The influence of pentoxifylline on motility and viability of spermatozoa from normozoospermic semen samples

In order to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline on sperm motility and longevity, a controlled in-vitro study was conducted on normozoospermic donor semen samples using the Cellsoft automated system for sperm motility analysis. After incubation and selection, pentoxifylline was found to improve the recovery of spermatozoa and to increase their velocity. In the subgroup of progressively motile spermatozoa, curvilinear velocity was also enhanced. It is concluded that pentoxifylline has an effect on the vigour, but not on the pattern, of sperm motion. Pentoxifylline did not improve the motility characteristics of senescent spermatozoa in normozoospermic sperm samples. Sperm survival, as shown by supra-vital staining, and motility longevity both decreased with time after pentoxifylline treatment.     

Nasogastric intubation and elective abdominal surgery.

The use of nasogastric tubes after elective abdominal surgery remains standard practice for many surgeons. Such tubes, however, cause much discomfort and are associated with significant morbidity. This paper reviews the arguments for and against nasogastric intubation, and finds little evidence to support its continued routine use.     

Autoimmune reactions in patients with M-component and peripheral neuropathy.

A study of 17 patients with autoimmune axonal or demyelinating peripheral neuropathy in combination with M-component is described. The M-component was associated with MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) in 12 patients, CLL in one patient, WaldenstrÖm's disease in one patient, and myeloma in three patients. Immunohistological examination with direct and indirect fluorescence showed binding of antibodies to nerve structures of the same class and light chain as seen in the M-component. In five cases of IgM M-component, the demyelinating neuropathy was caused by binding of the IgM M-protein and complement C3b to myelin-associated glycoproteins (MAG). In 12 cases with axonal neuropathy, binding of IgG to the connective tissue of the peri- and endoneurium was found in 50% of cases, IgM in five cases, and IgD in one case. None of the patients had central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. The clinical and therapeutic difficulties are discussed; only two patients with an acute course responded to immunosuppression. A marked co-expression of other autoimmune phenomena is interpreted in the light of cross-reactions between the autoantibody and similar tissue autoantigens.     

Partial purification of acid phosphomonoesterase in axenically grown Entamoeba histolytica NIH-200.

Entamoeba histolytica possesses significant acid phosphatase activity as compared to alkaline phosphatase activity. The acid phosphatase activity in the amoebic cells eluted at higher saline concentration as three distinct peaks at 200, 300 and 400 mM sodium chloride.