Showing papers on "Semen published in 1972"

Total Phospholipid and Phospholipid Fatty Acids of Ejaculated and Epididymal Semen and Seminal Vesicle Fluids of Boars

Abstract: S PERMATOZOA from the caput, corpus and cauda epididymis and ejaculated sperm were analyzed for their phospholipid and phospholipid fatty acid content. Caput spermatozoa contained 16 and 34% more total phospholipid than sperm from the corpus and cauda epididymis, respectively. Caudal sperm were similar to ejaculated sperm in phospholipid content. Seminal plasma from ejaculated semen collected as sperm rich contained twice the phospbolipid found in whole ejaculate seminal plasma. Caudal epididymal plasma contained 32 times more phospholipid than ejaculated plasma. Unsaturated fatty acids comprised about 70% of the total fatty acids present in ejaculated sperm phospholipid and from 58 to 65% of the fatty acids in epididymal sperm. Docosapentaenoic (22:5co6) and docosahexanoic (22:6) acid were the predominant fatty acids present. Plasma phospholipid from the ejaculated semen contained 50 to 54% unsaturated fatty acids. Palmitic and arachidic acid were predominant in quantity. Seminal vesicle fluid phosphollpid contained three predominant fatty acids, stearic, oleic and linoleic acid, comprising 78% of the total fatty acids present.

Sperm Penetration of Cervical Mucus as a Criterion of Male Fertility

Abstract: Semen samples were examined from 51 fertile men, and from the male partners in 283 infertile marriages. In addition to routine analysis, they were tested for sperm penetration through ovulatory cervical mucus, using the method of Kremer with slight modifications. Comparison of the 2 groups in regard to semen properties showed statistically significant differences between the means for density, percentage of living, motile and abnormal spermatozoa, for motility degree, and for sperm penetration. No significant difference between the means was found for volume, content of fructose and acid phosphatase in the seminal plasma. In the entire series a moderate correlation was found between sperm penetration and percentage of motile spermatozoa, motility degree, density, percentage of living and percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. A low correlation was found between sperm penetration and volume, content of fructose or acid phosphatase in seminal plasma. The variance of sperm penetration due to regression of the o...

Diploid Spermatozoa in Rabbit Semen and Their Experimental Separation from Haploid Spermatozoa

Abstract: In rabbits, 1112 diploid (2N) spermatozoa were recognized by their large heads which were found to have an area in optical projection of 1.532 ( 0.034 SE) times the area of those deemed to be normal haploids (iN). This ratio is of the same order as the theoretical figure of 1.587 for a ratio of quadratic dimensions involving objects expected to differ twofold in volume. 2N spermatozoan heads are stockier in shape and more pear-shaped than those of haploids. A frequent partial or complete doubling of the tail (37% of 2N spermatozoa) indicates some prior cytological doubling event consistent with diploid status. Partial tail doubling is nearly always proximal, in the midpiece segment, and arguments relating to centriolar function can be developed. The heads of 2N spermatozoa can bear one, two, or (very exceptionally) three separate tails. Motile specimens have been observed of all types of 2N spermatozoa with partial or complete tail doubling, or with single tails. Twentyseven percent of 2N spermatozoa are “live” (unstained by nigrosin-eosin) and bear one tail. A further 19% are “live” but with partial or complete tail doubling. A survey of eight potential sources of variation in AS-strain rabbits aged 29 weeks showed that the incidence of 2N spermatozoa (mean 0.31%) varied between brothers but otherwise exhibited little variation in relation to kinship, nor between duplicate ejaculates or duplicate miscroscope preparations, and the heritability estimate in this partially inbred strain was zero. In a search for material with a higher incidence of 2N spermatozoa, three strains (AS, AD and R) were sampled from 26 to 192 weeks of age and marked strain and age effects were apparent, with a prominent strain/age interaction such that young males of AD-strain had the unusually high incidence of ca. 1.5% 2N spermatozoa. These young AD-strain males provide the highest known natural incidence of 2N spermatozoa. Colchicine injection failed to increase the incidence. When whole semen of young AD-strain males (average incidence 1.6% 2N spermatozoa in controls) was centrifuged in a dextran-based density gradient, an upper fraction with 0.4% 2N spermatozoa was recovered from the tubes, and a lower fraction with 2.9%. The two figures differ significantly from each other and from the control figure for whole semen. The technique was highly repeatable and constitutes a success in physical separation of living spermatozoa in accordance with their genetic content. Improvement in the degree of separation is under investigation. The fraction with a high incidence provides a new source of 2N spermatozoa for further experiments. In the fraction with a low incidence, genetically deleterious spermatozoa have been removed from mammalian semen by artificial means, and the results can be viewed as a pilot experiment of interest in a medical context.

