Induced luteolysis in the primate: rapid loss of luteinizing hormone receptors

The molecular mechanisms involved in luteolysis are still unclear in the primate. This study aimed to investigate the effect of induced luteolysis on the ovarian luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and the steroidogenic enzyme, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) in the marmoset monkey. Luteolysis was induced in the mid-luteal phase either directly by systemic prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), or indirectly by LH withdrawal using systemic gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRHant) treatment. The LH receptor was studied by isotopic mRNA in-situ hybridization and in-situ ligand binding and 3beta-HSD expression was studied using isotopic mRNA in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Induced luteolysis was associated with a reduction in the expression of LH receptor (P < 0.0001) and 3beta-HSD mRNA, closely followed by a reduction in the LH receptor (P < 0.05) and 3beta-HSD protein concentrations within 24 h. There were no differences in the findings whether luteolysis was induced with PGF2alpha or GnRHant. This study shows that disparate mechanisms to induce luteolysis in the primate result in an identical rapid loss of the LH receptor and 3beta-HSD. In conclusion, induced luteolysis leads to rapid loss of the steroidogenic pathway in luteal cells.      

Semen parameters and testicular pathology in men with testicular cancer and contralateral carcinoma in situ or bilateral testicular malignancies

We evaluated 14 patients with bilateral testicular tumour, one-sided tumour and contralateral carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the testis or testis tumour in single testis with respect to their fertility. We analysed semen parameters, serum hormones [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone], testicular sonography, testicular volumes and testicular histology prior to further anti-cancer treatment. Ten out of 14 patients showed normal or reduced sperm concentrations, while 4/14 patients were azoospermic. Serum FSH levels showed a significant negative correlation with sperm concentrations in patients with testicular malignancies (r = -0.64, P = 0.025). Testicular volumes revealed a significant positive correlation with semen parameters in patients with testes that were affected by CIS (r = 0.733, P = 0.038). We conclude that even bilateral testicular cancer and/or CIS do not preclude fertility and, therefore, patients should be offered andrological investigation and therapy, including possibly surveillance strategy or the chance for cryopreservation of the semen prior to further treatment in order to preserve their chances for paternity.      

Syphilis screening in the Blood Transfusion Service: a report of four years'' experience with the Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay and the subsequent development of a rapid "spin" method.

A comparison of cardiolipin and a modified Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) method over a four year period confirmed the superior sensitivity and specificity of TPHA. In 86,495 new donor sera 19 (0.02%) confirmed positive results were detected by TPHA, 10 of which did not react by the cardiolipin test. In 150,789 antenatal samples 49 confirmed positive results were found by TPHA, 30 of which did not react by cardiolipin. No cardiolipin positive, TPHA negative samples were confirmed as positive by the absorbed fluorescence treponemal antibody test, and overall 78% of cardiolipin reactions gave false biological positive results. Cardiolipin tests were continued only because of their speed. A further modification ("spin") of the TPHA has now been developed which is rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive, and in testing 21,807 sera, gave results equivalent to those of the previous "settle" method. Serious consideration should be given to dispensing with cardiolipin tests.