bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A positive role for the superoxide anion in triggering hyperactivation and capacitation of human spermatozoa
Authors: Lamirande E. De , Gagnon C. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryCapacitation of human spermatozoa is essential for fertilization, and is characterized visually by hyperactivated motility. We have investigated whether reactive oxygen species could induce these two events in human spermatozoa. The addition of xanthine + xanthine oxidase + catalase (X+XO+CAT: generation of superoxide anion and removal of hydrogen peroxide) and foetal cord serum (FCS), a known biological inducer of capacitation and hyperactivation, to spermatozoa, induced levels of hyperactivation (15.4 ± 1.6% and 8.0 ± 1.0%, respectively) which were significantly higher than that of controls (5.4 ± 0.6%). The hyperactivation measured was part of the capacitation process. Furthermore, the addition of superoxide dismutase prevented the capacitation and hyperactivation induced by X+XO+CAT or by FCS. These results suggest that the superoxide anion may be involved in capacitation and hyperactivation of human spermatozoa.
Enhancement of testosterone secretion by normal adult human Leydig cells by co‐culture with enriched preparations of normal adult human Sertoli cells
Authors: Lejeune Herve , Skalli Mourad , Sanchez Pascale , Avallet Odile , Saez Jose Maria 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAn in‐vitro method was developed to study Sertoli—Leydig cell interactions in man, using testes removed at the time kidneys were removed for transplantation from 6 young adult men (aged 17–45 years) after cerebral death. After collagen‐ase digestion of testicular tissue, Leydig cells were purified on discontinuous Percoll gradients. Two fractions of Leydig cells, ‘L2’ and ‘L3’ which differed in their buoyant density (1.05 g < L2 < 1.06 g and 1.06 g < L3 < 1.08 g), were obtained. The Sertoli cell‐enriched preparation was obtained from seminiferous tubular fragments after sequential treatment with glycine buffer to remove peritubular‐myoid cells, a second collagenase digestion, mechanical fragmentation and washes to remove. germ cells. Purified Leydig cells were then cultured either alone or together with Sertoli cells in culture dishes coated with collagen, fibronectin and laminin in a chemically defined medium without serum. The influence of co‐culture on basal testosterone secretion was examined in 3 successive 48 h periods. During culture for 0–48 h, 48–96 h or 96–144 h, testosterone secretion (ng/106 Leydig cells, means f SEM) was: 9.7 ± 2.1, 6.1 ± 2.1, and 3.4 ± 1.3, by L2 Leydig cells; 81.6 ± 16.3, 82.6 ± 23.1, and 39.1 ± 13.6, by L3 Leydig cells; 19.0 ± 4.6, 44.0 ± 18.0, and 154 ± 69.3 by L2 + Sertoli cell co‐cultures; and 124.4 ± 13.2, 199.2 ± 14.7, and 346.1 ± 78.4, by L3 + Sertoli cell co‐cultures, respectively, showing that: (i) L3 Leydig cells secrete more testosterone than L2 Leydig cells, irrespective of whether they were cultured alone or with Sertoli cells; (ii) During all 3 time periods, co‐culture with Sertoli cells enhanced testosterone secretion by L2 and L3 Leydig cells; and (iii) during the course of culture, testosterone secretion decreased when Leydig cells were cultured alone and increased when Leydig cells were co‐cultured with Sertoli cells. When cultured in the presence of hCG (10–10M), testosterone secretion was enhanced during the first 48 h of culture, but not there after, in all types of culture. These data show a reproducible, time‐dependent, stimulatory effect of adult human Sertoli cells on basal testosterone secretion by adult human Leydig cells. It is concluded that culture of normal adult human Sertoli and Leydig cells can be performed with testicular tissue removed from young men, and in this in‐vitro system, Sertoli cells stimulate long‐term Leydig cell testosterone secretion. This study supports the concept of the control of Leydig cell function by Sertoli cells in the human testis.
