Showing papers in "Archives of Andrology in 1990"
TL;DR: This study has studied the interaction between human prostasomes and spermatozoa by applying them as two separate samples in free-zone electrophoresis and found that the bonds between prostasome and spermarozoa are of hydrophobic character.
Abstract: Prostasomes are prostate-derived organelles that occur freely in human seminal plasma. They promote forward motility of spermatozoa probably by closely interacting with them in an unknown manner. We have studied the interaction between human prostasomes and spermatozoa by applying them as two separate samples in free-zone electrophoresis. During the run these samples approached each other and finally fused into one single peak that was not further dissociated. Both the spermatozoa and prostasomes displayed a net-negative surface charge, the latter being less negative. This discrepancy in charge was even more pronounced by pretreatment of prostasomes with neuraminidase, which, however, did not affect the interaction. This implies a strong interaction of a probable hydrophobic character between cells and organelles. The presence of prostasomes and spermatozoa in the fused, single peak was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Evidence for interaction was apparent in transmission electron microscopy...
125 citations
TL;DR: The advantages of cryopreserved semen over fresh donor semen mostly lie in the ability to exclude infections before use and the extra convenience, in spite of the lower success rate and increased cost.
Abstract: A review is given of the techniques for the cryopreservation of human semen, including the preparation of cryoprotective media, the use of ampoules, straws, and pellets, and freezing and thawing techniques. The use of cryopreserved semen for therapeutic artificial insemination by donor is described. The advantages of cryopreserved semen over fresh donor semen mostly lie in the ability to exclude infections before use and the extra convenience, in spite of the lower success rate and increased cost. The recovery of sperm motility on thawing is described, as are other methods for assessing the degree of damage to the spermatozoa by the freezing procedure. The success rates reported by large semen banks are summarized.
116 citations
TL;DR: Sexual dysfunction in all its forms (reduced erection, impotence, and other libido dissociations) is an accompanying phenomenon of the diabetic disease, however, manifestations of these disorders are related to the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and to the duration of disease.
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM), associated with very subtle disorders, affects, either directly or indirectly, various functions of the reproductive system. Adequate, regular, and timely therapy may preven...
102 citations
TL;DR: Functional ultrastructural changes in human sperm heads were evaluated following semen dilution in cryoprotective medium (with and without seminal plasma) as well as freezing/thawing using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), rather than conventional staining.
Abstract: Functional ultrastructural changes in human sperm heads were evaluated following semen dilution in cryoprotective medium (with and without seminal plasma) as well as freezing/thawing. Plasma membranes were as much altered by dilution as by freezing/thawing when compared with fresh samples. The most striking effect on acrosome noted during freezing/thawing was a dramatic decline in percentage of intact spermatozoa. Acrosomal changes seemed to be less important in the fractions without seminal plasma. These deleterious effects were very demonstrable using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), rather than conventional staining. TEM is useful in obtaining more detailed information on membrane and acrosome integrity until a specific procedure to evaluate functional/physical integrity can be found. Cyropreservation in the absence of seminal plasma can be used for intrauterine insemination in AIH, AID programs with frozen semen.
71 citations
TL;DR: Induction of hypothyroidism did not lead to seminal or hormonal modifications compared with the same patients in a situation of euthyroidism, and no alterations in circulating levels of testosterone and gonadotropins existed.
Abstract: Spermatogenic function was studied in 10 patients, previously diagnosed as having primary hypothyroidism, in whom a state of hypothyroidism has been induced by discontinuation or a decrease in treatment with levothyroxine over at least one spermatogenic cycle. Most of the patients had fathered children before the study. When the results obtained in the hypothyroid state were compared with those from a group of 16 controls with proven fertility, slight anomalies were observed; these were characterized by a decrease in seminal volume (p < 0.05), progressive forward motility (p < 0.01), and the cumulative percentage of mobile forms (p < 0.01). There were no anomalies in sperm density or in the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology. No alterations in circulating levels of testosterone and gonadotropins existed. Induction of hypothyroidism did not lead to seminal or hormonal modifications compared with the same patients in a situation of euthyroidism. Short-term postpuberal hypothyroidism did not ca...
