bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigations of arterio‐venous anastomoses in the spermatic cords and blood supply, oxygen consumption and testosterone production of scrotal and abdominal testes in the pig
Authors: NOORDHUIZEN‐STASSEN E. N. , de JONG F. H. , MACDONALD A. A. , SCHAMHARDT H. C. , WENSING C. J. G. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThis study has investigated blood flow from the testicular artery to the pampini‐form plexus in the spermatic cord of pigs. Testosterone levels, oxygen tension and the degree of acidity were measured in arterial and venous blood vessels of scrotally and abdominally located testes. Haemoglobin oxygen saturation was derived from the oxygen dissociation curve. Blood flow to abdominal and scrotal testes and epididymides was measured using the radioactive microsphere technique. Average blood flow to the scrotal testes and epididymides was 21 and 8 mumin, respectively, in normal pigs. In unilaterally cryptorchid pigs average blood flow to the scrotal testis and epididymis was 23 and 6 ml/min, respectively, and to the abdominal testis and epididymis 4.2 and 1 ml/min. In pigs with bilateral scrotal testes oxygen consumption was 16 pmol 02/min/100 g. In unilaterally cryptorchid pigs oxygen consumption by the scrotal testis was 18 pmol 02/min/100 g, compared with 10 μmol O2/min/100 g by cryptorchid testes.From the percentage oxygen saturation in the various blood vessels it was calculated that 29–42% of testicular arterial blood was flowing through arterio‐venous anastomoses between the testicular artery and the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord, thus bypassing the capillary net of the abdominal testes of unilaterally and bilaterally cryptorchid pigs. These results were supported by the testosterone measurements. In the spermatic cord of scrotal testes no blood bypassed the capillary net of the testes.
Assessment of the role of Leydig cell products other than testosterone in spermatogenesis and fertility in adult rats
Authors: SHARPE R. M. , FRASER H. M. , RATNASOORIYA W. D. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAdult male rats were treated with ethane dimethanesulphonate (EDS) to destroy the Leydig cells and were then supplemented for 3–10 weeks with testosterone esters (TE) by injection every 3 days. The latter treatment prevented Leydig cell regeneration but maintained quantitatively the androgen‐dependent aspects of spermatogenesis, as judged by germ cell counts at stage VII of the spermatogenic cycle. Other than the absence of Leydig cells, the testes of EDS‐treated, TE‐supplemented rats showed only two morphological changes, (1) the appearance of mast cells throughout the interstitium, and (2) a 3– to 4‐fold increase in the number of degenerating germ cells (secondary spermatocytes) at stages XIV‐I; this was reflected in a significant decrease in the ratio of spermatids to pachytene spermatocytes at stage VII. These changes were not observed in either oil‐treated or TE‐treated control rats although similar, but less marked, changes in celI degeneration at stages XIV‐I were observed in rats actively immunized against oxytocin. Epididymal sperm number was reduced marginally (‐15%) in EDS‐treated, TE‐supplemented rats while sperm motility was affected even less. In a serial mating trial, some of these treated rats showed evidence of subfertility/ infertility, but this was mostly transient and may have been the result of epididymal effects of EDS. These results suggest that Leydig cell products other than testosterone are not essential for maintenance of spermatogenesis and fertility in rats, although because of increased germ cell degeneration during the final stages of meiosis (perhaps as the result of oxytocin withdrawal), a small reduction in sperm count may occur.
Restricted lesions after testicular biopsies in young and adult rats
Authors: SJÖGREN INGRID , PLÖEN L. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryIn order to evaluate the possible harmful effects of surgical removal of a testicular biopsy, adult and immature rats were subjected to unilateral testicular biopsy and were studied 24 months later. One group of adult rats were sham‐operated. Perfusion‐fixed, plastic‐embedded specimens of the testes were examined by light microscopy. No morphological differences were found between rats that were immature and those that were adult at the time of biopsy. The lesions observed were focal and occurred only in the vicinity of the site of biopsy. Only about 0.5% (range 0.01–4.5) of the testis was affected. No morphological signs of any immune reaction were observed. It is suggested that the lesions are caused mainly by interference with local blood flow, and to a minor extent by disruption of the flow of seminiferous tubule fluid.
