Showing papers in "Archives of Andrology in 1982"
TL;DR: A boy diagnosed to have Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) with a karyotype of 47XXY, at the age of 12 years underwent normal puberty and at age 17 years had a testicular volume of 10 ml.
Abstract: A boy diagnosed to have Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) with a karyotype of 47XXY, at the age of 12 years underwent normal puberty and at age 17 years had a testicular volume of 10 ml. At age 22 he married and fathered a normal child. His paternity was proven by HLA typing of the parents and child. It is suggested that testosterone therapy in KS be given only when testicular failure has been definitely established.
90 citations
TL;DR: The existence in the human spermatozoa membrane of receptorlike functional group for heparin was studied and autoradiography experiments showed that labeling was almost completely restricted to sperm cells in the process of nuclear decondensation.
Abstract: The existence in the human spermatozoa membrane of receptorlike functional group for heparin was studied. Incubation of whole spermatozoa with tritiated heparin induced the specific binding of 745 +/- 112 pmol of heparin per 5 x 10(7) sperm cells with an intrinsic association constant KD = 3.6 x 10(-6) M. The specificity of binding was shown by the lack of competence in the binding process of some other glycosaminoglycans used at concentrations 20 x higher than heparin. However, dextran sulfate was a very efficient competitive agent. Autoradiography experiments showed that labeling was almost completely restricted to sperm cells in the process of nuclear decondensation. This technique showed the presence of a high amount of radioactive heparin in the isolated sperm membranes even after several washings. Heparin may participate both in the final part of the capacitation process (acrosome reaction) and in the decondensation of sperm nuclei.
77 citations
TL;DR: Adult male rats were treated with 1% and 5% Panax Ginseng in their diet for 60 days and prostate weight in the treated animals was significantly reduced as compared to the control animals.
Abstract: Adult male rats were treated with 1% and 5% Panax Ginseng in their diet for 60 days. Control rats were used. There was an increase in daily food consumption without an increase in body weight of treated animals. Rats that received 5% ginseng experienced a significant increase in blood testosterone level (p < 0.001). Prostate weight in the treated animals was significantly reduced as compared to the control animals.
62 citations
TL;DR: No significant differences were found between mean values calculated for daily increases in abstinence for any semen analysis parameter, with the exception of ejaculate volume between 1 and 2 days of abstinence, but graphical analysis revealed significant trend lines for both ejaculateVolume and total sperm count.
Abstract: No significant differences were found between mean values calculated for daily increases in abstinence for any semen analysis parameter, with the exception of ejaculate volume between 1 and 2 days ...
55 citations
TL;DR: The results confirm and extend earlier observations demonstrating that epididymal sperm of gossypol-treated rats exhibit distinct ultrastructural changes under the experimental conditions employed, and show that caudal spermatozoa are totally immotile by the fifth week.
Abstract: This study was undertaken to determine the effects at early time intervals of gossypol on sperm motility and on the ultrastructure of rat epididymal and vasal sperm and epididymal and vasal epithelium. Rats were treated by gavage with 20 or 30 mg/kg/day of gossypol for 7 weeks; control animals were unfed or received the vehicle alone. The results confirm and extend earlier observations demonstrating that epididymal sperm of gossypol-treated rats exhibit distinct ultrastructural changes under the experimental conditions employed. The severity and frequency of the degenerative changes appear to increase with dose and duration of treatment. Striking ultrastructural defects can be seen as early as 3 weeks after 20 mg/kg/day of gossypol. By the fifth week of either 20 or 30 mg/kg/day of gossypol, significant damage to virtually all sperm flagella is observed throughout the epididymal duct of all treated rats. The initial and predominant defect is degeneration of the midpiece mitochondria but additional flagell...
53 citations
TL;DR: The activity of divalent cation-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase has been studied in vesicular membranes isolated from ejaculated ram seminal plasma and it is suggested that the seminal plasma membranes also contain alkaline ATPase, which is more specific for Ca2+.