Antifertility effect of Ocimum sanctum L.

Abstract: To determine the possible antifertility effect of Ocimum sanctum leaves on male mice the histological and biochemical changes in the reproductive organs were studied in male albino mice fed Ocimum leaves as part of their regular laboratory diet and in untreated rats used as controls. The testes prostate and adrenal glands all showed a decrease in weight in the treated mice. The spermatid bundles were not properly developed in these mice and the few sperm cells found were in a degenerated condition all indicating impairment of spermatogenesis. The treated animals also showed a significant decrease in pH in their seminal vesicles indicating the semen was too acidic to maintain spermatozoal motility. Other changes in the animals fed Ocimum leaves included a uniform reduction in mucoprotein levels increased acid and alkaline phosphatase activity and increased levels of reducing substances. All of these biochemical changes affect spermatozoal motility and metabolism. To conform the sterility of Ocimum-treated male mice some of the animals were mated with female mice of proven fertility and no pregnancies occurred. It is concluded that ingestion of Ocimum leaves causes chemical changes rendering spermatozoa nonviable.

Evaluation of a Capillary Tube Sperm Penetration Method for Fertility Investigations

Abstract: The sperm penetration test introduced by Kremer was studied, using cervical mucus as the test medium and human semen samples with varying properties. The spermatozoa from semen samples of good quality penetrated rapidly, to more than 30 mm within one hour. Spermatozoa from semen samples of poor quality penetrated slowly and a maximum penetration of less than 20 mm was noted. Capillary tube size, incubation temperature, and the amount of mucus protruding from the capillary tube, had no appreciable influence on the results. Reproducibility was good. Storage of the cervical mucus at + 4°C or - 20°C for 3 weeks did not influence its suitability as a test medium. The test is easy to perform and well suited for routine semen analysis.

Seminal prostaglandins and fertility.

Abstract: Seminal prostaglandins have been related to fertility. This study examines the prostaglandin levels in semen samples collected in an infertility clinic. The prostaglandin levels were compared with levels in samples from fertile men undergoing vasectomy. Semen samples were classified as normal based on an established criteria. Semen samples were analyzed at the Chelsea Hospital for Women and were divided into the following groups: 1) unexplained infertility (n=25 samples); 2) potentially infertile men (sperm count < 20 million/ml; n=19 samples from 14 men); 3) normal semen analysis but the wives are infertile (n=37 samples from 31 men); and 4) normal group (men undergoing vasectomy; n=23 samples from 23 men). The method for extracting and determining the prostaglandin levels is described. A wide range of values was observed in all the groups studied. Repeat samples obtained from 14 men exhibited significant variations in levels of 19OH PGA but not in the levels of the other compounds (PGE and PGA). There were no significant differences found between the mean levels of any of the prostaglandins in the different groups although there was a significant decrease in the scatter of values for PGE in group 1 (unexplained infertility) as compared to group 4 (fertile men) (p < 0.025). 4 women whose husbands were placed in the infertile group became pregnant during the study suggesting that high PGE levels may increase fertility although a low seminal PGE level does not necessarily mean sterility. Considerable and rapid deterioration of semen samples occurred on storage. It is important that patients refrain from all medication for a set period before presenting samples for analysis and samples should be extracted and analyzed within a few days of receipt.

Heterospermic insemination of rabbit semen as a means of evaluating techniques of semen handling.

