Showing papers on "Semen published in 1969"

Characteristics of Testicular Spermatozoa and the Fluid which Transports them into the Epididymis

Abstract: Significant advances often depend on the development of a technique, and this applies to the study of testicular spermatozoa. Although spermatozoa could be obtained from the testes of dead animals, the purity of the preparation was questionable, the numbers obtained were insufficient for a critical evaluation of their metabolism, and there was always an uncertainty whether or not spermatozoa collected post mortem were metabolically normal. Most of the work described in this paper stemmed directly from the development of a technique for implanting a catheter (Fig. 1) into the rete testis of rams (99, 102). This technique enabled testicular spermatozoa to be collected in abundant numbers and under physiological conditions in the fluid which carries the spermatozoa out of the testis and into the epididymis. This fluid is unique in many respects. It is the “milieu” which normally bathes the spermatozoa, and probably most of the cells of the germinal epithelium, and so a knowledge of its composition is vital to an understanding of the process of spermatogenesis. Most of this fluid is resorbed selectively in the epididymis so that its composition changes progressively during its passage through the

A Study of Major Cations, Osmotic Pressure, and pH in Seminal Components of Atlantic Salmon

Abstract: Certain properties of semen, spermatozoa, and seminal plasma of Atlantic salmon were investigated to facilitate the development of an extender for the cryo-preservation of sperm. The seminal plasma of 10 fish had an average pH of 8.25, an osmotic pressure of 232 milliosmols, and contained 237, 86, 5.2, and 2.2 mg/100 g respectively of Na+, K+, Ca++, and Mg++. The corresponding values for spermatozoa were 84, 298, 1.5, and 18.7. Storage of semen at 2 C caused an increase of Na+ and Ca++ and a decrease of K+ and Mg++ in spermatozoa. Subsequent incubation in glucose solution did not restore ion balance in salmon spermatozoa as it did in dog spermatozoa. The results for salmon are compared with limited data for Atlantic cod.

Characterization and isolation of a sperm-coating antigen from rabbit seminal plasma with capacity to block fertilization.

Abstract: The relationship between the sperm-coating antigens of rabbit seminal plasma origin and the characterization of the decapacitation factor was studied using a gar-gel diffusion immune-electrophoresis chromatography on Sephadix G-200 and polyacrylamide vertical gel electrophoresis. Spermatozoa incubated in the uterus for 11 hours yielded an 85% fertilization rate and hence were capacitated. Treatment of the capacitated spermatozoa with rabbit seminal plasma resulted in a 38% fertilization rate. It was concluded that a sperm-coating antigen of seminal plasma origin possessed biological activity for blocking fertilization. It was found using the above techniques that the sperm-coating antigen was a glycoprotein of approximately 170000 molecular weight migrated in an electric field similar to a serum slow beta-globulin and was still present in the seminal fluid of vasectomized males. The sperm-coating antigen was absent from inactive upper supernatant fluid fraction of seminal plasma after 4 hours of ultracentrifugation at 105000 g and was present in the active ultracentrifugal pellet.

