Showing papers in "Archives of Andrology in 1995"
TL;DR: The comparison of semen characteristics between infected and noninfected men showed that motile spermatozoa and viability were lower when the microorganisms were present in the semen.
Abstract: Semen samples of 190 men attending an andrology clinic were evaluated with bacteriological culture and categorized as negative (group I) and positive (group II); the effect of bacteriospemia on sem...
92 citations
TL;DR: An important role for calmodulin and PP2B in Ca(2+)-regulated motility parameters, particularly ALH, is suggested and modulation of human sperm motility, including hyperactivation by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation, requires cal modulin-dependent as well as other protein dephosphorylations.
Abstract: The role of Ca2+, calmodulin, and protein phosphatases on motility and hyperactivation of non-capacitated, capacitating, and detergent-permeabilized reactivated human sperm was examined. In noncapacitated sperm, W7 inhibited percent motility (%MOT), curvilinear velocity (VCL), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), and percent hyperactivation (%HYP) in an extracellular Ca2+ concentration-dependent manner (p <. 05). However, in capacitating sperm, inhibition of motility by W7 was independent of external Ca2+. Treatment of reactivated sperm with a synthetic calmodulin inhibitor peptide decreased VCL and ALH in a Ca2+-dependent manner (p <. 05). Ca2+ exhibited a dramatic influence on motility within a narrow concentration range (0.7 to 1.0 μM) in reactivated sperm. A calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase (PP2B) was identified by activity assay, immuno-blotting, and dephosphorylation of endogenous phosphoproteins. The sperm enzyme, unlike bovine brain PP2B, was inhibited by 1 μM okadaic acid (OA) in...
76 citations
TL;DR: It would appear that age contributed to the decline in semen quality in men over 40 years old.
Abstract: This investigation was conducted to evaluate the interaction among semen characteristics, endocrine profiles, and testicular biopsies in 968 infertile men. Men were divided into five groups according to age. Sperm with abnormal morphology and percentage of progressive motility were found in patients over 40 years of age. However, there was a remarkable heterogeneity of semen characteristics within the examined groups. Azoospermia was present in 43 patients (4%), oligozoospermia in 73 (7%), and polyzoospermia in 126 (13%). Sexually transmitted disease was found in 28%. It would appear that age contributed to the decline in semen quality in men over 40 years old.
30 citations
TL;DR: PF improving sperm motility and fertilizing capacity appears to be a promising motility stimulant.
Abstract: The effect of pentoxifylline (PF) treatment on human sperm motility and fertilizing capacity was assessed in 43 couples undergoing IVF/ET, as well as in 84 couples treated with AIH/IUI. Sperm motility increased following PF treatment in asthenospermic samples (n = 12) from 39.2 +/- 1.5 to 45.5% +/- 2% (p = .05), in oligoasthenospermic (n = 40) from 38.1 +/- 1.6 to 43.6 +/- 1.7% (p = .001), and in total (n = 127) from 50 +/- 1 to 52.5 +/- 1% (p < .001). In addition, PF incubation of sperm samples resulted in higher sperm motility values compared to swim-up in all categories of sperm samples. Furthermore, progressive motility increased in all sperm groups following PF treatment (astheno-spermic: +16.7%; oligoasthenospermic: +14%, p < .001; oligozoospermic: +23.5%, p < .001; normozoospermic: +15.3%, p < .05; total +19.2%, p < .001). Sperm preparation with PF resulted in higher fertilization rates in all categories of sperm samples compared to swim-up (total: 46.6 vs. 29.1%, respectively; p < .05). Moreover, PF treatment of human sperm resulted in 9 viable pregnancies (IVF/ET: 5, AIH/IUI: 4) and one biochemical (IVF/ET). PF improving sperm motility and fertilizing capacity appears to be a promising motility stimulant.
30 citations
TL;DR: Objective criteria of semen quality were evaluated in 60 men with positive culture of semen after treatment with two different antibiotics and compared with placebo.
Abstract: Objective criteria of semen quality were evaluated in 60 men with positive culture of semen after treatment with two different antibiotics and compared with placebo Group I received 160 mg trimethoprim and 800 mg sulfamethoxazole twice a day, group II received 250 mg ciprofloxacin twice a day, and group III received a placebo No difference was recorded between antibiotic treatment and placebo in sperm quality but accessory gland function was modified
27 citations
TL;DR: Mouse sperm penetration into a hyaluronic acid polymer (Sperm Select), hypoosmotic swelling in distilled water (water test), and eosin-Y staining were studied, suggesting that only some aspects of sperm physiology are due to genetic differences between YKE and YCBA chromosomes.