65 citations
TL;DR: Recent available evidence suggests that living spermatozoa with abnormal chromatin, leading to abnormal morphology, have a strongly reduced capacity to fertilize an oocyte, and if these spermatoozoa fertilize oocytes, the embryonal development will most probably be abnormal.
Abstract: Human sperm nuclei show an exceptional variability; compared with sperm nuclei of other Eutherian mammalian species. The variable stability is caused by a variable content of chromatin stabilizing disulphide bridges, which in turn is determined by differences in composition of basic proteins: protamine types and subtypes, histones, and intermediate forms. An abnormal state of the chromatin can be related to an abnormal DNA configuration or an abnormal DNA content: diploid instead of haploid. Abnormality of the nuclear chromatin is probably one of the causes of morphological aberrations of the sperm head. A relationship between abnormal chromatin and male infertility has been reported repeatedly. Recently available evidence suggests that living spermatozoa with abnormal chromatin, leading to abnormal morphology, have a strongly reduced capacity to fertilize an oocyte. In addition, if these spermatozoa fertilize oocytes, the embryonal development will most probably be abnormal.
63 citations
TL;DR: These two criteria may be helpful in diagnosing chronic unspecific genital infection and in differentiating chronic epididymal inflammation from chronic prostatitis, whereas the influence of bacteria is still controversial.
Abstract: Chronic unspecific genital infections cause unexplained male fertility disorders. The andrologist in clinical practice is referred to the significance of macrophages in the seminal fluid and to an abnormal staining of the spermatozoal flagella during the Papanicolaou' and Shorr' techniques. These two criteria may be helpful in diagnosing chronic unspecific genital infection and in differentiating chronic epididymal inflammation from chronic prostatitis, whereas the influence of bacteria is still controversial.
48 citations
TL;DR: Several studies suggest that exogenous FMP in concert with elevated intrasperm pH and level of cAMP initiates flagellar motility during the epididymal transit of sperm.
Abstract: Studies of in vitro models demonstrate that a forward motility protein (FMP) is required for the initiation of forward motility in the immature epididymal spermatozoa. FMP is a heat-stable glycoprotein derived from epididymal plasma. During the epididymal maturation of spermatozoa in vivo, there is a marked increase of intrasperm pH and level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Several studies suggest that exogenous FMP in concert with elevated intrasperm pH and level of cAMP initiates flagellar motility during the epididymal transit of sperm. cAMP activates sperm cytosolic cAMP-dependent protein kinases, which in turn phosphorylate multiple intrasperm phosphoproteins that may regulate flagellar motility. Exogenous calcium ion activates intact sperm motility, although it inhibits motility of demembranated cells on reactivation. Occurrence of cAMP-dependent type I and II protein kinases, a novel cAMP-independent protein kinase, and a phosphoprotein phosphatase has been demonstrated on the external surface of spermatozoa. The sperm surface has a coupled-enzyme system: ecto-cAMP-independent protein kinase and phosphoprotein phosphatase that regulate the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of endogenous sperm ectophosphoproteins. The specific activities of these ecto-enzymes increase markedly during forward progression, suggesting that they may have a role in regulating flagellar motility.
46 citations
TL;DR: Measurement of scrotal temperature and assessment of sperm morphology may be used as predictors of the presence and deleterious effect of varicocele.
Abstract: The exact role of varicocele in human male infertility remains controversial. Fifty-five male partners of infertile couples randomly selected and 17 fertile semen donors were evaluated for semen quality, scrotal temperature, and presence of varicocele using clinical palpation and Doppler ultrasound. The incidence of varicocele was 42% in male partners of infertile couples and 41% in fertile semen donors. Left scrotal temperature was significantly (p less than .001) higher in infertile males with varicocele as compared to all groups. No significant differences were observed in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm in semen of males with and without varicocele. However, the incidence of tapered, elongated, and immature sperm was significantly higher in the infertile patient population with a varicocele. Measurement of scrotal temperature and assessment of sperm morphology may be used as predictors of the presence and deleterious effect of varicocele.
