Showing papers on "Semen analysis published in 1981"

Proteins of human semen. I. Two-dimensional mapping of human seminal fluid.

Abstract: The proteins in human seminal plasma were mapped by high-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis (ISO-DALT and BASO-DALT systems). When analyzed under dissociating conditions, samples from normal fertile males revealed a pattern of over 200 proteins, ranging in mass from 10 000 to 100 000 daltons. Comparison of the mapped proteins from these males and those who had undergone vasectomy allowed us to identify one series of glycoproteins as missing from the semen from vasectomized individuals. Glycoproteins isolated by affinity chromatography with use of concanavalin A were also mapped. Some of the protein spots were identified either by co-electrophoresis with purified proteins or by the electrophoretic transfer of proteins to nitrocellulose sheets and subsequent detection by immunological procedures. The proteins identified include a number of serum proteins as well as prostatic acid phosphatase and creatine kinase. Proteolytic events shown to occur during the liquefaction of semen that occurs early after collection indicate the importance of carefully controlled collection and preparation methods for clinical evaluation of seminal plasma. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride inhibit this proteolysis.

Factors affecting the variability of semen analysis results in infertile men

Abstract: UNLABELLED Infertile men who had 3 or more semen analyses performed in one laboratory were placed in 2 groups (I) oligozoospermic group (n = 106), mean sperm concentration between 1 and 20 million/ml (II) asthenozoospermic group (n = 71), mean sperm concentration greater than 20 million/ml, and mean motility less than 60%. With increasing durations of abstinence from ejaculation before the tests there were significant increases in semen volume and sperm concentration. Semen volume increased over the first 4 days to a similar extent in both groups. Sperm concentrations increased over 15 days, but the effect of abstinence was much greater in the asthenozoospermic group than in the oligozoospermic group (14% compared with 1.4% of the within subject variation). Significant changes in results accompanied repeated testing, notably rises in sperm concentration and motility. Sperm motility was lower in winter and higher in summer in both groups and also, but to a lesser extent, in artificial insemination donors who collected semen in the laboratory. CONCLUSIONS duration of abstinence, the elapse of time and seasonal temperature changes affect semen analysis results, and therefore controls for these variables must be incorporated in any therapeutic trial for male infertility. On the other hand, they only account for a small proportion of the total variability and thus routine correction of results would not greatly improve the value of semen analysis in the prediction of fertility. Furthermore because differences in the duration of abstinence have only a small effect on sperm concentration in oligozoospermic men, restricting sexual intercourse to the time of ovulation may not enhance fertility.

Free L-carnitine in human seminal plasma.

Abstract: It has often been suggested that determination of free L(-)-carnitine in seminal plasma may provide a good indication of epididymal function. However there has been disagreement regarding the origin of L(-)-carnitine (epididymis and seminal vesicles) and its concentration in human seminal plasma. In this study free L(-)-carnitine was determined after deproteinization with an enzymatic spectrophotometric method. In 29 semen samples from fathers and with normal spermiograms (semen volume between 2 and 6 ml sperm count over 20.10 /ml more than 50% motile spermatozoa) the total free L(-)-carnitine in the seminal plasma was 1010 nmoles (SD: +or- 480) in 16 samples from vasectomized men it was 131 nmoles (SD: +or- 77) and in 5 from men with agensis of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles it was 21 nmoles (SD: +or- 25). These results suggest that free L(-)-carnitine in the seminal fluid is predominantly of epididymal origin. The results of free L(-)-carnitine determinations in split ejaculates and the absence of a correlation between L(-)-carnitine and fructose concentrations in semen from normal subjects indicate that the seminal vesicles make only a minor contribution to L(-)-carnitine in the seminal plasma. (authors)

Study of a group of 484 fertile men. Part I: distribution of semen characteristics.