Abstract: Mouse sperm penetration into a hyaluronic acid polymer (Sperm Select), hypoosmotic swelling in distilled water (water test), and eosin-Y staining were studied in sperm samples from males belonging to five inbred strains of mice (CBA, K.E, KE-YCBA, B10.BR, and BIO.BR-Ydel), which differ in the proportion of abnormal sperm heads and in efficiency of fertilization. Correlation coefficients, calculated from mean values for each strain, showed that Sperm Select penetration (to the depth of 1–2 cm) was significantly correlated with both sperm motility and fertilization efficiency, while correlation with the proportion of normal spermatozoa did not reach the level of significance. The indices of the water test and erosin Y staining were correlated with each other but not with Sperm Select penetration. In comparison with the B10.BR strain, its mutant strain BIO.BR-Ydel, with a large deletion in the long arm of the Y chromosome and characterized by highly elevated proportion of abnormal sperm and low fertilization...
26 citations
TL;DR: A seminal alpha-glucosidase level of 10 mIU/mL appears to be a useful discriminatory marker in the diagnosis of epididymal obstruction or dysfunction in patients consulting for infertility with a variety of disorders.
Abstract: Neutral α-glucosidase activity was measured in seminal plasma of 30 patients consulting for infertility with a variety of disorders, and compared with 25 normal controls. Significantly more of the study populations (asthenozoospermia, 4/6; oligozoospermia, 3/5; azoospermia 8/15) had a neutral α-glucosidase activity less than 10 mIU/mL as compared with control samples (3/25). Also the mean (± SD) neutral α-glucosidase activity in patients with asthenozoospermia (11.7 ± 9.2) oligozoospermia (11.3 ± 7.2), and post vasectomy azoospermia (5.3 ± 3.4) was significantly (p <. 05) less than ejaculate from controls (21.2 ± 14). A seminal α-glucosidase level of 10 mlU/mL appears to be a useful discriminatory marker in the diagnosis of epididymal obstruction or dysfunction.
24 citations
TL;DR: IL-2 concentration in seminal plasma may be considered as a potential marker in male infertility and increased IL-2 secretion in the infertile group is shown, demonstrating negative correlations of IL-1 levels with main spermiogram parameters, and indicate no correlation with leukocyte count.
Abstract: The role of cell-mediated immunity in the etiopathogenesis of male infertility is far from being defined. The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) has a key role in T-cell mediated immune responses. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of IL-2 in human seminal plasma, to show eventual differences between IL-2 concentrations in fertile and infertile subjects, and to show potential relationship between IL-2 amounts in semen and spermiogram parameters. Forty-three subjects entered the study, 20 with proven fertility and normal semen quality (fertile group) and 23 with male infertility of at least 2 years and poor semen quality (infertile group). IL-2 levels of seminal plasma in infertile subjects (444.3 ± 40.5 fmol/mL) were significantly higher than those in fertile subjects (251.3 ± 42.7 fmol/mL). There was a significant negative correlation between IL-2 levels and sperm count, motility, and morphology. No correlation was found between IL-2 levels and leukocyte count. These findings confirm IL-2 to be...
23 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of calcitonin and acetylcholine on mouse spermatozoa chemotaxis were analyzed in vitro in Biggers-Whitter-Whittingham medium.
Abstract: Chemotaxis assays of mouse spermatozoa were performed in vitro. Amounts of calcitonin (5.0 IU/ml, 10.0 IU/mL) and acetylcholine (1.0 mg/ml) in Biggers-Whitter-Whittingham medium filled out wells of experimental plate were increased directly by migration of mouse spermatozoa to the medium containing these hormones. This effect was interpreted as chemotaxis of spermatozoa. Low concentrations of hormones were not attractants and high concentrations of acetylcholine (5.0 mg/ mL) decreased spermatozoa migration. Glucagon and vasopressin results in a decrease in concentration of migrated spermatozoa. In low concentrations of these hormones differences in sperm migration were not observed. Presence of histamine and thyroxine in BWW medium did not affect the migration behavior of mouse spermatozoa in vitro.
