bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presence of Sperm Agglutinating Antibodies in Infertile Men and Inhibition of in vitro Sperm Penetration into Cervical Mucus
Authors: Jager S. , Kremer J. , van Slochteren‐Draaisma Tiny 
Published: May 2008

The relation between presence of antispermatozoal antibodies in infertile men and the inhibition of the in vitro sperm penetration into cervical mucus (CM) was studied with the sperm cervical mucus contact (SCMC) test. The tests were performed with semen from infertile men and from semen donors. The CM used permitted good penetration of normal spermatozoa. The so called “shaking phenomenon”, the result of a specific interaction of spermatozoa and CM, was expressed in the shaking percentage (S%).The S% did not change beyond the experimental error within 30 min after mixing semen and CM. The S% was 30 at the most in 194 out of 198 SCMC tests with normal donor semen and normal pre‐ovulatory CM. Significant negative correlations (P < 0.005) were found between the readings of the sperm penetration meter (SPM) test on one hand and the S%, the sperm agglutination titer in the serum and the sperm agglutination titer in the seminal plasma (SP) on the other hand. Significant positive correlations (P < 0.005) were found between the S% and the sperm agglutination titer in the SP. The sperm agglutination titer in serum and in SP correlated significantly better (P < 0.02) with the S% in the SCMC test than with the readings of the SPM test.It was concluded that: 1. A high S% is highly specific for the presence of antispermatozoal antibodies in infertile men, 2. The SCMC test is more suited than the SPM test for studying the effect of antispermatozoal antibodies on the penetration and migration of spermatozoa into CM,
The Effect of Cyproterone Acetate on Myo‐Inositol Uptake and Secretion in the Reproductive Tract of the Male Rat
Authors: Lewin L. M. , Yannai Y. , Kraicer P. 
Published: May 2008

A procedure is described for evaluating the uptake of myo‐inositol by measuring the radioactivity (dpm/mg wet weight of tissue) in the male reproductive accessory glands after injection of (2‐3H)myo‐inositol into bilaterally nephrectomized rats. The rate of secretion of the labelled inositol was assessed by measuring the total dpm in fluids expressed from the seminal vesicles and coagulating glands after injection of the tritiated inositol.Cyproterone acetate treatment (15 mg/day), for 2 to 7 days, inhibited secretion of radioactive inositol by the seminal vesicles and decreased the uptake capacity to a greater extent than it inhibited the rate of inositol accumulation into these glands. It had a similar effect on the coagulating glands after 7 days of treatment. The prostate was the least affected by the cyproterone acetate treatment.
Relation between Abnormalities of Human Sperm Flagella and Respiratory Tract Disease
Authors: Camner Per , Afzelius Björn A. , Eliasson Rune , Mossberg Björn 
Published: May 2008

Nineteen men with viable spermatozoa of a reduced motility were divided into two groups according to the morphology as seen in light microscopy; one with less (group A) and one with more (group B) than 50 % abnormal sperm tails. These men were eamined with regard to history and symptoms of respiratory tract diseases. Spermatozoa and cilia from the respiratory tract were examined with electron microscopy. Tracheobronchial clearance was evaluated with labelled teflon particles. Five men (group C) with the “immotile‐cilia syndrome”, primarily selected because of respiratory tract symptoms, were also studied with regard to sperm motility and morphology.There was a close correlation between immotility or very poor motility of the spermatozoa and ciliary dysfunction only when the spermatozoa had a normal configuration. Poor sperm motility coupled with abnormalities in the sperm tails, as evaluated with light microscopy, was rarely associated with ciliary dysfunction. The reason for this could be that the spermatozoa from these men (in group B) all had abnormal fibrous sheath and/or mitochondria: structures not present in cilia from the respiratory tract.Nine of the 12 men with immotile sperm tails (group A, B, and C) had the immotile‐cilia syndrome and a complete or partial lack of dynein arms in the sperm tails. Two other men with the immotile‐cilia syndrome had spermatozoa with some motility; spermatozoa from one had both inner and outer dynein arms and spermatozoa from the other lacked the outer arms.Respiratory tract cilia were studied in four men with the immotile‐cilia syndrome (from groups A and C). Inner and outer dynein arms were missing in the spermatozoa and cilia from three men, but in the same cells from the fourth man only the inner arms were absent.
Adrenal Androgens and their Effect on Human Semen Quality
Authors: Homonnai Z. T. , Henig I. , Paz G. F. , Gilat Susan , Chayen R. 
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between the sperm quality (concentration, motility, vitality and morphology) and elevated 17‐ketosteroids (17KS) and their metabolites; Androsterone (A). Etiocholanolone (E), Dehydroepiandrosterone (D) and Pregnanediol (P2). 162 men with normally fractionated urinary 17KS but with different degrees of sperm quality were evaluated. Statistical analysis did not reveal any correlation between sperm quality and levels of the metabolites. The same evaluation was performed on 36 men with elevated abnormal fractionated urinary 17KS metabolites. Here too, no correlation could be indicated. Eight men with pathological fractionated metabolites underwent adrenal gland stimulation by the ACTH test and suppression by dexamethasone concomitant with stimulation by hCG. All the 8 men responded normally. 4 men with abnormal urinary metabolites were treated with dexamethasone (0.5 mg/day) for 3 months. Sperm quality and urinary metabolites were checked during every month of treatment. No improvement in sperm quality was observed, although adrenal function was suppressed. However, 2 wives of the treated men conceived during treatment.No correlation could be established between the metabolites of androgens in the urine, sperm quality and male fertility.
Diagnosis of Accessory Gland Infection and its Possible Role in Male Infertility
Authors: Comhaire F. , Verschraegen G. , Vermeulen L. 
Published: May 2008

