Showing papers in "Archives of Andrology in 1983"
TL;DR: There was a significant and parallel decrease of each androgen and E2 but not of FSH, L.H. PRL, or C, associated with the acute sleep deprivation.
Abstract: The acute effect of sleep deprivation on the pituitary-testis axis was evaluated in 13 healthy men. To study such association, the circulating levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteiniz...
38 citations
TL;DR: The spermatozoa from five healthy men of proved fertility and five infertile men with a single abnormal semen parameter associated with high proportion of round acrosomeless heads were evaluated for their ability to bind to and to penetrate zona-free hamster ova.
Abstract: The spermatozoa from five healthy men of proved fertility and five infertile men with a single abnormal semen parameter associated with high proportion of round acrosomeless heads were evaluated for their ability to bind to and to penetrate zona-free hamster ova. Sperm from five men of proved fertility penetrated a high proportion of the eggs (16-80%) while sperm from men of the infertile group failed to bind and to penetrate any of the ova.Round acrosomeless sperm do not have the ability to bind to or to fuse with the vitellus of zona-free hamster eggs.
34 citations
TL;DR: Comparison of the patterns of sperm production with other published studies indicates a tendency for increased sperm production during the late winter and early spring months.
Abstract: Mean monthly values for ejaculate volume, sperm density, total sperm count, and percentages of progressively motile, viable, and morphologically normal spermatozoa were calculated from semen analyses performed on the husbands of all couples (excluding cases of azoospermia) referred to an Infertility Service during the years 1975–1979. No significant seasonal variations in any parameter were found. Comparison of the patterns of sperm production with other published studies indicates a tendency for increased sperm production during the late winter and early spring months.
34 citations
TL;DR: Sialic acid was significantly higher in sperm and lower in seminal plasma of group 1 as compared to group 2, which might have a deteriorating effect on structural integrity of sperm.
Abstract: Sialic acid levels were determined in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of 47 semen samples divided into two groups according to sperm counts. Group 1, up to 40 × 106 sperm/ml seminal fluid and group 2, above 40 × 106 sperm/ml seminal fluid. The content of sialic acid in spermatozoa ranged from 4.4–28.1 μg/108 spermatozoa and from 70–95 mg/100 ml seminal plasma. Sialic acid was significantly higher in sperm and lower in seminal plasma of group 1 as compared to group 2. The lower content of sialic acid in seminal plasma might have a deteriorating effect on structural integrity of sperm.
33 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that the acquisition of beta-agonist responsiveness during culture is not a recovery from beta-adrenergic desensitization.
Abstract: Mouse testicular interstitial cells and Leydig cells prepared by density-gradient centrifugation developed the ability to increase androgen production in response to isoproterenol between 24 and 48 hr of primary culture. Although exposure of the cultures to isoproterenol or cycloheximide inhibited the acquisition of responsiveness to beta-adrenergic stimulation, in vivo treatment with propranolol did not alter the time at which cultures became responsive to isoproterenol. It is concluded that the acquisition of beta-agonist responsiveness during culture is not a recovery from beta-adrenergic desensitization.
31 citations
TL;DR: The production of lactate and pyruvate by cultured Sertoli cells is stimulated both by FSH and isoproterenol and these effects are exerted via cyclic AMP.
Abstract: We have examined the hormonal regulation of the secretion of lactate and pyruvate from cultured rat Sertoli cells. FSH and isoproterenol caused 3-6-fold stimulation of lactate and pyruvate secretion, whereas ovine LH, TSH, and prolactin were ineffective. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10(-4) M) stimulated the secretion of lactate and pyruvate to the same extent as FSH. Much lower stimulation was observed when Sertoli cells from 43-day old rats were exposed to FSH or isoproterenol. FSH increased lactate secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. The concentration of FSH (NIH-S14) causing half-maximal stimulation of lactate secretion (150 ng/ml) was similar to that causing 50% maximal stimulation of Sertoli cell adenylyl cyclase. Both FSH and isoproterenol caused a time-dependent increase in lactate levels in the incubation medium during the first 6-9 hr after the addition of hormones, after which levels were constant or decreased. Thus, the production of lactate and pyruvate by cultured Sertoli cells is stimulated both by FSH and isoproterenol and these effects are exerted via cyclic AMP.
