The effects of chemical occlusion of vas deferens on the testicular function of dog: a preliminary study.

A new approach to rapid male sterilization was studies by giving a single injection of sclerosing chemical agents (10% silvernitrate, 3.6% Formaldehyde in ehanol, 5% potassium permagnate, 100% ethanol, and 3.6% Formaldehyde) directly into the vas deferens to determine whether blocking the vas has any adverse effects on the testicular function. 2 - Chemical occlusion of vas is quite effective in producing a block in the vas deferens of dogs. 3 - Ethanol injection in the vas deferens caused an atrophy of the testis. Extensive necrossis and exfoliation of the seminiferous elements were conspicuous. These changes increased in severity in 3.6% Formaldehyde in ethanol, 5% potassium permagnate, and 10% silver nitrate solution injected dogs. 4 - Decrease in the testicular contents of RNA, Protein and sialic acid, four weeks after vas occlusion were associated with degenerative changes of the spermatogenic elements. 5 - Testicular cholesterol and total lipids were increased following vas occlusion. 6 - Reduced sialic acid levels in the testis of vas occluded dogs indicates an inhibition of androgen production, which is further reflected in reduced leydig cell function. 7 - The role of vas deferens in determining the fate of a given testis is being discussed.     

Effect of cyproterone acetate on testis and accessory sex organs of male rat

A significant reduction in testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and adrenal weight of adult rats was observed after CA treatment (10 mg/animal/day) for 13, 26 and 39 days. Biochemical assay on the epididymis showed a fall in the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase. A significant fall in citric acid content of seminal vesicle and prostate in experimental animals was noted after CA treatment. Histoarchitecture of accessory sex organs was severely impaired.     

Chemical sterilization: effects of a single high dose of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol on the testes and epididymides of dog.

A single high dose (70 mg/kg) of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (alpha-chlorohydrin) caused pathological degeneration in the testes of dog when examined after 33 days. The seminiferous tubules were depleted of spermatogenic elements. Epididymal epithelium was regressed, the lumen was empty and the passage through the duct was unimpaired. Alpha-chlorohydrin inhibited the synthesis of RNA and sialic acid of the testes and epididymides. A single high dose of alpha-chlorohydrin increased the total cholesterol/g of wet testis tissue which could be correlated with the testicular atrophy. Antiandrogenic nature of the compound has been discussed.     

Effect of estradiol benzoate on reproductive organs and fertility in the male rat

The effects of estradiol benzoate (E2B) at a dose of 50 micrograms/day per rat for 7, 15 and 24 days on some androgenic parameters, viz. organ weights including those of pituitary, succinate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, fructose, cholesterol and protein of epididymis, vas deferens, accessory glands and fertility in male rats were investigated. The semen characteristics and standard electron microscopy (SEM) study on sperm morphology of cauda epididymis were also carried out. The results revealed that most of the androgenic parameters were decreased by E2B administration, whereas the accumulation of cholesterol and protein occurred in testis and epididymis due to androgen deprivation to target organs. This deprivation effect also led to a reduction in testicular and cauda epididymal sperm population, loss of motility in the latter and an increase in number of abnormal spermatozoa, thereby manifesting 100% failure in fertility in treated animals. Moreover, these effects were related to the duration of the treatment. Thus, the estradiol benzoate showed androgen antagonistic and antifertility effects in rats.     

大鼠睾丸受氯化镉损伤后生精上皮恢复的观察

目的:探讨氯化镉(CdCl2)染毒大鼠致睾丸损伤后生精上皮能否恢复。方法:20只雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组(A组)与3个CdCl2实验组(B、C、D组),每组5只动物。B-D组的动物分别腹腔注射CdCl21mg/kg,qd×14d。对照组腹腔注射等体积0.9%NaCl。染毒结束后,处死A和B组大鼠,C组经口服灌胃给予ZnCl2100mg/kg,qd×7d,D组不给予ZnCl2。C和D组染毒结束后再继续饲养2个月(恢复期),观察睾丸生精上皮的组织学改变,比较4组的异常曲细精管率。结果:B组部分曲细精管显示病理改变,B组的异常曲细精管率与A组的比较有显著升高(P<0.01)。恢复期后C和D组的曲细精管有明显恢复,大多数曲细精管显示正常曲细精管组织学图像,C和D组的异常曲细精管率与B组的比较均有显著降低(P<0.01)。C和D组之间的异常曲细精管率比较没有显著差异(P>0.05)。结论:在本实验条件下,CdCl2损伤后的大鼠睾丸,在自然状态下和给予ZnCl2,生精上皮均可得到显著恢复。     

Reversible inhibition of testicular function by danazol plus testosterone enanthate in rabbit