The effect of gossypol acetic acid on the different stages of the spermatogenic cycle in the rat
Authors: KAINZ V. , FRICK J. , KAINZ P. , KALLA N. R. , ROVAN E. , ADAM H. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe reversibility of the effect of gossypol on testicular histology and fertility was studied in rats. Adult males of proven fertility were treated orally with gossypol acetic acid (15 mg/kg) for 9 or 16 weeks (groups 1 and 2, respectively). Another group of animals (group 3) was given gossypol (15 mg/kg) for 16 weeks and killed 6 weeks after the end of treatment. Control animals (group 4) were given the vehicle only by oral intubation. In the mating studies, although only 33% of the animals in group 1 were infertile, 100% infertility was observed following 16 weeks of gossypol treatment (group 2). All animals in group 3 regained their fertility 6 weeks after cessation of drug treatment. Damage was observed to 15.7% of the seminiferous tubules after 9 weeks of drug treatment, and to 78% after 16 weeks of treatment. Extensive vacuolization, increased numbers of lipid droplets, degeneration of germ cells, loosening of the epithelium, and a significant decrease in the number of pachytene spermatocytes (stages VII‐X) and spermatids (steps 7–10 at stages VII‐X) were observed after gossypol treatment.There was a decrease in the diameter of only stage VIII seminiferous tubules after 9 weeks of treatment, whereas a reduction was observed in the tubules of all stages after 16 weeks of gossypol treatment. In the recovery phase, the diameter of seminiferous tubules was similar to that of controls, except for tubules at stage VIII. No change in the area of the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and lipid bodies was observed after 9 weeks of drug treatment, but a marked reduction in the area of the lumen (stages 11‐X) and an increase in lipid bodies (all stages) was observed after 16 weeks of gossypol treatment. Six weeks after cessation of treatment, the area of the lumen and the number of lipid bodies were comparable to values in controls. A reduction in the area of the epithelium was restricted to just a few stages (VIII‐XIV) in treated animals at 9 weeks, whereas after 16 weeks the area of the epithelium was decreased in all tubules. In the recovery phase, except for tubules at stage VIII, the area of the seminiferous epithelium was comparable to that in controls.
Prolactin and Leydig cell steroidogenic enzymes in the bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata)
Authors: GUNASEKAR P. G. , KUMARAN B. , GOVINDARAJULU P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe effect of treatment with prolactin or bromocryptine on testicular steroidogen‐esis and serum hormone levels were studied in immature and mature bonnet monkeys. Leydig cells alone showed the presence of 3 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydro‐genase (3β‐HSD) and 17 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) in normal immature and mature monkeys. Administration of prolactin increased the activity of 3β‐HSD and 17β‐HSD in Leydig cells from mature monkeys, and also increased the serum levels of testosterone. Bromocryptine treatment induced exactly the opposite effect. These changes occurred in the absence of any change in serum gonadotrophin levels. In immature monkeys, prolactin and bromocryptine had no significant effect. These results suggest a direct stimulatory effect of prolactin on testicular steroidogenesis in mature monkeys.
Effects of local heating of the testes on the concentration of testosterone in jugular and testicular venous blood of rats and on testosterone production in vitro
Authors: GALIL K. A. A. , SETCHELL B. P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryHeating both testes of rats to between 39°C and 41°C for 30 min was apparently without effect 21 days later, but heating to between 41.5°C and 43°C for 30 min resulted in a significant drop in testis weight accompanied by significant rises in the serum levels of LH and FSH. There were no changes in serum testosterone concentration in the peripheral circulation although there were increases in the concentration in testicular venous blood. The ability of the heated testis to secrete testosterone in vivo in response to maximal stimulation by hCG was reduced, as judged by testosterone levels in peripheral blood, while there was a supranormal increase in testosterone levels in testicular venous blood. Maximally stimulated testosterone production in vitro by the heated testis was supranormal whereas the basal production of testosterone per testis was not different from control values. Therefore, it appears that the testosterone produced by Leydig cells from heated testes may not be secreted as effectively as in normal testes.
