Regional Differences in Steroidogenesis and Hormone Levels in the Epididymis and Vas Deferens of Adult Rats

In vivo and in vitro studies with different parts of the epididymis and vas deferens were carried out to determine their inherent capacity to synthesize steroids and to correlate with the endogenous levels with or without the administration of hCG.
Incubation with ¹⁴C-labelled pregnenolone and testosterone demonstrated that caput epididymidis was more active than other parts in synthesizing testosterone from ¹⁴C-pregnenolone and in converting labelled testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The cauda epididymidis and vas deferens accumulated more radioactivity in progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) than the caput epididymidis.
The levels of DHT, testosterone and 4-androstene-3,17-dione in the caput epididymidis were reduced after ligation of ipselateral efferent ductules indicating the testicular origin of these steroids. The cauda epididymidis and vas deferens had higher levels of progesterone as compared to the other regions of the epididymis, which were decreased after the ligation. Intravenous injection of hCG increased the levels of oestradiol-17β in all tissues and markedly in the cauda epididymidis and vas deferens. The high levels of progesterone and oestradiol-17β present in these organs may be of importance in maintaining fertilizing ability of spermatozoa stored in the cauda epididymidis and vas deferens and their transport.     

30%乙醇经大鼠输精管逆向注射的抗生育研究

目的:通过对大鼠经输精管逆向注射30%乙醇的研究,初步探讨这种方法的抗生育效果及其安全性。方法:将30只SD雄性大鼠[3月龄,重(200±20)g],随机均分为实验和对照两组:分别用5号针头注射器(1 m l)取30%乙醇0.5 m l(实验组)和生理盐水0.5 m l(对照组)经每只雄性大鼠的输精管逆向注射。分别于1.5个月和3个月时各用60只SD雌性成年大鼠交配作妊娠试验来计算其雌鼠妊娠率,并在3个月后处死所有雄鼠,取出附睾组织在镜下检查其精子活力和精子畸形率;同时采用末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导的dUTP缺口末端标记(TUNEL)法检查其生精细胞的凋亡情况。结果:实验组在1.5个月时交配后的雌鼠妊娠率为0,3个月时的a+b级精子为(0.32±1.12)%、雌鼠妊娠率为(0.58±1.27)%,与对照组[(80.62±2.68)%、(70.68±1.62)%、(86.62±1.68)%]相比,均有明显的下降(P<0.05);而精子畸形率[(78.26±1.08)%]与对照组[(20.34±1.26)%]相比,却出现了明显的上升(P<0.05);同时3个月时实验组大鼠的凋亡指数为(7.63±1.16)%,与对照组(5.62±1.32)%相比,差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论:乙醇经大鼠输精管逆向注射的方法在3个月内可产生明显的抗生育效果,但对其生精细胞没有显著性的影响。     

In Vitro Steroidogenesis and Hormone Levels in Pooled Human Vas Deferens

The ability of human vas deferens to utilize labelled pregnenolone and testosterone for the synthesis of androgens was studied and correlated with the endogenous hormone levels present in the pooled tissue. In vitro incubation of vas tissue with [4-¹⁴C]-pregnenolone resulted in accumulation of more radioactivity in dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone compared to that observed in 4-androstene-3,17-dione and progesterone. Labelled [¹⁴C]-testosterone was mainly converted to 4-androstene-3,17-dione and 5α-dihydrotestosterone, the counts being more in the former than in the latter steroid. The endogenous levels of progesterone, testosterone and 4-androstene-3,17-dione in the vas tissue were higher than the levels of 5α-dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. Thus, the vas deferens appears to have all the enzymes necessary for the synthesis of testosterone and the major metabolite of testosterone was not 5α-dihydrotestosterone as in other male accessory sex organs.     