A combination of danazol (15 mg/kg b.w./day; oral) plus TE (5 mg/kg b.w./15 days; i.m.) was investigated for reversible inhibition of testicular function in rabbit. Testicular histology and biochemistry were studied before, during (30, 60 & 75 days) treatment and 120 days of recovery. A conspicuous decrease in testicular weight and volume with slight increase in body weight was observed. Gradual decrease in spermatogenesis accompanied with reduced tubular diameter and nuclei diameter of Leydig and Sertoli cells was observed. A significant elevation in testicular cholesterol, total lipids, glycogen and phosphatases with depleted concentrations of total proteins, RNA and fructose was noticed. Sialic acid did not change significantly. Libido was not affected. All parameters returned to normal level after 120 days of recovery. In conclusion, the combination therapy induced reversible inhibition of spermatogenesis without loss of libido.     

Effects of whole body CO60 irradiation on the male genital tract of gerbil (Meriones hurrianae), hedgehod (hemiechinus auratus Collaris), and house rat (Rattus rattus Rufescens)

1. The effects of 400 and 575 rads of whole body irradiation in gerbil (Meriones hurrianae), hedgehog (Hemiechinus auratus Collaris) and house rat have been studied with a view to compare the effects of irradiation on the desert mammalian species with those of domestic ones. 2. Typical signs and symptoms of radiation sickness, transient body loss and radiation mortality in gerbils and house-rats were apparent, whereas the hedgehogs were not affected at this dose level. 3. Extensive necrosis, exfoliation of seminiferous element, intertubular edema and shrinkage of the seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclei in gerbils and house-rats were conspicuous in histological preparations. Mild regressive tubular lesions were also observed in hedgehogs treated with 575R. 4. Whole body irradiation depleted the RNA, protein and sialic acid contents of the testes. High cholesterol contens in the testes of irradiated gerbil, hedgehog and house rats identified this as the site of degenerating cells and fragments. 5. Reduced androgen production was confirmed in non active Leydig cells and decreased fructose contents in the seminal vesicles of gerbil and house rats. At 575 R dose level, hedgehog was comparatively radio-resistant. But at 875 R extensive damage to the reproductive organs could be noticed.     

Testicular artery Doppler flow evaluation in men with degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the eventual impact of degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules on Doppler flow parameters in testicular vessels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 12 men with degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules (diagnosed by testicular biopsy) in study group and 24 healthy men with normal semen parameters in control group. Patients' age in both groups was respectively 32.22 +/- 5.31 and 29.64 +/- 3.17 (ns). Sonographic biometry of testes volume was performed and the values of qualitative flow indices in terminal section of testicular artery were evaluated. The both groups results were compared with themselves by T-test. Also the values of qualitative flow parameters in testis after biopsy and contralateral one were compared. Additionally the correlation between vascular flow parameters and selected hormone levels (FSH, LH, T, E2 and Prl) was determined. RESULTS: The mean testes volume in the study group was 10.81 +/- 3.77 cm3 and in the control one 14.42 +/- 5.42 cm3 (ns). The values of particular flow indices in both study and control group were respectively: S:D 3.20 +/- 0.95 and 2.92 +/- 0.96 (ns), PI 1.46 +/- 0.46 and 1.23 +/- 0.41 (ns), RI 0.69 +/- 0.09 and 0.66 +/- 0.08 (ns). There were no differences between flow parameters in testis after biopsy and contralateral one. Testosterone was the only hormone correlating with analyzed flow indices (S:D, PI, RI) and the correlation coefficient value was respectively 0.51, 0.49 and 0.52 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The significant influence of degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules on vascular flow in testicular artery was not observed. There were no differences between flow parameters in testis after biopsy and contralateral one. The testosterone was the only hormone significantly correlating with analyzed flow indices.     

CLINICAL ASSISTED REPRODUCTION: Seminal Plasma and IVF Potential

Purpose: Many components of seminal plasma play a role in sperm motility by serving as energy sources. Human seminal plasma contains over 30 proteins, including forward motility proteins, antifertility proteins, and coagulation/liquefaction proteins. This study was designed to determine any correlation between motility or fertilization rates and concentrations of fructose, lactic acid, citric acid, carnitine, and protein in human seminal plasma.Methods: Fertilization rates were determined by in vitro methods. Fructose, lactic acid, citric acid, and carnitine concentrations were ascertained using high performance liquid chromatography. Protein concentration was determined by Bradford assay.Results: Protein concentrations were significantly different as a function of sperm motility levels. Other constituents of human seminal plasma showed an overall correlation, though not significant. No constituent exhibited significant differences as a function of fertility levels.Conclusions: Protein concentration was significantly lower for samples with high motility. No significant differences between fertility levels and constituents measured were found.     

Effects of alpha-chlorohydrin on the testes and epididymides of dog: a preliminary study.