Method for controlling sex of mammalian offspring

Abstract: AN IMMUNOLOGICAL METHOLD FOR CONTROLLING THE SEX OF MAMMALIAM OFFSPRING, MAKING USE OF A SPERM FRACTION CONTAINING A SURPLUS OF SEX CHROMOSOMES OF A SINGLE TYPE (I.E., X-CHROMOSOMES OR Y-CHROMOSOMES) AND OF A BLOOD SERUM CONTAINING SPERM ANTIBODIES, EACH ANTIBODY BEING SELECTIVELY REACTIVE BY SIX CHROMOSOME WITH SPERM TYPE. SPERM FRACTION IS INTRODUCED INTO THE BODY OF A MAMMAL IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITY TO PRODUCE ANTIBODIES IN THE BLOOD STREAM. A BLOOD SERUM IS THEN TAKEN FROM THE MAMMAL, THE BLOOD COAGULATED AND THE BLOOD SERUM CONTAINING THE ANTIBODIES ISOLATED. THE BLOOD SERUM AND SPERM FRACTION ARE THEN MIXED IN PROPORTIONS TO EFFECT INACTIVATION AND AGGLUTINATION OF BETWEEN 80 AND 100% OF THE ANTIBODIES IN REACTIVE EXCESS OVER ITS SPERM TYPE IS UNAFFECTED. THE AGGLUTINATE AND ANY REMAINING SPERM IS THEN PRECIPITATED WITH THE SUPERNATANT PORTION CONTAINING SAID UNAFFECTED ANTIBODIES. THESE UNAFFECTED ANTIBODIES ARE SLECTIVELY REACTIVE TO AGGLUTINATE AND INACTIVE SPERM OF ONLY ONE SEX CHROMOSOME TYPE. IN ONE APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION, THE ANTIBODIES REACTIVE WITH EITHER WITH EITHER THE X-OR Y-CHROMOSOMES MAY BE ADDED TO SEMEN TO AGGLUTINATE AND INACTIVATE THE SPERM CONTAINING THAT TYPE OF CHROMOSOME BEFORE INSEMINATION. ALTERNATIVELY, THE ANTIBODIES MAY BE INTRODUCED INTO THE FEMALE PRIOR TO COPULATION (E.G., IN A VAGINAL JELLY OR A VACCINE) TO PROVIDE THE POSSIBILITY OF A SEX SELECTION AT CONCEPTION.

An Improved Extender for Freezing Atlantic Salmon Spermatozoa

Abstract: A solution of chemical composition based on that of seminal plasma was an effective extender for Atlantic salmon spermatozoa; semen diluted to 20 volumes could be maintained at 4 C in an inactive but potentially motile condition for several days. Propylene glycol at concentrations between 7.0 and 12.5% protected sperm cells against freeze–thaw damage. The addition of glycine or albumin to the basic extender containing 7–12.5% propylene glycol or 10% dimethyl sulphoxide provided an extender meriting further development for the cryopreservation of salmonid spermatozoa. Fertilities of 5–19% were achieved with 10 frozen sperm samples diluted with such extenders. For frozen samples a method of fertilization with simultaneous addition of water and sperm to the eggs is proposed.

Passage, Survival, and Fertility of Deep-Frozen Ram Semen in the Genital Tract of the Ewe

Abstract: The distribution of spermatozoa in the genital tract was determined in ewes killed 4 hr or 24 hr after cervical insemination with 100 million live spermatozoa from either freshly ejaculated or deep.frozen ram semen. At 4 hr, greater numbers of spermatozoa were present in the cervices, uteri, and fallopian tubes in ewes inseminated with fresh semen than in ewes inseminated with frozen semen. At 24 hr, the numbers of spermatozoa in the uteri and fallopian tubes of ewes inseminated with fresh semen had increased relative to the numbers at 4 hr but no spermatozoa were present in the uterus and fallopian tubes in ewes inseminated with frozen semen.

The isolation of T-mycoplasmas from the urogenital tract of bulls.

Abstract: Summary T-mycoplasmas were isolated from the semen of 23 of 28 bulls at an A.I. Centre, and from the semen of each of 4 bulls on separate farms. Washings from the preputial cavities of 10 bulls each contained at least 105 organisms per ml. In all, T-mycoplasmas were isolated from either semen or the preputial cavities of 28 of 34 bulls examined. Although the organisms were isolated from semen, they were not isolated from testicular tissue, the vas deferens or the mucosal scrapings of the urethra of 2 slaughtered bulls. It seems that the mycoplasmas are confined to the preputial cavity and gain access to semen during ejaculation. It is suggested that the failure of the organisms to become established in other areas of the genital tract is due to the presence of a potent mycoplasma inhibitor that was detected in bull semen in this study. A similar inhibitor was found in bull serum. It is thermostable at 56°C and nondialysable. The ecology and pathological role of the T-mycoplasmas in cattle are discussed in relation to the findings in man.

Cervical mucus penetration by human spermatozoa treated with anti-spermatozoal antibodies from rabbit and man.