The diagnosis of male adnexitis is difficult and the influence of this condition on fertility is still a matter of debate.With the intention to define diagnostic criteria a comprehensive study of biochemical and morphological features of semen, plus culture for microorganisms, was performed in patients who were assessed for infertility during a four year period.The following parameters were considered of diagnostic value:a) history of urogenital infection and/or abnormal rectal palpation.b) significant alterations in the expressed prostatic fluid and/or urinary sediment after prostatic massage.c) 1. Uniform growth of more than 103 pathogenic bacteria, or more than 104 non‐pathogenic bacteria per ml, in culture of diluted seminal plasma.c) 2. Presence of more than 106 (peroxidase positive) leucocytes per ml of ejaculate.c) 3. Signs of disturbed secretory function of the prostate or seminal vesicles.The diagnosis of infection is accepted if either of the following combinations is found: a + b, a + c (1 or 2 or 3), b + c (1 or 2 or 3), c1 + c2, c1 + c3, c2 + c3.Many studies have been devoted to the question whether infection of the accessory sex glands can cause male subfertility; results are however discrepant and no final conclusion has yet been reached. Indeed, no controlled prospective study has been performed on subfertile men with infection, comparing the fertility outcome with or without treatment. This is, to a great extent, due to the confusion concerning the diagnosis of infection. Some authors diagnose infection as soon as pathogenic bacteria are cultured in the seminal plasma (Mobley 1975; Dahlberg 1976); some consider the number of bacteria per ml of ejaculate as an important diagnostic criterion (Clavequin et al. 1971; Drach 1975; Fari et al. 1977; Eneroth et al. 1978); others stress the diagnostic value of cytological examination of the expressed prostatic fluid (Eliasson 1968; Johannisson &Eliasson 1978); whereas some investigators consider certain changes in sperm morphology and in the biochemical composition of the seminal plasma of great importance (Anderson & Fair 1976; Blacklock & Beavis 1974; Eliasson i970; Lindholmer & Eliasson 1972).Since infection is defined on the basis of such different criteria, the reported incidence in subfertile men greatly varies from one series to another, and the results of treatment are very divergent (Marberger et al. 1972).The aim of this study is to report the results of our investigations on different parameters of infection of the accessory sex glands in male partners of childless couples, and to try to define diagnostic criteria.
Physico‐Chemical Characterization of the Soluble 3α‐Hydroxysteroid Oxidoreductase in the Rat Testis and Prostate
Authors: Hastings Cetra D. , Brekke Inger , Attramadal A. , Hansson Vidar 
Published: May 2008

