Showing papers in "Archives of Andrology in 1989"

Regulation of mammalian sperm motility.

Abstract: The physiological regulation of sperm motility has become more amendable to investigation since the demonstration that cAMP and calcium play a role in modulating the functioning of the flagellar axoneme. Although the external triggering mechanisms that initiate motility and capacitation are still unknown, evidence supports a modification of the calcium balance by gated Ca2+ channels, accompanied by shifts in the internal pH. Ca2+ and pH may in turn act indirectly through cAMP and cAMP-dependent kinase (kinase(a] to control the phosphorylation state of functional proteins in the flagellar axoneme. The role of calcium is of central importance, but it is clear that several separate Ca2+-dependent mechanisms are involved. Ca2+ controls the curvature of the sperm flagellum and, so, can change the motility of the sperm from progressive swimming to tumbling. Under the appropriate conditions, calcium appears to have the capacity to deactivate motility by activating phosphodiesterase and phosphatase. The deactivating effect of Ca2+ may be offset under some circumstances by coactivation of adenyl cyclase, so phosphorylation of the axoneme and the motility are maintained. The specific factors determining the predominant calcium effect are not yet known, but internal pH of the sperm may play a major role.

Effect of Sperm Motility on Human In Vitro Fertilization

Abstract: Several sperm motility parameters in semen prepared by the swim-up technique were compared with IVF rates in 84 patients. The patients were either on clomiphene + human menopausal gonadotrophin or follicle stimulating hormone + human menopausal gonadotrophin stimulation regimens. Motility ratings were assessed both manually according to World Health Organization guidelines as well as computer-automated semen analysis (Cellsoft, Cryoresources, USA). Motility ratings of greater than or equal to 2 yielded significantly higher fertilization rates (78-82%) than ratings below 2 (20-23%) (p less than 0.001) for patients on both regimens. Velocity (41, 55, 78 microns/sec) and mean amplitude of lateral head displacement (1.96, 3.29, 4.91 microns) correlated significantly with and between manual ratings of 1, 2, and 3, respectively (r = 0.83; p less than 0.01). No significant differences were observed in linearity and beat/cross frequency between the manual ratings, although beat/cross frequencies tended to reduce linearly with increases in intensity of motility. The velocity of sperm motility has a significant effect on fertilization rates, and cut-off points of greater than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 50 microns/sec predict the actual potential and likely success of in vitro fertilization. These criteria on the swim-up semen should be used in the selection of patients admitted to IVF programs, and they justify the necessity of research investigations to improve motility in those patients with sluggish motility.

Biochemical Changes in Testicular Varicocele

Abstract: The precise mechanism of the hypospermatogenesis associated with varicocele has remained uncertain, although there have been a number of speculations on the etiology of the associated infertility. ...

Functional Structure and Ultrastructure of Seminal Vesicles

Abstract: The function of the seminal vesicles in animals and man is under androgen control. The use of a new marker of the seminal vesicle function, termed corrected fructose, demonstrates an association between serum testosterone levels and seminal corrected fructose levels. The human seminal vesicles secrete a variety of products, and there is good evidence of a close relationship between functions of the seminal vesicles and sperm motility. Some of their products of secretion, such as potassium, bicarbonate, prostaglandins, and prolactin, directly stimulate the motility of the sperm through actions at the level of the mechanisms of production of the energy necessary for the motion. Several constituents are secreted by the seminal vesicles, some of which have no specific functions.

Turnover time of Leydig cells and other interstitial cells in testes of adult rats.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the turnover of Leydig cells and other interstitial cells in the adult rat testis. Normal adult rats received injections of [3H]thymidine at 9:00 and 21:00 for 2, 5, or 8 days. The percentage of labeled Leydig cells, which was initially low (0.8% +/- 0.2%), gradually increased during treatment to 1.4% +/- 0.3%. The percentage of labeled peritubular cells was considerably higher and increased from 1.4% +/- 0.1% to 3.5% +/- 0.4% during [3H]thymidine treatment. The remaining interstitial cells were the most actively proliferating cells: the percentage of labeled cells increased from 2.4% +/- 0.2% to 7.5% +/- 0.8% during [3H]thymidine treatment. Leydig cells, peritubular cells, and the remaining interstitial cells in the adult rat testis undergo proliferation. By means of a linear regression analysis and an arcsin transformation, an estimation of the time interval needed to replace various types of interstitial cells was obtained. Taking into account the 95% confidence interval, the turnover time of Leydig cells ranged from 142 to 2823 days. The calculated turnover time for the peritubular cells was 85 to 257 days.

