bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A non‐human primate study (baboon; Papio hamadryas) to determine if a long‐acting progestogen, levonorgestrel butanoate, combined with a long‐acting androgen, testosterone buciclate, can suppress spermatogenesis: II. Efficacy study
Authors: GONCHAROV N. P. , KATZIA G. V. , BUTNEV V. U. , GORLUSHKIN V. M. , WAITES G. M. H. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTwo combined injections of levonorgestrel butanoate (4 mg/kg) and testosterone buciclate (8 mg/kg) at 3‐month intervals to adult male baboons initiated a decrease in sperm concentration from baseline values of 490times106/ml to minimum values of 17times106/ml. This suppression was sustained until week 32, during which time between one and three azoospermic samples were collected from each of four out of five treated baboons in the period 10–24 weeks. Circulating plasma levels of LH and testosterone decreased to approximately 20–75% of baseline values. Plasma levels of cortisol declined to significantly reduced levels at weeks 22 and 36–44. All values returned to the baseline range by week 48. The combined administration of progestogen and androgen induced a more marked and sustained suppression to severe oligozoospermia or azoospermia than did the equivalent dose of progestogen alone (Goncharov et al., 1995). Although the dose of testosterone buciclate used did not maintain peripheral levels of testosterone in the normal range, it did not restimulate spermatogenesis. It was concluded that a combination drug regimen based on the novel long‐acting levonorgestrel and testosterone esters could provide a contraceptive option for men.
Bulk sperm collection by epididymal micropuncture and stimulation of the spermatic nerve: a novel method for sperm retrieval for IVF for surgically irreparable vasal obstruction
Authors: YAMAMOTO M. , HIBI H. , MIYAKE K. , FUKUGAKI H. , SUGANUMA N. , TOMODA Y. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryWe have developed a new sperm collection method by epididymal micropuncture in conjunction with perivascular nerve stimulation to obtain as many uncontaminated spermatozoa as possible for IVF for patients with surgically unreconstructable vasal obstruction. Fifteen azoospermic men with congenital absence of the vas deferens or vasal obstruction not amenable to surgical repair enrolled in this study. Under general anaesthesia the testis and epididymis were retrieved and stabilized in a testicular holder with the aid of 2% agar. The epididymal micropuncture was performed using a micropipette placed in a micromanipulator. A pair of Ag‐AgCl ring electrodes were placed around the spermatic cord for perivascular nerve stimulation with DC (intensity 136 V, frequency 20 Hz) for 30 s. Electrical stimulation was repeated every 1 min until no further fluid was obtained. Epididymal fluid obtained ranged from 78 to 980 μl (mean 169 μl). Sperm concentration ranged from 0.7 to 200 million (mean 53.5 million). Sperm motility ranged from 0.5% to 70% (mean: 19.9%). The percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology ranged from 3% to 32% (mean 16.4%). Of 16 cycles in which spermatozoa and oocytes were retrieved, 56% (9/16) resulted in fertilization and 18.8% (3/16) developed clinical pregnancies. The clinical pregnancy rate per couple was 20% (3/15). This is the first clinical experience of the bulk sperm collection system for IVF for the treatment of unreconstructable obstructive azoospermia. Our results indicate that our new technique, in conjunction with IVF, is clinically useful for patients with surgically irreparable vasal obstruction.
Comparative analysis of proteins secreted in vitro by isolated seminiferous tubules from man and the rat
Authors: McKINNELL C. , BRACKENBURY E. T. , QURESHI S. J. , HARGREAVE T. B. , SHARPE R. M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe aims of this study were to provide an overall comparison of the in‐vitro protein secretory profile of seminiferous tubules (ST) isolated from man and the rat, and to identify specific proteins secreted by both species. Two‐dimensional SDS PAGE was used to compare the profile of proteins secreted by cultured ST from 15 men undergoing orchidectomy with those secreted by ST isolated at stages VI‐VIII of the spermatogenic cycle from normal adult rats, and by ST at the same stages isolated from rats pretreated with methoxyacetic acid (MAA) in order to deplete both pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Two abundant groups of proteins not present in the medium of rat ST were secreted consistently by human ST, though the profile of proteins secreted by human ST was otherwise more variable than in the rat. Twelve proteins secreted by ST isolated from humans were identified as possible homologues of rat ST‐secreted proteins, including the major rat Sertoli cell products SGP‐1 and SGP‐2, and an androgen‐regulated protein which derives in the rat from round spermatids. Otherwise, the majority of the 12 potential homologues corresponded to proteins which in the rat are secreted by ST from both normal and germ cell‐depleted testes or by ST from germ cell‐depleted testes only, suggesting that they are probably secreted by Sertoli cells and/or peritubular cells. Based on the potential homology of the proteins identified, our results suggest, first, that these proteins may play an important role in spermatogenesis and second, that the profile of proteins secreted by human ST is more akin to that secreted by ST isolated from germ cell‐depleted rats.