22 citations
TL;DR: The effects of soluble products from leukocytes (WBC) on sperm motility and calcium ionophore-stimulated acrosome reaction (AR) were examined and supernatants of mononuclear WBC, isolated from peripheral blood and stimulated by the lectins Phytolacca americana or concanavalin A caused a weak but significant inhibition of progressive sperm Motility.
Abstract: The effects of soluble products from leukocytes (WBC) on sperm motility and calcium ionophore stimulated acrosome reaction (AR) were examined. Supernatants of mononuclear WBC, isolated from peripheral blood and stimulated by the lectins Phytolacca americana (pokeweed mitogen) or concanavalin A, caused a weak but significant inhibition of progressive sperm motility. The recombinant cytokine interferon–γ (IFN-γ) in high concentrations inhibited motility of sperm from 5 of 8 donors tested. The recombinant cytokines tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) did not show any effect on sperm motility. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by stimulation of polymorphonuclear WBC with a phorbol ester (PMA) tended to inhibit sperm motility. Neither supernatants from lectin-stimulated mononuclear WBC, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-8, nor ROS showed any significant effect on the ionophore-challenged AR.
19 citations
TL;DR: The evaluation of sperm morphology using strict criteria in raw semen before IVF is predictive of fertilization outcome and may also help doctors to choose an optimal method of treatment for patients.
Abstract: To study the value of sperm morphology using strict criteria in raw semen and in swim-up inseminate of human in vitro fertilization (IVF), 135 cycles of IVF with normal sperm concentration and motility were recruited. At least two mature oocytes were recovered in each cycle. The correlation between the percentages of normal forms and fertilization rates of mature oocytes was analyzed. The results demonstrate that the percentage of normal forms in both the raw semen and swim-up sample of patients with poor fertilization was significantly lower than in those with acceptable fertilization. The percentages of normal forms both in raw semen and in swim-up sample were significantly correlated with fertilization rates in vitro, however, the former seemed to have a better correlation (r =. 51 and. 19, respectively). Regarding the percentages of normal forms in raw semen, the fertilization rate in patients with normal forms 14% it was 88 ± 20%. The fertilization...
TL;DR: Magnolol protected sperm motility by inhibiting lipid peroxidation in sperm by significantly inhibited the generation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in sperm.
Abstract: It was previously reported that magnolol, isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Magnolia officinalis, had a potent inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation. Since sperm motility could be suppressed by lipid peroxidation, this study examines the protective effect of magnolol on lipid peroxidation-sup-pressed sperm motility. FeSO4 was used to induced lipid peroxidation and sperm motility was expressed as tail beat frequency (TBF) measured with a sperm head fixation method. Magnolol at 10−9 to 10−7 M significantly reversed the FeSO4 -suppressed TBF. Magnolol significantly inhibited the generation of malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipid peroxidation, in sperm. Magnolol protected sperm motility by inhibiting lipid peroxidation in sperm.
TL;DR: Ten patients with ED had common clinical and investigative findings that constitute the pudendal artery syndrome, and ED improved in 8 of the 10 patients 3-6 months postoperatively.
Abstract: Pudendal artery syndrome (PAS) was studied in 10 patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Ages ranged from 38 to 55 years. All had chronic constipation and straining at stool, absent nocturnal peni...
TL;DR: The data suggest that carefully timed IUI in nonhyperstimulated cycles is an effective treatment for cervical factor infertility.
Abstract: A randomized study comparing the efficacy of timed intrauterine insemination (IUI) without hyper-stimulation to sexual intercourse was performed in women with cervical factor infertility. Among the strict requirements for inclusion in the study were a normal semen analysis in the male partner, as well as the failure to demonstrate any sperm with progressive forward motion in a postcoital test performed 8–12 h after intercourse at the time of a mature follicle. All other infertility factors were negative. The data demonstrated a statistically significant fecundity rate at 1 month when IUI was compared to intercourse (21.2 vs. 3.9%). These data suggest that carefully timed IUI in nonhyperstimulated cycles is an effective treatment for cervical factor infertility.
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between ROS level and the time interval between semen collection and analysis, and the effect of sperm concentration on the level of ROS formation.