Chronic administration of alpha-chlorohydrin (8 mg/kg for 30 days, caused lesions in the testis of dog. Seminiferous tubules presented marked degenerative changes. Leydig cell hypertrophy was conspicous. Epididymal epithelium was regressed and the lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. Obstruction of the epididymal lumen was not seen. Alpha-Chlorohydrin inhibited the synthesis of RNA and sialic acid in the testis, caput epidiymis, corpus epididymis, and cauda epididymis. The total cholesterol per gram of testis was increased significantly after alpha-chlorohydrin administration. The anti-androgenic nature of alpha-chlorohydrin is suggested.     

Effect of age and estrogen therapy on the immunoreactive human chorionic gonadotropin content of testes.

Levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) were determined in testicular tissue of young, apparently normal men; older men with carcinoma of the prostate; male transsexuals treated with estrogens; and also in seminal plasma of normal and vasectomized patients. In all samples with one exception (a 76-year-old male with cancer of the prostate), immunoreactive HCG activity could be detected. The immunoassayable HCG content was higher in testicular extracts from young adults as compared with older men with cancer of the prostate. In transsexuals receiving estrogen therapy, testicular HCG levels were also very low. A possible relationship between quantitatively normal spermatogenesis and the testicular HCG level has been discussed. HCG was detected in seminal plasma from both normal and vasectomized men. The origin of this HCG activity may be extratesticular, and the possible role of the prostate and seminal vesicle in the production of HCG-like activity has to be considered.     

Ceruloplasmin and transferrin in human seminal plasma: are they an index of seminiferous tubular function?

Transferrin and ceruloplasmin have been measured by a solid-phase chemiluminescent method in seminal fluid and circulating blood of normal and vasectomized subjects (1 year after operation). This study has confirmed that approximately 80% of seminal transferrin comes from the testis, while seminal ceruloplasmin was not found different in the two groups. In patients affected by azoospermia due to seminiferous tubular damage (n = 15) in whom an obstruction was previously excluded, seminal transferrin was always below the normal range. On the contrary, seminal ceruloplasmin was always in the normal range, and circulating follicle-stimulating hormone was found above the normal range only in nine cases. No correlation was found between seminal transferrin and circulating follicle-stimulating hormone in such groups. In an unselected group of infertile patients with decreased sperm concentration and/or sperm motility, seminal transferrin was found correlated with the sperm count. These studies seem to suggest that seminal transferrin is a reliable index of seminiferous tubular function.     

The endocrinology of varicoceles

There is good evidence of an associated abnormality in testicular hormone production and spermatogenesis in some men with varicoceles. This abnormality can be demonstrated with dynamic tests of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and by measuring seminal plasma androgen levels. A high proportion of oligozoospermic men who have abnormal hormone profiles will respond favorably to correction of their varicosities. Several oligozoospermic men with varicoceles have normal hormonal profiles. To date, in our unit, none of these men has had an improvement in seminal characteristics after varicocelectomy. This result would suggest that these men have incidental varicoceles. It is not clear what the testicular defect is leading to abnormal spermatogenesis in these men. Clearly, more studies are required in this group of men and in the men with sperm densities greater than 30 X 10(6)/ml, the majority of whom have normal responses to GnRH infusion. More information is needed regarding the intratesticular control of hormone production and spermatogenesis. As our knowledge of the paracrine system within the testis increases, so should our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the association of varicoceles and infertility.     

Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome with a Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor

BackgroundThe complete androgen insensitivity (testicular feminization) syndrome was described in phenotypic females with 46XY karyotype, presenting with primary amenorrhea, adequate breast development, and absent or sparse pubic or axillary hair. Gonads consist usually of seminiferous tubules without spermatogenesis.CaseWe report the case of a 15-year-old girl with testicular feminization since age 4. She was admitted to surgically remove the testes from the inguinal canal. Microscopic examination of the left testis revealed a Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor and the draft of fallopian tube with adjacent seminiferous tubules.Summary and ConclusionThese patients have a 5%-10% risk of developing germ cell tumors. Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are uncommon neoplasms, usually benign in testicular feminization syndrome.     

Seminal prolactin and its relationship to sperm motility in men

Semen assessment and levels of serum and seminal plasma prolactin (PRL) were determined in 81 men. In subjects with both normal sperm concentrations and normal sperm motility, the levels of serum and seminal plasma PRL were 14.7 +/- 1.48 and 10.0 +/- 1.05 ng/ml (mean +/- standard error of the mean, SEM, P less than 0.05), respectively. This difference is not observed either in subjects with polyzoospermia with normal sperm motility, or in those with oligozoospermia. Serum PRL was higher in azoospermia and also in subjects with lower levels of seminal citric acid. Seminal plasma PRL was directly related to sperm motility (r = 0.70, P less than 0.01) and inversely related to sperm concentration (r = -0.42 P less than 0.05). Seminal PRL was increased in subjects with higher levels of seminal citric acid and decreased in subjects with lower levels of corrected seminal fructose. Serum and seminal plasma PRL did not change significantly in subjects with different concentrations of serum testosterone.     