Contents of fructose, citric acid, acid phosphatase, proteins and electrolytes in secretions of the accessory sex glands of the male golden hamster
Authors: Chow P. H. , Chan C. W. , Cheng L. Y. L. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySecretions were collected from the ampullary gland, dorsolateral prostate, ventral prostate, coagulating glands and seminal vesicles of male golden hamsters aged 15–20 weeks. The concentrations of total protein, citric acid, fructose, acid phosphatase, chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc were determined. The ampullary gland secreted predominantly citric acid, sodium and acid phosphatase. Zinc was secreted only by the prostatic complex, with the largest quantity coming from the coagulating gland. The highest concentrations of potassium, calcium and magnesium were found in secretions of the ventral prostate. The coagulating gland and dorsolateral prostate were the principal contributors to total protein. The hamster appears to be more related to the mouse than to the rat in terms of the secretory functions of its accessory sex glands.
Immuno‐competent cells in the murine epididymis following infection with Escherichiu coli
Authors: Nashan D. , Jantos C. , Ahlers D. , Bergmann M. , Schiefer H. G. , Sorg C. , Nieschlag E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryEpididymitis was induced by retrograde injection of Escherichia coli into the vas deferens of 28 mice. A group of 28 saline‐injected animals served as controls. On Days 1, 3, 7 and 28, groups of seven animals were killed. Bacterial culture was performed. Leucocyte numbers and distribution were determined in epididymides.In infected mice, E. coli were isolated from all epididymides on Days 1 and 3, but only from five of seven epididymides on Days 7 and 28. One week after infection, the total number of macrophages rose from about 10 to 28%. Significantly increased macrophage percentages were also found in animals killed 28 days after infection. A simultaneous increase in MHC class II positive cells was seen on Day 7. A total of 20% of the cells expressed MHC class II in infected epididymides (normal = 6%). A similar increase was found on Day 28 after infection. Most of the macrophages and MHC class II positive cells were located in the interstitium, fewer in the peritubular layer and nearly none in the epithelium. The main increase in these cells occurred in the interstitium and, to a lesser but significant extent, in the peritubular area.T‐helper and T‐suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes reached peak values on Day 28. The increase in T‐lymphocytes and simultaneous appearance of plasma cells follo wed the increase in numbers of macrophages and MHC class II positive cells. They were located mainly in the interstitium. A sequential increase in leucocyte subsets and negative culture results for E. coli were observed on Days 7 and 28 (2/7 on each day). The inflammatory process was restricted to the interstitium.It is concluded that stimulation of T‐lymphocytes and plasma cells by macrophages/MHC class II positive cells acts as an effective immune response to E. coli in the epididymal interstitiurn.
Analysis of spermatozoa from the proximal vas deferens of fertile men
Authors: WEN R.‐Q. , LI S.‐Q. , WANG C.‐X. , WANG Q.‐H. , LI Q.‐K. , FENG H.‐M. , JIANG Y.‐J. , ZHANG X.‐L. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryFluids from the left and right proximal vas deferens were collected from 105 normal fertile men by cannulating the vas deferens during vasectomy, and sperm parameters analysed. Sperm motility (73.1 k 13.3Y0), normal sperm morphology (75.2 k 11.1“/o), sperm viability (72.7 k 18.8%) and the hypo‐osmotic swelling test (73.3 k 19.2%) were in the normal range, compared with that of ejaculated spermatozoa. However, sperm Concentration in the proximal vas deferens (6274.6 k 5103.8 × 10” ml‐‘ was higher than that in semen. Sperm concentration in the right vas deferens was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that in the left and the percentage of spermatozoa showing abnormal cervical mucus penetration was Significantly higher (47%) for the left than for the right (18%). There were no anti‐sperm antibodies on the surface of spermatozoa from the vas deferens as determined by the sperm cervical mucus contact test and immuno bead test. These parameters of spermatozoa from the proximal vas may reflect those of spermatozoa from the human cauda epididymis.
Use of human zonae from cryopreserved oocytes in a test to assess the binding capacity of human spermatozoa
Authors: MORROLL D. R. , LIEBERMAN B. A. , MATSON P. L. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAged unfertilized oocytes from an assisted conception programme were cryopreserved and then utilized after thawing in a zona‐binding assay. Oocytes frozen using dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) showed poor survival post‐thaw (2/40, 5%) compared to those frozen with propanediol (PROH) (63/134, 47%). When the zonae were exposed to spermatozoa from fertile donors, those frozen with DMSO showed a significantly higher number of bound spermatozoa than did those frozen with PROH (P< 0.002). In both groups, oocytes which failed to survive the freeze‐thaw processes had greater numbers of bound spermatozoa than did those which survived (P<0.05). Oocytes from cases of failed fertilization showed no difference in their rate of sperm binding compared with oocytes from cases in which some fertilization had occurred. Zonae frozen in PROH but which were from oocytes which were not viable after thawing were used to assess the binding of spermatozoa from men who had failed previously to fertilize their partner's oocytesin vitvoand spermatozoa from men with poor quality semen and who had elected for treatment by micro‐injection sperm transfer. The number of spermatozoa bound to zonae was reduced significantly in both groups compared to a fertile donor.