Abstract: Although generally accepted standards exist for routine semen analysis, recent methods of assessing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human semen lack a standardized protocol. The purpose of this study was to investigate (1) the relationship between ROS level and the time interval between semen collection and analysis, and (2) the effect of sperm concentration on the level of ROS formation. Semen specimens from men (n = 40) consulting for infertility treatment were divided in two groups: in 20, routine semen analysis was performed and ROS formation evaluated at 1, 3, 5, and 24 h after semen collection; in the other 20, ROS formation was evaluated at four sperm concentrations (60, 30, 15, and 7.5 x 10(6)/mL). White blood cell (WBC) concentration was assessed before ROS measurement using a myeloperoxidase staining technique (Endtz test). ROS level was measured by a chemiluminescence method. ROS formation decreased significantly over time. The mean ROS level 343.4 (1 h), 133.5 x 10(4) cpm (3 h, p = .004), 66.0 x 10(4) cpm (5 h, p 1 x 10(6) WBC/mL). The number of ROS-positive specimens after 3, 5, and 24 h was eight, six, and two, respectively. In the second group, eight patients were positive for ROS formation at 1 h after collection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TL;DR: This study evaluated the clinical usefulness of one additional parameter for assessment of human sperm cell function in vitro--the hypoosmotic swelling test and found positive correlation exists between HOS results and the outcome of IUI.
Abstract: This study evaluates the clinical usefulness of one additional parameter for assessment of human sperm cell function in vitro--the hypoosmotic swelling test. The hypoosmotic swelling test evaluated the functional integrity of the sperm plasma membrane. The investigation included a comparison of the hypoosmotic swelling test in samples containing motile and immotile spermatozoa and their correlation with the intrauterine insemination outcome. Motile spermatozoa expressed better membrane characteristics, without any importance of the hypoosmotic conditions. Positive correlation exists between HOS results and the outcome of IUI. This test can be a useful addition to the standard battery of semen analyzing tests.
TL;DR: It is shown that IUI is an effective therapy for cervical and/or male factor, even without superovulation, and PRs were comparable for both groups after three treatment cycles.
Abstract: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) has been used for the treatment of various causes of infertility, including unexplained infertility, male factor, and cervical factor. Some centers frequently use supero-vulation combined with IUI. The study presented herein attempted to evaluate the efficacy of IUI without superovulation in cases where all causes of infertility other than cervical or male factors have been eliminated. However, in the case of poor or absent cervical mucus, the use of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) may obscure the actual importance of the IUI, since it is possible that the poor cervical mucus is related to poor timing, inadequate follicular maturation, or low estradiol levels, which if corrected will obviate the need for IUI. In this study IUI was targeted for 36–40 h following the sera luteinizing hormone surge. A total of 108 patients were enrolled in this study: 47 with male factor, 61 with cervical factor. Patients were followed for a maximum of three cycles unless a pregnancy...
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that motility stimulants can significantly elevate the MOT and VCL of cryopreserved ejaculated cat sperm without having deleterious effects on longevity.
Abstract: Sperm motility patterns of cryopreserved domestic cat ejaculates treated at 37°C with 1 mM caffeine, pentoxifylline, or 2′-deoxyadenosine were analyzed using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). The percent motility (MOT), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), linearity (LIN), and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) were measured for each group following 15 min of treatment. Motility indices were examined during a 6-h treatment period to determine the effect of each chemical on sperm longevity. Caffeine, pentoxifylline, and 2′-deoxyadenosine each increased (p>. 05) the MOT and VCL of the ejaculates compared to the controls. The longevity of the treated and control samples were not significantly different throughout the incubation period. These results, similar to previous findings with cryopreserved epididymal cat sperm, demonstrate that motility stimulants can significantly elevate the MOT and VCL of cryopreserved ejaculated cat sperm without having deleterious effects on...
TL;DR: Varicocele may disturb sperm function including sperm motion besides spermatogenesis and may impair the fertility potential, however, a prospective large-scale controlled study is required to obtain a definitive conclusion.
Abstract: Sixty patients with varicocele, complaining of infertility, underwent a corrective operation. Eighteen (30%) of the 60 patients impregnated their mates (impregnating group). Sperm concentration significantly increased after the operation in the impregnating group (p < .05), but not in the patients who failed to impregnate their mates (nonimpregnating group). Sperm motility was not altered after the operation in these two groups. Sperm velocity significantly increased postoperatively in the impregnating group (p < .05), while linearity was not altered in either group. Sperm swelling significantly increased postoperatively in the impregnating group (p < .05), but not in the nonimpregnating group. Preoperative sperm parameters were not different between the two groups. Varicocele may disturb sperm function including sperm motion besides spermatogenesis and may impair the fertility potential. However, a prospective large-scale controlled study is required to obtain a definitive conclusion.