Stimulation of Motility and Energy Metabolism of Spermatozoa From Asthenozoospermic Patients by 17β-Estradiol

Abstract: Spermatozoa from nine asthenozoospennic patients were incubated for 3 h in Krebs Phosphate Ringer (KRP), supplemented or not with 17β-estradiol. 17β-estradiol increased the mean velocity and maintained the percentage of motility during the first 2 h of incubation. Oxydative metabolism and intracellular ATP concentrations were enhanced, too, whereas glycolysis remained unchanged.

Laser Radiation and Motility Patterns of Human Sperm

Abstract: Human sperm were exposed in vitro to laser radiation. An increase in progressive sperm motility was associated with a faster rate of sperm ATP consumption. Computer-assisted analysis of sperm motility confirmed the positive effect of laser irradiation on velocity and linearity of sperm.

Chlamydial infection and male infertility: an epidemiological study.

Abstract: Chlamydia-positive genitourinary infections are common causes of male and female infertility. Semen abnormalities are often associated with Chlamydia infections. A large population of male patients, admitted to our clinic for genitourinary infection, were examined for genitourinary pathogens, including Chlamydia, and for semen abnormalities. There were higher abnormalities semen in Chlamydia-infected patients than either non-Chlamydia-infected or healthy controls. Chlamydia therapy by antimicrobial agents improved semen characteristics. Chlamydia infection contributes to seminal fluid abnormalities and probably to male infertility. A search for chlamydial infection is warranted whenever semen abnormalities are noted. An antimicrobial therapy improves semen quality when effective in eradicating Chlamydia.

Cigarette smoking and male reproduction.

Abstract: The effects of cigarette smoking on male reproduction were studied through measuring the serum estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), and total testosterone (T). Smoking men had higher levels of E2 and PRL but normal T compared to nonsmokers. Raised E2 and PRL may be among the mechanisms through which cigarette smoking impairs male reproduction.

Hypoprolactinemia as related to seminal quality and serum testosterone.

Abstract: Semen quality and serum testosterone were studied in six men with hypoprolactinemia (≤ 6 ng/ml) and in normoprolactinemic controls. The incidence of hypoprolactinemia in 92 men attending an infertility clinic was 7.5%. Males with hypoprolactinemia showed in high percentage of disorders (oligozoosper-mia, 50%; asthenospermia, 75%; hypofunction of seminal vesicles, 67%; and hypoandrogenism, 67%). Hypoprolactinemia is a clinical disorder associated mainly with poor sperm motility.

Sleep Deprivation and Adaptive Hormonal Responses of Healthy Men

Abstract: To study the effects of sleep deprivation on the pituitary-testis axis physiology, we measured the circulating levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), androstanedione (A), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), and cortisol (C) in eight healthy men as follows: phase I (control), phase II (24-h restless period), phase III (48-h restless period), and phase IV (24-h recovery period) All samples were taken at 8:00 am There was a significant decrease of T, A, DHT, and E2 in phase II but no decrease in FHS, LH, PRL, or C In phase III there was no further decrease in any androgen, although E2 decreased along with the increase of PRL In phase IV E2 and PRL tended to return to baseline values, and the androgens were very similar to the controls FHS, LH, and C showed no change under the effects of phase III These data extend the adaptive androgenic response and the association of the role of E2 and PRL to restricted or disturbed sleep in men

Oligo/azoospermia in Nigeria.