Anejaculation following spinal cord injury does not induce sperm‐agglutinating antibodies
Authors: DAHLBERG A. , HOVATTA OUTI 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAntisperm antibodies were tested for by the MAR‐test and the tray agglutination test in 16 men with spinal cord injury. None of these men could ejaculate without artificial methods. Seven men ejaculated externally by vibrator stimulation or electroejaculation, while seven exhibited retrograde ejaculation; in two cases no semen was obtained. Sperm density in the external ejaculations was high (average = 405 × 106/ml), with 10–45% motility. None of these 16 men had antisperm antibodies. This result indicates that anejaculation and sperm retention in men with spinal cord injury, even of 30 years duration, does not result in antisperm antibody formation.
The incidence and influence upon fertility of antisperm antibodies in seminal fluid following vasectomy reversal
Authors: MATSON P. L. , JUNK S. M. , MASTERS J. R. W. , PRYOR J. P. , YOVICH J. L. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySeminal plasma samples from men undergoing vasovasostomy were analysed for antisperm antibodies using the indirect immunobead test. A pre‐operative assessment showed antisperm antibodies of either IgA or IgG class to be present in 9/27 (33.3%) men. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the post‐operative incidence of the antibodies was seen in the men who achieved patency (27/45, 60%) but not in those men for whom no sperm were seen in the ejaculate (4/10, 40%). After follow‐up for a minimum of 1 year, conception rates for couples in which the male partner had achieved patency were similar in the groups with no antibodies detected post‐operatively (12/18, 66.7%) or with IgA alone (2/3, 66.7%), but was reduced significantly in the presence of IgG (119, 11.1%; P <0.05) or IgA + IgG (3/15, 20.0%; P <0.01).
Fertilization of human oocytes in vitro by spermatozoa from oligozoospermic and normospermic men
Authors: MATSON P. L. , TROUP S. A. , LOWE B. , IBRAHIM Z. H. Z. , BURSLEM R. W. , LIEBERMAN B. A. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySperm were isolated from the semen of oligozoospermic (< 20 × 106 sperm/ml) and normospermic (≥ 20 × 106 sperm/ml) men in an in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) programme. Oocytes from the female partners were inseminated with either 75 or 100 × 103 motile sperm and checked for fertilization after 16–20 h. A significant reduction in the overall fertilization rate of oocytes was seen for the oligozoospermic group compared to the normospermic group, at both insemination concentrations. In the oligozoospermic group, a fertilization rate of 31% (19/61) was achieved when oocytes were inseminated with 75 × 103 sperm, and 38% (9/24) when inseminated with 100 × 103 sperm. This compared with rates of 57% (3971696) and 64% (650/1018), respectively, for normospermic cases at both insemination concentrations. No evidence of fertilization was seen in 36% (4/11) and 67% (4/6) of oligozoospermic cases when 75 or 100 × 103 sperm were used, compared with values of 13% (17/133) and 9% (20/212), respectively, in normospermic cases. After excluding zero cases, the fertilization rate of oocytes for the oligozoospermic group (75%; 9/12) was similar to the normospermic group (70%; 650/935) when 100 × 103 sperm were used. However, when 75 × 103 sperm were used, the fertilization rate for the oligozoospermic group (41%; 19/46) was significantly lower than that of the normospermic group (62%; 397/645). Following the transfer of embryos into the female partner, clinical pregnancies were diagnosed in 217 (29%) oligozoospermic cases and 27/267 (10%) normospermic cases.These results suggest that IVF can be used diagnostically to identify oligozoospermic men with severely impaired sperm function who fail to achieve fertilization. However, the reduced fertilization rate with the lower insemination number of 75 but not 100 × 103 sperm suggests that the oligozoospermic men whose sperm demonstrated some functional capacity by fertilizing at least one oocyte may well have a reduced proportion of sperm in the ejaculate which are functionally competent.