TL;DR: Preliminary studies indicate that a subset of the patient's antibodies are specific for a unique protein sequence expressed by a cDNA testis library that may have potential for immunocontraceptive vaccine development.
Abstract: A detailed case history was compiled on a couple who have had primary infertility for more than 20 years. The history and further laboratory investigations indicated that the infertility was caused by high-titre sperm antibodies in the female. The antibodies blocked sperm-zona binding and reacted with a prominent band at 65 kD in Western blots. Preliminary studies indicate that a subset of the patient's antibodies are specific for a unique protein sequence expressed by a cDNA testis library. This antigen may have potential for immunocontraceptive vaccine development.
TL;DR: Findings indicate that elevated seminal plasma CSF-1 concentration is correlated with male infertility, particularly in the immunoinfertile men.
Abstract: This investigation was carried out to examine the levels of CSF-1 in sera and seminal plasma of fertile, immunoinfertile, and male factor-infertile men in order to study the role of CSF-1 in human infertility. Sera, sperm, and seminal plasma were analyzed for antisperm antibodies by the sperm immobilization technique, tray agglutination technique, and immunobead binding technique. Sperm motility and fertilizing capacity were analyzed by sperm motion analysis and sperm penetration assay, respectively. CSF-1 concentration was estimated by the competitive radioimmunoassay. CSF-1 was detected in sera of both fertile and immunoinfertile men (mean +/- SD; fertile men: 52.9 +/- 10.3 pg/mg protein; immunoinfertile: 58.2 +/- 19.5 pg/mg protein; p > .05). CSF-1 was also detected in the seminal plasma of fertile, immunoinfertile, and male factor-infertile men (mean +/- SD; normal fertile men: 1.7 +/- 3.5 ng/mg; immunoinfertile men: 10.9 +/- 15.6 ng/mg; male factor-infertile men: 0.85 +/- 0.25 ng/mg). The levels of CSF-1 were highest in the immunoinfertile men, followed by those in fertile and male factor-infertile men. The average level in immunoinfertile men was significantly different from the average level in fertile or male factor-infertile men (p < .0001). Interestingly, the concentrations of CSF-1 per milliliter of seminal plasma was in general approximately 5 times greater than those in serum. These findings indicate that elevated seminal plasma CSF-1 concentration is correlated with male infertility.
TL;DR: Results clearly show that the synthesis of several epididymal proteins is influenced by retinoids, and five of the regulated proteins seemed to be captured by spermatozoa as they were observed in sperm protein patterns of control rats.
Abstract: The role of retinoids in the regulation of epididymal fluid protein expression was investigated. We compared the patterns of two-dimensional electrophoretic gels of proteins from luminal fluids, cytosols and spermatozoa (from control rats only) of control, retinoid-depleted, retinoid-depleted retinoic acid-complemented and retinoid-depleted testosterone-supplemented rats. This study compared the luminal fluid patterns from the 4 diets and observed 13 proteins whose expression was dependent on nutritional status. Eight were either absent or very weakly expressed in retinoid-depleted animals only, while their presence was obvious in control rats and in the retinoid-deficient retinoic acid- and testosterone-complemented groups. The expression of 8 proteins was greatly enhanced in retinoid-depleted testosterone-supplemented fluids as compared to control fluids. Five of the regulated proteins seemed to be captured by spermatozoa as they were observed in sperm protein patterns of control rats. These results clearly show that the synthesis of several epididymal proteins is influenced by retinoids. Since testosterone-supplemented animals on retinoid-free diet elicited the same response as retinol and retinoic acid ones, testosterone is likely to be the mediator of retinoid action on epididymal protein synthesis. Nevertheless, the observation of one protein whose expression is stimulated by retinoic acid only and is totally independent of testosterone also favors the direct influence of this retinoid.
TL;DR: Real-time sperm separation technology encompasses the Wang tube system, which has two main functions: to isolate organisms-free, normal-chromatin, morphologically normal, and highly motile spermatozoa that are suitable for use in infertility treatment and to prevent sex-linked inherited diseases.