Beta 1 ‐integrins of spermatozoa: a flow cytophotometric analysis
Authors: GLANDER H.‐J. , SCHALLER J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe expression of adhesion molecules on human ejaculated spermatozoa was investigated by means of flow cytophotometry using monoclonal antibodies against eight different adhesion molcules. Spermatozoa from infertility patients who exhibited normal semen parameters showed specific fluorescence after incubation with antibodies against very late antigens VLAα4, VLAα 5, VLAα 6, and corresponding matrix proteins laminin and fibronectin. Semen samples from men with teratozoospermia or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia were characterized by reduced expression of adhesion molecules. Normal and pathological semen samples differed mostly in the expression of VLAα5. After artificial induction of the acrosome reaction by a cold shock method and incubation with 2 mM Ca2+, a changed pattern of adhesion molecules on the sperm surface was found for VLAα6 as the most prominent molecule. After treatment of spermatozoa with 0.10% Triton X‐100, the number of cells with adhesion molecules increased significantly. This result suggests that adhesion molecules are an integral part of sperm structure.
Diurnal variations in scrotal temperature of normal men and patients with varicocele before and after treatment
Authors: LERCHL A. , KECK C. , SPITERI‐GRECH J. , NIESCHLAG E. , Bergh A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryScrotal temperature was monitored using a portable data recorder for periods of 24 h in six normal volunteers and 48 infertile patients with unilateral varicocele while subjects pursued their regular daily activities. Temperatures during sleep (Ts) were generally higher than daytime values (TD), probably as a consequence of thermal insulation in bed. These diurnal variations were found to be less pronounced in the infertile patients than in volunteers (Ts‐ TD= 0.29°C ± 0.06°C us 0.88°C ± 0.12°C;P<0.01). Moreover, scrotal temperatures at night of patients and volunteers were indistinguishable statistically, but were different during daytime hours. After successful ligation or embolization of the spermatic vein in 16 patients, no change in scrotal temperature was observed. Although sperm counts were higher after treatment, this difference was not significant (67.4 ± 17.2 × 106vs 105.8 ± 25.5 ± 106; P>0.05). The data support the view that varicocele‐related damage to the testis results from a lack of adequate cooling, and that treatment does not normalize the temperature pattern.
Plasminogen activator activity and fertilizing ability of human spermatozoa
Authors: LISON D. , TAS S. , GENNART J.‐P. , PSALTI I. , de COOMAN S. , LAUWERYS R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryMature spermatozoa contain a number of proteases that are supposed to contribute to their fertilizing ability. The present study was directed at plasminogen activator (PA), a protease that belongs to the group of serine proteases and converts the zymogen plasminogen to the active broad‐spectrum protease plasmin. To investigate the possible role of PA in the fertilization process, we have measured sperm‐bound PA activity in 63 patients included in an in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) programme and assessed their relationship to standard semen parameters and the rate of fertilization. PA activity was correlated significantly with the sperm count, as well as with sperm motility and morphology. Using logistic regression analysis, specific PA (pmol pNA 10‐‐6 cells minP2) was found to significantly influence the probability of fertilization. Other significantly predictive factors were motility and the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology. The sperm concentration (106 cells ml‐1) did not significantly affect the outcome of IVF. We suggest that sperm‐bound PA is involved in the fertilization process and may represent a potential indicator of sperm fertilizing capacity.