The present paper describes some physicochemical properties of the soluble 3α‐oxidoreductases in the rat testis and prostate, and comparison with rat epididymal 3α‐oxidoreductase, published previously (Hastings & Hansson 1979). The testicular enzyme shows properties very similar to that in the epididymis (size, stability, pH optium) except for minor differences in charge (iso‐electric point). The prostatic enzyme revealed a slightly higher molecular weight, and was more sensitive to heating than those in the testis and epididymis, whereas the iso‐electric point was the same as that in the testis (pI‐5.25). The enzymes in all tissues exhibit very similar shapes (f/fo 1.14‐1.17).The similar properties of the testicular and prostate 3α‐oxidoreductases to those previously reported for that in the epididymis may indicate that these enzymes represent identical peptide chains. The small differences observed in size, temperature stability and change may be due to their presence in different environments.
Influence of Seminal Plasma on the Chromatin Stability of Ejaculated Human Spermatozoa
Authors: Kvist Ulrik , Eliasson Rune 
Published: May 2008

Nuclear chromatin decondensation (NCD) of human ejaculated spermatozoa exposed to sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) has been studied. A high proportion of NCD reacting spermatozoa was only found in semen samples with a relatively low activity of some prostatic factor(s) (i.e. zinc/fructose ratio below 0.18) in the seminal plasma. Exposure to SDS for one h was found sufficient to reveal the main proportion of spermatozoa undergoing NCD in such a solution.Addition of seminal plasma with an apparently normal composition to a sperm population with a high NCD reactivity restored the sperm SDS resistance to normal, i.e. blocked the NCD‐response. Other results indicated that NCD reactivity was decreased or abolished upon prolonged storage of the spermatozoa in the seminal plasma.The various results indicated that some factor(s) in the seminal plasma can preserve the nuclear chromatin stability of human spermatozoa and that this factor most likely is of prostatic origin.,
Quality of Semen Obtained from 627 Fertile Men
Authors: Homonnai Z. T. , Paz G. , Weiss J. N. , David M. P. 
Published: May 2008

Six hundred and twenty seven men, whose wives conceived within 6 month of their semen analysis, were included in this study. Attention was focused on 516 men where conception occurred within 3 months of semen analysis. The quality of the seminal plasma (volume pH, fructose and calcium concentrations) and the spermatozoal characterization (concentration, motility, vitality and morphology) are given in details. It was concluded that spermatozoal motility and morphology are the most crucial factors in determining its fertilizing capacity. Measurement of vitality is important only in hypokinetic specimens. Sperm density is a limiting factor only below 10 million/ml.A widely scattered range of sperm concentration was found among the fathered men which may indicate that the incidence of pregnancy is a multifactorial statistical probability which increases when the quality of the semen is high.
Distribution of Normal and Abnormal Forms among Motile, Non‐Motile, Live and Dead Human Spermatozoa
Authors: Makler Amnon 
Published: May 2008

The distribution of normal and abnormal forms among motile, non‐motile, live, and dead spermatozoa was investigated. For this purpose samples from each specimen of 100 fertile and infertile patients was photographed twice: once with the aid of the multiple exposure photography (MEP) technique and again by an ordinary high‐speed phase‐contrast photomicrography. From enlarged projected photographed images, percentage of abnormal forms in both, non motile fraction and in the whole sperm population were determined. By using a simple formula the percentage of abnormal forms among motile spermatozoa has been easily calculated.An average of 42% abnormal forms among all 100 analyzed specimens was found. However, this rate was not distributed equally among the two sperm populations: only 22% abnormal forms were among motile spermatozoa, contrary to 59% among non‐motile spermatozoa. In 30 specimens that have been further analyzed by the combined supravital staining and the MEP method, percentage of abnormal forms among non‐motile‐live spermatozoa was found to be 32, and 67 among the fraction of dead spermatozoa.The importance of studying the distribution of normal forms among motile spermatozoa, and the question of any relationship of this parameter to the fertilization capacity of the semen, is discussed.
Effects of an Intra‐Epididymal and Intra‐Scrotal Copper Device on Rat Spermatozoa
Authors: Chinoy N. J. , Sanjeevan A. G. 
Published: May 2008

