Showing papers on "Semen analysis published in 1978"

Isolation and Characterization of a Semen-Specific Protein from Human Seminal Plasma: A Potential New Marker for Semen Identification

Abstract: The identification of semen is of paramount importance in the investigation of rape and other crimes involving sexual assault. The most commonly used procedures for semen identification center on the detection of sperm or the detection of prostatic acid phosphatase activity; methods involving the detection of spermine, choline, or semen antigens are less commonly employed. Unfortunately, none of these procedures is without one or more significant problems. For example, sperm will not be found in the semen of vasectomized or aspermic males; moreover, sperm are mechanically labile and their unequivocal identification in suspected semen stains is often difficult. Also, sperm are cleared from the vagina fairly rapidly and hence may not be found in postcoital vaginal washings. Thus the failure to detect sperm in suspect material by no means counterindicates semen. In the case of the acid phosphatase test, the problems are different. Acid phosphatase is not at all unique to semen or prostatic tissue; this enzyme activity is ubiquitous in nature. Moreover, there is evidence that prostatic acid phosphatase and the acid phosphatase found in normal vaginal secretions are genetically identical and that both are genetically identical to lysosomal acid phosphatase found in most tissues; therefore, the genetic basis of specificity of the acid phosphatase test is in question. The quantitative test can only be based on the extraordinarily high level of acid phosphatase activity in semen; the low levels of activity often found in postcoital vaginal washings are thus equivocal with respect to the question of semen detection. The other tests for semen identification are similarly suspect in reference to their specificity.

Prolactin in Seminal Plasma of Infertile Men

Abstract: Twenty-one fertile and 103 infertile patients with oligospermia, azoospermia, impaired sperm motility and hypogonadism were evaluated for prolactin concentrations in serum, seminal plasma and split seminal plasma of two fractions. Prolactin concentration in the seminal plasma was two to three times higher than serum prolactin levels in fertile and infertile men. Prolactin concentration of the fraction 2 of the split ejaculate was higher than that of the fraction 1 and of the serum. Excessive high levels of serum prolactin and/or seminal plasma were found only among infertile patients with oligo- and azoospermia, impaired motility and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Prolactin is selectively accumulated in fraction 2 of the split ejaculate and affects the constituents of the seminal vesicular fluid, and excessive high prolactin concentrations of either seminal plasma or serum may be associated with male infertility.

Value of a testicular biopsy rating for prognosis in oligozoospermia

Abstract: Testicular biopsies of 142 oligozoospermic men were used to obtain a testicular biopsy score count. These scores were clearly related to the chance of fertility, in contra-distinction to data on hormone concentrations and from analysis of semen. In 36 patients with a score of 9-10 there were 15 pregnancies; in 59 patients with a score of 8-9, 12; and in 47 patients with scores below 8 there was only one successful pregnancy, though this last group also contained an additional three patients whose wives' pregnancies ended in miscarriages. Rating of testicular biopsies is more useful for proper evaluation of oligozoospermic patients than are data on hormone concentrations and from semen analysis. Proper evaluation of new treatments should be based on trials where experimental and control groups are matched on these ratings.

Some observations on human semen analysis.

Abstract: Semen analysis of 66 unmarried medical students in the age group of 17-21 years was carried out. A higher liquefaction time pH, motility, lower sperm count and abnormal forms were observed compared to reported values. Liquefaction time, pH and sperm count was found significantly different in non-vegetarians and vegetarians, perhaps due to difference in their dietary proteins.

Electrolyte content of human seminal fluid at different states of fertility.

Abstract: The concentrations of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) in seminal fluid were measured at different states of fertility (normospermic-azoospermic) and in postvasectomized specimens. Volume of seminal fluid in oligospermic and azoospermic groups was relatively less than in other groups. Semen Na was highest in the postvasectomized group (286.9 mg/100 ml) intermediate in the normospermic group (267.6 mg/100 ml) and lowest in the asthenospermic group (260.1 mg/100 ml). By t-statistics there was no significant difference in the semen Na concentration among the different groups (7 groups total based on sperm count) indicating the insignificant role of Na in sperm motility. The K content of seminal fluid of normospermic oligospermic and necrospermic groups ranged from 81.6-61.9 mg/100 ml whereas the asthenospermic oligospermic azoospermic and postvasectomized groups had insignificant differences as revealed by t-statistics (range 103.5-129.8 mg/100 ml). Normospermic and oligoasthenospermic values of K were 81.6 and 68.5 mg respectively; semen K in necrospermic and postvasectomized groups was 61.9 and 108.8 mg respectively; again K played an insignificant role in sperm motility. These values also show that vasectomy had no effect on electrolytes. Some variations in K concentration were found in some groups but no correlation with physical parameters could be made. However good correlation was observed between Na and K in normospermic men as well as in the pooled data of different groups.

Polyamine levels in human semen of unfertile patients: effect of S-adenosylmethionine.

Abstract: Polyamine content has been determined in the seminal plasma of unfertile men before and after S-adenosylmethionine treatment. Spermine and spermidine levels in azoospermic patients were found very low (80 and 24 microgram/ml) with respect to normospermic (1500 and 60 microgram/ml): S-adenosylmethionine treatment enhanced polyamine content (50-300%) in oligospermic patients. Furthermore, an increase of sperm count and motility has been observed in these patients.

Immunologic aspects of vasovasostomy.

Abstract: To determine the role of autoimmunity following vasovasostomy immunologic testing and semen analysis of 30 men (Group A consisted of 16 men with postvasovasostomy sperm count of 10 million or more and Group B consisted of 14 azoospermic or severely oligozoospermic men) were conducted. No significant clinical differences were observed between the 2 groups. Following insemination of the husbands sperms on 12 wives 2 pregnancies occurred after AIH 2 more after unsuccessful AIH and 1 before any insemination was performed. Semen analysis of the husbands whose wives conceived after insemination revealed 50% or better motility and little or no agglutination with titers of 1:32 or less compared with the 5th husbands sperm which exhibited only 15% motility and severe agglutinzation with titer of 1:512. The findings indicate the occurence of sperm antibody production following vasectomy by resorption of sperm within the epididymal space by extravasation of sperm at the vasectomy site following surgery and by disruption of blood-testis barrier during surgery. It was postulated that sperm agglutination and immobilization occur following production of sperm antibodies thus reducing mucus penetration and resulting subsequent secondary infertility. More conclusive studies are needed to better understand immune response.

Psychotropic drug induced male infertility: a case report.

Abstract: This is a case report of a 35-year old man whose fertility status was severely impaired by a past history of bilateral testicular torsion use of numerous psychotropic drugs and the presence of a left varicocele. A moderate improvement in the semen quality occurred following discontinuation of the medications but a significant reponse was not evident until a varicocelectomy was performed. Thereafter repeated semen analyses revealed normal findings except for a marked depression of sperm motility when the patient took Norpramin a psychoactive drug. Seminal factors were consistently normal when this medication was withheld. Ultimately when the patient agreed not to take the Norpramin for 9 months his semen quality remained normal and his wife conceived and delivered a normal male child. (authors)