急性热应激对性成熟雄性小鼠睾丸、附睾、输精管中热休克蛋白70表达的影响

目的:探讨急性热应激对性成熟雄性小鼠睾丸、附睾、输精管中热休克蛋白70(heat shock protein 70,HSP70)表达的影响。方法:将32只8周龄雄性小白鼠随机均分为4组,饲养7d后,进行热应激处理,温度控制在(39±0.5)℃,时间分别为0.5、1和3h。应激后立即采血,分离血清测定谷草转氨酶(GOT)含量。一侧附睾制备精子悬液,用于计算精子密度和顶体畸形率;另一侧附睾、睾丸、输精管用于免疫组化研究。结果:应激后,小鼠体重、睾丸系数、顶体畸形率变化不显著(P>0.05),附睾系数和精子密度有不同程度的下降,GOT含量急剧升高(P<0.01)。随着应激时间的延长,小鼠精子密度呈递减趋势,顶体畸形率呈上升趋势。应激时间最短的0.5h组小鼠体重、睾丸系数、附睾系数的降幅反而最大。免疫组化法观察发现,HSP70在性成熟小鼠睾丸、附睾、输精管中均有表达。正常状态下,HSP70在睾丸组织间质细胞中少量表达,应激后分布于间质细胞核,此外在精母细胞核与精子细胞核中也有大量分布;附睾中HSP70主要分布于主细胞质,基细胞和亮细胞中没有表达,应激后附睾体的纤毛细胞中也发现大量棕色颗粒;输精管中HSP70主要定位在基细胞质,主细胞中不表达。随着应激时间的延长,HSP70在睾丸、附睾中的表达量明显升高,而在输精管中的增幅不明显。结论:急性热应激对性成熟雄性小鼠的生殖系统造成了损伤;HSP70在睾丸、附睾、输精管中的表达与定位具有区域特异性和细胞特异性,提示其可能参与精子的发生与成熟;HSP70在应激状态下表达量大幅上升的作用可能在于保护细胞免受高热损伤。     

Autoradiographic Study of the [3H] Carnitine Distribution in Rat Epididymis

The distribution of [³H] carnitine in the epididymis has been studied by autoradiography 93 hours after injection of [³H]deoxycarnitine into intact, hemicastrated or hypophysectomized rats. In the intact animals, radioactivity is concentrated in the lumen of the caput and corpus with only a small amount observed in the caudal portion of the epididymis. In the hemicastrated rat, devoid of spermatozoa, the amount of radioactivity in the lumen of the caput and the cauda portions are lower than in the intact rats but still greater compared to the epididymal cells. In hypophysectomized rats the luminal labelling is much reduced. In contrast to the epididymis, the amount of radioactivity is low and evenly distributed in the heart from intact, hemicastrated and hypophysectomized rats and in the pituitary from intact and hemicastrated animals. The great reduction in luminal labelling after hypophysectomy emphasizes the hormonal dependence of the carnitine concentrating mechanism. These findings indicate that carnitine initially is concentrated in the caput and corpus portion of the epididymis. This intraluminal carnitine is subsequently transported into the caudal segment.
The evidence strongly supports the existence of a hormonal dependent carnitine concentrating mechanism localized on the luminal side of the epithelium in epididymis.     

On the Transportation of Spermatozoa in the Vas Deferens

In this report the intraluminal pressure of the vas deferens was measured in vivo in male cross-bred dogs. The measurement of the pressure elucidated that the vas deferens repeated autonomic contraction. This contraction was not the so-called peristalsis but the entire portion of the vas deferens contracted simultaneously. Stimulation of the hypogastric nerves resulted in a prominent elevation of the pressure in the proximal portion of the vas deferens, i.e., the portion approximate to the epididymis, followed 5-10 seconds later by a rise in the distal portion, i.e., the portion approximate to the prostate. These results suggest that the spermatozoa present near the proximal end of the vas deferens are transported littly by little by the autonomic movements of the vas deferens and that on ejaculation the spermatozoa are pressed forward from the proximal end of the vas deferens to its peripheral end by the stimuli through the hypogastric nerves.     

输精管经皮穿刺导管针的改制及应用

本文详细介绍了穿刺输精管用平头导管针的制作过程,并简单阐述了其使用方法。本导管针具有取材容易、制作简单、清洗消毒方便、穿刺成功率高、效果好等特点,其他类型的导管针可仿此制作。     

先天性输精管缺如的临床特点与诊疗策略

目的:探讨先天性输精管缺如(CAVD)的临床特点,提高其诊断和治疗水平。方法:分析81例CAVD患者的临床诊治资料,总结其临床特点、诊断和治疗方法。结果:79例因不育就诊,从有生育要求到确诊平均经过4.8年;2例术中探查发现。先天性双侧输精管缺如(CBAVD)40例,先天性单侧输精管缺如(CUAVD)25例,节段性输精管缺如16例。74例患者的配偶接受辅助生殖治疗,其中12例接受卵细胞胞质内单精子注射(ICSI)治疗,4例成功妊娠。结论:CAVD患者多以不育就诊。CBAVD均表现为梗阻性无精子症;CUAVD和节段性缺如者可表现为少精子症、弱精子症或梗阻性无精子症。本病诊断多无困难,但常因体检不仔细而漏诊。CAVD治疗的原则主要是恢复患者的生育能力,可借助辅助生殖技术(ART)进行治疗。     