Phosphomannosyl receptors on the surface of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis of the rat
Authors: BARBIERI A. M. , SOSA M. A. , GRIMALT P. , MAYORGA L. S. , BERTINI F. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThis study demonstrates that β‐glucuronidase from rat preputial glands binds with high affinity to spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis. The binding was calcium‐independent and was inhibited by mannose‐6‐phosphate, but not by other phosphorylated or non‐phosphorylated sugars. Binding was also inhibited by α‐mannosidase from Dictyostelium discoideum, an enzyme known to have mannose‐6‐phosphate as the ligand. From solubilized sperm membranes, a protein of >200 kDa and one of 45 kDa, were adsorbed to a column of D. discoideum enzyme and to a phosphomannan column respectively, and eluted with mannose‐6‐phosphate. According to histochemical observations at the light and the electron microscopic level, gold particles coated with the enzyme became bound to the external surface of the plasmalemma in the acrosomal region of caudal spermatozoa. Similar labelling was observed using gold particles coated with antibodies against the rat 300 kDa phosphomannosyl receptor. The existence of phosphomannosyl receptors on the sperm plasma membrane, and our previous demonstration of the presence of affinity sites for epididymal β‐galactosidase on these gametes which is inhibited by phosphofructosyl derivatives, suggest strongly that maturing spermatozoa could be a target for glycosidases secreted into the lumen of the cauda epididymis, which then become bound to these cells via different ligand‐receptor systems.
Effect of testicular temperature on vasomotion and blood flow
Authors: SETCHELL B. P. , BERGH A. , WIDMARK A. , DAMBER J.‐E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryVasomotion (spontaneous rhythmic variations in blood flow) has been demonstrated in the parenchyma of the testes of anaesthetized rats, using a laser‐Doppler flow probe. As the temperature of the testis was increased, mean blood flow showed no change, but the frequency of vasomotion increased and its amplitude decreased, until vasomotion disappeared between 36°C and 42°C. As the testis was then cooled, vasomotion reappeared, and increased in amplitude and decreased in frequency as the temperature fell. In control rats, in which the temperature of the testes was maintained at normal scrotal temperature of about 33°C, there were no changes in vasomotion over an equivalent period. In both groups of rats, when the temperature of the testes was then allowed to fall below normal scrotal temperature, the amplitude of vasomotion increased and its frequency decreased even further, without any change in mean blood flow. Capillary blood flow was also measured with microspheres at the end of the experiment, when testicular temperature was between 19°C and 27°C, and there was no difference between the cooled and control testes or epididymides.
Cholesterol, phospholipids and markers of the function of the accessory sex glands in the semen of men with hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: GRIZARD G. , SION B. , JOUANEL P. , BENOIT P. , BOUCHER D. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe effect of hypercholesterolaemia on the cholesterol and phospholipid content of spermatozoa and seminal plasma was studied. Testosterone and specific markers of the accessory sex glands were also measured. Semen samples from 11 hypercholesterolaemic patients (plasma cholesterol > 6.42 mmol/l, plasma triglycerides < 2 mmol/l) were compared with those of 11 normocholesterolaemic controls (plasma cholesterol < 5.14 mmol/l, plasma triglycerides < 2 mmol/l). Cholesterol, phospholipids and the molar ratio of cholesterol: phospholipids were not significantly different between the two groups of patients either in spermatozoa or in seminal plasma. In hypercholesterolaemic patients the total amount of carnitine in the ejaculate was significantly higher, but there were no significant differences in the levels of acid phosphatase or fructose. There were no significant differences in seminal plasma levels of testosterone in the two groups of subjects. These results suggest that hypercholesterolaemia has no effect on cholesterol and phospholipid levels in spermatozoa and does not cause gross modification of the secretory function of the accessory sex glands.