Abstract: The effect on cervical mucus penetration by treatment of spermatozoa in normal ejaculates from 1 donor with different volumes of rabbit antiserum against seminal plasma seminal spermatozoa spermatocele spermatozoa and with serum from men with different levels of sperm antibodies was studied. Samples from 6 other men were also treated with antiseminal plasma serum and with serum containing sperm antibodies. The untreated spermatozoa and that treated with control sera showed normal penetration and unimpaired motility. Antisera against seminal plasma seminal spermatozoa and spermatocele spermatozoa had immobilizing and agglutinating activity and caused a reduction of penetration. Samples from the 6 different donors treated with rabbit antiserum or patient serum were affected but the penetration of those with high percentages of motile spermatozoa and rapid sperm motility was less reduced. It is concluded that antibodies against human spermatozoa and seminal fluid cause reduction of the cervical mucus-penetrating ability of spermatozoa with the degree dependent on antibody concentration and intrinsic properties of the spermatozoa.

Prostaglandins in human seminal fluid and their correlation to fertility.

Abstract: PIP: Prostaglandin levels in human seminal fluid and its possible correlation with degree of fertility were analyzed using a quantitative chemical method. Prostaglandins were divided into groups based on their chemical structure: group 1 (PGE compounds); group 2 (PGAs); group 3 (PGBs); group 4 (19-hydroxy-PGAs); and group 5 (19-hydroxy-PGBs). A total of 137 different semen samples were analyzed and divided into 3 groups based on clinical degree of fertility: group A comprised of samples from men with documented normal fertility, group B from men in infertile marriages of nonexamined origin and group C from functionally infertile marriages. Groups B and C semen differed from group A mainly by a lower mean PGE concentration, 36.0 and 29.4 mcg/ml, respectively. The difference between groups A and C was statistically significant (P 0.01) and largely due to an increased number of semen samples with low PGE level. None of the semen samples from group A had a low PGE level but in group C, 40% had a PGE level below 15 mcg/ml. PGE levels in human seminal fluid are of importance in routine studies of functionally infertile marriages.

Quantitative analysis of porcine spermatozoa and seminal plasma phospholipids as affected by frequency of ejaculation.

Abstract: Summary. Sixty-four ejaculates were collected from four crossbred litter-mate boars. Two frequencies of ejaculation were employed; once every 3 days and daily. Total semen volume (ml) and total spermatozoa per ejaculate (\m=x\109) for the two frequencies were 157, 37\m=.\4; and 131\m=.\9, 19\m=.\7,respectively. Spermatozoa and seminal plasma phospholipids were determined by thin-layer chromatography and phosphorus analysis. The phospholipid components of spermatozoa, in order of decreasing concentration, were: choline phosphatides, ethanolamine phosphatides, sphingomyelin, serine phosphatides, phosphatidic acid and/or polyglycerol phosphatides. Differences between collection frequencies for the phospholipid components were not significant. The seminal plasma phospholipid contained the same component phospholipids as the spermatozoa in addition to trace quantities of lysolecithin. Sphingomyelin was the major phospholipid present in the seminal plasma.

Early embryo mortality in heifers isoimmunized with semen and conceptus.

Abstract: a high incidence of early embryo loss. The heifers had a pregnancy rate of 11\m=.\8%and an incidence of delayed returns to oestrus of 41\m=.\3%.Only one of ten heifers immunized with semen had a fertilized ovum at slaughter after the second to fifth insemination. Pregnancy occurred in eight of ten control heifers immunized with seminal plasma after insemination. Heifers immunized with homologous conceptus material and adjuvant by repeated intra-uterine and intradermal injections required an average of 3\m=.\8inseminations per pregnancy. The infertility was apparently due to early embryo death. Isoimmunization with seminal plasma and immature testis, and the treatment of semen with antisera to conceptus and immature testis, had no effect on fertility in heifers.

Studies of the artificial insemination of sheep: The effects on fertility of diluting ram semen, stage of oestrus of the ewe at insemination, and injection of synthetic oxytocin

Abstract: Ewes were artifically inseminated with semen diluted in skim milk. In the first experiment, with an insemination dose of 50 x 106 spermatozoa, 10-fold dilution of semen did not reduce the fertility of the diluted sample if it was reconcentrated by centrifugation to the same volume as the undiluted controls. However, three later experiments conducted under extensive pastoral conditions showed that dilution in milk lowered the fertility of semen, and reconcentration of the spermatozoa had no effect. Only 8.8% fertility followed the insemination of 50 x 106 spermatozoa in semen diluted 10-fold and stored at 5°C for approximately 36 hr. The administration of 50 or 200 mU of synthetic oxytocin to ewes at an early stage after insemination had no effect on fertility. The intensity of marking with the crayons carried by vasectomized teaser rams, thought to be a measure of the intensity of display of oestrus, was positively correlated with the fertility of ewes at insemination. The greater the consistency and opacity of the vaginal mucus at the time of insemination, the lower was the fertility of the ewe. The fertility of ewes was highest during approximately the first 12 hr of oestrus, and dropped progressively through the two subsequent 12 hr periods.