Abstract: Oligo/azoospermia contributes significantly to infertility in male Nigerians, being responsible for most of the problem. By definition, it would appear that the criteria for the diagnosis of this problem in Nigerians should be sperm density below 10 million/ml, total sperm ejaculate below 25 million, motility below 40%, and normal forms below 40% in agreement with more recent findings in other parts of the world. This reinforces the already generally accepted that the WHO may need to review its criteria for diagnosing oligo/azoospermia. Preventable causes of oligo/azoospermia in Nigeria include poorly treated infections such as venereal diseases, delayed treatment of torsion of the testis and of undescended testis, and repair of inguinal hernia by inexperienced native doctor [3, 4]. In addition, better approaches to the diagnosis of causes of infertility, such as a careful search for and rational treatment of varicocele, may improve the chances of infertile couples. Hormonal disorders are important factors to consider in oligo/azoospermic Nigerians, as with their counterparts elsewhere. Wide-spread availability of hormonal assays will therefore be a great help in separating the untreatable (primary testicular disease) from the treatable (hypothalamic/pituitary) diseases and planning rational treatment. With improvement of clinical care, many more patients with sickle-cell disease are reaching reproductive age. Oligo/azoospermia is quite common in patients with sickle-cell disease, and sickle-cell disease will eventually contribute more proportionately to the etiology of oligo/azoospermia in Nigerians. Extensive investigations have been conducted on the nature, etiology, and diagnosis of oligo/azoospermia [2-11, 25, 30-56].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Usefulness of Sperm Penetration Assay in Fertility Predictions

Abstract: The competence of the sperm penetration assay (SPA) to predict male fertility, as determined by normal sperm morphology and the fertilizing potential, as shown by human in vitro fertilization (TVF), was investigated. A significant correlation was obtained between normal sperm morphology and the SPA (o - 0.623). A weaker correlation was however obtained with human IVF (o — 0.397). Notwithstanding this weak association, a positive SPA (> 10%) was highly predictive (95%) of human IVF success. In contrast, a negative SPA (≤ 10%) was associated with a high rate of false-negatives (65%). The SPA does however warn that a male factor may be present, as the mean fertilization rate of this group of patients was markedly reduced. The preincubation period for the spermatozoa did not play a major role in the predictive ability of a SPA outcome.

Lipid composition of human seminal plasma.

Abstract: This study aims at determining the amounts of cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and nonester-fied fatty acids in man's seminal liquid and determining their possible variations linked with the ways of taking and congealing samples. It concludes the determinations of lipids in human seminal liquid are reproducible; the way of taking samples has no real influence; however, it seems best to centrifuge sperm immediately after liquefaction to avoid use of triglycerides and NEFA by the spermatozoa.

Hypoosmotic swelling test in the prediction of male fertility.

Abstract: The hypoosmotic swelling test (HOS) is a simple test to measure the functional competence of human sperm membranes. The question is, does a relationship exist between this competence and the fertilization potential of human spermatozoa? In this study the strongest correlation (r = 0.76) was obtained between sperm swelling and sperm viability (supravital staining). Only a moderate correlation (r = 0.50) was obtained with normal sperm morphology; weaker correlations were also obtained with the sperm penetration assay (r = 0.42) and human IVF (r = 0.24). The results, therefore, indicate that the HOS test has a limited predictive value. Notwithstanding this low concordance between sperm swelling and fertilizing potential, a less than 50% HOS test threshold was seen to be a definite indicator of a male factor.

Reproductive effects of the anticancer drug cyclophosphamide in male rats at different ages.