30 citations
TL;DR: Three women, whose husbands were found to be in the first group (penetration rate below 10%), conceived after artificial donor insemination within three months of treatment and the use of the human-hamster ova penetration test should be used as an additional tool in diagnosis of infertility.
Abstract: Zona-free hamster ova were used as a penetration test system for human semen obtained from male members of infertile couples. Forty semen samples from normal infertile couples were tested and compared with penetration rates obtained with control semen samples from fertile donors. Normal penetration rates ranged between 20–100%. Out of the 40 tested males, 11 were found to have penetration rates below 10%, two had between 11 and 19%, and in the remaining 27, the rate was above 20%. Three women, whose husbands were found to be in the first group (penetration rate below 10%), conceived after artificial donor insemination within three months of treatment. Thus, the use of the human-hamster ova penetration test should be used as an additional tool in diagnosis of infertility.
29 citations
TL;DR: Electron microscope observations of the caput epididymal spermatozoa nuclei treated with heparin revealed that the chromatin is organized into nuclear bodies joined by a network of cross-linked and branched chromatin fibers in the species studied.
Abstract: Decondensation of mammalian epididymal spermatozoa nuclei has been induced by exposure of intact spermatozoa to heparin, including those species in which ejaculated sperm were not susceptible to this treatment. This process occurred in the absence of any disulfide bond cleaving reactant. Swelling of caput epididymal spermatozoa nuclei commenced about 30 min after the addition of heparin, reaching 88% in rat, 33% in rabbit, 26% in pig, and 62% in bull of swelled nuclei after 6 hr of incubation at 37°C with 5000 USP of heparin per ml. Corpus epididymal spermatozoa nuclei of rat and rabbit underwent decondensation at 50°C reaching 24% and 22% of swelled nuclei, respectively, after 6 hr of incubation. The nuclei of the sperm cells of pig and bull from this epididymal region remained highly condensed as well as the nuclei of the cauda epididymal spermatozoa of all the species assayed. Electron microscope observations of the caput epididymal spermatozoa nuclei treated with heparin revealed that the chromatin is...
29 citations
TL;DR: Possible sequelae to genital trauma were investigated in ten male victims of torture and two of the victims examined showed testicular atrophy, but serum spermatocoagglutinins were not found to be increased in either of the two groups.
Abstract: Possible sequelae to genital trauma were investigated in ten male victims of torture. Two of the victims examined showed testicular atrophy. No significant difference was found in the serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and prolactin in those subjected to genital torture, when compared with a control group. Serum spermatocoagglutinins were not found to be increased in either of the two groups.
27 citations
TL;DR: The process of chromatin decondensation was found to be a continuous phenomenon, but a scheme of nomenclature using four categories along with a system of data analysis using class weightings were developed.
Abstract: A sperm nuclear decondensation ability test using 1% SDS + 6 mM EDTA was used to evaluate: a system of classification and nomenclature for the decondensation of nuclear chromatin; the progress of decondensation as a function of the duration of exposure to SDS/EDTA; the residual variance, or “scoring error;” the within-subject variance (N = 5); and the between-subject variance (N = 10). The process of chromatin decondensation was found to be a continuous phenomenon, but a scheme of nomenclature using four categories along with a system of data analysis using class weightings were developed. A 5-min exposure to SDS/EDTA resulted in a minimum scoring error (8.34%). The within- and between-subject variances were not significantly different from each other, but both were individually different (p < 0.001) from the residual variance.
27 citations
TL;DR: The effects of chronic administration of cyclophosphamide and procarbazine on testicular function in the rat were examined to examine possible mechanisms to prevent spermatogenic damage associated with cancer chemotherapy in man.