Abstract: The activity of divalent cation-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) has been studied in vesicular membranes isolated from ejaculated ram seminal plasma. This nonspecific acidic ATPase can be activated by millimolar concentration of any one of the following cations: Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, or Mn2+ to give high specific activity (approximately 300 mumol/mg/hr), in absence of the other cations. Free Zn2+ inhibits activity of this ATPase. The Km for adenosonine triphosphate (ATP) ranged between 0.17 and 0.24 mM, and for the divalent cation ranged between 0.4 and 0.8 mM. When the ATPase is activated by Ca2+, two Kms for Ca2+ concentration were found: 0.8 and 0.08 mM. It is suggested that the seminal plasma membranes also contain alkaline ATPase, which is more specific for Ca2+.
40 citations
TL;DR: A motility controlling component that is more sensitive to gossypol antimotility inhibition is proposed to help boar spermatozoal adenosine triphosphate metabolism.
Abstract: The effect of gossypol on boar spermatozoal adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism was investigated. Gossypol has little effect on the activities of the total spermatozoal ATPase. the spermatozoal flagellar ATPase, and the mitochondrial fragment ATPase. The membrane ATPase, being exceedingly low, has not been considered for its susceptibility toward gossypol. Gossypol uncouples spermatozoal oxidative phosphorylation. A biphasic response (stimulation at low concentration and inhibition at high concentration) has been noticed in anaerobic lactate production and hypotonically treated spermatozoal mitochondrial ATPase activity. The ATP content, either under aerobic or anaerobic condition was reduced by gossypol with the reduction threshold of ATP more sensitive in the latter. The reduction of ATP follows two different reaction kinetics in which it is stabilized at moderate gossypol concentrations but progresses along with time at high concentrations. Since the drop in motility is more sensitive than the drop...
38 citations
TL;DR: Contrarily to menopause in women, andropause is not an obligatory event in men, and when it does occur, its pathogenesis and hormonal aspects are very variable.
Abstract: One hundred forty-five male volunteers, 60 to 91 years old, without any hepatic, renal, or metabolic pathology, and not under any steroid therapy for at least 1 year were studied. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating hormone (FSH), Testosterone (T), 17-β Estradiol (E2), Androstenedione (A), Maximal increase (MI) of LH and FSH after luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) (50-γ iv), and pulsations (P) of LH and FSH over a 3 hr period were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The patients were divided in four groups according to LH and T levels. Group I: (46% of our subjects) showed no signs of hypogonadism with normal LH, T, E2, A, MI of LH and FSH, and normal P-LH, P-FSH. Group II: (15%) with high LH but normal T, showed high FSH, MI-LH, MI-FSH, P-LH, and P-FSH, but normal A and E2, Group III: (22%) with classical signs of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (high LH and low T) showed high FSH, MI-LH, MI-FSH, and P-FSH, normal P-LH and E2, but low A. Group IV: (16.5%) with signs of hypogon...
34 citations
TL;DR: The stage-dependent difference in FSH-responsiveness indicates that local influences (from germ cells?) may regulate the response of the AC in Sertoli cells to FSH.
Abstract: The variation of the specific Mn2+-dependent adenylyl cyclase (AC activity in spermatids and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-responsive AC activities in Sertoli cells in different stages (I-XIV) of the seminiferous epithelial cycle has been investigated. Maximal Mn2+-dependent AC activity was observed in stages II-III while minimal activity was encountered in stages VII-VIII (spermiation). FSH-responsive AC activity exhibited a pattern that coincided with that of the Mn2+-dependent AC. The stage-dependent variation in spermatid AC activity cannot be explained by altered numbers of haploid cells. This raises the question whether the Sertoli cells may regulate the spermatid AC activity. Sertoli cells in various stages are all exposed to the same concentration of circulatory hormones. Hence the stage-dependent difference in FSH-responsiveness indicates that local influences (from germ cells?) may regulate the response of the AC in Sertoli cells to FSH.
31 citations
TL;DR: Gossypol inhibits the activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and Na+, K+- and Mg2+-dependent ATPases of sea urchin spermatozoa, thereby influencing mitochondrial function and flagellar movement.
Abstract: Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in the mitochondrial fraction obtained from Arbacia punctulata sperm was inhibited by 76%, 40%, and 8% at gossypol concentrations of 50, 20, and 10 μM, respectively. Activities of Mg2+- and Na+, K+-dependent ATPases from sperm mitochondria of Hemicentrotus pulcherrius were also inhibited proportionally to the concentrations of gossypol, ranging from 10 to 80 μM. Gossypol inhibits the activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and Na+, K+- and Mg2+-dependent ATPases of sea urchin spermatozoa, thereby influencing mitochondrial function and flagellar movement.