37 citations
TL;DR: Objective scoring of more sperm was possible by flow cytometry than by fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometer was useful as a simple method for evaluation of acrosome-reacted human sperm.
Abstract: Flow cytometry was used in the scoring of acrosome-reacted human sperm. Propidium iodide was used for detection of the nonviability of the sperm. Fluoresceinated pea lectin was used to detect acrosome-reacted sperm. The results obtained by flow cytometry and those obtained by fluorescence microscopy were compared to determine if flow cytometry can serve as a more accurate, faster, and simpler method. It was possible to detect human sperm by flow cytometry. The percentage of propidium iodide labeled sperm determined by flow cytometry was close to that obtained by fluorescence microscopy. Comparison of the percentage of acrosome-reacted sperm determined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy showed that these methods gave very similar results (r = 0.98, p less than 0.001). Objective scoring of more sperm was possible by flow cytometry than by fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry was useful as a simple method for evaluation of acrosome-reacted human sperm.
33 citations
TL;DR: The results of the HOS test correlate well with the functions of the sperm cell membrane, indicating such aspects as motility, and it is thought to be a particularly effective test of human sperm fertility.
Abstract: For the diagnosis and evaluation of the therapy for male infertility and for predicting the outcome of AIH and IVF-ET, technically simple, replicable tests that can be performed virtually anywhere and that have definite reliability are required The results of the HOS test correlate well with the functions of the sperm cell membrane, indicating such aspects as motility, and it is thought to be a particularly effective test of human sperm fertility Because the HOS test reflects the functions and integrity of the sperm cell membrane, it should be possible to use it to predict the potential for fertilization of frozen sperm
TL;DR: Spermatozoa labeled with a monoclonal H-Y antibody and fluorescein-conjugated goat antibody to mouse F(ab)2 were counted with both a fluorescent microscope and a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) to enrich the proportion of Y- or X-chromosome-bearing spermatozoA in bovine semen.
Abstract: Bovine spermatozoa were assessed indirectly for the presence of a Y chromosome by monitoring expression of the H-Y antigen. Spermatozoa labeled with a monoclonal H-Y antibody (MoAb) and fluorescein-conjugated goat antibody to mouse F(ab)2 were counted with both a fluorescent microscope and a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). Of ejaculated spermatozoa, 40% to 60% fluoresced by this procedure compared to 1% to 15% of sperm reacted with nonimmune serum. Semen from three bulls was exposed to nonimmune serum (control) or MoAb, sorted by FACS, and analyzed for DNA content with a scanning microdensitometer. Control samples showed two distinct peaks with a mean difference in DNA content of 3.95%; these peaks were assumed to represent Y- and X-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa populations, respectively. DNA analyses of the MoAb-treated sperm of three bulls that sorted positively for H-Y antigen (fluorescent sperm) yielded ratios of Y- to X-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa of 76 : 24, 88 : 12, and 77 : 23, and those sorted negatively for H-Y antigen (nonfluorescent sperm) yielded ratios of 26 : 74, 35 : 65, and 23 : 77. The proportions of Y- and X-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa in nonsorted samples were not different from 50 : 50. Suitable MoAbs can be used in conjunction with FACS to enrich the proportion of Y- or X-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa in bovine semen.
TL;DR: Endocrine evaluation in adolescent boys aged 17 to 20 years with visible left-sided varicoceles could detect an early Leydig cell dysfunction that could be corrected byvaricocelectomy.
Abstract: The incidence of varicoceles in adolescent boys ranges from 5% to 19.5%. We studied five adolescent boys aged 17 to 20 years with visible left-sided varicoceles. All of them had public hair and testicular volumes between 20 to 25 mL and had achieved stage V of pubertal development. Serum gonadotropin response to the intravenous administration of 100 μg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRh) and testosterone response to the administration of 2,000 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) daily for 3 days before and 3 months after varicocelectomy were measured. Basal levels of both gonadotropins were in the pubertal range, and there was no significant difference between serum levels before and after varicocelectomy. Both gonadotropins, however, showed increased responses to the administration of GnRH (luteinizing hormone [LH]: basal, 12.0 ± 5.1 mlU/mL; peak, 105.0 ± 36.0 mlU/mL; follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]: basal, 11.6 ± 4.2 mlU/mL, peak, 60.0 ± 18.0 mlU/ml) that decreased after varicocelectomy (LH: b...