Effects of ischaemia on the caput epididymis and its relationship to higher epididymal obstruction: a qualitative study in the ram
Authors: MARKEY C. M. , JEQUIER A. M. , MEYER G. T. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe objective of this study was to determine if localized ischaemia of the caput epididymis in the ram causes morphological changes similar to those characteristic of higher epididymal obstruction in humans. This was tested by performing unilateral occlusion of the superior epididymal artery in 10 rams. At the end of 4 (n=5) or 28 weeks (n=4), rams were castrated and the testes and epididymides were weighed. Analysis of histological sections at the light microscope level provided quantitative data on lumen diameter and epithelial cell height of the efferent ducts. Qualitative analysis and specific histochemical stains for identification of lipofuscin pigment provided further information on tissue changes. Electron microscopy was performed on the efferent ducts to assess ultrastructural changes. The results revealed that localized ischaemia of the proximal epididymis caused a dramatic change in tubule calibre of the efferent ducts and initial segment resulting in obstruction of the distal lumina. These changes were more severe following 28 weeks of arterial occlusion. The epithelial cells of the proximal region showed an increase in the number of lysosomes and they became active in phagocytosis of spermatozoa. Lipofuscin pigment accumulated within the epithelial cells and also in macrophage‐like cells that had invaded the lumina, interstitium and intra–epithelial regions of the ducts. On the basis of these observations we conclude that the tissue changes which occur in the ram epididymis as a result of localized ischaemia show a striking similarity to those seen in men exhibiting higher epididymal obstruction. This suggests the possible implication of vascular disorders in the aetiology of obstructive azoospermia in men.
The origin of testicular microliths
Authors: NISTAL M. , MARTÍNEZ‐GARCÍA C. , PANIAGUA R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe origin and development of eosinophilic bodies and microliths were studied histochemically and immunohistochemically in 29 human testes from prepubertal and adult males with different diseases. Non‐calcified and partially calcified eosinophilic bodies were found mainly in infants and children. Most of the eosinophilic bodies were apparently located within the seminiferous tubules, where they were surrounded by a double Sertoli cell layer. Serial sections revealed that these tubules were configurated abnormally, either displaying a spiral course or forming a cap‐like structure over the eosinophilic bodies that were actually extratubular. Completely calcified bodies (microliths) were found mainly in testes from adult men. The microliths were intratubular and appeared to be surrounded by a double layer of Sertoli cells. Eosinophilic bodies stained with eosin, periodic‐acid‐Schiff and silver methenamine like the tunica propria of seminiferous tubules. The peripheral band showed immunoreaction to both anti‐laminin and anti‐type IV collagen antibodies, similar to the basal lamina. Microliths were von Kossa‐positive and immunostained similarly to the eosinophilic bodies. The present results suggest that a microlith is formed as a small eosinophilic body in the tunica propria. Afterwards, the body increases in size by deposit of new substances and compresses the seminiferous tubule which forms a ring or cap around it. Thereafter, the body undergoes calcification and becomes a microlith which compresses the seminiferous epithelium and enters the tubule.