Abstract: This study was undertaken to determine the effects of the anticancer and immunosuppressant drug cyclophosphamide (CP) on several endpoints of the male rat reproductive system at different ages; 10-day-old (experiment A), 45-day-old (experiment B), and adult (experiment C) Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with CP at doses of 20 mg/kg/day or/week and 100 mg/kg/week for 2 weeks (experiment A), doses of 20 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks and 100 mg/kg/day for 10 days (experiment B), and doses of 20 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks (experiment C). In all groups CP induced a significant rate of mortality. Body weight gain was moderately to severely reduced in two groups of experiment A (20 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/week) and of experiment B (20 mg and 100 mg/kg/day) but normal in the others. Absolute as well as relative reproductive organ weights decreased following some of the treatments in experiments A and B. At the light microscope level, effects of CP ranged from nonapparent in immature rats (experiment A, 100 mg/kg/week for 2 weeks) and young adult animals (experiment B, 100 mg/kg/day for 10 days) to moderate in the other groups treated for 5 weeks (experiments B and C). Affected tubules exhibited atrophy, exfoliation, and a decrease in the number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, and round and elongated spermatids. Sertoli cell function appeared preserved, whereas Leydig cells, present in the intratubular tissue of the rats in all the experiments, were occasionally and moderately altered in animals of experiment B, as shown by significant decreases of serum testosterone and LH levels. Leydig cell dysfunction in these rats was associated with normal in vitro basal and hCG-stimulated testosterone production. A significant decrease in epididymal sperm reserves was observed only in one group of animals (experiment B, 100 mg/kg/day for 10 days). Since in these animals the number of spermatids in the seminiferous tubules was normal, it is possible that CP at a high dose alters the epididymal function. Furthermore, fertility trials demonstrated that despite no change in the number of implantation sites, there was a dramatic fall in the number of fetuses per female in all the experimental groups. In conclusion, this study shows that in pre- and postpubertal rats treated chronically or subacutely, CP primarily and essentially induces alterations of germ cells, whereas this compound has little or no direct effect upon Leydig cell and Sertoli cell functions, respectively.

Male sex preselection: swim-up technique and insemination of women after ovulation induction.

Abstract: Insemination of women with sperm treated by the swim-up technique resulted in 81% male offspring. This was achieved even in women taking ovulation-inducing drugs, in whom the albumin gradient separation technique not only is not effective in male preselection but in which the female sex is favored. Confirmation of these initial data is needed as well as an investigation of the swim-up's efficacy of producing male offspring in women not taking ovulation-inducing drugs.

Semen characteristics and infertility in aging.

Abstract: A study was initiated to compare the spermiograms according to age in 570 consecutive men with a history of infertility. The semen was evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis (CSA) and by the hyposmotic swelling test (HOS). A statistical difference was seen between men over 50 years of age compared with younger men, but only for the HOS scores and velocity. No statistical differences were found on any of the other parameters. Since most semen parameters were similar even in the men over age 50, a definite decline in fertility potential with increasing age could not be determined by this study.

Developmental changes in lactate dehydrogenase-X activity in young jaundiced male rats.

Abstract: This study was designed to examine the testicular maturation in both jaundiced (jj) and nonjaundiced (Jj) male Gunn rats as indicated by the activity of a testis and sperm-specific enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase-X (LDH-X), and serum testosterone levels. Testicular cytosolic LDH-X activity was determined by oxidation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). Serum testosterone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Testicular LDH-X activity increased rapidly between 30 and 50 days of age in both Jj and jj Gunn rats. LDH-X activity was significantly lower in the jj Gunn rats at 50 and 60 days of age. Testosterone level was significantly lower in the jj Gunn rats at 50 days of age. LDH-X activity and serum testosterone levels were similar for both genotypes at 180 days of age. The delay of testicular maturation in the jaundiced males seems to be due to lower LDH-X activity and serum testosterone levels.

Critical assessment of sperm morphology before and after double wash swim-up preparation for in vitro fertilization.

Abstract: Critical assessment of sperm morphology using specific and stringent criteria is predictive of the subsequent ability of those sperm to fertilize oocytes in in vitro fertilization (FVF). Previous studies have evaluated sperm morphology prior to sperm preparation and, thus, have not assessed the actual sperm used for insemination. We studied the impact of a double wash swim-up technique used for IVF on sperm morphology using the strict criteria of Kruger et al. [5, 6] in 73 consecutive patients undergoing IVF. Pre- and postswim-up morphological assessments were done in a prospective, randomized, and blinded fashion. The mean percentage of normal forms pre- and postswim-up was 19.8% and 23.4%, respectively, an improvement of 18% (p < 0.05) with 62 of 73 patients showing improvement. Significantly, analysis of the 27 patients with abnormal morphology on initial assessment (normal forms ≤ 14%) revealed an improvement in percentage of normal forms from 9.0% to 21.5%, a mean increase of 239% (p < 0.005). Eighte...