Abstract: The effects of chronic administration of cyclophosphamide and procarbazine on testicular function in the rat were examined. Cyclophosphamide produced disruption of the normal spermatogenic architecture that was dose and time dependent. Total ablation of the germinal epithelium was not achieved. Procarbazine produced more specific testicular damage. Multiple weekly injections of 100-200 mg/kg of procarbazine caused complete destruction of the spermatogenic cells, with no effect on Sertoli cells. Treated animals remained infertile for more than 4 months and showed no histologic evidence of recovery. This model may be useful for examining possible mechanisms to prevent spermatogenic damage associated with cancer chemotherapy in man.
TL;DR: It is observed that optimal ionic conditions presently found were corresponding well to the tubal environment in preovulatory phase, with the optimal concentration of K+ found to be 11 mM.
Abstract: The effects of potassium, calcium and magnesium cations, and albumin on motility of spermatozoa, were tested after 15 min, 4 hr, and 24 hr of incubation using laser Doppler velocimetry. The optimal concentration of K+ was found to be 11 mM; higher values decreased motility more severely than did lower ones, even when K+ was completely removed. Motility was increased in the presence of small amounts of calcium (from 0.8-1.7 mM) but was depressed by magnesium concentrations above 0.8 mM. Moderate concentrations of albumin (0.5-1%) improved motility, but the protecting effect of this compound--leading to a best sperm survival--appeared with higher concentrations (4%). In conclusion we observed that optimal ionic conditions presently found were corresponding well to the tubal environment in preovulatory phase.
TL;DR: The sexual behavior, hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and seminal fluid parameters in three different models of hyperprolactinaemia were studied and Hypotheses on the pathogenesis of this symptom are suggested.
Abstract: The sexual behavior, hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and seminal fluid parameters in three different models of hyperprolactinaemia were studied: patients with prolactin secreting pituitary adenomas, normal volunteers before and during metoclopramide, and psychotic patients on chronic neuroleptic therapy. Hyperprolactinaemia is always accompanied by a reduced seminal volume but there is no clearcut evidence that it can induce spermatogenesis modifications. Impotence is constantly present in the hyperprolactinaemic syndromes. The mildly impaired androgen production by the Leydig cells during hyperprolactinaemia does not seem to explain the impotence. Hypotheses on the pathogenesis of this symptom are suggested.
TL;DR: O-Xylene was investigated for its potential mutagenicity by the sperm abnormality assay, and several morphologically abnormal sperm types were observed; among these were those with amorphous heads, and banana-like heads.
Abstract: An analysis of sperm abnormalities can be used as a rapid method to determine the mutagenic potential of chemical agents as well as the toxic potential of chemicals on the whole animal. O-Xylene was investigated for its potential mutagenicity by the sperm abnormality assay. Sprague Dawley rats 10-16 weeks old were injected intraperitoneally (ip) with 0.5 and 1.5 ml/kg body weight of o-xylene in corn oil. Five weeks after treatment, animals were sacrificed and sperm examined for morphological abnormalities. Several morphologically abnormal sperm types were observed; among these were those with amorphous heads, and banana-like heads. Animals housed at room temperatures of 20-24 degrees C showed no significant increase in abnormal sperm over the control. Rats housed at temperatures between 24 and 30 degrees C after ip injection with 0.5 ml/kg o-xylene showed a significant increase in abnormal sperm.
TL;DR: In men, low sperm counts post vasectomy reversal and eventually otherwise could be attributed not only to suppression of spermatogenesis in the testis but also to impairment of sperm concentration in the epididymis.
Abstract: Using a modified split-droplet micropuncture technique there was an impairment of water reabsorption in the initial segment of the epididymis 2 weeks post vasectomy. This was supported by light-microscopy. The cause and a possile reversal of this impairment are not apparent. However, in men, low sperm counts post vasectomy reversal and eventually otherwise could be attributed not only to suppression of spermatogenesis in the testis but also to impairment of sperm concentration in the epididymis.
TL;DR: The number of contaminant cells was always significantly greater in the recovered incubation medium after incubation with highly metabolically active sperm than with dead cells, suggesting that this leukocytic effect was smaller than that found in In vivo systems and may play a significant role on the proposed activity of sperm cells on the endometrium.