Investigation of some biochemical and functional effects of cryopreservation of human spermatozoa using an automated freezing–quick‐thawing method
Authors: MORSHEDI M. , OEHNINGER S. , BLACKMORE P. , BOCCA S. , CODDINGTON C. , HODGEN G. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe objective of the present studies was to assess the functional integrity of the sperm plasma membrane and metabolic and motility characteristics of the recovered motile fraction of human spermatozoa subjected to an automated freezing/quick‐thawing method. Sperm membrane features examined included progesterone‐induced changes in intracellular levels of calcium ([Ca2+]i), as measured by the fluorescent fura‐2 indicator, and the tight binding of spermatozoa to homologous zonae pellucidae as assessed by the hemizona assay (HZA). Basal [Ca2+]i, intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) levels, determined using chemiluminescence with luciferin‐luciferase, and motility parameters determined using a computer‐aided semen analyser (CASA) were studied concomitantly as an expression of metabolic/functional status. Ejaculates from fertile men (donors) were evaluated after swim‐up separation of the motile fraction in both fresh and cryopreserved–thawed samples, and fractions of each ejaculate (fresh and frozen–thawed) were subjected to parallel measurements of the same parameters at the same time frame. Basal and progesterone‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i, and ATP levels (up to 24 h) were similar in fresh and frozen–thawed samples. HZA results showed a modest (26%) although significant (p= 0.008) decrease in binding in frozen–thawed samples. The ratios of ATP/ADP in fresh and frozen–thawed samples were also found to be similar. Although post‐thaw sperm motility was significantly lower than that of the fresh samples, comparison of the results indicated that the method was capable of preserving > 65% of motile spermatozoa in almost all of the samples cryopreserved. Additionally, the swim‐up rescued a motile fraction in the frozen–thawed samples that was not significantly impaired with regard to motility, mean linear velocity or linearity as compared to the fresh fractions in the first 4 h. Our results show that this automated freezing–quick‐thawing method results in a small reduction in sperm–zona binding capacity, and that the time‐dependent decline in motility parameters observed for both fresh and cryopreserved–thawed samples cannot be related to ATP deficiency under the conditions of our experiments. These in‐vitro results are coincident with the maintenance of fertilizing capacity for donor spermatozoa in the in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) setting.
Stimulation of movement and acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa by PC12 liposomes encapsulating ATP
Authors: SKIBA‐LAHIANI M. , AUGER J. , TERRIBILE J. , FATTAL E. , DELATTRE J. , PUISIEUX F. , JOUANNET P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe effect of co‐incubating human spermatozoa with 8 mmol/L dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (PC12) liposomes containing 6 mmol/L adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (LATP) was assessed by CASA and compared to that obtained with blank PC12 liposomes (LB). The aim of this study was to investigate if such treatments can improve sperm movement and sustain sperm motility over time. Significant and similar increases in straight‐line velocity and linearity of sperm movement in B2 capacitating medium (both p<0.01) were obtained with LB and LATP treatments (final concentration: 0.38 mmol/L PC12 and 0.5 mmol/L ATP) while in Tyrode's medium supplemented with 10 mg/mL BSA, these movement parameters were increased significantly only in sperm aliquots treated with LATP. Furthermore, after incubation for 0.5 h in Tyrode's, a bioluminescence assay of intracellular ATP indicated no significant change in ATP concentration for LATP‐treated spermatozoa while the ATP content of control and LB‐treated spermatozoa decreased significantly during the same period (both p<0.05). The effect of liposomes on the acrosome reaction was also investigated jointly with CASA. These experiments were performed by fluorescence microscopy, using PSA‐FITC and the supravital stain Hoechst 33258. After a precapacitation period of 3 h in BWW medium the spermatozoa were incubated for 1 h with LATP, LB, LB + free ATP and free ATP alone (final concentration 0.5 mmol/L ATP). Under these conditions the percentage of acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa was increased similarly after LATP and LB treatments compared to control (respectively from 4.9 to 12%, p<0.01 and 4.9 to 11.3%, p<0.05) but the percentage of true acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa, and the values for all movement characteristics (except percentage motility) were increased significantly only with LATP treatment. The results indicate the potential of PC12 vesicles for introducing highly hydrophilic compounds into spermatozoa, as well as for modulating membrane structures and functions required for fertilization.