Sperm retention and resorption in sexually active rabbits with epididymal ligatures.

Abstract: The rate of epididymal accumulation and retention of sperm in various portions of the epididymis was determined in Dutch-belted and New Zealand male rabbits. Each animal served as its own control by having only one side ligated. The sperm count in control caput epididymides averaged 111 96 and 120 million sperm which was not different from the sperm content of the caput after vasoligation. Ligating the ductuli efferentes prevented new sperm from being transported to the caput and sperm content declined significantly. With vasoligation spermatogenesis continued and there was a dramatic increase in sperm stored in the cauda epididymidis. Accumulated sperm accounted for 76-89% of the ejaculated sperm suggesting that sperm resorption was low in sexually active rabbits.

Chemical composition of cattle and buffalo spermatozoa and seminal plasma under different climatic conditions.

Abstract: on the quality of buffalo semen compared with other cattle (Sinha, Gupta & Roy, 1966). Semen was collected from four Murrah buffalo and four Hariana bulls and the study was made during the seasons mentioned in Table 1. Immediately after collection, semen was stored in a thermos flask containing ice. The spermatozoa and seminal plasma were separated by centrifuging a known volume ofpooled semen at low temperature for halfan hour. The chemical constituents were determined according to the standard methods described by Hawk, Oser & Summerson (1954). The sodium content of the seminal plasma of the two species did not differ significantly, but seasonal differences were noted, indicating higher concentra¬ tions in cold, and slightly lower values in hot and hot-humid climates. The potassium and chloride contents of the seminal plasma and the potassium content of the buffalo spermatozoa were higher (P<0\m=.\01) than those of the bulls in all seasons. Steinbach & Dunham (1961) demonstrated that the motility of the sperma¬ tozoa of Arbacia punctulata depended upon the ion gradient (sodium and potas¬ sium) in the sperm cells. Cragle & Salisbury (1959) showed that potassium levels in diluting media, comparable to those found in seminal plasma, had an inhibitory effect on the oxygen consumption, fructose utilization and lactic acid accumulation of bull spermatozoa. These reports indicate that the higher potassium concentrations found in the seminal plasma as well as the sperma¬ tozoa of buffalo might, to some extent, be associated with the lower survival of these spermatozoa under storage conditions. The inorganic phosphorus and calcium contents of the seminal plasma of the two species did not differ significantly, nor did they differ significantly from

A histochemical study of human seminal vesicle epithelium.

Abstract: Biochemical investigations have shown (Mann, 1964) that the seminal vesicles play an important role in the formation of seminal plasma. In man, constituents of the semen such as fructose (Mann, 1946) and sialic acid (Warren, 1959) have been attributed to seminal vesicle secretion. In spite of this, no studies concerning the human seminal vesicle have been found in the histochemical literature apart from incidental reports (Glenner, Folk & McMillan, 1962) and scattered data mentioned by Lillie (1965). The present histochemical investigation of the epithelium, which supplements an examination of its fine structure (Riva, 1967), has been particularly focused on substances and enzymes related to fructose metabolism; other constituents of seminal vesicle epithelium such as ribonucleoproteins, lipids, lipofuscins, and sialic acid containing mucins have also been studied.

Frozen turkey semen.

Abstract: Semen samples from Bronze turkeys, extended with Brown's buffer and antibiotics, and protected with combinations of ethylene glycol-glycerol and N,N-dimethylacetamide-glycerol were frozen at the rate of 8 degrees C per minute down to -196 degrees C. Similar treatments were used as controls. Five White virgin hens were inseminated with semen from each group before and after dialysis. The per cent fertility of the frozen semen samples after dialysis was lower than the corresponding control groups.