Serum factors stimulate the motility of human spermatozoa
Authors: A˚RKERLÖUF EVA , FREDRICSSON B. , GUSTAFSON O. , LUNELL N. O. , NYLUND L. , ROSENBORG L. , SLOTTE H. , POUSETTE A˚. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryMotile human sperm were collected from a Percoll gradient and the effects on sperm motility of human serum, various serum fractions, follicular fluid and seminal plasma were assessed. In culture medium alone (RPMI‐1640) sperm motility was lost after about 5 h. The addition of male blood serum both enhanced sperm motility and prolonged viability very significantly. Albumin, seminal plasma and follicular fluid all stimulated sperm motility but to a much lesser extent than did blood serum. No difference was noted between male serum or female serum which had been collected during the follicular or luteal phases of hormone‐stimulated cycles and which contained high levels of oestradiol. Serum fractions obtained by separation on Sephacryl S‐300 column were tested for their ability to enhance sperm motility. The most pronounced effect, much superior to that achieved by the albumin fraction, was obtained by a fraction with a molecular weight of around 200 kD. In conclusion, certain factors in human serum, which are different from albumin, strongly support sperm motility. The high serum concentrations of oestradiol resulting from hormone stimulation for in‐vitro fertilization do not invalidate the use of serum from the same patient during sperm preparation, or in the medium used for ovum insemination and culture.
Detection of immunosuppressive activity in human seminal plasma by an immunobioassay
Authors: MOULIK S. , RANGA G. , MEHERJI P. K. , SHAHANI S. K. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryRecent evidence has shown that under in‐vitro conditions human seminal plasma can interfere directly or indirectly with the function of cells of the immune system. It is however, questionable whether the results generated in vitro can be related directly to in‐vivo activity. We have therefore standardized an in‐vivo immunobioassay to detect the immunosuppressive property of human seminal plasma using adoptive transfer of contact sensitivity to a specific antigen such as dinitrofluorobenzene, Our results indicate that when sensitized lymphoid cells were incubated in vitro with human seminal plasma, their ability to transfer the delayed hypersensitivity in non‐sensitized mice was suppressed or inhibited in comparison with the controls. The percentage suppression varied with different samples but the results indicate clearly that the immunosuppressive properties of human seminal plasma can be demonstrated using an in‐vivo immunoassay.
Stability of sperm characteristics in men with disturbances in sperm quality
Authors: PURVIS K. , TOLLEFSRUD A. , RUI H. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySixty‐one men referred to our laboratory for semen analysis, and subsequently judged to exhibit some form of sperm pathology, were asked to return for a second analysis, not less than 2 months after the first, in order to assess the stability of the pathological changes observed. In almost half of the cases, the referring physician had, on his own initiative, started hormone or antibiotic treatment. The sperm parameters studied included sperm count, sperm motility judged by laser‐Doppler spectroscopy, and sperm morphology and viability. The motility characteristics included percentage motile, their average velocity, and percentage swimming in a progressive manner, and their progressive velocity.In untreated subjects, there was no significant difference between the first and second analysis in any of the sperm parameters measured. This was also true for both oligozoospermic individuals (<20 × 106 sperm/ml) and the group with higher sperm concentrations. All parameters were highly correlated on the two occasions. The average coefficients of variation of the paired observations were highest for sperm count (approximately 25%) and lowest for sperm velocities and the proportion of abnormal and viable cells in the ejaculate (1–9%). No major differences in the extent of variation could be detected between the low and high sperm density groups.In general, the unsystematic antibiotic and hormone regimens (clomiphene or androgen) used by the referring physicians had no discernable effect on any aspect of sperm quality, indicating the need for more controlled and standardized programmes of treatment.
Seminal plasma biochemistry. IV: enzymes involved in the liquefaction of human seminal plasma
Authors: POLAK B. , AUNTER B. D. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA significant positive correlation was found between the liquefaction time of human seminal coagula and bound sialic acid. There was also a similar relationship between bound sialic acid and the enzyme sialyl‐transferase. This suggests that the degree of sialylation of the components of seminal coagulum are important in determining the liquefaction time of the coagulum. These results support previous findings.The coagulum is considered to be composed of glycoprotein‐metal ion complexes, and the initial stage of liquefaction results from the reduction of these metal ions by L‐ascorbic acid. The removal of hydrogen peroxide, generated by the oxidation of L‐ascorbic acid, requires the presence of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. These enzymes have been identified in human seminal plasma and their possible physiological importance is discussed.
