Effect of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart.ex. Reiss on spermatogenesis.

The effect of the ethanolic extract of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart.ex. Reiss leaves on spermatogenesis was studied in Swiss mice by evaluating morphological characteristics by light and electron microscopy. The extract was administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 20 days, and at a dose of 800 mg/kg/day orally for 30 days. Structural analysis of the germ epithelium showed that treated animals were not noticeably different from control animals. The alterations included some exfoliated immature germ cells, occasional germ cell death (recognized as pyknotic nuclei) and a few vacuolized seminiferous tubules. Ultrastructurally, enlarged lipid droplets were found in Sertoli cells and swollen acrosomes occurred in early spermatids of animals treated with the higher dose. Sperm production indicated that the ethanolic extract of M. ilicifolia leaves did not contain substances sufficient to arrest spermatogenesis.

PIP: Several plant extracts used to regulate female fertility have proved effective for the male reproductive system as well. Maytenus ilicifolia Mart.ex. Reiss, a plant native to parts of South America, has been used as a contraceptive, abortifacient, and emmenagogue by women in Paraguay and Argentina. The present study evaluated the effect of the ethanolic extract of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart.ex. Reiss leaves on spermatogenesis in Swiss mice. The extract was administered at doses of 200 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 20 days and 800 mg/kg/day orally for 30 days. Light microscopy revealed apparently normal spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules of treated animals. Although the spermatogenic process was not altered, ultrastructural alterations were observed, including some exfoliated immature germ cells, occasional germ cell death, and a few vacuolized seminiferous tubules. Enlarged lipid droplets were found in Sertoli cells and swollen acrosomes occurred in early spermatids of mice treated with the higher dose. However, sperm production indicated that the ethanolic extract did not contain substances sufficient to arrest spermatogenesis. Thus, the indigenous use of Maytenus ilicifolia as a medicinal plant probably does not cause a disturbance of spermatogenesis as a side effect.

Prolactin injection, a new contraceptive method: experimental study.

"Prolactin injection" is presented as a new contraceptive method. The method was tested in dogs. The dogs in the test group were injected with prolactin (PRL) in a dose of 600 micrograms/kg of body weight weekly for 6 months. During this period, the testicles, semen, reproductive hormones, renal function, and serum sodium and potassium were examined periodically. Testicular biopsy was obtained after 3 and 6 months of PRL injection. These investigations were repeated during the 6 months following withdrawal of the drug. Sperm count decreased to azoospermia in 3 months after PRL administration with decrease of sperm motility and increase of abnormal forms. Testicular biopsy showed degenerated seminiferous tubules. Reproductive hormones, renal function, and serum sodium and potassium revealed insignificant change (P > 0.05). Dog mating during the period of PRL administration induced no pregnancy. After 3 months of drug withdrawal, the sperm count normalized and dog mating produced pregnancy; offsprings showed no anomalies. The study demonstrates that PRL administration has the potential to be developed as a reversible male contraceptive.

PIP: A medical researcher in Egypt compared data on 14 male mongrel dogs that were injected with a 600 mcg/kg of body weight dose of prolactin every week for 6 months with data on 14 other dogs that received a saline injection, to determine whether prolactin administration would be a possible safe, effective, convenient, and reversible male contraceptive method. Experimental dogs experienced a gradual decrease in sperm count beginning at the end of the 2nd week of prolactin injection. They achieved near azoospermia after 6 weeks of treatment. At the end of 3 months, all but 1 dog were azoospermic. By the end of 6 months, all these dogs were azoospermic. Sperm motility fell and abnormal spermatozoa increased by 2 weeks after prolactin injection. These changes continued. At the end of 3 months of treatment, degenerative changes had occurred in the seminiferous tubules. Reproductive hormones, renal function, and serum sodium and potassium did not change appreciably. Three months after prolactin injection treatment began, the semen of 9 experimental dogs did not impregnate any fertile female dog, even after 8 repeated inseminations. It impregnated all female dogs 3 months after drug withdrawal, however. The puppies exhibited no developmental abnormalities. These findings suggest that prolactin administration may be a possible reversible male contraceptive. Perhaps it could be developed to be administered orally.

[Inguinal funicular block in vasectomy]. / Ingvinalt funikelblok ved vasektomi.