Immunohistochemical quantitative study of the peritubular lamina propria after induction of testicular atrophy induced by epinephrine
Authors: SANTAMARÍA L. , MARTÍN R. , CODESAL J. , RAMÍREZ R. , PANIAGUA R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryChanges in the testicular peritubular lamina propria in rats treated for 1–11 weeks with intra‐scrotal injections of epinephrine were studied by quantitative immunohistochemical methods. In control testes, BrdU‐labelled nuclei (proliferating cells) were observed only in spermatogonia and some primary spermatocytes, whereas testes from epinephrine‐treated rats showed BrdU labelling in some of the spermatogonia and in peritubular cells. Immunostaining for transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β1) was present in germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells; vimentin immunostaining was found mainly in Sertoli cells; desmin immunostaining was found in the peritubular cells, and immunostaining for type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin was found in the extracellular matrix of the lamina propria. The volume densities of seminiferous tubules (including seminiferous epithelium, lamina propria and tubular lumen) that immunostained for TGF‐β1, vimentin, laminin, desmin or fibronectin were calculated. All of these parameters increased significantly in testes from epinephrine‐treated animals during the course of the experiment, except for desmin immunostaining which showed no significant change in volume density. Since total seminiferous tubule volume decreased markedly in the testes of treated rats during the experiment, the transformation of relative values for immunostaining into absolute volumes per testis revealed a significant increase in TGF‐β1 immunostaining, no significant change in vimentin immunostaining, and a significant decrease in desmin immunostaining during the time of the study. The absolute volume occupied by laminin and fibronectin immunostaining decreased from the 3rd to the 8th weeks of treatment, and increased from the 8th to the 11th weeks. These changes, associated with germ cell depletion and tubular fibrosis, suggest that tubular ischaemic atrophy caused by epinephrine alters the peritubular myoid cells, which change immunophenotype and increase their secretion of the extracellular matrix components producing tubular fibrosis. The mechanism of this alteration may involve direct effects on the peritubular cells or the changes may be secondary to germ cell and/or Sertoli cell lesions.
European Academy of Andrology Prize, sponsored by Hamilton Thorne Research Ltd
Authors: MCKINNEY K. A. , BOYLE P. , THOMPSON W. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe objective of this study was to assess the in‐vitro effects of the nitric oxide substrate glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on sperm motility and membrane lipid peroxidation. Nitric oxide (NO) can impair sperm motility, possibly by an alteration of cyclic nucleotide levels. NO may also be protective against lipid peroxidation. Semen samples from nine normospermic men were prepared by a swim‐up technique. Each specimen was divided into four aliquots, one of which was the control sample. The other three had 10‐6, 10‐8 or 10‐10 M GTN added. Sperm motility was then analysed over 180 min using a Hamilton Thorn motility analyser. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring media malondialdehyde (MDA) levels at 180 min. Compared with control, the following measurements were reduced (p < 0.05) over the first 60 min in the 10‐6 M GTN aliquots only: mean path velocity (reduced by 14–15%), curvilinear velocity (reduced by 12–21%), straight‐line velocity (reduced by 18–19%) and percentage of hyperactivated spermatozoa (reduced by 38–43%). MDA levels and head movement parameters were comparable amongst all aliquots (p > 0.05). The depressant effects of GTN on sperm motility appeared to be transient and reversible. The effects observed may be due to NO generated by GTN, or to GTN itself. This suggests that NO may have a role in vivo as a physiological inhibitor of sperm motility. The addition of GTN did not appear either to cause sperm membrane damage or to protect the spermatozoa from lipid peroxidation.
Male germ cell transplantation in rats: apparent synchronization of spermatogenesis between host and donor seminiferous epithelia
Authors: JIANG F.‐X. , SHORT R. V. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryPrimordial germ cells (PGC) and gonocytes from male Sprague‐Dawlery rat fetuses and neonates were transplanted via the rete testis into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules of recipient adult Long Evans rats. The donor germ cells apparently differentiated into mini‐tubules or irregular segments of seminiferous epithelium within the lumen of the host seminiferous tubules, and exhibited qualitatively normal spermatogenesis in 10 out of 16 recipients. The stage of spermatogenesis of the intraluminal epithelium was synchronized closely with that of the adjacent seminiferous tubule epithelium, suggesting that the spermatogenic cycle is regulated locally by the intraluminal microenvironment. Male germ cell transplantation provides an interesting new tool for investigating the control of spermatogenesis.
Testicular size in young adult Sinhalese
Authors: WIKRAMANAYAKE E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryHeight, body weight, arm span and testicular size were measured in 200 Sinhalese men aged 21–31 years. The mean ±SD right testicular size was 17.2 + 4.1 ml and that of the left was 16.1 + 3.9 ml. The testes were of equal size in 75% and the right testis was larger in 20% of the men. The prevalence of undescended testes was 2%. There was a significant correlation of testicular size with weight (p<0.05) and a significant correlation of right testicular size with span (p<0.01). Testicular size was not correlated with height or body mass index. Although the Sinhalese are ethnically closer to the Caucasians, their testicular size is similar to that reported previously for Thai men.