Abstract: The comparative efficiency of two semen extenders, eggyolk-Illini Variable Temperature extender (E) and reconstituted milk (M), in the maintenance of fertilizing ability was tested by heterospermic insemination using semen from Black (B) and White (W) males whose offspring were distinguishable. Semen from the different males was combined just before insemination to give a mixture of equal numbers of spermatozoa from each. Each of the male/semen combinations BE + WE, BM + WM, BE +WM and BM + WE was inseminated into one of four groups of females. There were no significant differences between groups in the proportion of does kindling or in litter size. When the BE + WE combination was used, 69 % of progeny were W and when the BM + WM combination was used, 86 % were W. When the BM + WE combination was inseminated, 96% of progeny were W. However, when BE+WM was used, only 32 % of progeny were W. Spermatozoa stored in E were associated with a significantly greater proportion of offspring than spermatozoa from males stored in M when BE was compared with WM (P <0\\m=.\\001)and when WE was compared with WM (P<0\\m=.\\01).It is concluded that the competitive advantage enjoyed by spermatozoa stored in E is due to the superiority of the E extender in maintaining fertilizing ability. This finding suggests that appropriate heterospermic inseminations could be used to distinguish between semen handling techniques and extenders.

L-Tartrate Inhibitable Acid Phosphatase in Semen and Vaginal Secretions

Abstract: Sivaram (1970) and Sivaram and Bami (1971) have claimed that L-tartrate inhibitable acid phosphatase is characteristic of semen and can be used for the identification of seminal stains. However, considerable quantities of L-tartrate inhibitable acid phosphatase have been found on vaginal swabs from donors who have not had sexual intercourse for at least one month. This acid phosphatase is vaginal, not seminal, because seminal acid phosphatase can only be detected for two to three days after intercourse. L-tartrate inhibitable acid phosphatase should not therefore be used as a means of identifying semen in the absence of other evidence.

Method for testing body fluids such as semen

Abstract: A method for determining the effectiveness of an interruption in the vasa deferentia or the effectiveness of the production of aspermia, total or partial inhibition of spermatogenesis (sperm production in the testes) or sperm transport through the epididymides or vasa deferentia by chemical (drug) or other (for example, radiological or immunological or agglutination or temperature) means by reacting semen with an agent or combination of agents which respond to visually or photometrically indicate the presence of sperm in the semen or the presence in the semen of a fluid which carries sperm, if any, and which can only be present if the vas interruption is incomplete. A device which is used according to the method for determining the presence of sperm includes a filter which carries (e.g. by impregnation or coating) an agent or combination of agents which react to indicate the presence of DNA, so that if sperm is present in the semen the DNA therein will provide through the reaction of the agent a visual or photometric indication of the presence of sperm, and/or an agent (or agents) which react with specific constituents in the fluids secreted or produced by the testes, the epididymides, or the vasa deferentia (for example, glycerylphosphorylcholine or glycosidases or carnitine) to give through the reaction a visual or photometric indication of the presence of these constituents in the semen.

Contraceptive research: a male chauvinist plot?

Abstract: Historically mankind has successfully limited fertility by concentrating on the role of the male through the use of withdrawal and the condom. In response to the argument that not enough attention has been given to the male during the modern era of contraceptive research it is pointed out that there seem to be fewer possibilities for interference with the male reproductive system than with that of the female. The following 4 areas of the male system are discussed: sperm production in the testes sperm storage and maturation in the epididymis sperm transport in the vas and the chemical constitution of the seminal fluid. To date sperm transport is the stage at which most interference has been successful (e.g. foams creams the vasectomy). Important considerations in male contraception include the need for affecting sperm production completely or not at all to avoid genetic damage and the effect of long-term contraception or chemical alterations in the seminal fluid on sperm and sperm production.

The fertility of Merino ewes artificially inseminated with semen diluted in solutions based on skim milk, glucose or ribose

Abstract: The fertility of Merino ewes artificially inseminated with semen diluted tenfold in milk or buffered glucose solution was lower than that of a control group of ewes inseminated with the same number of spermatozoa in undiluted semen. By means of centrifugation, the concentration of spermatozoa in the insemination dose of diluted semen was raised to match that of the undiluted semen and then the effect of dilution on fertility was eliminated for the glucose-diluted semen, but not for the milk-diluted semen. Respective percentages of ewes not returning to oestrus and ewes lambing were, after insemination with undiluted semen, 60.5, 46.7; with milk-diluted semen, 55.9, 40.2 and after reconcentration 56.0, 38.0; with glucose-diluted semen, 48.2, 35.3, and after reconcentration 62.1, 46.1. In another experiment, the percentage of ewes lambing after insemination with undiluted semen, with semen diluted tenfold with glucose, and with semen diluted with a ribose mixture and chilled at 5°C for 24 hr were respectively 67.0, 58.0, and 26.1. Both diluents contained 6% (v/v) egg yolk and diluted semen samples were reconcentrated to the original sperm density of the semen immediately before insemination.