盆腔输精管包裹性脓肿1例报告并文献复习

目的:探讨盆腔输精管包裹性脓肿的临床特点、诊断要点、误诊原因以及治疗方法。方法:报告1例盆腔输精管包裹性脓肿患者的临床资料,结合文献复习进行讨论。结果:经腹行盆腔包裹性脓肿切开引流术。术后1d拔除尿管后患者能自行排尿,无排尿困难,术后3d拔除盆腔引流管,术后随诊1年未见脓肿复发,排尿无障碍。结论:盆腔输精管脓肿如形成纤维包裹容易误诊,应详细分析病史、体征以及辅助检查,才能作出正确的诊断。外科治疗是最有效的方法。     

Influence of Long and Short Photoperiods on the Morphology and Androgen Receptor Levels of the Epididymis and the Ductus Deferens of Phodopus sungorus/Einfluß langer und kurzer Photoperioden auf die Morphologie und den Androgen-Rezeptor-Gehalt des Nebenhodens und des Ductus deferens von Phodopus sungorus

Summary: The photoperiodic influence (LD 16:8 long photoperiod, LD 8:16 short photoperiod) on the morphology and the androgen receptor level of the epididymis and the ductus deferens of Phodopus sungorus was investigated. Under short day-conditions, the wet weight of the epididymis is reduced to 5–6%, the diameter of the epididymal duct and of its lumen are reduced, the heigth of the epithelium and the thickness of the smooth muscle layer are increased. Number and size of epithelial and smooth muscle cells are not changed, no atrophy of the smooth muscle cells is found. The loss in wet weight during short photoperiods is discussed in relation to the loss of stored sperm and luminal fluid. The wet weight of the ductus deferens is decreased to about 30% at short photoperiods, the total length of the organ, its diameter and the luminal diameter are decreased. The height of the epithelium is slightly, and the thickness of the smooth muscle layer is strongly, reduced, the latter due to an enormous atrophy of the smooth muscle cells. The androgen receptor content of the epididymis (per pair of organs) is reduced to about 5%, that of the ductus deferens to about 10% of the values found at long photoperiods, indicating a significant loss of androgen receptors with low circulating androgen levels. Zusammenfassung: Der Einfluß langer (LD 16:8) und kurzer (LD 8:16) Photoperioden auf die Morphologie und den Androgen-Rezeptor-Gehalt des Nebenhodens und Ductus deferens von Phodopus sungorus wurde untersucht. Bei Kurztagbedingungen verringert sich das Feuchtgewicht des Nebenhodens auf 5–6%, der Durchmesser des Nebenhodengangs und seines Lumens gehen zurück, während die Höhe des Epithels leicht und die Dicke der glatten Muskelzellschicht deutlich zunehmen. Zahl und Größe der Epithel- und glatten Muskelzellen bleiben unverändert; es zeigt sich keine Atrophie der glatten Muskelzellen. Der Verlust an Feuchtgewicht bei kurzen Photoperioden wird hauptsächlich auf den Verlust von gespeicherten Spermien und Samenflüssigkeit zurückgeführt. Das Feuchtgewicht des Ductus deferens geht bei kurzen Photoperioden auf 30% zurück, es verringern sich die Gesamtlänge des Organs, sein Durchmesser und der des Lumens. Die Höhe des Epithels geht leicht, die Dicke der glatten Muskelzellschicht deutlich zurück; letzteres ist auf die starke Atrophie der glatten Muskelzellen zurückzuführen. Der Androgen-Rezeptor-Gehalt (pro Organpaar) ist beim Nebenhoden auf etwa 5% der Werte bei Langtagbedingungen und beim Ductus deferens auf etwa 10% reduziert. Damit ergibt sich ein signifikanter Verlust von Androgen-Rezeptoren bei niedrigem Androgen-Gehalt im Serum.     