31 citations
TL;DR: Significant positive correlations were found between sperm density and the parameters of sperm quality, and also between these latter three parameters themselves; and in ejaculates with marked or high viscosity the motility and viability of the spermatozoa were significantly depressed.
Abstract: The mean semen parameters and their interrelationships are reported for the first semen analyses performed on a population of 1801 suspected infertile men. For this population, the mean (+/- SD) sperm density was 84.3 (+/- 78.3) x 10(6)/ml, the mean volume was 3.3 (+/- 1.7) ml, and the mean total sperm count was 265.6 (+/- 270.0) x 10(6)/ejaculate. After exclusion of 90 cases of azoospermia (5.0% of the patients), these values became 88.7 (+/- 77.8), 3.4 (+/- 1.7), and 279.5 (+/- 269.9), respectively. For the population of patients with spermatozoa in their semen, the mean (+/- SD;n) percentages of motile, viable and morphological normal spermatozoa were 50.3 (+/- 15.4; 1677), 77.3 (+/- 11.9; 830), and 54.2 (+/- 11.7; 1587), respectively. Loge transformation of the sperm density values in sperm-positive ejaculates gave a mean of 51.9 x 10(6)/ml with 95% confidence limits of 12.3 to 219.0 x 10(6)/ml. Ejaculate volume was slightly, but significantly, reduced in cases of azoospermia and polyzoospermia (i.e., greater than 200 x 10(6)/ml). Significant positive correlations were found between sperm density and the parameters of sperm quality, and also between these latter three parameters themselves. Increasing semen viscosity had no effect upon the morphology of the spermatozoa, but in ejaculates with marked or high viscosity the motility and viability of the spermatozoa were significantly depressed.
TL;DR: The activation of proacrosin and the acrosin activity of boar ejaculated spermatozoa were studied in vitro over a wide range of gossypol concentrations and it was found that both activities were sensitive to gossYPol inhibition.
Abstract: The activation of proacrosin and the acrosin activity of boar ejaculated spermatozoa were studied in vitro over a wide range of gossypol concentrations and it was found that both activities were sensitive to gossypol inhibition. Acrosin, fruthermore, is by far the most gossypol sensitive enzyme among all enzymes reported. This antiacrosin effect of gossypol adds an extra advantage to its being used as a vaginal contraceptive.
TL;DR: Results suggest that taurine plays an osmoregulatory role in chimpanzee spermatozoa, which possibly involves stabilization of the cell membrane.
Abstract: The effect of taurine on chimpanzee spermatozoa placed under hyperosmotic stress was studied. The lethal effect of osmotic stress on spermatozoa was partially alleviated by treating the cells with 2 mM taurine, whereas the viability of unstressed cells was not affected by this treatment. Ultrastructurally, exposure of spermatozoa to osmotic stress was accompanied by an increase in cells with disintegrated plasma and outer acrosomal membranes. Treatment of stressed spermatozoa with taurine partially prevented this increase with a concomitant enhancement of cell viability. These results suggest that taurine plays an osmoregulatory role in chimpanzee spermatozoa, which possibly involves stabilization of the cell membrane.
TL;DR: Glucose as the main source of citrate in testosterone-treated rats can thus be replaced by alternative substrates in castrated rats, and the rate ofcitrate accumulation could be more dependent on the number of secretory cells than their hormonal activation.
Abstract: Androgenic control of citrate metabolism was studied by measuring the conversion of (2-14C)acetate or (6-14C)glucose to (14C)citrate and 14CO2 in the ventral prostate of the rat. The decarboxylation of (2-14C)acetate showed that androgen preferentially increased (14C)citrate oxidation, probably to meet the increased energy demands of cellular synthetic reactions. This led to the decreased accumulation of (14C)citrate from (2-14C)acetate. On the other hand, both the production of (14C)citrate and the formation of 14CO2 from (6-14C)glucose were decreased by castration and increased by testosterone, this being mainly due to the androgenic control of pyruvate dehydrogenase. These changes were more marked and rapid than those in oxygen consumption, in (2-14C)acetate oxidation, or in the total content of prostatic citrate that was maintained by testosterone. Glucose as the main source of citrate in testosterone-treated rats can thus be replaced by alternative substrates in castrated rats. The rate of citrate accumulation could be more dependent on the number of secretory cells than their hormonal activation.