Presence of a spermagglutinating factor in the normal serum of rabbits against homologous spermatozoa.

Abstract: While determining the presence of erythrocytic antigens on rabbit spermatozoa, it was consistently found that the normal heat-inactivated serum of individual rabbits agglutinated their own spermatozoa (Padma, 1972a). Matousek (1964) also found similar spermagglutinins in the normal sera of bulls, rams and boars against homologous spermatozoa. Edwards (1960) and Weil & Finkler (1959) reported the complement-fixing activity of normal rabbit serum with homologous spermatozoa. Chang (1947) showed that a spermicidal factor which was thermolabile and unstable existed in the fresh sera of rabbits, guinea-pigs, rats, bulls and human beings. Freeze drying and subsequent reconstitution destroyed the factor. Smith (1949) found that normal human and goat sera caused tail agglutination of rabbit spermatozoa. She also reported that head agglutination of spermatozoa occurred with normal rabbit serum but considered this head agglutination to be non-specific and did not study the phenomenon further. Beck, Edwards & Young (1962) and Symons (1967) by an immunoflorescence technique, Lachmann, Sell & Spooner (1965) by mixed conglutina¬ tion and Edwards (1967) and Johnson (1968) demonstrated the antispermatozoal activity of normal homologous serum. Spooner (1964) also showed that the germinal cells of the guinea-pig testis could be lysed by their own serum. On the other hand, Brown, Glynn & Holborow (1963) in guinea-pigs, Pokorna, Vojtiskova, Rychlikova & Chutna (1963) in mice and Mancini (1967) in guinea-pigs and humans failed to detect any type of immunological reaction between normal serum and homologous spermatozoa. In view of the contra¬ dictory reports, experiments were performed to ascertain whether the serum of normal animals shows spermagglutinin activity against homologous as well as heterologous spermatozoa. Preparation of sperm suspensions and performance of tests were carried out within 4 hr of collection of the semen to avoid occurrence of the spontaneous agglutination in saline reported by Smith (1949). Sera from normal rabbits were diluted up to 1/400 in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7-1 to 7-2) and the agglutination reaction was graded arbitrarily from + to + + + + according to the intensity of reaction. In all four grades, the spermatozoa were clumped

Effects of the number of spermatozoa and volume of diluted semen on fertility in the ewe

Abstract: Incidence of pregnancy in artificially inseminated Merino ewes was not significantly affected by dilution of semen with buffered glucose so as to present equal numbers of spermatozoa in different volumes (50 or 200 µI) or by reducing number of spermatozoa per insemination from 100 to 50 million. Respective pregnancy percentages for various volumes and concentrations of semen were: 50 µl, 50 x l06, 48.7%; 200 µl, 50 x l06, 57.1%; 50 µl,100 x l06, 53.8%; 200 µl , 100 x 106 52.9%; 31 µl, 100 x l06 (undiluted control), 60.2%. The percentage of pregnancies was significantly higher among ewes with clear or heavy (v. light) raddle marks left by the teaser rams used to detect oestrus, and among those with a copious flow of vaginal mucus at insemination. The fertility of all semen fell as the interval between collection and insemination increased to 1 hr.

Semen characteristics of two breeds of turkeys

Abstract: at Giza, Egypt (lat. 30\s=deg\N).Four collections were tested each month throughout 1 year. The collections of alternate weeks were used for studying the physical and chemical characteristics respectively. The largest volumes of semen were produced between March and October, and the smallest between November and February. The best semen quality was recorded between November and April, and the poorest between May and August. A sharp decline in all semen characteristics occurred during May. If the causes of this decline can be avoided, the time of obtaining best semen qualities is prolonged. The semen production of Beltsville Small White turkeys was better than that of the Bronze breed. Wide seasonal variations in types of sperm abnormality were observed. Seminal fructose and vitamin C were high between November and April, and low from May to August. Semen quality was directly related to levels of seminal fructose and vitamin C. Slight seasonal and monthly variations were observed in inorganic phosphate levels. The rate of fructose metabolism by the spermatozoa was high during the first hour and decreased consistently thereafter. The large quantity of carbon dioxide produced during the first hour depressed sperm viability.