Effect of Long Term Treatment with Gonadotrophic Hormones on In Vitro Metabolism of [3H]Progesterone in Human Testicular Tissue

Gonadotrophic hormones appear to influence the preferred pathways for intratesticular androgen biosynthesis. Individuals with low levels of gonadotrophin in the peripheral circulation, as e. g. prepubertal boys and a hypophysectomized adult male, have previously been shown to metabolize [³H]progesterone in vitro mainly to 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-DH-P) and less to 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OH-P), i. e. an "immature metabolic pattern" (Berg et al. 1976; Kjessler & Berg 1976b).
With physiologically increasing amounts of circulating gonadotrophins the preferred metabolic pathway in vitro shifts in favour of 17α-OH-P, i. e. a "mature metabolic pattern". Such an alteration in the preferred in vitro metabolic pattern of [³H]progesterone has also been obtained by exogenous administration of gonadotrophins to a 47, XYY-male with an initially immature metabolic pattern (Berg & Kjessler 1976).
We have sequentially analysed the metabolism of [³H]progesterone in vitro in testicular incubates derived from a chromosomally normal male before and after 16 weeks of substitution therapy with gonadotrophic hormones.
The patient originally displayed an "immature" pattern of progesterone metabolites, i. e. the ratio 20α-DH-P/17é-OH-P was 3.04. After treatment with human menopausal gonadotrophins and hCG, the metabolic activity in total had increased, and the ratio 20é-DH-P/17é-OH-P had switched to 0.39.
These results confirm and extend the concept that gonadotrophic hormones may have a regulatory function on androgen biosynthesis by stimulating the oxidative metabolic pathway from progesterone to biologically active androgens via 17α-hydroxyprogesterone.     

Identification and androgen-dependence of proteins in the mouse vas deferens

Proteins from 'luminal fluid' or from a homogenate of whole vas deferens were analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. Four major bands with apparent molecular weights of 34.5, 36, 38 and 180 Kilodaltons (K) were observed in homogenates. In 'luminal fluid' the same protein pattern was observed except that 38 K band was missing. These four major bands probably originated from the vas deferens as they were not detected in plasma and were still present after ligation between the epididymis and vas deferens. After castration, there was a specific reduction of the 34.5 K MW protein band in both homogenate and 'luminal fluid'. When the androgen-dependence of proteins was investigated using radioactive methionine, the protein spectra from normal and castrated males showed that about 10 polypeptides were differentially induced or repressed by androgens. The synthesis of some proteins (MW's 24, 36 and 180 K) was decreased by castration while the synthesis of several others (MW's between 27 and 82 K) was increased. Most of these androgen-dependent proteins were detectable at 10 days of age.     

Zinc content in the epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, and seminal vesicles of juvenile rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta): effect of androgen and estrogen

The zinc content in the three segments of the epididymis (caput, corpus, and cauda), vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate of juvenile monkeys was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Zinc content (micrograms/gm wet weight) was found to be maximum (328) in the vas deferens; in the other organs it measured in the following order: caput 191, corpus 238, cauda 193, prostate 133 and seminal vesicles 85. In order to investigate the endocrine control of the zinc in these organs, two groups of animals were treated with testosterone propionate (2 mg) or estradiol dipropionate (10 micrograms) once daily for 30 days. In response to androgen, a rise in both concentration and content of zinc was evident only in the prostate. The results further suggested that the prostatic zinc may be under dual hormonal control, but in the epididymis and vas deferens it may be under the influence of estrogen. It is concluded that the hormonal effects on zinc content and growth stimulation in accessory sex organs are quite separate and may be under different hormonal control.     

Physico-Chemical Characterization of the NADPH Dependent Soluble 3α-Hydroxysteroid Oxidoreductase in the Rat Epididymis

The present paper describes some important physico-chemical characteristics of the NADPH dependent, 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (3α-oxidoreductase) in the rat epididymis. This enzyme activity is stable in the presence of reducing agents (1–10 mM 2-mercaptoethanol), EDTA (1 mM), and glycerol (10% v/v). The pH optium is in the physiological range (pH 6.0–8.0).
Chromatography of epididymal cytosol fractions on calibrated G-200 columns indicated a molecular weight of 34 000, and sucrose gradient centrifugation a sedimentation coefficient of 3.3 S20,w. The enzyme has a Stokes radius of approximately 25 Å. Calculation of molecular weight using both the sedimentation rate and the Stokes radius indicated a molecular weight of 34 400 and a frictional ratio (f/f₀) of 1.17. The enzyme migrated with an R_x of 0.37 (relative to bromophenol blue) in 6.5% polyacrylamide gels and the iso-electric point (pI) determined by iso-electric focussing in 3.5 % polyacrylamide gels was 5.9. Further indication that the enzyme is negatively charged at neutral pH was obtained by DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography, from which the enzyme activity was eluted between 0.05 and 0.08M KCl.
The epididymal 3α-oxidoreductase is temperature sensitive, showing a greatly reduced activity after preincubation at 50°C for 30 min. Preincubation at 60°C caused a complete loss of enzyme activity. Interestingly, preincubation at 25°C for 30 min seemed to cause a significant increase in enzyme activity. Whether this is due to "temperature activation", "cold inactivation" or to a temperature dependent disappearance of inhibitors is not known.     