TL;DR: The effect of gossypol acetic acid an cottonseed oil emulsion on human spermatozoal motility was tested and the applicability of this natural low toxicity cotton seed oil as vaginal contraceptive was explored.
Abstract: The effect of gossypol acetic acid and cottonseed oil emulsion on human spermatozoal motility was tested. Contrary to a recent report [Waller et al. (1980): Contraception 22:183–187] that gossypol acetic acid is harmless to human spermatozoal motility in vitro, 10−3 M gossypol acetic acid completely abolished spermatozoal motility. This discrepancy might have stemmed from an oversight in the gossypol solubility. Cottonseed oil emulsion also exhibited spermatozoal motility inhibition. The applicability of this natural low toxicity cottonseed oil as vaginal contraceptive was explored.
TL;DR: The epithelium of the human ampulla is a gland endowed with the same morphological features as those of the seminal vesicles, and originates the secretory vacuoles which are discharged by exocytosis.
Abstract: The epithelium of the human ampulla consists of rare basal cells and a single type of principal (secretory) cells. The principal cells, which vary in height from cuboidal to columnar, often have conical or club shaped apical portions projecting and bulging into the lumen. Their cytoplasm contains an abundant rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, numerous mitochondria, and many lipopigment granules. The Golgi apparatus is well developed and originates the secretory vacuoles which are discharged by exocytosis. Though the majority of nuclei are ovoid, deeply fissured or even lobated nuclei are not uncommon. The basal cells are small, nonsecretory cells, whose cytoplasm shows numerous filaments having a diameter of 55 A. The lumen contains masses of amorphous secretions and some spermatozoa. The human ampulla is a gland endowed with the same morphological features as those of the seminal vesicles.
TL;DR: Activation of Sertoli cell adenylyl cyclase by GTP and GMP-P(NH)P showed no difference between cells preincubated with or without FSH, indicating that FSH did not change the activity of the G/F (or N) component or its interaction with the catalytic subunit of the adenyll cyclase.
Abstract: Sertoli cell monolayers were prepared from 19-day-old rat testes. On day 7 of culture cells were incubated for 24 hr in the presence or absence of ovine follicle stimulating hormone (oFSH). Cells were harvested, and adenylyl cyclase responses of the membrane particles to FSH, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), isoproterenol, and fluoride (F−) were examined in the presence of either GTP or the nonhydrolyzable guanylyl nucleotide GMP-P(NH)P. Culturing the cells in presence of FSH caused a hormone specific desensitization of FSH-responsive adenylyl cyclase, whereas responses to isoproterenol and fluoride were unaffected. Activation of Sertoli cell adenylyl cyclase by GTP and GMP-P(NH)P showed no difference between cells preincubated with or without FSH, indicating that FSH did not change the activity of the G/F (or N) component or its interaction with the catalytic subunit of the adenylyl cyclase. FSH-responsive adenylyl cyclase in cultured Sertoli cells has been shown to be selectively desensitized by homo...
TL;DR: None of the measures of sexual motivation, performance, or penile responsivity was depressed in the diabetic rats, suggesting that rats are not a fruitful animal model for diabetic impotence.
Abstract: Male rats made diabetic by streptozotocin injection were tested intermittently for copulation and penile reflexes. Eight to nine months later their bodies, penises, and seminal vesicles weighed significantly less than those of control-injected males, although serum androgen as well as penile and vas deferens norepinephrine levels were not significantly depressed. None of the measures of sexual motivation, performance, or penile responsivity was depressed in the diabetic rats, suggesting that rats are not a fruitful animal model for diabetic impotence.
TL;DR: Response of pituitary to in vitro gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) remained unaltered while the response to in vivo GnRH treatment was markedly increased with the drug indicating the pituitsary to be functionally normal, differences in the in vitro and in vivo response could be due to the endogenous steroid levels.
Abstract: Subcutaneous administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in adult male rats caused a decrease in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels with unchanged serum prolactin, pituitary LH and pituitary prolactin content. Response of pituitary to in vitro gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) remained unaltered while the response to in vivo GnRH treatment was markedly increased with the drug indicating the pituitary to be functionally normal. Differences in the in vitro and in vivo response could be due to the endogenous steroid levels. The hypothalamic LH-RH content concommitantly increased. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol may inhibit the release of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH).