Techniques for Sperm Immobilization Test

Abstract: Several semiquantitative, quantitative, and microassay techniques had been developed to detect antibodies bound to human spermatozoa: sperm agglutination test (SAT), sperm immobilization test (SIT), immunofluorescence test, radioantiglobulin test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), mixed erythrocyte-spermatozoa antiglobulin reaction (MAR), “Panning” test, and immunobead test (IBT). Clinical application of these techniques include (a) detection of sperm immobilizing antibodies in sera of sterile women, (b) follow-up study of sperm immobilizing antibodies, and (c) detection of sperm immobilizing antibodies in cervical mucus and other secretions. The chemical structure of antigen epitope corresponding to Mab H6-3C4 may recognize the internally located repetitive unbranched N-acetyllactosamine structure, regardless of terminal substitution at Gal (i.e., sialyl-i as well as i structure). The majority of sperm-immobilization (SI) positive women's sera were absorbed with carbohydrate components on ejacul...

Transplantation and Subsequent Recovery of Small Amounts of Isolated Leydig Cells

Abstract: A technique is described for transplantation of a few million Ley dig cells in a gelatin sponge. Within 7 days after subcutaneous transplantation in the neck, a spongeous tissue develops within the gelatin matrix. This tissue contains Leydig cells, fibroblasts, and blood vessels. Isolated Leydig cells were recovered after collagenase dispersion of this tissue. Steroid production by these isolated cells can be stimulated by LH, but the response is less than with fresh Leydig cells isolated directly from testicular tissue. The biochemical properties of Leydig cells devoid of surrounding Sertoli cells can be applied to long-term studies.

Ultrastructure of Human Male Urethra

Abstract: The morphological features of human male urethra lining epithelium have been investigated by means of SEM at the various portions of the organ. The characteristics of the epithelial cells have been described and the significance of different morphological pattern is discussed.

Testosterone replacement therapy and prostate/seminal vesicle volume in Klinefelter's syndrome.

Abstract: Volume of prostate and seminal vesicles was measured in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome by means of transrectal ultrasonography before and after testosterone replacement therapy. Continuous suppression of plasma gonadotropin levels was not observed, and plasma levels of testosterone did not maintain the normal range. However, volume of prostate (p< 0.001) and seminal vesicles (p < 0.05) increased significantly after testosterone replacement therapy. Volume determination of prostate and seminal vesicles by means of transrectal ultrasonography is an available parameter for evaluating the adequacy of testosterone replacement therapy in Klinefelter's syndrome.

Effect of sperm washing and swim-up on antibodies bound to sperm membrane: use of immunobead/sperm cervical mucus contact tests.

Abstract: The direct immunobead test (IBT) and the sperm cervical mucus contact (SCMC) test were used to evaluate the effect of sperm washes and swim-up on antibodies bound to the sperm membrane in 11 patients with autosperm antibodies (30-100% IgA and 30-100% IgG) but otherwise normal semen measurements. The tests were performed on semen samples before and after a wash/swim-up procedure in Ham F10 + 10% human blood serum. Sperm-bound antibodies in washed spermatozoa that were able to swim into a layer of medium did not differ from those in unwashed samples. The IBT and the SCMC test on unwashed and washed spermatozoa were also not significantly different. However, all other washed semen parameters were improved. Correct washing of semen samples is important when performing the IBT to prevent false negative results. Eight of the 11 partners (73%) of the patients tested became pregnant after treatment with washed sperm. The ongoing pregnancy rate was 64%.