The effects of implantation of an intra‐epididymal (IECD) and intrascrotal (ISCD) copper device on rat testicular and epididymal spermatozoa and the copper contents in its various reproductive tissues were studied and compared with another group of animals bearing the copper device and fed supplemental ascorbic acid. The motility of cauda epididymal spermatozoa in vitro in the presence of different concentrations of copper ions was also investigated. The results revealed that the in vitro decrease in motility was more rapid with increasing concentrations of copper sulphate solutions and the addition of ascorbic acid inhibited the motility of the spermatozoa much more rapidly than the copper sulphate solution alone, probably due to the strong acidic properties of ascorbic acid which caused a rapid fall in pH.In the copper device bearing rats, the count, motility, fertilizing capacity, and metabolism of epididymal spermatozoa were reduced which has been correlated with alterations in their morphology. An accumulation of copper occurred in several reproductive tissues, but recovery to almost normal levels was obtained by feeding ascorbic acid to copper implanted rats. The data supports the view that ascorbic acid has a beneficial effect in copper toxicity. Although the intraepididymal copper implantation was found to be a more effective male contraceptive device than the intra‐scrotal, further work is necessary in terms of reversibility of the effects and easy removal of the device.
Cryptorchidism and non‐seminomatous testis cancer
Authors: Herman James G. , Hawkins Nigel V. , Rider W. D. 
Published: May 2008

An analysis of 107 cases of cryptorchidism and non‐seminomatous germ cell cancer treated between 1960 and 1976 is presented. The incidence of cryptorchidism in patients with testicular cancer is 9.8%.Eighty patients presented with ipsilateral inguinal tumours, 12 with contralateral intrascrotal tumours and 15 with abdominal tumours. There were 52 embryonal, 36 teratocarcinoma, 9 teratoma, and 10 choriocarcinoma tumours. The 5 year survival for all patients was 52.3%. The age distribution, pathology and stage of the patients was similar to non‐seminomatous tumours not associated with cryptorchidism.
Immunohistochemical demonstration of tumour associated antigens in carcinoma‐in‐situ of the testis
Authors: Jacobsen Grete Krag , Jacobsen Marianne. , Clausen Per Prætorius , Pedersen Nils Strandberg 
Published: May 2008

Atypical germ cells or so‐called carcinoma‐in‐situ of the testis are often found in the tissue adjacent to germ cell tumours. The present study was performed to investigate if tumour associated antigens demonstrated immunohistochemically in the tumours could also be demonstrated in the carcinoma‐in‐situ. Using indirect immunoperoxidase technique 39 orchidectomy specimens were examined for the presence of a series of antigens: alpha‐foetoprotein (AFP), alpha1‐antitrypsin (A1AT), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). specific pregnancy β‐glycoprotein (SP1), human placental lactogen (hPL), carcino‐embryonic antigen (CEA) and ferritin (FER).FER was demonstrated in the atypical cells in 24/29 cases of carcinoma‐in‐situ of the testis. HCG was demonstrated in intratubular syncytiotrophoblast‐like cells in one case and in atypical germ cells in another specimen. No staining reaction was found for the other antigens investigated Normal germinal epithelium and germinal epithelium in non‐malignant pathological changes of the testis were never stained.These findings which indicate that FER may be a possible marker of carcinoma‐in‐situ of the testis is of utmost interest, however investigation of a larger series is mandatory.
Comparison of the antispermatogenic effects of a new D‐homo‐steroid and testosterone in rabbits
Authors: Didolkar A. K. , Bertram H. P. , Zaidi P. , Neumann F. , Nieschlag E. 
Published: May 2008

In comparison to testosterone, 18β‐hydroxy‐18α‐methyl‐16α, 17α‐methylene‐D‐homo‐5α‐androstane‐3‐one (D‐homo‐S) shows more pronounced anti‐gonadotrophic than androgenic properties in rats. The present study was initiated in rabbits to investigate the potential of D‐homo‐S to suppress spermatogenesis. D‐homo‐S in sesame oil was administered at the doses of 0.1 (DI), 3 (D II) or 10 mg (D III) per rabbit each day for 8 weeks. During treatment serum testosterone, sperm concentration and quality of sperm motility decreased, whereas sex drive, semen volume and seminal plasma concentrations of fructose and zinc were not changed in any of the groups. Testicular weight and intratesticular testosterone concentration decreased significantly in groups D II and DIII, while weights of accessory sex glands increased in those groups. Testosterone in the same dose regimen did not suppress sperm count, motility or serum testosterone, however, seminal plasma zinc concentration in group TIII and fructose in group TI increased. Testicular weight and intratesticular testosterone concentration decreased in group TIII only. On the other hand, the weight of the accessory sex glands increased in the same group.In conclusion, D‐homo‐S suppresses spermatogenesis and increases accessory sex gland weights at doses, when testosterone is still ineffective. Thus, in rabbits D‐homo‐S appears to be a more potent androgen than testosterone but a dissociation between antigonadotrophic and androgenic properties could not be observed.
Carnitine and short‐chain acylcarnitines in the lumen of the human male reproductive tract
Authors: Golan R. , Soffer Y. , Katz S. , Weissenberg R. , Wasserzug O. , Lewin L. M. 
Published: May 2008