The analgesic efficacy of inguinal funicular block with 10 ml carbocaine 1% as a supplement to local infiltration analgesia of the vas deferens was investigated in patients undergoing vasectomy. Pain/discomfort during vasectomy and on the first and third day postoperatively were investigated using a questionnaire. Fifty-seven male patients scheduled for legal sterilization were randomized and allocated in a double-blinded manner to receive the 10 ml carbocaine 1% in the right or left side and 10 ml isotonic NaCl in the contralateral side, the patient then being his own control. There was significantly less intraoperative pain on the side of the active inguinal funicular block (p < 0.0001), but no significant differences were found at the first and third postoperative day (p = 1.16-1.19). Inguinal funicular block can be recommended as a supplement to the usual use of local infiltration analgesia of the vas deferens.

PIP: Vasectomy is performed routinely under local anesthesia without major complications. The most frequently used method is local infiltration analgesia (LIA) of the vas deferens at the site of the resection. During the period of August 1992 - February 1993, all men who were referred for vasectomy at the Frederikssund Hospital were solicited to participate in the study. The analgesic efficacy of inguinal funicular block (FB) with 10 ml carbocaine 1% as a supplement to LIA of the vas deferens was investigated. Pain and discomfort during vasectomy and on the first and third day postoperatively were investigated using a questionnaire. 57 healthy male patients scheduled for legal sterilization were randomized in a double blind manner to receive 10 ml carbocaine 1% in the right or left side and 10 ml isotonic NaCl in the contralateral side, the patient thereby serving as his own control. Six patients were excluded for inadequate answers to the questionnaire (5) or reoperation for bleeding (1) which could not be related to administration of analgesia. 42 (82%) of 51 patients had pain during the operation; 39 (76%) on the first day after the operation; and 29 (57%) on the third day postoperatively. The therapeutic effect with active FB as a supplement to LIA in the scrotal skin was 73% (p 0.0001). There was significantly less intraoperative pain on the side of the active inguinal funicular block (p 0.0001), but no significant differences were found at the first and third postoperative day (p=1.16-1.19). With active FB on the left side, the localization of pain was exclusively scrotal in 14% (3/12) and both abdominal and scrotal in 86% (18/21). With active FB on the right side, pain distribution was scrotal in 52% (11/21) and abdominal/scrotal in 48% (10/21). Inguinal funicular block can be recommended as a supplement to the routine use of local infiltration analgesia of the vas deferens.

In vitro screening of antimotility effect on human sperm with polyphenolic compounds purified from Chinese herbal medicines.

PIP: 24 kinds of pure compounds extracted from Chinese herbal medicines were studied for their effects on human sperm motility. 7 were found to inhibit sperm motility at the concentration of 2 mg/ml. These 7 substances were further investigated for their sperm motility-inhibitory effect at the concentration of 3.0 mg/ml, 4.5 mg/ml, and 6.75 mg/ml to test the dose-related response. The results showed that 5 of the 7 extracts, namely casuarinin, cinnamtannin B-1, pedunculagin, epicatchin-(4beta-8)-epicatechin-(4beta-8)-catechin, and catechin have a strong inhibitory effect on sperm motility with dose-response relationship. Since the chemical structures of these extracts have already been determined, further studies should aim at exploring the mechanisms of their antimotility effect on human sperm. It would appear that some traditional Chinese herbal medicines have the potential of becoming new and acceptable forms of male oral contraceptives in the future.^ieng

Intracellular calcium accumulation and responsiveness to progesterone in capacitating human spermatozoa.

Progesterone induced a rapid, long-lasting, dose-dependent increase of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in human sperm capacitated overnight. This effect was not counteracted by the cytosolic progesterone receptor antagonist RU486 (1 mumol/L) nor by the GABA-A receptor antagonists bicuculline (10 mumol/L) and picrotoxin (50 mumol/L). Also, the rank order of potency of several progestative steroids on [Ca2+]i differed from that previously reported for uterine intracellular progesterone receptor or for P-GABA interaction in the central nervous system, indicating a different pathway for progesterone stimulation of human sperm. Modifications of basal and progesterone-stimulated [Ca2+]i during sperm capacitation were also studied. A progressive, parallel increase of basal and progesterone-stimulated [Ca2+]i in capacitating spermatozoa was found. In particular, progesterone-stimulated [Ca2+]i increased from a basal concentration of 147% +/- 17% at 10 minutes to 327% +/- 65% after 120 minutes of incubation in capacitating medium. This increase was well correlated with basal [Ca2+]i (r = 0.93). In contrast, basal and progesterone-stimulated [Ca2+]i concentrations were constantly low in spermatozoa incubated in noncapacitating medium. In capacitated spermatozoa, initial responsiveness to progesterone and basal [Ca2+]i was higher than in capacitating and noncapacitated samples, and remained constant throughout the duration of the experiment. The progressive, parallel increase of [Ca2+]i and response to progesterone observed during in vitro capacitation of human spermatozoa might be physiologically relevant in vivo during capacitation of sperm in the female genital tract.