Abstract: The semen characteristics studied were the sperm count, semen volume, morphology and pre-freeze and post-thaw motility. Two categories of fertile men were investigated: semen donor candidates for artificial insemination and pre-vasectomy subjects. Since mean values for each variable in the two series were similar, they could be considered as a single group of 484 fertile men. Only those subjects whose ejaculates were obtained after an abstinence of 5 days or less were retained. The distribution, mean and percentiles were determined for each variable. The 10th and 90th percentiles for sperm count, percentage of motile forms and percentage of normal cells were respectively 25 and 180 million per ml, 60% and 80% and 50% ad 75%. The three variables, sperm count, semen volume and total number of spermatozoa which were dependent on abstinence were analysed in the same manner for 3 days of abstinence. The group studied seemed to be as representative and as well defined as possible.

Reversal of Vasectomy: the Effects of Sperm Antibodies on Subsequent Fertility

Abstract: Antisperm antibodies were measured in serum and seminal plasma in 130 males before and after vasectomy reversal and the occurrence of pregnancy was analyzed in the partners of 77 who were followed for more than 1 year. Sperm-agglutinating antibodies were found in the serum of 79% of the patients; seminal plasma antibodies were present in only 9.5% before reversal and this figure rose to 26% afterwards. Pregnancies occurred in the partners of 53% of those men who were trying to conceive children. A pregnancy was significantly less likely when the preoperative serum antisperm antibody titer was 512 or more but no decrease in fertility was seen with titers below this. Several pregnancies resulted in patients with seminal plasma antibodies but numbers and follow-up are too small to permit detailed analysis. A randomized controlled trial of preoperative steroids showed that they produced no benefit. The antisperm antibodies associated with vasectomy reversal appear to differ fundamentally from those occurring in naturally subfertile males. (authors)

Clinical trial of gossypol as a male antifertility agent.

Abstract: Gossypol was first used in a clinical trial in 1972 as a fertility control agent. Subsequent trials have allowed scientists to arrive at the optimum dosage (20 mg/day for 60-75 days followed by a maintenance dose of 50 mg/week) to reduce side effects. The most common side effects reported are fatigue gastrointestinal symptoms decreased libido and potency dizziness and dryness in the mouth. Most occur in the loading phase and are transient. The most serious side effect hypokalemic paralysis occurred in 66 cases; recovery was prompt in most cases after potassium repletion. With the optimal doses of gossypol it usually takes between 2-3 months to achieve necrospermia or sperm count below 4 million/ml. Electron microscopy reveals a variety of changes in the spermatozoa which are no longer visible after discontinuation of gossypol and recovery of sperm count. The follow-up semen analysis in 2067 cases indicates that 73.68% of the cases were reversible with a sperm count over 4 million/ml 16.4% had sperm but below 4 million/ml and 9.92% were azoospermic. The shorter the duration of gossypol administration the higher the recovery rate. A duration of less than 2 years seems optimal for fertility control. A variety of other tests and examinations were carried out with obtained values all within the normal limits. 266 pregnancies in the wives of subjects occurred after withdrawal of gossypol or during the treatment regimes. Gossypol is very effective but more research must be done to reduce side effects and increase reversibility after treatment withdrawal.

Non-specific seminal tract infection and male infertility: a bacteriological study.

Abstract: 70 infertile males with epididymal tenderness, pus cells in the semen, and/or history of urinary tract infection were studied by semen culture examination. Significant growth of Streptococcus fecalis, Escherichia coli, coagulase positive Staphylococci, Proteus valgaris, Pseudomonas pyocyanea, and beta hemolytic Strepticocci was found in 42.9% of the cases. Most of the tested strains were sensitive to ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, nitrofurantoin, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol. In a control group of 20 healthy fertile males, only an insignificnat growth of Staphylococcus albus and Streptococcus facalis was found in 65% of the samples. Nonspecific seminal tract infection can be an important cause of male infertility. These infections may affect fertility in several ways: by damaging sperm, hampering their motility, altering the chemical composition of the seminal fluid, or by producing an inflammatory structure in the tract. Seminal infection could also be the cause of the chronicity of urinary tract infection by acting as the reservoir of infection.

