Hypoosmotic swelling test for quality control of sperm prepared for assisted reproduction.

This study evaluates the clinical usefulness of one additional parameter for assessment of human sperm cell function in vitro--the hypoosmotic swelling test. The hypoosmotic swelling test evaluated the functional integrity of the sperm plasma membrane. The investigation included a comparison of the hypoosmotic swelling test in samples containing motile and immotile spermatozoa and their correlation with the intrauterine insemination outcome. Motile spermatozoa expressed better membrane characteristics, without any importance of the hypoosmotic conditions. Positive correlation exists between HOS results and the outcome of IUI. This test can be a useful addition to the standard battery of semen analyzing tests.

Effects of pentoxifylline on human sperm parameters in vitro.

PURPOSE: Pentoxifylline was tested in three raising concentrations (0.7 mM/l, 1.5 mM/l, 3.6 mM/l) on human sperm cells in vitro. METHODS: On 143 samples, we examined drug effect on motile sperm concentration, grade of their motility, acrosome reaction and membrane status. RESULTS: Obtained results show improvement in motile sperm concentration, as well as in the grade of progression in the majority of samples. CONCLUSIONS: Spermatozoa membranes as well as occurrence of the acrosomal reaction were not affected by pentoxifylline.

Sperm morphology and motility in different age populations.

A prospective study of 77 semen specimens was conducted by routine examination of patients reporting to our laboratory for sterility problems. Abnormal spermatozoa were found mostly in patients over 40 years of age. The most frequent head abnormality was angulation of head (found in 94% of patients) and the most frequent tail abnormality was bent jail (found in 90% of patients). Immature spermatozoa were noted mostly in patients over 40 years of age. Motile sperm concentration was higher in patients up to 26 years of age. However, there was a remarkable heterogeneity of routine andrological parameters within the examined groups.

Intrauterine insemination as a successful method in the treatment of infertility caused by oligospermia.

Intrauterine insemination combined with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was used in treating couples with infertility problem caused by oligospermia. We reported 85 cases, with sperm number less than 20.0 x 10(6) per insemination sample. We obtained successful insemination with 0.7 x 10(6) motile sperm cells per insemination sample. We were particularly successful in treating severe oligospermia. Most of the pregnancies in our population of patients ended in delivering singletons. In conclusion, infertility caused by oligospermia may be successfully treated using IUI with controlled ovarian stimulation. Our opinion is that the accuracy of IUI timing is critical, especially when severe oligospermia is concerned.

Gonadotropins (FSH and LH) and testosterone in human male serum and seminal plasma.

Concentrations of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) and testosterone (T) were measured in male serum and the seminal plasma of normo-, oligo- and azoospermic ejaculates. In addition, T levels were measured in tissue extracts of testis and prostate. The concentrations of FSH were nearly the same in seminal plasma and serum. However LH levels were higher in seminal plasma, while T levels were higher in serum. In azoospermic samples, the gonadotropins showed increased concentrations, while T levels were decreased. The concentrations of all three hormones differed in the seminal plasma of infertile men compared to the control group.

Intrauterine insemination with spermatozoa recovered from the aspirate of artificial spermatocoele.

Congenital absence of both vas deferens accounts for approximately 10% of cases of obstructive azoospermia. The purpose of the present study was to develop a treatment protocol for a group of azoospermic patients using surgical implantation of alloplastic spermatocoele to enable repeated sperm cell aspiration. Nine patients with congenital absence of both vas deferens, two with obstructed and one with destroyed vas, underwent surgery for the implantation of an alloplastic spermatocoele. In 10 of the 12 patients, vital spermatozoa were recovered from the aspirate and used for intrauterine insemination of their female partners with induced ovulation, some of whom then conceived.

Hormonal response to LH-RH application in normal women.

The postovulatory effects of pharmacological doses of LH-RH on progesterone and LH plasma concentrations have been demonstrated. LH-RH injected on the 16th and 18th day of the menstrual cycle induces the discharge of LH; the second application results in a weaker discharge, indicating that the pituitary stores are exhausted. A LH-RH injection induces a decrease of the plasma progesterone concentration which becomes evident after a delay of 26 hours. A statistically significant correlation between LH and progesterone plasma concentrations was obtained 26 h after the administration of LH-RH.