Buserelin. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and clinical profile.

The gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) [luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH); gonadorelin] agonist buserelin is a promising new agent in the treatment of a variety of disorders in gynaecology and andrology, paediatrics and oncology. While a single dose of buserelin stimulates the release of pituitary gonadotrophins, multiple doses produce reversible pituitary desensitisation, and this specific blockade of gonadotrophin support to the gonads provides the basis for the drug's efficacy in conditions dependent on sex hormone secretion. Thus, buserelin provides comparable efficacy to orchidectomy or high dose estrogens in the treatment of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and exhibits a lower incidence of adverse effects. During the early phase of treatment it may be particularly useful in combination with antiandrogens. Buserelin also appears promising in hormone-sensitive premenopausal breast cancer. Extensive studies have proven the value of buserelin in endometriosis, where it produces a transient remission with gradual recurrence of the disease on cessation of treatment. Surgical intervention is necessary in severe disease after buserelin-induced involution of the lesions. In patients with uterine leiomyoma, preliminary data suggest that buserelin may be beneficial in rendering surgery more conservative by reducing fibroid size, although it appears unlikely to preclude surgical intervention. The use of buserelin to induce a state of reversible hypogonadotrophism before administration of exogenous gonadotrophins is a promising strategy in the treatment of infertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and other conditions of infertility with underlying ovarian dysfunction; such a strategy also clearly enhances the efficiency of in vitro fertilisation programmes. Initial studies suggest its potential usefulness as a female contraceptive when administered intermittently in conjunction with a progestogen. Buserelin represents a first-line treatment of central precocious puberty. In endometriosis the adverse effect profile of buserelin is generally favourable, with hypoestrogenic effects such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness, and decreased libido, predominating. There is no apparent detrimental effect on lipid metabolism. The potential for adverse hypoestrogenic effects on bone mineral content with long term administration remains to be clarified. Thus, the GnRH agonist buserelin represents an advance in the treatment of a variety of gynaecological and andrological as well as paediatric and oncological conditions, infertility and other sex-hormone dependent conditions, with a low incidence of adverse treatment effects.

Human seminal plasma cadmium: comparison with fertility and smoking habits.

Cadmium, selenium and zinc were determined in seminal plasma and serum of 64 men by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The mean (+/- SD) cadmium concentrations in seminal plasma and serum were 0.22 +/- 0.22 micrograms and 0.28 +/- 0.10 micrograms, respectively, but they did not correlate with each other. Smokers (n = 31) had significantly (p less than 0.01) higher serum cadmium concentrations than non-smokers (n = 31). Also seminal plasma cadmium in smokers was elevated, but a significant difference to non-smokers was only found if more than 20 cigarettes were consumed daily. No differences were found in semen quality and fertility between smokers and non-smokers. The seminal plasma cadmium had no correlation to selenium or zinc which, however, displayed a positive correlation (r = 0.852, p less than 0.001) to each other. It is concluded that smoking increases the exposure to cadmium. Although no obvious reproductive suppression was observed, heavy smoking may possibly enhance toxic effects in men under other detrimental exposures.

PIP: Cadmium, selenium, and zinc were determined in seminal plasma and serum of 64 men by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The mean (+or- SD) cadmium concentrations in seminal plasma and serum were 0.22 +or- 0.22 mcg and 0.28 +or- 0.10 mcg, respectively, but they did not correlate with each other. Smokers (n=31) had significantly (p0.01) higher serum cadmium concentrations than nonsmokers (n=31). Also, seminal plasma cadmium in smokers was elevated, but a significant difference to nonsmokers was only found if 20 cigarettes were consumed daily. No differences were found in semen quality and fertility between smokers and nonsmokers. The seminal plasma cadmium had no correlation to selenium or zinc which, however, displayed a positive correlation (r=0.852, p 0.001) to each other. It is concluded that smoking increases the exposure to cadmium. Although no obvious reproductive suppression was observed, heavy smoking may possible enhance toxic effects in men under other detrimental exposures. (author's)

Semen selenium and human fertility.