Comparative study of some characteristics of the semen of RR (rose comb) or rr (single comb) cockerels.

Abstract: Comparative studies were made of semen samples from subfertile RR and normally fertile rr cockerels. These samples were obtained either by abdominal massage or directly from the tip of papillae. The numbers of collected sperm did not differ between genotypes and the sperm from RR cockerels were less motile than those from rr cockerels irrespective of the semen collection method. The uric acid concentration of seminal plasma was influenced by the semen collection method (massage greater than papillae) but no variations were induced by the genotypes. The ATP-ase and acid phosphatase activities found in the seminal plasma were influenced respectively by the genotype (rr greater than RR) and the semen collection method (papillae greater than massage). The fumarase and acrosin activities found in the sperm were not influenced by the semen collection methods while acrosin activity was found to be higher in RR than in rr cockerels. Correlations between these various characteristics are given in detail.

Seminal acid phosphatase from normal, oligospermic, vasectomized, and azoospermic men.

Abstract: PIP: The activity of seminal acid phosphatase was determined in both normal and abnormal human semen samples and the enzyme activity was correlated with total protein content of seminal fluid. Fresh human semen samples were collected from 88 subjects, aged 25-40, after 7 days of abstinence, by masturbation. Semen samples were grouped into 4 according to sperm count: 1) count above 40 million/ml and normal morphology; 2) count below 40 million/ml with normal morphology (oligospermic); 3) azoospermic (sperm absent); and 4) vasectomized males. Acid phosphatase was measured colorimetrically, and protein was assayed by the method of Lowry et al. Despite similar ejaculate volumes in both Groups 1 and 2, the percentage motility of sperm from oligospermic men (Group 2) was significantly less (P=.05). The protein content was found to be highest in oligospermic males, but not significantly higher (P.05). The normal, oligospermic, vasectomized, and azoospermic samples showed a decreasing order of acid phosphatase activity, and a significant difference of activity (P.05) was exhibited only when normal and azoospermic samples were compared. An inverse relationship between acid phosphatase activity and total protein content was found. The normal semen samples with high protein concentrations were found to possess low acid phosphatase activity and samples having low protein content showed approximately 3 times higher acid phosphatase activity. Statistical analysis has shown these are highly significant relationships (P.001 in each case).

Glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase leakage from human spermatozoa as an indicator of cryodamage.

Abstract: The levels of extracellular glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT: EC 2.6.1.1) activity have been measured in cell-free supernatants of human semen and of semen + cryoprotectant mixtures both before freezing by either cryostorage or quench-freezing regimes, and after subsequent thawing. The mean level of GOT activity in seminal plasma was 293 (+/- 15 sem) IU/l at 37 degrees C, this being 15 times the level in normal blood plasma. Seminal GOT is positively correlated (p less than 0.001) with the sperm density. Increases in the extracellular GOT activity were measured after both cryostorage and quench-freezing, but the latter procedure, which destroys all sperm motility, caused an average of 2.8 times more enzyme release than cryostorage. Although the release of GOT from human spermatozoa during freezing and thawing does not correlate with the commonly used percent return of motility as an estimate of cryosurvival, possible explantations for this finding, and its importance, are discussed. Objective measurements such as GOT release may be developed to augment, if not replace, subjective estimations of sperm motility as indicators of cellular integrity in studies of sperm cryostorage.

Prostaglandin E and 19-hydroxy prostaglandin E content in the semen of men with normal sperm characteristics, men with abnormal sperm characteristics, vasectomised men and polyzoospermic men.