Abstract: The effect of spermatozoa as inducers of protein synthesis by the rabbit endometrium was studied. The presence of spermatozoa increased the leucine incorporation into proteins from 15.6 ± 1.8 to 44.8 ± 4.3 dpm × 10−3/mg DNA after 2 hr of incubation. There was no difference in the amount of incorporated leucine induced by live or by dead spermatozoa. Latex particles also induced an increase on protein synthesis (24 ± 3.1 dpm × 10−3/mg DNA). These results seem to indicate that this increase in protein synthesis was nonspecific. The number of contaminant cells was always significantly greater in the recovered incubation medium after incubation with highly metabolically active sperm than with dead cells (230 ± 85 and 86 ± 33 × 10−3 cells respectively). This leukocytic effect was smaller than that found in In vivo systems and may play a significant role on the proposed activity of sperm cells on the endometrium.
TL;DR: Results indicate that diCAMP and theophylline can affect the fertilizing ability of human spermatozoa in vitro.
Abstract: The stimulation of the human spermatozoal fertilizing ability by dibutyryl 3′,5′-CAMP (di-CAMP) and theophylline in suspected fertile and subfertile semen samples was demonstrated with the zona-free hamster ova penetration test. The penetration rates for the untreated (control) fertile and subfertile samples were 30% and 17%, respectively. DiCAMP increased the penetration rates to 54% and 37% (with 5 mM diCAMP) and to 46% and 36% (with 10 mM diCAMP) in the fertile and subfertile samples, respectively; theophylline increased the penetration rates to 56% and 35% (with 10 mM theophylline) and to 49% and 42% (with 20 mM theophylline) in the fertile and subfertile samples, respectively. These results indicate that diCAMP and theophylline can affect the fertilizing ability of human spermatozoa in vitro.
TL;DR: FSH seems to be a most valuable hormone index in the routine workup of male infertility, while prolactin does not offer substantial information, and the combined LH and testosterone evaluation might be of diagnostic importance in selected cases.
Abstract: Plasma basal levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, and testosterone were evaluated in 263 men with fertility problems. Significant increases in FSH were detected in all groups of infertile men except those with infection, varicocele, infection and varicocele, and obstructive azoospermia. No differences in LH were detected in all groups, except those with chromosomal testicular abnormality and idiopathic seminiferous tubular failure where significant increases were revealed. No differences in prolactin were detected, while a decrease was found in testosterone in the group with chromosomal testicular abnormality. FSH seems to be a most valuable hormone index in the routine workup of male infertility, while prolactin does not offer substantial information. The combined LH and testosterone evaluation might be of diagnostic importance in selected cases.
TL;DR: The spermiograms of 63 fertile men (whose female partners were pregnant at the time of examination) were evaluated and a wide Gaussian distribution of the different semen parameters was found.
Abstract: The spermiograms of 63 fertile men (whose female partners were pregnant at the time of examination) were evaluated. A wide Gaussian distribution of the different semen parameters was found. Both parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were applied and gave almost identical results. In a subgroup of 34 men, a second semen sample was analysed, but a significant difference (p ± 0.05) between the two samples was found only regarding the proportion of abnormal forms. Between various semen parameters significant correlations were found. There was no association between follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and sperm density with sperm counts > 20 mill/ml.
TL;DR: The main factor responsible for the increased E2 concentration in the abdominal testis appears to be increased binding of estrogen.
Abstract: The intratesticular concentration of estradiol-17β (E2) is increased in the abdominal testis of rats made unilaterally cryptorchid at birth To elucidate this observation testicular aromatase activity and testicular estrogen receptor concentration were studied Aromatase activity was lower while the concentration of estrogen receptor was higher in the abdominal testis Treatment of cryptorchid rats with the anti-estrogen Tamoxifen did not change testicular concentration of testosterone However, Tamoxifen induced a significant reduction of E2 in the abdominal testis The main factor responsible for the increased E2 concentration in the abdominal testis appears to be increased binding of estrogen
TL;DR: The width of the zona reticularis was studied single blind in multiple sections of the adrenals of 42 victims of sudden death 4 months to 93 years of age to discern a possible correlation and no correlation was found, which suggests that direct measurements of adrenal steroid secretion by the individual adrenal zones are necessary for the study of Adrenal zonation.