Interpretation and Misinterpretation of Semen Parameters

Abstract: Semen analysis, which is traditionally used to evaluate male fertility, may be misleading if sample is lost or inadequately mixed. A short or excessive abstinence period may cause a low count or a high count with low motility. Damage from low temperature or delay in evaluation may decrease the reported motility. Computer-assisted semen analysis has eliminated some of the variability and has allowed the evaluation of other sperm motion variables such as sperm velocity, linearity, maximum and mean amplitude lateral head displacement, and beat-cross frequency. These measurements may also occasionally be misleading. Other tests may give a better indication of the function of sperm. The hamster egg penetration test has been used but is technically difficult, and perhaps that is why there is controversy as to the clinical value of the test in predicting subfertile sperm despite normal conventional semen analysis. Some recent data suggest that the hypo-osmotic swelling test, which determines the functional integrity of the sperm membrane, may be the appropriate prognosticator. There is a need for further studies to define the best method to determine whether a male factor is responsible for a couple's infertility.

Zinc binding to major human seminal coagulum proteins.

Abstract: In vitro binding of zinc to proteins of the human ejaculate and of the various male accessory gland secretions was evaluated. The proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis and transferred to nitrocellulose filters that were subsequently incubated with 65ZnCl2. High levels of zinc binding were observed to approximately 20 protein bands (14 to 70 kDa) of the coagulated seminal plasma. There was only low binding to proteins of the spermatozoa and virtually no binding to any protein of the epididymal and prostatic fluids. When sperm liquefaction was allowed to occur, 65ZnCl2 binding to high-molecular weight proteins decreased rapidly, and after 15 min only the binding to proteins of molecular weights less than 25 kDa remained. In addition, zinc concentration was determined both in the centrifugate and in the supernatant after centrifugation of the coagulum. Zinc concentrations in the centrifugate and the supernatant were, respectively, 147 ± 72 μg/g and 31 ± 22 μg/g. The whole supe...

Zinc uptake in human seminal spermatozoa: characterization and effects on cell membranes

Abstract: Human ejaculated spermatozoa take up zinc in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The kinetics of 65Zn2 + uptake is suggestive of an at least partly carrier-mediated transport. The lack of effect of the respiratory chain inhibitor antimycin A could mean that mitochondrial ATP is not required as an energy source for the uptake. The failure of nonpermeant SH reagent mersalyl to modify zinc uptake indicates that functional membrane sulfhydryl groups are not involved in the process. A dose-dependent inhibition of 65Zn2+ uptake was induced by the “anticalmodulin” drug trifluoperazine, suggesting that the calcium-binding protein calmodulin could have a role in zinc transport. In in vitro experiments this cation brought about a powerful effect in protecting the spermatozoa from being damaged by hypo-osmosis.

Blood Serotonin Levels and Male Infertility

Abstract: Seventy men, aged 20-40 years, who were attending an infertility clinic were studied to evaluate associations between seminal quality, whole blood serotonin, and serum testosterone levels. Men with blood serotonin levels greater than 100 ng/ml showed lower sperm counts and sperm motility than those with normal levels of blood serotonin (less than 90 ng/ml). Seminal volume, pH, sperm morphology, fructose, citric acid, and serum testosterone values were similar between groups of patients with different levels of blood serotonin. The levels of blood serotonin correlated best with sperm motility when using a cubic regression analysis. When blood serotonin increased from 50 to 90 ng/ml (normal range), there was an increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with excellent motility. However, when serotonin was above 90 ng/ml the percentage of sperm with excellent motility decreased. An inverse exponential relationship was observed between blood serotonin and sperm count. The sperm count reached values of oligozoospermia when blood serotonin was over 100 ng/ml. It would appear that blood serotonin in the normal range is important for sperm motility. Values of serotonin above the normal range could affect negatively both sperm count and motility. These effects were observed in the absence of changes in serum testosterone levels.

Artificial insemination with husband's sperm (AIH): techniques for sperm selection.

Abstract: Artificial insemination with husband's sperm (AIH) attempts to treat infertile couples by solving their particular infertility problems. This review is concerned with detailing and evaluating the experiences of different authors with AIH in infertile couples, types of insemination, and indications for insemination, with emphasis on techniques for sperm selection and separation: glass-wool filtration, separation on albumin columns, washed sperm, swim-up method, and spermatozoa selection in Percoll gradients.