Abstract: Data on the levels of prostaglandin E (PGE) and their 19-hydroxy derivatives (19-OH-PGE) in semen from 15 men with normal sperm characteristics 15 with abnormal sperm characteristics 15 vasectomized men and 15 polyzoospermic men are presented. No significant difference was found between the levels of these 2 PGs on comparing the values (mcg/ml) for men with normal sperm characteristics (PGE 52 +or- 29 19-OH-PGE 218 +or- 98) with those for men with abnormal sperm characteristics (PGE 50 +or- 41 19-OH-PGE 319 +or- 205) or the vasectomized group (PGE 42 +or- 27 19-OH-PGE 245 +or- 118). However significantly reduced PG levels were found in polyzoospermic men. The PGE/19-OH-PGE ratio was found to be 1:4 for men in the normal group and 1:6 for those in the other 3 groups. (authors)

Epididymal obstruction in azoospermic males.

Abstract: 12 patients evaluated for infertility and found to be azoospermic on semen analysis underwent testicular biopsy. Those with adequate spermatogenesis underwent exploration and vaso-epididymostomy was done when possible. The operative technique consisted of serial sectioning of the epididymis beginning at the tail and extending as high as necessary to see sperm on a wet smear. A microsurgical 2 layer single tubule epididymovasostomy was performed on demonstration of patency. Of 3 patients with congenital obstruction of the epididymis 2 had adequate sperm counts postoperatively. A patient with mucovicidosus remained azoospermic postoperatively as expected. Congenital obstruction of the epididymis appears to be more common in the head and mid-portion of the epididymis while inflammatory disease appears to occur in the tail of the epididymis. The 3 patients with histories of epididymal obstruction due to infection all had sperm postoperatively and 2 pregnancies subsequently occurred. A patient injured in Vietnam leading to severing of the right vas deferens and left orchiectomy underwent right vasoepididymostomy and had sperm in his ejaculate 1 year later. A patient with epididymal obstruction after attempted vasectomy reversal had a fair sperm count 3 months after vasoepididymostomy. Among 4 patients with primary epididymal obstruction 3 remained azoospermic after vasoepididymostomy and 1 had a negligible sperm count. Of the 12 patients 8 were documented to have sperm in their ejuculate after follow-up of 3 months to 3 years. At present ductal obstruction offers excellent opportunity for repair while congenital abnormalities have yet to be controlled surgically.

Semen analysis in the investigation of infertility.

Abstract: Following a complete history and physical examination, the next step in investigating the male partner of an infertile couple will be to order semen analyses. Even with optimum collection and processing, wide laboratory errors may occur. When the clinician receives a report, interpretation is beset with pitfalls. This article describes the collection and processing of semen samples and discusses how best the information can be used by the practicing clinician.

[Results after varicocelectomy Palomo's operation (author's transl)].

Abstract: 123 patients with fertility problems were examined after 6 months, 1 year and more than 1 year, postoperatively following Palomo's operation. Preoperative semen analysis was done in all cases. The most important aspects of this study are: 1. Excellent quality of semen characteristics after the first 3 postoperative months. 2. Reduced semen quality during the following time. 3. Most frequent complication was a aseptic epididymitis which could be caused hemodynamically. 4. Necrosis of the testicle was never observed.

Andrological evaluation of oligozoospermic men for AIH.

Abstract: A protocol for the assessment of oligozoospermia prior to AIH is presented. Three to six carefully performed semen analyses at optimal intervals are required to confirm oligozoospermia. Routine semen analysis consist of volume, pH, viscosity, sperm count, motility, morphology, agglutination, fructose content, and leukocytes. Because of the high incidence of reproductive tract infection and chromosomal abnormalities in oligozoospermic men, microbiological investigation and full chromosomal analyses should be performed in all cases with sperm counts below 10 million/ml. Chromosomal abnormalities are an indication to reject a couple from AIH. Genital tract infections must be treated prior to insemination. Only sperm counts below 10 million/ml require the estimation of FSH levels. The existence of an oligozoospermic group with pituitary adenomajustifies routine PRL measurements in all cases of oligozoospermia and further investigations such as visual field examination and sella tomogram in case of hyperprolac...