Comparison of two techniques used to collect normal and motile sperm
Authors: SZERMAN‐JOLY ETHEL , SAUVALLE AGNES , IZARD J. , DROSDOWSKY M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTo improve the quality of sperm for intra‐uterine insemination (IUI) or in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) swim‐up (SU) and migration‐sedimentation (MS) methods were compared, for the selection of morphologically normal and motile sperm. In 74 patients consulting for couple infertility, it was shown that MS gave a better yield of motile sperm than did SU. An improvement in morphology and motility was achieved, especially in asthenospermia (motility <40%) and/or teratospermia (normal shape <40%). The percentage of midpiece and tail abnormalities was lowered by the MS technique. It is proposed that the MS method be used for IUI and IVF, adapting the number of tubes to the initial sperm concentration.
Microvascular permeability to IgG in the rat testis at puberty
Authors: PÖLLÄNEN P. P. , SETCHELL B. P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryImmunoglobulin G (IgG) spaces and permeability surface area products (PS) were calculated separately in the testis parenchyma, capsule and interstitial tissue in four age groups of rats to see if there were regional differences in microvascular permeability in the rat testis and if there were changes in PS with age. The results demonstrated a marked increase in PS to IgG at 27 days of age in the testicular interstitial tissue, whereas PS in the capsule did not show such consistent changes. Blood volumes per gram, as indicated by the 3 min IgG spaces, were considerably greater in the testicular capsule than in the interstitial tissue, although the weight of the capsule was only about one‐third of the interstitial tissue weight. Maximal IgG spaces were reached at 5 h in the testicular parenchyma, but in most groups only at 20 h in the capsule. IgG was demonstrated immunohistochemically in the testicular interstitial tissue from 33 days of age onwards.
Mesterolone and idiopathic male infertility: a double‐blind study
Authors: INFERTILITY WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION TASK FORCE ON THE DIAGNOSIS AND TR 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA prospective randomized double‐blind study was undertaken to assess the effect on male fertility of 6 months' treatment with the synthetic androgen mesterolone. The study was performed in seven centres and 248 infertile couples were recruited. All men and their partners were investigated according to the standardized WHO protocol—Investigation and Diagnosis of the Infertile Couple. Following this investigation, 157 couples were selected in whom the male diagnosis was primary idiopathic testicular failure or idiopathic low sperm motility; the female partner had no demonstrable cause for infertility or was under successful treatment for a minor endocrine problem. The remaining 91 couples admitted were either incompletely investigated or had some additional factor associated with infertility. Men received either 150 or 75 mg mesterolone daily or placebo. Response was assessed in terms of semen characteristics and the partner's pregnancy rate. The cumulative life table pregnancy rates among all couples 8 months after randomization were 9± 3% (±standard error), 12±4% and 16±4% in the placebo, 75 and 150 mg mesterolone groups, respectively. The ratios of the pregnancy rates compared to placebo were 1.3 (0.5‐3.2) and 1.8 (0.7‐4.4) for the 75 and 150 mg mesterolone groups respectively. Among the subset of 157 couples satisfying the strict eligibility criteria, the pregnancy rates were 11 ±5%, 12 ±5% and 19±6% in the placebo, 75 and 150 mg mesterolone groups, respectively. The corresponding ratios of pregnancy rates to the placebo group were 1.2 (0.4‐3.4) and 1.8 (0.6‐5.3) for the 75 and 150 mg mesterolone groups respectively. There were no significant changes in semen quality during the course of the study, apart from an increase in sperm concentration 3 months after the start of treatment. The increase was greatest among the placebo treated group, but did not differ significantly between treatment groups.Although this study provides no statistically significant evidence for the efficacy of mesterolone for the treatment of male infertility, the power of the study was low as fewer than the anticipated number of couples were recruited, and a number of couples did not satisfy the eligibility criteria. In view of these difficulties and because the improvement in pregnancy rate may represent a true effect of treatment a new two‐arm study has been started using more strict entry criteria to compare mesterolone (150 mg daily) with placebo.