Bioautography of human semen demonstrated the presence of L‐carnitine, acetylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine and C4‐acylcanitines (butyrylcarnitines). In studies designed to ascertain the organs secreting these compounds into semen it was found that:1. Quantitative analyses of semen obtained pre‐ and post‐vasectomy showed markedly decreased L‐carnitine concentrations, slightly decreased acetylcarnitine levels, and unchanged propionyl‐ and butyrylcarnitine concentrations as a result of vasectomy.2. The earlier portion of human split ejaculate samples characteristically contained higher concentrations of carnitine and its propionyl‐ and butyryl esters and a lower concentration of acetylcarnitine than did the later portion.3. Vas deferens luminal fluid contained carnitine and each of the short‐chain acyl derivatives, as shown by bioautography.4. Prostatic fluid contained only small amounts of carnitine and its derivatives.5. Spermatozoa contained much more acetylcarnitine than free carnitine, and only trace amounts of the other acylcarnitines.It is concluded that carnitine in semen is secreted primarily by the epididymis, that a proportion of the acetylcarnitine derives from the seminal vesicles and epididymis, and that propionylcarnitine and butytylcarnitine enter semen, at least in part, together with the vas deferens contents.
The effect of salicylazosulphapyridine (sulphasalazine) on male fertility. A review
Authors: Giwercman Aleksander , Skakkebæk Niels E. 
Published: May 2008

Salicylazosulfapyridine (SASP), a drug used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, has been reported to depress the fertility in males.Therefore, some authors have proposed SASP as a new lead in the search for a contraceptive for men. Based on a review of the literature, our conclusion is that SASP taken in tolerable doses has not sufficient antifertility effect. Additionally, the drug has too serious and too many side effects to be accepted as a contraceptive. However, the effect on male fertility of other sulfa drugs and related compounds remains to be investigated.
Carcinoma‐in‐situ of the testis: possible origin from gonocytes and precursor of all types of germ cell tumours except spermatocytoma
Authors: SKAKKEBÆK N. E. , BERTHELSEN J. G. , GIWERCMAN A. , MÜLLER J. 
Published: May 2008

Based on evidence from morphological and histochemical studies and from clinical experience, the following hypotheses are proposed: (1) carcinoma‐in‐situ (CIS) germ cells are malignant gonocytes; (2) these CIS gonocytes have some capacity to regress into more primitive, totipotent embryonic cells which can give rise to all types of nonseminomatous germ cell tumours; (3) the tumour germ cells of classical seminomas are malignant gonocytes derived from CIS gonocytes which have lost their ability to regress into totipotent embryonic cells; (4) the ability of CIS gonocytes to regress into totipotent embryonic cells decreases with age, whereas the capacity to form classical seminoma cells is preserved; (5) the transformation of CIS gonocytes into invasive tumours is dependent on factors such as gonadotrophins and/or testicular steroids; (6) the pathogenesis of classical and spermatocytic seminoma are unrelated.As a consequence of these hypotheses an alternative nomenclature for carcinoma‐in‐situ, seminoma and dysgerminoma is suggested.
Comparative anti‐fertility effects of gossypol enantiomers in male hamsters
Authors: LINDBERG M. C. , NAQVI R. H. , MATLIN S. A. , ZHOU R. H. , BIALY G. , BLYE R. P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe enantiomers of gossypol have been tested as male oral anti‐fertility agents in hamsters. As determined by fertility tests the (‐) isomer was fully active at half the effective dose of the racemate, whereas the (+) isomer exerted no anti‐fertility effect.