TL;DR: Metal ion effects on sperm motility may be mediated through a common cation-binding site on the adenylyl cyclase, as confirmed by previous data indicating a capacity for activating the adenosine cyclase of sperm homogenates in vitro.
Abstract: Manganese (Mn2+) stimulated the progressive motility of human washed sperm in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This confirmed previous data indicating a capacity for activating the adenylyl cyclase of sperm homogenates in vitro. A maintained response was best seen with doses 0.2–1.0 mM. After an initial stimulation, higher concentrations of up to 20 mM were associated with a decline in the response to control levels. Magnesium ions (Mg2+) stimulated motility in the same dose range but to less than 50% of the Mn2+ response. Other divalent cations such as zinc (Zn2+), strontium (Sr2+), and Calcium (Ca2+) also exerted stimulatory effects to varying degrees in descending order. Metal ion effects on sperm motility may be mediated through a common cation-binding site on the adenylyl cyclase.
TL;DR: The results of experiments employing nucleic acid-degrading enzymes favored the concept that double-stranded DNA but not RNA is present at the prostasome membrane surface.
Abstract: Human prostasomes isolated from seminal plasma were subjected to phenol extraction and then to absorbance (A) measurements at 260 nm (A260) and 280 nm (A280). The A260/A280 ratio was about 2 for prostasome extract and lower for seminal plasma extract, indicative of the presence of nucleic acid. The ratio of nucleic acid to protein in prostasomes was about 1 : 100, and the ratio in seminal plasma was 1 : 1,000. Hence nucleic acid is enriched in prostasomes (compared to seminal plasma of 10). Treatment of prostasome samples with 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate resulted in an efficient dissociation of nucleic acid from prostasomes as demonstrated by electrophoresis. The association of nucleic acids of various sizes (range; 200 to 20,000 base pairs) to prostasome membranes was most probably genuine and not the result of contamination from spermatozoa, erythrocytes, leukocytes, or bacteria. The results of experiments employing nucleic acid-degrading enzymes favored the concept that double-stranded DNA but not RNA is...
TL;DR: Sixty-nine couples enrolled in 123 in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles were categorized by percentage fertilization; the results of categorization were compared with those of computerized semen analysis carried out with the CellSoft semen analyzer, finding SLVMD is a useful calculation to predict fertilization rates in vitro from the initial ejaculate.
Abstract: Sixty-nine couples enrolled in 123 in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles were categorized by percentage fertilization; the results of categorization were compared with those of computerized semen analysis carried out with the CellSoft semen analyzer. Four groups were established: group 1 had 75% fertilization or greater; group 2 had 34% to 74% fertilization; group 3 had 1 % to 33% fertilization; and group 4 had 0% fertilization. Statistical differences in certain semen parameters (motility, linearity, and straight-line velocity) were found comparing groups 1 and 3 using the initial ejaculate. A significant number of patients in group 1 had all normal semen parameters, but no statistical difference could be found in group 3 or 4 because of variations in specific abnormal parameters in the groups. When the straight-line velocity-motile density (SLVMD) calculation was used, a significant difference was seen between group 1 and group 3 and between group 1 and group 4 (p < 0.01); 65% of group 3 and 76%...
TL;DR: The assessment of the fertilizing potential of normozoospermic ejaculates with low Se levels is warranted because of the known poor correlation of these two frequently used semen parameters with the incidence of pregnancy.