TL;DR: Sperm antibodies were evaluated in serum and semen of 14 cases with bilateral congenital absence of the vas deferens, by agglutination and complement dependent tests, and Immunoglobin M was not detected in semen of both patient and control groups.
Abstract: Sperm antibodies were evaluated in serum and semen of 14 cases with bilateral congenital absence of the vas deferens, by agglutination and complement dependent tests. The level of the various immunoglobulin fractions were determined by the single radial immuno diffusion method. Sperm agglutinins were present in serum in 71% of cases and in 29% in semen. Immunoglobin (Ig) M was not detected in semen of both patient and control groups, while IgG and IgA were absent in the semen of patients.
TL;DR: The membranes of the head of human spermatozoa were examined after incubating the sperm with and without inophore A23187 and calcium ions, using freeze-fracture electron microscopy, finding a remarkable rearrangement of the intramembraneous particles, especially in the plasma membrane.
Abstract: The membranes of the head of human spermatozoa were examined after incubating the sperm with and without ionophore A23187 and calcium ions, using freeze-fracture electron microscopy. After exposure to ionophore and calcium there was a remarkable rearrangement of the intra-membraneous particles, especially in the plasma membrane. Buckling of the plasma membrane occurred prior to breaking away from the outer region of the sperm head. The outer acrosomal membrane bubbled and broke down to form vesicles, and blebbing of the inner acrosome membrane also occurred. The nuclear envelope degenerated and often displayed an undulating topography.
TL;DR: An inverse correlation between plasma FSH and Mn2+-dependent AC activities indicated reduced inhibin secretion in situations where the Sertoli cells did not maintain the testicular germ cell production.
Abstract: An examination of the activity of the Mn2+-dependent adenylyl cyclase (AC) in fine needle biopsies from human testes was made. Simultaneously the DNA distribution patterns in suspensions of testicular cells derived from the same patients have been determined. The DNA distribution patterns were estimated by microflow fluorimetry (MFF) after staining with fluorochrome (ethidium bromide). Thus, AC activity could be assessed and correlated with the relative number of haploid (1C = spermatids), diploid (2C = spermatogonia and testicular somatic cells), and tetraploid (4C = primary spermatocytes) cells. Testicular Mn2+-dependent AC activities varied between 0 and 8.4 pmol cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/mg protein/min and were highly correlated with the contents of haploid (1C) germ cells (spermatids) (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between Mn2+-dependent AC activity and diploid or tetraploid cells. This indicates that the Mn2+-dependent AC activity in the human testis, like in the rat and ...
TL;DR: The results suggest a diminished A-to-T conversion and point to the possible role of Zn in the enzyme activity of the 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
Abstract: This study correlates plasma levels of Zinc (Zn) and some pituitary and testicular hormones in 20 uremic men (aged 17-58 years) on a weekly peritoneal dialysis program. Patients were compared to 12 healthy male volunteers (aged 28-40 years). In uremic men, plasma androstenedione (A) was elevated, while testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and Zn were low. On a group basis, plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were normal while prolactin was increased. A negative correlation was observed between plasma A and LH levels, as well as between the A/T+DHT ratio and plasma Zn concentrations. Our results suggest a diminished A-to-T conversion and point to the possible role of Zn in the enzyme activity of the 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
TL;DR: There may be a direct relationship between the time elapsed after the spinal cord injury and the plasma androgens concentrations, and a possible role of PRL in testicular steroidogenesis is suggested.
Abstract: The effect of the neuro-spinal cord injury upon testicular physiology was evaluated in six adult paraplegic (PPG) men by measuring the circulating levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone every 4 hr throughout a 24-hr period. Three PPG men were studied within the first 3 months (acute period) and the other three patients 39-79 months (stabilized period) after trauma. Hormonal values were compared with eight age-matched normal adult males. Plasma FSH and LH were constantly above normal concentrations regardless of the sampling time and period of observation, whereas prolactin was higher than normal only during the first two months after trauma, returning to normal afterwards. Plasma androgens were consistently below normal during the first 3 months after injury, and returned toward normal thereafter. There may be a direct relationship between the time elapsed after the spinal cord injury and the plasma an...