In Vitro Metabolism of [3H]Progesterone in Testicular Tissue Derived from Seven Males Treated with Oestrogens

Oestrogens administered to adult males are known to suppress the synthesis of androgens in the testicles. A main effect of this treatment on testicular steroid metabolism in vitro seems to be a significant reduction of 17α-hydroxylase activity. A concomitant increase in the 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was, however, observed in four young oestrogen-treated transsexual males (Rodriques et al. 1976).
We have analysed the metabolism of [³H]progesterone in vitro in testicular tissue incubates derived from six males on current oestrogen treatment and from one male 19 weeks after cessation of oestrogen therapy.
The metabolism in general of [³H]progesterone in vitro was observed to be decreased in all males on oestrogen treatment as compared to control subjects. The metabolite 20α-dihydroprogesterone was found to constitute between 85–91 per cent of all metabolites formed in the patients under treatment.
On the contrary, the metabolic pattern observed in the previously treated male, appeared to be fully consistent with the patterns observed in non-treated control subjects. Thus, the main alterations in intratesticular progesterone-metabolism caused by exogenous administration of oestrogens, at least for 23 consecutive weeks, seem to be completely reversible.     

Evidence for the Reconstitution of Motility by Epididymal Plasma-Protein Factor(s) in Immotile Washed Spermatozoa from Goat Cauda Epididymis

Nachweis der Motilitäts-Wiederherstellung durch Nebenhoden-Plasma-Proteinfaktoren bei unbeweglichen gewaschenen Spermatozoen aus dem Nebenhoden des Ziegenbockes
Ungefähr 90% der hochmotilen Nebenhodenschwanzspermatozoen des Ziegenbockes verlieren ihre Motilität vollständig, wenn sie durch einen Waschvorgang aus dem umgebenden Nebenhodenplasma (EP) in eine modifizierte Ringerlösung gebracht werden. Die Motilität kann jedoch in ca. 80% wiederhergestellt werden, wenn ein Zusatz von Nebenhodenschwanz-EP erfolgt. Die Aktivität des/der EP-F aktoren ist nicht dialysierbar und sensitiv gegenüber der Wirkung von Trypsin. Die Aktivität des/der Faktoren ist nicht abhängig von exogenem Ca²⁺ (1 mM), Mg²⁺ (1.2 mM), zyklischem AMP (5 mM) oder Dibutyryl-zyklischem AMP (5 mM). Das neue System bietet eine ausgezeichnete analytische Möglichkeit, Einblick zu gewinnen in die molekulare Basis der Spermatozoen-Motilitätsregulation.     

Comparison of spermatogenic damage induced at 6 months after ligation of the vas deferens at proximal and distal locations in the rabbit

Recent study in rabbits demonstrated that vasectomy via the inguinal canal did not result in any spermatogenic damage 3 months postoperation; this study aimed to determine whether the damage would occur in a longer term. The left or right vas deferens was ligated near the epididymal head (unilateral proximal vasectomy, 12 animals) or via the inguinal canal (unilateral distal vasectomy, 11 animals) in adult male rabbits, with a sham operation being performed on the contralateral side. Six months postoperation, testes, epididymides and vasa deferentia were removed and methacrylate resin-embedded sections prepared to evaluate spermatogenesis by histological (qualitative) and stereological (quantitative) studies. The juxta-epididymal segment of the occluded vas deferens was severely distended (filled with sperm) in 10 of the 11 animals with distal vasectomy and moderately or slightly distended in nine of the 12 animals with proximal vasectomy. Severe spermatogenic damage occurred in seven animals with proximal vasectomy (the juxta-epididymal vas moderately or slightly distended), in only one animal with distal vasectomy (the vas not severely distended). In conclusion, spermatogenic damage occurred at 6 months postvasectomy in some animals, especially those with proximal vasectomy and therefore shorter occluded reproductive tract for sperm storage; the damage was probably intra-tract pressure mediated.