Abstract: Considering the importance of selenium (Se) in male fertility, its concentration was measured in 211 semen samples from 211 normozoospermic, oligozoospermic, asthenozoospermic, and azoospermic men using the hydride generation atomic absorption spectrophotometry. No significant correlation of any kind existed between Se level in the seminal plasma and sperm count or motility. In view of the known poor correlation of these two frequently used semen parameters with the incidence of pregnancy, the assessment of the fertilizing potential of normozoospermic ejaculates with low Se levels is warranted.
TL;DR: A biochemical model is presented that demonstrates that cAMP dependent phosphorylation may be an important interaction between sperm and certain seminal vesicle proteins.
Abstract: The development of the seminal vesicle from the mesonephric duct is described. Particular attention is given to the recent biochemistry of seminal vesicle proteins. Proteins in the seminal vesicle fluid are few in number, may be insoluble at certain pH, and frequently form large macromolecular aggregates. Although not an absolute requirement for fertility, seminal vesicle fluid assists in a number of ways to insure fertility. A biochemical model is presented that demonstrates that cAMP dependent phosphorylation may be an important interaction between sperm and certain seminal vesicle proteins.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that in azo-ospermic men spermine is bound probably to a protein and is released after acidification, exerting its immunosuppressive activity only when unbound.
Abstract: Seventy specimens of human seminal plasma obtained from azo-ospermic, oligospermic, and normos-permic men were tested for immunosuppressive activity on normal donor lymphocytes. Spermine and spermidine levels in acidic extracts were determined in 32 specimens of seminal plasma from the three groups. The original seminal plasma as well as the neutralized spermine extracts were examined for their effect on the functional activity of the lymphocytes. Seminal plasma obtained from the normosper-mic and oligospermic semen showed significant immunosuppressive activity, whereas no immunosuppressive activity was induced by seminal plasma from azo-ospermic semen. The latter finding was in accordance with the low spermine levels in azo-ospermic semen, which were about 50% of those found in normospermic and oligospermic seman. Acidic extraction of the seminal plasma of azo-ospermic origin resulted in an increase in spermine levels and also in immunosuppressive activity, demonstrating that in azo-ospermic men spermine...
TL;DR: The observations suggest that serotonin is involved in the testicular changes that occurred when rats are acutely exposed to high altitude, and administration of an anti-serotoninergic compound prevented the high altitude-induced changes in both spermatogenesis and serum testosterone.
Abstract: Male rats were exposed to 4,340 m altitude for 4 days At this time histological alteration in the testes were observed There were tubules with pyknotic primary spermatocytes and spermatids, necrosis of numerous cells, and sloughing of primary spermatocytes The damaged areas were limited by normal tissue Serum testosterone increased significantly after 4 days of exposure Administration of an anti-serotoninergic compound, cyproheptadine (10 mg/kg body weight), prevented the high altitude-induced changes in both spermatogenesis and serum testosterone These observations suggest that serotonin is involved in the testicular changes that occurred when rats are acutely exposed to high altitude
TL;DR: This simple technique seems to induce no modification of semen qualities; therefore, the concentration of sperm after immunomagnetic separation might be useful for in vivo or in vitro insemination in infertile couples with autoimmune male infertility.
Abstract: Using supermagnetic polymer microspheres coated with anti-immunoglobulins, spermatozoa without autoantibodies bound on their surface can be isolated from a sperm population showing a variable percentage of cells with autoantibodies bound on their surface. This simple technique seems to induce no modification of semen qualities; therefore, the concentration of sperm after immunomagnetic separation might be useful for in vivo or in vitro insemination in infertile couples with autoimmune male infertility.
TL;DR: The low effective concentration and the saturation of the effect at higher concentrations of kinin makes it probable that the action of bradykinin is mediated by a specific brady Kinin receptor of human spermatozoa.