TL;DR: The presence of LDH-X in the sperm tail supports in vitro biochemical data for the existence of a cytosol/mitochondria shuttle of reducing equivalents mediated by LDH -X.
Abstract: Cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase-X (LDH-X) has been localized in the tail sheath of mature intact mouse, human, and rat spermatozoa by histochemical and immunological techniques. The isozyme is also found within the mitochondria. Intact sperm demonstrate a mitochondrial LDH-X but cytoplasmic localization in mature sperm cells has been inconclusive. The presence of LDH-X in the sperm tail supports in vitro biochemical data for the existence of a cytosol/mitochondria shuttle of reducing equivalents mediated by LDH-X.
TL;DR: The ultrastructure of highly abnormal spermatozoa from an infertile man is described, and nearly all cellular elements were completely deranged, and only occasionally a near-normal spermatozoon was found.
Abstract: The ultrastructure of highly abnormal spermatozoa from an infertile man is described. Nearly all cellular elements were completely deranged, and only occasionally a near-normal spermatozoon was found. The defects might be the result of a defective function of the “manchette” and the “spindle shaped body” that occur during spermiogenesis, but disappear during late maturation of the spermatozoon.
TL;DR: The variability of patient populations classified as fertile or infertile, the differences in prolactin assays used, and the lack of information about sample processing have been major causes of this difficulty.
Abstract: Prolactin appears to modulate male reproduction by regulating hormone receptor levels in the testis and accessory sex organs and by facilitating spermatozoal biochemical processes associated with capacitation. A large portion of immunoreactive prolactin (iPRL) seems to be transported from blood to semen via the accessory sex organs and takes several days to make this transition. The iPRL in semen is heterogeneous in size and a unique portion may be associated with spermatozoa. Data from several clinical studies of seminal fluid prolactin are inconsistent. The variability of patient populations classified as fertile or infertile, the differences in prolactin assays used, and the lack of information about sample processing have been major causes of this difficulty.
TL;DR: Semen samples, serum levels for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and testosterone, sperm-agglutinating antibodies, and karyotypes were measured in 23 men who had been surgically treated for cryptorchidism and they came to an infertility clinic.
Abstract: Semen samples, serum levels for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and testosterone, sperm-agglutinating antibodies, and karyotypes were measured in 23 men who had been surgically treated for cryptorchidism and they came to an infertility clinic. Two of these men had normal sperm counts, 2 were azoospermic, and 14 had severe oligozoospermia. Thirteen patients had high FSH levels and two had high LH concentrations. The serum prolactin level was clearly elevated in one man. One man had caryotype 47 XXY. Sperm-agglutinating antibodies were found in three patients.
TL;DR: Bromocriptine did not seem to be more effective than placebo in the treatment of idiopathic oligozoospermia and had no significant effect on sperm analysis, or basic hormonal profile.
Abstract: A prospective, randomized double-blind study with crossover using bromocriptine and placebo was performed on a group of 17 infertile males with idiopathic oligozoospermia. Twelve patients completed the duration of this study of eight months by receiving 5 mg of bromocriptine per day for four months followed by four months of placebo or vice versa. Prior to treatment, the sperm count was 8.76 ± 1.32 (106/ml). The hormonal profile was performed prior to treatment and included estimation of prolactine, T3, T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and plasma LH. Stimulation studies using LHRH and TRH were also performed. All hormonal estimations were within normal limits. Compared to placebo, bromocriptine had no significant effect on sperm analysis, or basic hormonal profile. The stimulation test with luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) was unchanged except for the basic plasma testosterone, which increased. The prolactin decreased following the thyrot...
TL;DR: Important qualitative and quantitative differences in the protein composition of EPS from patients with severe dysspermia or prostatic inflammation were found.
Abstract: Expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) obtained from 62 infertile and urological patients have been analyzed for their protein content by sodium dodecylsulfate electrophoresis and isoelec-trofocusing. Independent cytological and bacteriological screening on the same EPS samples was carried out to detect prostatic inflammation. EPS from both urological and infertile patients without inflammation had simple and characteristic protein patterns. Important qualitative and quantitative differences in the protein composition of EPS from patients with severe dyspermia or prostatic inflammation were found. The comparison of EPS protein patterns with those of seminal plasma obtained from the same patients led to the detection of a characteristic group of low-molecular-weight bands that were not of prostatic origin.