Chemotaxis of neutrophil leucocytes towards spermatozoa and seminal fluid.

Abstract: The fate of those spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract which do not fertilize the ovum has been the subject of many studies. Phagocytosis of sperma¬ tozoa by polymorphonuclear leucocytes and occasionally by mononuclear cells has been reported in the mouse and rat (Austin, 1957), golden hamster (Yanagimachi & Chang, 1963), rabbit (Menge, Tyler & Casida, 1962), cattle (Howe & Black, 1963) and in man (Moyer, Rimdusit & Mishell, 1970), and it probably represents an important mechanism for the removal ofspermatozoa. Mobilization of leucocytes from the wall into the lumen of the reproductive tract precedes phagocytosis of the spermatozoa. Thus, in several species a striking migration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes into the lumen of the vagina and uterus is observed shortly after copulation or insemination (Hartman, 1928; Austin, 1957; Pitkjanen, 1960; Yanagimachi & Chang, 1963). Various explanations have been proposed for this migration of polymorpho¬ nuclear leucocytes; for example, distension of the uterus with fluid after copulation (Austin, 1957), bacteria introduced into the uterus (McDonald, Black, McNutt & Casida, 1952), a direct effect of semen itself (Howe & Black, 1963, postulated that, since the addition of antibiotics followed by negative bacterial cultures still elicited migration, this response could not have been mediated by bacteria) and the release of a leucotactic substance by spermatozoa in the uterus (Menge et al., 1962). Of these possibilities, the last seemed to us the most likely.

Effect of low doses of synthetic progestins on testicular function.

Abstract: The effects of low doses of chlormadinone and norgestrel in normal males upon several indices of testicular function and on the ability of subjects spermatozoa to penetrate cervical mucus in vitro were studied. Subjects were normal 25-45 year old males. All had at least 1 child. Before treatment weekly samples of semen were submitted for 3 weeks. Weedly samples were obtained during the treatment period and for 3 weeks afterward. All samples were examined soon after collection. The synthetic progestins chlormadinone acetate 500 mcg daily or norgestrel 100 mcg daily were given for 7-15 weeks. The ability of subjects spermatozoa to penetrate ovulatory cervical mucus was measured. Sperm counts levels of fructose and sialic acid and the activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase and of nucelotidase in the semen were determined. Although variations were found in these tests they could not be related to the therapy but may have been due to incomplete collection of samples. No change in the ability of the spermatozoa to penetrate cervical mucus in vitro was observed to result from the taking of the progestins. Details of techniques used are given. The therapy is considered to have had no detectable effect on the biochemical measurements. No change in libido was noted.

Effect of Testosterone, Estradiol-17β and Progesterone on the Oxygen Uptake by Bovine Semen, Washed Spermatozoa and Epididymal-Like Spermatozoa

Abstract: and progesterone on the oxygen uptake of bovine spermatozoa in Tris-HCI buffer and saline (NaCI) media containing 500 mg per 100 ml fructose was determined. Testosterone significantly inhibited the oxygen uptake by freshly ejaculated semen, washed spermatozoa and epididymal-like spermatozoa. The effect was greatest with washed and epididymal-like spermatozoa, both of which have the seminal plasma removed. This effect was dependent on the dose of testosterone used with the most effective inhibitory concentration being 25 �hg/2.S X 108 spermatozoa/mi. Estradiol-17$ was stimulatory to the oxygen uptake of bovine semen and washed spermatozoa at a concentration of 10 �Lg/2.5 � 108 spermatozoa/mi. Higher concentrations of estradiol-17�3 decreased the stimulatory effect and could become inhibitory. Progesterone tended to reduce oxygen uptake by whole semen and washed spermatozoa, but significant inhibition was only obtained when 100 �g progesterone per milliliter was added to whole semen. These steroids may have some direct effect on spermatozoa in vivo in addition to the indirect effects mediated through the reproductive systems.