Abstract: This paper discusses real-time sperm separation technology and the use of Wang tubes for isolating high-quality and fertile sperm. Several methods have been developed and used to prepare a better sperm specimen, including the conventional swim-up technique, Percoll discontinuous density gradient, Sephadex gel filtration, centrifugation, migration-sedimentation, albumin column, and Sperm-prep. However, none of these methods has the ability to isolate from the original ejaculum a large number of highly motile, morphologically normal, and normal-chromatin sperm, while retaining in an adequate volume of physiological medium, free of less-motile and nonmotile sperm, and free of microorganisms, cell debris, seminal plasma, leukocytes, and foreign bodies. These methods should be classified as incomplete techniques of sperm separation and are of only limited effectiveness in infertility treatment. They may also cause irreparable damage to the mother or fetus. Real-time sperm separation technology is based on the observations that nonpathological spermatozoa do not transfer organisms, that the motility pattern and swim-up capacity of pathological sperm are limited or disturbed, and that the movement of sperm differs from the passive motion of nonciliated microorganisms and the random active motion of ciliated microorganisms in terms of velocity and direction. Real-time sperm separation technology encompasses the Wang tube system, which has two main functions: to isolate organisms-free, normal-chromatin, morphologically normal, and highly motile spermatozoa that are suitable for use in infertility treatment, and to prevent sex-linked inherited diseases. The results of these evaluations indicate that real-time sperm separation technology is the most effective and precise method of isolating and decontaminating sperm to date.
TL;DR: In this study, sperm motility that was made dependent on mitochondrial activity (glycolysis inhibited) was significantly inhibited by mM exogenous calcium while glycolytic-dependent (mitochondrial respiration inhibited) motility was not inhibited under these conditions.
Abstract: Collective sperm motility is characterized in terms of periodic aggregation or cooperation among cells, which are seen under a microscope as a continuous wave motion. In this study, sperm motility that was made dependent on mitochondrial activity (glycolysis inhibited) was significantly inhibited by mM exogenous calcium while glycolytic-dependent (mitochondrial respiration inhibited) motility was not inhibited under these conditions. At intracellular Ca2+ above 400 nM, sperm motility was inhibited independently of the source of ATP. At [Ca2+]i of-110 nM, mitochondrial- or glycolytic-dependent motility showed 75 or 0% inhibition, respectively, indicating higher sensitivity of mitochondrial-dependent motility to [Ca2+]i in comparison to glycolytic-dependent motility. Under the latter conditions, intracellular level of ATP was reduced by 16% only, indicating that the 75% inhibition of mitochondrial-dependent motility was not due to reduction in ATP. The inhibition of mitochondrial-dependent motility by mM ex...
TL;DR: The results support a previous observation that the cal Pastatin segment is produced during spermiogenesis and suggest that transcription of the calpastatin gene occurred during the postmeiotic haploid stage of spermatogenesis.
Abstract: Serum obtained from an infertile woman contained antibodies that agglutinate human sperm. The antibodies interacted with a sperm protein with an estimated Mr of 17.5 kD. The cDNA coding the 17.5-kD protein was isolated from a human testis Λgill expression library and identified as a segment of the calpastatin gene. Single-stranded 35S-labeled RNA probes were prepared from the calpastatin cDNA segment. Using the techniques of in situ hybridization, the calpastatin mRNA was located in spermatids of human testis. The results support a previous observation that the calpastatin segment is produced during spermiogenesis and suggest that transcription of the calpastatin gene occurred during the postmeiotic haploid stage of spermatogenesis.
TL;DR: Results indicate that, in contrast to plasminogen activators, metalloprotease activities are increased in the lateral, dorsal, and anterior lobes following orchiectomy, which suggests that differences in regulation of certain proteases by androgens may occur in individual prostatic lobes.
Abstract: Several proteolytic enzymes are involved in mediating the regression of the prostate gland following castration. A previous study showed that plasminogen activator activities are elevated only in the ventral lobe by castration in the rat. Since matrix metalloproteases represent a different class of protease that degrade extracellular matrix, this study examined their activities in the lateral, dorsal, and anterior lobes of the rat in response to androgen deprivation. The results indicate that, in contrast to plasminogen activators, metalloprotease activities are increased in the lateral, dorsal, and anterior lobes following orchiectomy. This suggests that differences in regulation of certain proteases by androgens may occur in individual prostatic lobes.