Abstract: Washed human spermatozoa were incubated with different concentrations of bradykinin, des-arg9-bradykinin, and Ile-Ser-bradykinin (T-kinin). Bradykinin significantly increased the total motility of human spermatozoa at a very low concentration (10−9 M corresponding to about 1 ng/ml). Enhancement of sperm motility was dependent on the bradykinin concentration, and the effect showed saturation at concentrations above 10−8 M bradykinin (i.e., sperm motility does not increase further with increasing bradykinin concentration). In the concentration range between 10−11 to 10−6 M, des-arg9-bradykinin and T-kinin showed no significant change in motility of washed human spermatozoa. The low effective concentration and the saturation of the effect at higher concentrations of kinin makes it probable that the action of bradykinin is mediated by a specific bradykinin receptor. The kinin receptor of human spermatozoa should be of subtype B2 because the specific B1 agonist, des-arg9-bradykinin, showed no influence on sper...
TL;DR: Stereologic analysis revealed changes in the epithelial component of the ventral prostate, its total volume and surface being increased and the acinar lumen as well as the glandular weight being enhanced.
Abstract: Ventral prostate response to oxytocin (OT) was examined in intact and castrated adult rats. The treatment consisted of 10 daily subcutaneous injections of 0.25 IU OT per 100 g body weight, which for orchiectomized rats began immediately after surgery. OT induced prostatic response only in castrated animals. Stereologic analysis revealed changes in the epithelial component, its total volume and surface being increased. The acinar lumen as well as the glandular weight were also enhanced. A possibility that the ventral prostate is the target organ for OT is discussed.
TL;DR: Because of the disproportionately high incidence of an immunologic factor in spinal-cord injured men compared to able-bodied infertile men, sperm autoimmunity should be considered among the important causes underlying seminal dysfunction following spinal cord injury.
Abstract: Historically, spinal-cord injured men have been considered virtually sterile because of ejaculatory dysfunction commonly resulting from their injury. Assisted ejaculatory techniques, however, have overcome the problem of sperm transport and have allowed both the establishment of pregnancy through artificial insemination and the assessment of their semen quality. Most studies have noted the presence of asthenozoospermia in the setting of normal sperm concentration following electroejaculation or vibratory stimulated ejaculation. Thus far, little attention has been given to the basis for the frequent finding of asthenozoospermia, and the possibility of sperm autoimmunity in this group has not been adequately studied. In nine spinal-cord injured men, reproductive evaluation was performed consisting of hormonal measurements, testicular biopsy, and indirect immunobead tests for sperm autoimmunity. A mean sperm concentration was 144 ± 185 × 106/ml. However, the mean motile concentration was 33 ± 62 × 106/ml. In...
TL;DR: CDDP causes a reduction in sperm apparent density and impairs semen quality in mice and the sperm distribution profiles in the Percoll gradient were quite different among the groups.
Abstract: The effect of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin: CDDP) on mouse spermatozoa was evaluated quantitatively by means of equilibrium sedimentation in Percoll. CDDP was administered subcutaneously at doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/week for 5 weeks. After different periods (1, 3, and 10 weeks) without CDDP, the quality of epididymal sperm was evaluated by sperm count, motility, morphology of sperm, and the apparent density of sperm. At 10 mg/kg dose, about 80% mortality occurred during the administration period. There were no sperm even 10 weeks after discontinuing CDDP. With the 3 mg/kg dose, sperm count, motility, and normal morphology of sperm declined after 1 and 5 weeks, but recovered to the control level after 10 weeks. The sperm distribution profiles in the Percoll gradient were quite different among the groups. The control sperm showed two separated peaks in the gradient, whereas the peak of sperm at 1 and 3 mg/kg were shifted forward to lighter apparent density. CDDP causes a reduction in sperm apparent density and impairs semen quality in mice.
TL;DR: An improved Ficoll density gradient centrifugation method has been described for the isolation of goat caput-epididymal immature spermatozoa of a high purity and intactness.
Abstract: An improved Ficoll density gradient centrifugation method has been described for the isolation of goat caput-epididymal immature spermatozoa of a high purity and intactness. The method consists of layering freshly extracted sperm suspension on the top of a Ficoll gradient comprising 2.5 ml each of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% Ficoll-400 in a modified Ringer's solution and centrifugation at 300 g for 3 min in a swing bucket table centrifuge. Spermatozoa, free from fat globules and blood cells, sedimented at the bottom of the 8% Ficoll layer. The plasma membrane of the isolated cells showed a high degree of intactness (approximately 96%) as assessed by lactic dehydrogenase marker enzyme and ethidium bromide-fluorescence methods.