The detection of antisperm antibodies in serum: a comparison of the tray agglutination test, indirect immunobead test and indirect Spermcheck assay
Authors: MORROLL D. R. , LIEBERMAN B. A. , MATSON P. L. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTesting for antisperm antibodies (ASAs) is an important part of the work‐up of the sub‐fertile couple, yet there is little consensus regarding the most appropriate methods. The Spermcheck assay (GSC; Bio‐Rad Laboratories Inc., Diagnostics Division, Hercules, CA, U.S.A.) is supplied with wash buffer, controls and bead reagent which detects all three major classes of ASAs (IgA, IgG and IgM) in a single test. This study compared results on a bank of samples using the tray agglutination test (TAT), immunobead test (IBT), GSC and a modified Spermcheck assay to detect a single isotype in each test (SISC). The IBT and SISC showed excellent correlation, with 127/141 (90.1%) tests agreeing. There was an apparent lack of sensitivity to IgM with GSC as 8/15 (53.3%) samples testing positive with IBT and 7/15 (46.7%) testing positive with SISC were negative with GSC. Of the 24 IBT‐negatives, seven (29.2%) were positive for TAT, indicating a high incidence of non‐immunological agglutination, though this decreased as the TAT titre increased. The proportion of samples testing positive for IBT increased with TAT titre: 3/20 (15.0%) for TAT‐negative samples, 6/10 (60.0%) for low titres and 21/24 (87.5%) for high titres. This was also observed when comparing the GSC with TAT. The TAT therefore appears useful as a first‐line screen, whilst the inability of the GSC to adequately detect IgM limits its use as an indirect test. Both the IBT and SISC can be used to further investigate the type and class of ASA present.
Immunohistochemical localization of calmodulin in the testes of patients with idiopathic male infertility
Authors: TSUJI Y. , SANO M. , NAGAHAMA M. , TSUTSUI Y. , YAMAMOTO M. , MIYAKE K. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe localization of calmodulin in testes of patients with idiopathic male infertility was studied using the indirect immunoperoxidase method. Specimens were obtained by testicular biopsy from 55 patients. They were divided into 26 cases of hypospermatogenesis, 11 cases of maturation arrest (8 of primary spermatocyte arrest and 3 of spermatid arrest) and 18 cases of Sertoli cell‐only syndrome. Regardless of the type of testicular pathology, the types of immuno‐reactive cell and the intensities of staining were the same as those in the normal testis. That is, staining for calmodulin was first found to be positive in early pachytene primary spermatocytes. It became intense in late pachytene primary spermatocytes and round spermatids. By contrast, elongated spermatids and spermatozoa were not stained. Sertoli cells were stained slightly or not at all. A calmodulin‐staining index (CaM‐S index) was defined as the proportion of primary spermatocytes that were stained intensely for calmodulin relative to the total number of primary spermatocytes. The indices for the testes of men with complete spermatocyte maturation arrest were significantly lower than those for the testes of normal controls and of men with hypospermatogenesis.Degenerating late pachytene spermatocytes observed in the testes of men with spermatocyte arrest showed low calmodulin‐specific immunoreactivity. Such a decrease in numbers of normal late pachytene spermatocytes might be responsible for the low CaM‐S index in cases of complete spermatocyte arrest.
Arachidonic acid metabolites as intratesticular factors controlling androgen production
Authors: REDDY G. PANDURANGA , PRASAD M. , SAILESH S. , KUMAR Y. V. KIRAN , REDDANNA P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe effect of inhibitors and products of arachidonic acid metabolism on rat testicular steroidogenesis has been investigated. In the presence of indomethacin (inhibitor of cyclooxygenase) and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) (inhibitor of lipoxygenase), the activity of 3P‐hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) were both inhibited. The LH‐stimulated increase in secretion of testosterone and progesterone was also inhibited by indomethacin and NDGA. On the other hand, vitamin E (anti‐oxidant and inhibitor of lipoxygenase), stimulated the activity of both 3β‐HSD and 17β‐HSD and enhanced LH‐stimulated androgen production. The metabolites of lipoxygenase (15‐HPETE, 15‐HETE, 5‐HPETE and 5‐HETE) and cyclooxygenase (PGF2α) pathways stimulated 3β‐HSD and 17β‐HSD activity and enhanced the secretion of progesterone and testosterone. It is concluded that arachidonic acid matabolites are intratesticular factors which can regulate LH‐stimulated testicular steroidogenesis.
Experimental testicular germ cell tumorogenesis in mouse strains with and without spontaneous tumours differs from development of germ cell tumours of the adult human testis
Authors: Walt H. , Oosterhuis J. W. , Stevens L. C. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe aim of this study was to undertake a morphological analysis of the earliest stages of experimentally induced (by genital ridge grafting) germ cell tumours in mouse strains with (129/Sv‐ter) and without (MA) spontaneous tumorogenesis. Genital ridges from fetuses aged 12 or 13 days from 129/Sv‐ter and MA were transplanted into the testes of adult 129/Sv‐ter. The results show clearly that experimentally induced carcinoma‐in‐situ in mouse testes differs considerably from its human counterpart, found in patients with and without testicular germ cell tumours, and considered to be the precursor for all kinds of germ cell tumours of the adult testis apart from spermatocytic seminoma. The results indicate that development of testicular germ cell tumours is different in man and the mouse.