TL;DR: A significant spermatogenic disturbance was consistently induced after the appearance of inflammatory cell responses around the tubuli recti in a model of murine experimental autoimmune orchitis produced by active immunization with viable syngeneic testicular germ cells without resorting to any adjuvants.
Abstract: Previously, a model of murine experimental autoimmune orchitis was produced by active immunization with viable syngeneic testicular germ cells without resorting to any adjuvants. The histological mode of the spermatogenic disturbance of this autoimmunity was investigated in A/J mice. A significant spermatogenic disturbance was consistently induced after the appearance of inflammatory cell responses around the tubuli recti. It first appeared seminiferous epithelium adjacent to the tubuli recti, then spread to the peripheral epithelium. The histopathology of the seminiferous tubules in the early phase ranged from partial degeneration and depletion of all kinds of germ cells to complete loss of germ cells other than some remaining spermatogonia, while both Sertoli cells and the basal lamina of the tubules appeared intact. In the late phase, depletion of Sertoli cells, disorganization of the seminiferous tubular wall or filling with many round-shaped degenerating germ cells, appearance of malformed spermatids with signet ring nuclei, depletion of immature germ cells with remaining elongated spermatids, or complete loss of the seminiferous epithelium were observed in addition to the early histopathological features.
TL;DR: The Acrobeads test, the results of which reflect the acrosome condition of the sperm, is useful in the assessment of sperm function related to fertility.
Abstract: Acrosome-reacted sperm was examined in infertile and fertile males using the Acrobeads test. The Acrobeads score was significantly higher in fertile males than in infertile males with normal or abnormal seminal findings (p <. 005 and p <. 001, respectively). The Acrobeads score was 2 or more in all the fertile males, but 62% of the infertile males with abnormal seminal findings (p <. 02). Therefore, a disturbance in the acrosome reaction is suggested to be one of the causes of decreased fertility potential. A high correlation was found between Acrobeads score and sperm motility (r =. 46,p <. 001) or motile sperm concentration (r =. 51,p <. 0001). The Acrobeads test, the results of which reflect the acrosome condition of the sperm, is useful in the assessment of sperm function related to fertility.
TL;DR: It is recommended that hCG be administered to patients who undergo varicocelectomy but have persistent subtle Leydig cell dysfunction disclosed by LHRH test to stimulate the intratesticular testosterone production.
Abstract: The authors treated 135 men who underwent varicocelectomy, but had sustained Leydig cell dysfunction disclosed by LHRH test with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG was administered for 10 weeks: 50,000 units were given in 10 divided doses intramuscularly. Semen analysis and measurement of serum hormone level were obtained 8 weeks after the completion of treatment, and every 3 months after that. All patients were followed up for 2 years to confirm pregnancy. Fifty-five percent of patients achieved pregnancy and they showed significant increase in sperm density, percentage of sperm motility, normal form sperm, and serum testosterone level. It is recommended that hCG be administered to patients who undergo varicocelectomy but have persistent subtle Leydig cell dysfunction disclosed by LHRH test to stimulate the intratesticular testosterone production.
TL;DR: The percentages of eggs with attached spermatozoa significantly declined in a dose-dependent manner, the highest inhibition being at 10 mM (F = 24), and the rate of sperm penetration was significantly decreased with the increase in nicotine concentrations.
Abstract: A previous study from this laboratory showed that nicotine in vitro has deleterious effects on sperm motion characteristics. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nicotine on the ability of human spermatozoa to attach and penetrate zona-free hamster eggs. Spermatozoa from fertile donors, washed free of seminal plasma, were incubated with medium (control) and 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 mM concentrations of nicotine (concentrations estimated to approximate residual concentrations of nicotine in the testes of heavy smokers) for 18 h at 37°C in a humid 5% carbon dioxide incubator. The sperm preparations were then mixed with enzymatically denuded hamster eggs and incubated for 3 h at 37°C. The oocytes were examined by phase-contrast microscopy to enumerate the rates of sperm attachment and penetration. The data were analyzed by a paired t test and repeated measures analysis of variance using the arcsine transformation of the percentages. The percentages of eggs with attached spermatozoa significantly decl...