TL;DR: In contradiction to specimens with high sperm counts and low volume, those whose volumes range from 1 ml-5 ml should be considered normal with respect to motility, viability, and morphological normality are assumed.
Abstract: Two hundred eighty six human semen samples with sperm counts above 200 million/ml, were divided into 3 groups according to semen volume: (1) less than 1 ml (low), (2) 1 ml-5 ml (normal), and (3) greater than or equal to 6 ml (high). Each group was examined for routine andrological parameters. Also examined was a possible correlation between sperm counts, semen volumes, and ages of patients. The quality of motility (percent and grade) and viability of sperm were generally lowest in specimens with a volume below 1 ml and highest in those of normal volume. Proportions of morphological normality exhibited a similar trend, lacking, however, statistical significance. The mean fructose content of low-volume semen was significantly decreased in comparison with those of normal volume. Patients with low-volume semen and sperm counts above 200 million/ml were older than those with similar sperm counts and normal volume. The mean ages of all patients with high sperm counts of semen were higher than of those with lower sperm counts. It was assumed that in contradiction to specimens with high sperm counts and low volume, those whose volumes range from 1 ml-5 ml should be considered normal with respect to motility, viability, and morphological normality.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that, following hCG injection, there is a transient inhibition of testicular C17-20-lyase activity, probably mediated by E2, even in subfertile males with varicocele.
Abstract: To determine the function of Leydig cells in patients with varicocele, hCG-stimulated levels of progesterone (Prog), 17α-Hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (17OHP), 4-Androstene-3,17-dione (A-dione), testosterone (T), and estradiol-17β (E2) in both spermatic and peripheral veins were measured. Seventy-two patients with idiopathic varicocele were divided into four groups: patients in group 1 were untreated, whereas patients in groups 2, 3, and 4 were given a single i.m. injection of 10,000 IU hCG 24 h, 96 h, and 168 h before surgery, respectively. In the spermatic and peripheral veins, levels of Prog, 17OHP, and E2 showed peaks at 24 h, whereas levels of A-dione and T showed peaks at 96 h. Significant increases in the ratios of spermatic veins 17OHP to A-dione and 17OHP to T, and a significant decrease in the ratio of T to E2, was found 24 h following hCG treatment. These results demonstrate that, following hCG injection, there is a transient inhibition of testicular C17–20-lyase activity, probably mediated by ...
TL;DR: The results support the contention that fertility is usually associated with normal or, occasionally, equivocal values in the HOS test.
Abstract: The hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test was applied to 1,890 ejaculates obtained from previously fertile men who subsequently underwent a vasectomy. Less than 3% of the ejaculates produced an abnormal HOS test (less than 50% swelling), and more than 95% were normal (greater than or equal to 60% swelling). The sperm concentration and motility data were similar to those obtained by other investigators with prevasectomy ejaculates. Statistically significant but low correlation coefficients were present between the HOS test and these other sperm variables. On the assumption that the large majority of these men were fertile when the ejaculates were produced, the results support the contention that fertility is usually associated with normal or, occasionally, equivocal values in the HOS test.
TL;DR: Immunohistochemical studies at the EM level have shown that the mucous cells of these glands have mucous droplets, which react to blood group antigens, suggesting that BU glands participate in the secretion of these antigen into the seminal plasma.
Abstract: The endpieces of human bulbourethral (BU) glands, studied with SEM after removal of the connective tissue, consist of short, coiled tubules often dilated into alveoli. Immunohistochemical studies at the EM level have shown that the mucous cells of these glands have mucous droplets, which react to blood group antigens, suggesting that BU glands participate in the secretion of these antigens into the seminal plasma. The main excretory duct is lined by a stratified columnar epithelium consisting of six-seven cellular layers. Cells of superficial layers, that are endowed with typical secretory granules, seem to contribute some unknown components to the secretions of these glands.