Selenium (Se) was measured in the semen of 125 men from couples consulting for infertility. A mean concentration of 71.3 +/- 29.7 ng/ml of semen was found, with a range of 7 to 230 ng/ml. More than 85% of the Se is in the seminal plasma. There was a significant positive correlation between sperm count and semen Se. Sperm motility was maximal at semen Se levels ranging between 50 and 69 ng/ml; above and below this range, motility was decreased and the incidence of asthenospermia was high. This result suggests an optimal range for semen Se. A follow-up of 4.5 to 5 years after the initial assay of Se revealed that low semen Se levels (less than or equal to 35 ng/ml) were associated with male infertility. A Se level between approximately 40 and 70 ng/ml was optimal for reproductive performance (high pregnancy rate and low abortion rate). Semen Se levels greater than or equal to 80 ng/ml were associated with a high abortion rate and signs of ovarian dysfunction in the partner (both partners usually have the same diet and environmental exposure). These results attest to the role of Se in human reproduction, a well-established fact in several animal species. The semen Se level appears to be a useful indicator of Se status versus reproductive function. Further studies are warranted concerning the general aspects of metabolism and mechanism of action of Se in infertile couples before any therapeutic modification of intake of this element can be contemplated.

Quantitative evaluation of the spermicidal potencies of vaginal contraceptives with a transmembrane migration method.

The spermicidal potencies of four vaginal contraceptives, namely Delfen cream, Samtol tablet, Lorophyn suppository and Ortho-Gynol jelly were compared using a transmembrane migration method which measured the proportion of sperm that moved from a semen-drug mixture across a Nuclepore membrane with 5 micron pores into phosphate buffer. The concentration-response curves of all preparations were parallel. The maximal dilutions that decreased sperm motility to 50% of control for Delfen, Samtol, Lorophyn and Ortho-Gynol were 240, 160, 75 and 35 respectively. The trans-membrane migration method is a simple, reproducible and quantitative test for evaluating the spermicidal potencies of vaginal contraceptives.

Studies on the male antifertility agent gossypol acetic acid: in vitro studies on the effect of gossypol acetic acid on human spermatozoa.

PIP: The hypothesis that gossypol (an active ingredient associated with cottonseed oil) affects enzymes and other constituents of spermatozoa, resulting in alterations in motility and sperm viability after in vitro treatment, was tested using human semen samples. At a gossypol acetic acid concentration (and a 30 minute incubation) of .01 mcg, the percent motility was 71+ or -2.5 (P .01); at .1 mcg concentration, percent motility was 69+ or -4 (P .01); at 1 mcg motility was 66+ or -5 (P .005); at 10 cg, motility was 38.5+ or -3.5 (P .001). Control values for sperm motility were 77+ or -3. These investigations suggested that treatment with gossypol depletes production of adenosine triphosphate in the sperms and thus their metabolism does not proceed normally, rendering them immotile. It appears that the high vulnerability of the testis to gossypol and the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in the respiratory chain of mitochondria of germ cells may be the mechanism responsible for infertility induction.^ieng

The effect of a combination of prostatic massage and antibiotic plus anticongestive drugs on human semen quality and fertility.

A total of 123 patients suffering from chronic prostatitis and infertility were included in this study. No significant improvement in sperm quality was found following prostatic massage with (90 patients) or without (33) antiobiotic plus anticongestive therapy. There was no apparent change in the relative contribution on the prostate and seminal vesicle of the ejaculate, as judged by the concentration of calcium and fructose. Nor was the pregnancy rate increased. It is concluded that prostatic massage is of little or no therapeutic value in treatment of infertility.

PIP: 123 patients suffering from chronic prostatitis and infertility were studied to assess the effect of prostatic massage, with and without anti-inflammatory or anticongestive drugs, on fertility and semen quality. Seme samples were obtained by masturbation after 3 days of sexual abstinence. Parameters measured included volume, pH, calcium concentration, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. The latter 3 factors were summarized as a sperm quality score (SQS), with scores varying from 40 (bad) to 0 (perfect). In all of the patients participating, some degree of prostatic pathology was discerned. During massage treatments, 44/89 (49%) of the drug-treated (DM) and 14/32 (44%) of the nontreated (M) patients excreted prostatic secretion. Improvement in prostate status, as judged by the treating physician, occurred in 34/92 (37%) of the DM and 15/37 (41%) of the M group. No significant improvement in sperm quality was found following prostatic massage with (90 patients) or without (33) antibiotic plus anticongestive therapy. Calcium and fructose concentrations in seminal plasma were measured as indexes of prostatic and vesicular function, respectively; no apparent change in the relative contribution on the prostate and seminal vesicle of the ejaculate was apparent. The pregnancy rate was not increased with therapy; therefore, prostatic massage seems of no therapeutic value in infertility treatment.