Immunological method and composition for controlling the sex of mammalian offspring

Abstract: An immunological method for controlling the sex of mammalian offspring, making use of spermatozoa which has been previously separated into fractions having the desired sex characteristics an antigens. A substantially pure sperm fraction containing the sex chromosomes of a single type (i.e., X chromosomes or Y chromosomes) is introduced into the body of a mammal in sufficient quantity to produce antibodies in the blood stream. A blood sample is then taken from the mammal, the blood coagulated and the blood serum containing the antibodies isolated. Fresh mammalian sperm is inoculated with the blood serum to inactivate and destroy sperm reactive with the antibodies in the blood serum and the treated sperm used to artificially inseminate the female, thereby inducing conception and offspring of desired sex as determined by the remaining unreacted sperm. In one application of the invention, antibodies reactive with either the X or Y chromosomes may be added to a dose of semen to cause death to sperm containing that type of chromosome before insemination. Alternatively, the antibodies may be introduced into the female either prior or subsequent to copulation (e.g., in a vaginal jelly or as a vaccine) to provide the possibility of sex selection at conception or possible embryonic death to a fetus of undesired sex.

The distribution of the principal inorganic ions in semen from the vas deferens of the domestic fowl and the content of carbon dioxide in the seminal plasma

Abstract: The distribution of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium between the spermatozoa and plasma in the semen of the vas deferens of the domestic fowl has been determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Chloride in the seminal components was analysed by an electrometric titration method and carbon dioxide in the seminal plasma was analysed using gas chromatography. The contents of potassium and magnesium were much higher, and those of sodium, calcium and chloride lower in the spermatozoa than in the seminal plasma. The amount of sodium in the plasma of the vas deferens was about the same as that in blood plasma, but the amounts of potassium and magnesium were greater in the seminal plasma. The amount of chloride was small in the seminal plasma and its significance in relation to the ionic balance in the fluid is discussed.

Effect of Diluents and Temperature on Instrumental Insemination of Queen Honey Bees

Abstract: Queen honey bees, Apis mellifera L., were inseminated with 1.25 μliter of semen diluted with an equal amount of diluent: 0.9% physiological saline (NaCI) solution containing 0.1% sugar (glucose, fructose, or trehalose or all 3 sugars) or the same sugars or sugar in buffered saline solution ( p H 6.9). Unaltered semen, stirred semen, and semen diluted with plain saline solution served as controls. The number of sperm reaching the spermatheca did not differ significantly among treatments ( P °;0.05). Also when queens were held at 25, 30, or 35°C or in the hive for 2 days after insemination with 2 μliter of semen, the number of sperm reaching the spermatheca did not differ but when the queens were held at 37.5 and 40°C the numbers were significantly lower. The death rate of the queens was high at 40°C.

Semen characteristics of Awassi rams

Abstract: On the College of Agriculture farm in Abu-Ghraib 147 ejaculates were collected from three docked and four normal Awassi rams born during November 1962. The work covered a period from 1 April 1967 to 31 March 1968.Nine semen characters, namely, volume, mass activity, individual motility, sperm concentration, sperm number, pH, methylene blue reduction time and the percentages of abnormal and dead sperms, were studied. The effect of season and docking on these characters was investigated.Seasonal variation was observed in all traits studied. On the whole, semen quality was poorest during winter and best during summer. The effect of docking was more pronounced on sperm concentration, sperm number and percentage of abnormal sperms. Docking appeared to increase sperm production and reduce sperm abnormality.

Sperm migration in the human female genital tract.

Abstract: The literature about sperm migration in the human female is reviewed. Ejaculated spermatozoa rapidly enter the mid-cycle cervical mucous and migrate through the cervical canal by intrinsic motility. The midcycle mucous which is low in proteins and antitrypsin is watery acellular alkaline and favors sperm penetration. Migration may also be influenced by proteolytic activity of seminal plasma and spermatozoa phalanx formation due to the difference in surface tension between semen and cervical mucus and perhaps the orientation of the strands of cervical mucus. After the sperm enter the uterus they depend on the contractile activity of myometrium for transport to the uterotubal junction. Oxytocin and prostaglandins may both be involved in the initiation of this response. Sperm transport to the site of fertilization appears dependant on the contractions of tubal musculature ciliary activity of the endosalpinx and fluid currents within the oviduct.