Abstract: Adrenal androgen levels and excretion increase during adrenarche and puberty. During this time the width of the adrenal zona reticularis has been reported to increase, and this fact is quoted as evidence for the common assumption that the major source of adrenal androgens is the zona reticularis. During human aging there is a marked decrease in adrenal androgen levels and excretion. In the present study, the width of the zona reticularis was studied single blind in multiple sections of the adrenals of 42 victims of sudden death 4 months to 93 years of age to discern a possible correlation between zona reticularis width and the declining adrenal androgen levels and excretion typical of aging. However, no correlation was found, which suggests that direct measurements of adrenal steroid secretion by the individual adrenal zones are necessary for the study of adrenal zonation.
TL;DR: Investigations focused on the relationship between the hypofunction of the thyroid gland and the motility of the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymal spermatozoa, finding the hyp ofunction was associated with decreasing sperm motility efficiency.
Abstract: The epididymis is controlled by the endocrine system and plays an active role in the process of spermatic maturation. In order to extend these studies, our investigations were focused on the relationship between the hypofunction of the thyroid gland and the motility of the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymal spermatozoa.The hypofunction was associated with decreasing sperm motility efficiency. In thyroidec-tomized rats injected with T-3, no sperm motility changes were observed.
TL;DR: The effectiveness of the stress was demonstrated by assessing the adrenal and body weight and there were no deleterious effects of immobilization stress on the morphology of the differentiating germ cells, peritubular wall, and the interstitial tissues of the testis.
Abstract: Male rats were immobilized for 2 hr/day, 5 days a week, for varying periods of time (7–31 days) to assess the effects of stress on the reproductive system. Mice were immobilized for 25–38 days. The effectiveness of the stress was demonstrated by assessing the adrenal and body weight. Adrenal weights were significantly increased (p<.05—t-test) compared to controls. Body weights were decreased compared to controls. No consistent change was noticed in the testicular weight and progressive motility of the spermatozoa drawn from the cauda epididymis and vas deferens. There were no deleterious effects of immobilization stress on the morphology of the differentiating germ cells, peritubular wall, and the interstitial tissues of the testis.
TL;DR: Previous release of sperm zinc by preincubation with EDTA 6 mM changed the decondensation kinetics, making sperm nuclei more susceptible to the action of the glycosaminoglycan, and zinc, among its several physiological roles, may act as a nuclear chromatin stabilizer.
Abstract: Swelling sperm nuclei were assayed, exposing them to the combine action of heparin in increasing amounts of seminal plasma 0.1–1.0 ml (124 ± 21 μg of Zn++/ml). An inhibition of almost 30% in the swollen spermatozoa nuclei was observed with 0.1 ml of seminal plasma (12 μg of Zn++/ml) reaching to 71% with 74–124 μg of Zn++/ml. Inactivated seminal plasma (boiling) induced the same percentage of inhibition (73%) than normal seminal plasma. Dialyzed seminal plasma (31 μg of Zn++/ml) produced an inhibition of 88% of swollen spermatozoa nuclei, the same percentage produced with 30–35 μg of zinc ions (ZnCl2). Previous release of sperm zinc by preincubation with EDTA 6 mM changed the decondensation kinetics, making sperm nuclei more susceptible to the action of the glycosamineglycan. No effect was observed in the presence of calcium ions. Therefore, zinc, among its several physiological roles, may act as a nuclear chromatin stabilizer.
TL;DR: Measurement of Mg in seminal plasma can, in combination with other parameters of prostatic function, give useful information regarding male infertility problems, particularly in the case of infection of the accessory genital glands.
Abstract: Levels of zinc and magnesium were estimated in the seminal plasma of 83 men having various infertility problems There was a wide overlapping of Zn and Mg mean values among the groups of normal and infertile men, a significant reduction in Mg mean value (but not Zn) only in the group with infection of the accessory genital glands, a very high positive correlation between Zn and Mg mean values in all groups, and a high positive correlation between either Zn or Mg and acid phosphatase (but neither fructose nor sperm count and forward progression) in men with infection, but not in the other groups Measurement of Mg in seminal plasma can, in combination with other parameters of prostatic function, give useful information regarding male infertility problems, particularly in the case of infection of the accessory genital glands
TL;DR: Split ejaculates revealed that b2m in seminal plasma originates from the prostate and seminal vesicles in equal amounts, indicating that human semen contains a sperm-bound b 2m fraction.
