididymis was counted. In EDL+7 rats, the caput epididymis was devoid of spermatozoa. The rate of transit of spermatozoa through the cauda epididymis of EDL+7 rats was approximately 3.43 million/day. The total number of cauda epididymal spermatozoa in EDL+7 rats was reduced by 20% compared to sham‐operated control rats. In EDL+14 rats, spermatozoa transited the cauda epididymis at a rate of approximately 9.57 million/day, and the total number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis was reduced by 73% compared to sham‐operated controls. If the IMG was removed 7 days following EDL, spermatozoa transited the cauda epididymis at a rate comparable to that observed in EDL+7 rats (3.39 million/day). Following IMG denervation of EDL+7 rats, cauda epididymal sperm numbers were maintained at levels observed in the EDL+7 rats. These data demonstrate that the transport of spermatozoa through the cauda epididymis is influenced significantly by neuronal input from the IMG.