Evaluation of possible determinants and consequences of Leydig cell heterogeneity in man
Authors: QURESHI S. J. , SHARPE R. M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryLeydig cells in the human testis are highly heterogeneous, consisting of variably staining light and dark cells. The basis for this difference is unknown. The present study has assessed whether differing numbers or proportions of dark and light Leydig cells are related: (1) to the pronounced inter‐individual variation in testosterone production by isolated Leydig cells, and (2) to differences in structural composition of the testis. Testes (paired weight 6.6–59.48 g) were obtained from 27 men aged 72.9 ± 9.5 years (range 54–89 years) undergoing orchidectomy as primary treatment for prostatic cancer. Leydig cells were isolated by Percoll‐purification and cultured for 20 h under basal and hCG‐stimulated conditions. The proportion of light and dark Leydig cells isolated by this method was shown to reflect their proportions in situ, based on the morphometric analysis of fixed testicular tissue from the same men. Leydig cells isolated from all testes produced testosterone in vitro and responded to stimulation by hCG, though the amounts of testosterone produced varied widely between subjects. Because of the latter, samples were grouped into ‘low’ (n= 9), ‘medium’ (n = 11) and ‘high’ (n= 7) groups on the basis of their testosterone production. These groups did not differ in their age, testicular size or gross testicular morphology, though men in the ‘high’ group tended to have more total Leydig cells per testis. However, there was no overall correlation between testosterone production by isolated Leydig cells and the numbers of light or dark Leydig cells or their ratio or the total number of Leydig cells per testis. The relationship between the volume of light and dark Leydig cells and testicular composition was also assessed. The volume of both types of Leydig cells was strongly correlated (p <0.001) with the volume of germ cells, but otherwise light and dark Leydig cells correlated positively with different structures. Thus, the volume of light Leydig cells correlated (p < 0.001) with the volume of blood vessels and of peritubular tissue whereas the volume of dark Leydig cells correlated (p < 0.01) with that of the tubular lumen. These differences could indicate differences in regulation and/or function of light and dark Leydig cells. However, the present data do not support the idea that light and dark Leydig cells may differ in their steroidogenic capacity.
Successful gonadotrophin treatment of hypogonadism in postoperative patients with macroprolactinoma and persistent hyperprolactinaemia
Authors: ISURUGI K. , KAJIWARA T. , HOSAKA Y. , MINOWADA S. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryWe report on two males with prolactinoma in whom hyperprolactinaemia and hypogonadism persisted for several years postoperatively despite the administration of a dopamine agonist or bromocriptine. In these patients, a GnRH test revealed no response in the levels of serum LH or FSH. An hCG stimulation test provoked no response in the serum levels of testosterone. Case 1, who was 28 years old at the first visit, received parenteral testosterone and appreciable virilization of the genitalia was noted within a few months. When he married and desired to father a child, the treatment was switched to hCG/hMG combined therapy and spermatozoa appeared subsequently in the ejaculate, although their numbers were low. His wife conceived and delivered a healthy baby girl. Case 2 was a single young man who presented with hypogonado‐trophic hypogonadism and hyperprolactinaemia. He was started on hCG injections three times per week and the maturation of his genitalia was advanced rapidly. Semen analyses showed sperm concentration and motility to be within the normal range. Post‐treatment GnRH test revealed no improvement in gonadotrophin responses for LH or FSH. In both cases, the hCG test repeated after the gonadotrophin treatment showed normal basal and stimulated testosterone levels. During the course of gonadotrophin treatment in these cases, serum prolactin levels remained elevated, and it is suggested that, in the two cases, the hypothalamo‐pituitary function was disturbed by the tumour or its manipulation and the capacity of the pituitary gland to secrete gonadotrophin was impaired. Under such circumstances with persisting hyperprolactinaemia, hCG and/or hCG/hMG combination treatment can induce normal virilization and advance spermatogenesis sufficiently to achieve fertility.