Abstract: Analyses of split ejaculates and urine voided before and after prostatic massage have been used to evaluate the origin of beta2-microglobulin (b2m) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in human semen. CEA and b2m were present in rather high concentrations in all the fractions of the split ejaculates. The urine voided after massage of the prostate also contained increased levels of CEA and beta2-microglobulin. Split ejaculates, selected from the electrophoretic pattern obtained for each fraction, revealed that b2m in seminal plasma originates from the prostate and seminal vesicles in equal amounts. Besides the “free” b2m in seminal plasma, human semen contains a sperm-bound b2m fraction. Carcinoembryonic antigen was found in the highest concentrations in the second fraction of split ejaculates indicating that it originates mainly from the prostate.
TL;DR: In nonvasectomized men, PAPP-A significantly correlated with the percentage inhibition of lymphocyte transformation, suggesting the possibility of Papp-A being an immunosuppressive principle of human seminal plasma.
Abstract: Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and inhibition of phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced lymphocyte transformation were measured in 51 seminal plasma samples obtained from oligozoospermic (n = 22), normospermic (n = 22), and vasectomized men (n = 7). In nonvasectomized men, PAPP-A significantly correlated with the percentage inhibition of lymphocyte transformation. The possibility of PAPP-A being an immunosuppressive principle of human seminal plasma is discussed.
TL;DR: It is found that glucose transport through the human spermatozoa membrane is probably the rate-limiting step in sugar utilization and transport was drastically dependent on pH with an optimal pH of 7.4.
Abstract: Using the model of exchange transport, we found that glucose transport through the human spermatozoa membrane (447 +/- 54 pmoles/min/10(8) cells) is probably the rate-limiting step in sugar utilization. Sugar transport was more efficient for glucose than for fructose (182 +/- 32 pmoles/min/10(8) cells) and depends on a highly asymmetric carrier with at least two transporting sites. Transport was drastically dependent on pH with an optimal pH of 7.4, showing a decrease of more than 60% with a change of 1 pH unit. Testosterone and 17-B estradiol increased the amount of transported sugar (619 +/- 73 and 922 +/- 110 pmoles/min/10(8) cells, respectively), while progesterone has no effect.
TL;DR: Data show that LH-RH antagonists may be useful for inhibition of spermatogenesis and serum FSH and LH levels were significantly lower in the analog-treated rats as compared to the controls.
Abstract: The effects of N-Ac-D-p-F-Phe1,D-p-Cl-Phe2,D-Trp3.6,D-Ala10-LH-RH, a new antagonistic analog of LH-RH, were tested on the testicular function and serum FSH and LH levels in immature male rats. Prolonged administration of this analog to prepubertal male rats resulted in lower testicular and seminal vesicle weights as compared with control rats treated with the vehicle only. Spermatogenesis was markedly delayed in rats injected with the analog. Serum FSH and LH levels were significantly lower in the analog-treated rats as compared to the controls. These data show that LH-RH antagonists may be useful for inhibition of spermatogenesis.
TL;DR: It is suggested that DNase activity derives from the epididymis and possibly from the vas deferens where it participates in the decomposition of DNA from dead cells.
Abstract: Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity was examined in the whole and two split fractions of human seminal fluid from normospermic, oligozoospermic, and azoospermic origins as well as in sonicates of isolated sperm after freezing and thawing of samples and at various pH values of substrates. The method consisted in the measurement of digested areas in plates containing herring sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). No correlation was found between DNase activity (875 ± 22 (SE) ng/ml) and seminal fluid quality. The enzyme activity was significantly lower in the second split portion (764 ± 43 ng/ml) as compared to the first (971 ± 41 ng/ml). Sonicates of washed sperm were inactive. It is suggested that DNase activity derives from the epididymis and possibly from the vas deferens where it participates in the decomposition of DNA from dead cells.