Gonadal function following vasectomy in the rat.

Adult rats were studied at four, eight, and 12 months following vasectomy and sham-operation. The weights of the seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, pituitary, and kidneys were not significantly affected by vasectomy. Testicular endocrine function in vasectotomized rat was transiently stimulated as witnessed by elevation in testicular venous testosterone and androstenedione after four months. There then occurred signs of decline in gametogenic function and atrophy of the testis after 12 months whereas hormonogenesis appeared to remain at normal levels. There was no alteration in the morphology of the epididymis at any of the time intervals of study after vasectomy.     

Ontogeny of immunosuppressive activity, MHC antigens and leukocytes in the rat testis.

The levels of immunosuppressive activity and the presence of MHC antigens and leukocytes were studied in the immature and the sexually mature rat testis. The immunosuppressive activities were measured from high-molecular weight (greater than 5 kDa) fractions of testis extracts using the protectin bioassay. The presence of MHC antigens and leucocytes was studied using the indirect immunoperoxidase method. In the immature rats, clusters of class I MHC antigen positive cells and a few cells expressing class II MHC antigen were present in the testicular interstitium. In the sexually mature rats, all the cells were MHC I+, and MHC II+ cells were numerous in the testicular interstitium. The seminiferous epithelium was MHC-negative in both the immature and the sexually mature testis. W3/25+ leukocytes were present in the interstitium and the tubular wall in both the immature and the sexually mature rat testis, but not in the seminiferous epithelium at any age. At 20-30 days of age, the testicular extracts were neutral or slightly stimulated 3H-TdR incorporation into peripheral blood lymphocytes, but at 44-60 days of age they inhibited lymphocyte proliferation significantly. In gel filtration, a peak of immunosuppressive activity was observed at approximately 400 kDa (protectin A) in both 20- and 60-days-old rat testes. A smaller peak was present at approximately 200 kDa in both age groups. This study shows that the testicular immunoregulatory microenvironment is different in the immature and the sexually mature rats. This may be important in such age-dependent human diseases as mumps orchitis and the testicular relapses of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.     

Testicular function in rats following immobilization stress

Stress is believed to influence male reproductive activity. Male rats were subjected to immobilization stress for 2 h/day for 30 days to assess the effects of stress on testicular function. Net mass of the testes, epididymes and the seminal vesicles, sperm morphology, number of epididymal sperms and percent progressive motility of the sperms were determined. Adrenal weights were significantly increased (P less than 0.05) in the stressed animals. There was no significant difference between the control and the stressed animals with respect to testicular and epididymal weight, level of sperm production, progressive motility, seminal vesicular weight and abnormal forms. Histological examination also revealed a similarity in the structure of seminiferous tubules, adequacy of cell types of developing germ cells, structure of Leydig cells and epididymal lumina in both the groups. This study demonstrated a lack of significant effect of immobilization stress on testicular function in rats.     

Studies on the physiology and biochemistry of mammalian epididymis: effect of flutamide, a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, on the epididymis of the rat.

The effect of flutamide (Sch 13521; 4'-nitro-3'-trifluoromethylisobutyranilide), a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, on male rat genital organs was studied. Administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight daily for 30 days, flutamide caused a significant increase in the weight of the testis but had no effect on spermatogenesis and Leydig cell morphology. The secretory activity of the epididymis, as evidenced by the level of glycerylphosphoryl-choline and sialic acid, either remained unaffected or was stimulated. There was a significant decrease in seminal vesicle and ventral prostate weight and in the fructose content of the coagulating gland. The anti-androgen at the dose used did not affect the fertility of the rats. The significance of these findings is viewed in relation to the hypothesis of a differential threshold requirement of androgen for the epididymis and the accessory sex glands. The potentiality of antiandrogens as extragonadal antifertility agents in the male is discussed.     

The biochemistry of sperm

Human ejaculate is composed of about 0.2 ml. of spermatozoa and seminal plasma. It is possible to analyze it after collection by masturbation. Sperm components come from prostatis secretion (acid phosphates, magnesium, zinc, citric acid), and from the seminal vesicules (fructose). Several studies are ongoing to define the compotents of seminal plasma, such as proteins, prostglandins, amoniacids, and sex hormones, the latter very important since oligospermia is characterized by diminishing levels of estradiol and progesterone. Different tests are used to sear ch for autoantibodies, such as agglutinins, and for antibodies in the seminal plasma.