Effects of Malva viscus conzattii Greenm flower extract on testicular function of the house rat Rattus rattus Rufescens & the gerbil Meriones hurrianae Jerdon: a biochemical study.

PIP: Extract of the flower Malva viscus conzattii (M. conzattii) was administered at a dose of 25/50 mg/day/animal to 30 healthy adult male gerbils and 30 adult male house rats to determine its effect on fertility. After 25 days' treatment fin l body weight, and the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, and adrenal glands were measured. Testis, epididymides, and seminal vesicles were prepared for histological examination and total protein, RNA, sialic acid, and alkaline phosphatase activity were determined. Quantitative estimation of cholesterol was also made. While overall body weight remained stable during treatment, testicular weight in both animals was drastically decreased. A complete spermatogenic arrest in the testes was evident in house rats treated with 50 mg/day for 20 days and in the gerbil treated with 25 mg/day for 25 days. The seminiferous tubules showed marked degeneration, lined by 1 or 2 cell layers. Epididymides showed degenerative changes as well. RNA contents of the testes, epididydmides, and seminal vesicles of treated anials were significantly lowered as was sialilc acid content. Total cholesterol was increased significantly. M. conzattii causes an effective inhibition of spermatogenesis in gerbils and house rats in 25 states and induces infertility.^ieng

Correlation between elemental composition and motility of human spermatozoa.

X-ray microanalysis of human sperm cells in donor semen having a range of motilities from 0% to 85% showed that elemental composition is not strongly correlated with spermatozoal motility. Only copper in the midpiece was positively correlated with motility when high- and low-fertility groups were compared. Aging of cells in semen caused large changes in subcellular elemental concentrations as motility decreased, notably with uptake of zinc, but these changes were not reflected in the range of motilities in the clinical samples. Electrolyte balance as measured by sodium to potassium ratios also appeared not to be correlated with motility. Subcellular elemental distribution is not a major factor in determining sperm motility in normal human semen.

PIP: A possible correlation between the elemental composition of human spermatozoa and sperm motility was investigated. X-ray microanalysis did not reveal any strong correlation between sperm motilities of C-85% and elemental composition. However, when high- and low-fertility samples were compared, a significant (p less than .025) correlation was found between copper in the midpiece region and motility. As cells aged and motility decreased, there were considerable changes in subcellular elemental concentrations, particularly with regard to zinc uptake. However, these changes were not correlated with the range of motilities. No apparent correlation was found between electrolyte balance, as determined by sodium to potassium ratios, and motility. It is concluded that the subcellular distribution of elements in semen is not a determining factor in sperm motility.

Screening of Indian plants for biological activity: Part VII--Spermicidal activity of Indian plants.

PIP: Extracts of about 1600 Indian plants were tested for spermicidal activity. A small quantity of rat vasal or epididymal contents was placed on 2 drops of plant solution, mixed, and examined under a phase contrast microscope. Results were scored positive if 100% of spermatozoa became immotile. Tests were repeated 3 times. and sperm revival tested by addition of buffer to the immobilized sperm sample. Plant extracts showing positive activity were tested on liquified human semen. 30 plants showed spermicidal activity in rats, of which 16 caused instantaneous immobilization of human spermatozoa. Studies are underway on the isolation of active constituents and subsequent structural relationships.^ieng

The effect of a synthetic progestine on the fine structure of the epididymal head (stereological analysis).

The alterations induced in principal cells of the epididymal head tissue of the rat by administration of a synthetic progestine (R2323, ethinyl-norgestrienone) were studied by electron microscopy. A total of 3 male, sex mature rats was applicated ethinyl-norgestrienone during a 3 months period in low dosage (60 mug) per day and was studied with 5 control animals. Stereological methods devised by Weibel (1969) and Rohr et al. (1976) were applied to light and electron micrographs. The calculated values are related to 1 cm3 of epididymal tissue, 1 cm3 of epididymal cell and 1 cm3 of epididymal cell cytoplasm. The Golgi apparatus was further subdivided; the values for the Golgi compartments are therefore refered to 1 cm3 of Golgi apparatus was further subdivided; the values for the Golgi compartments are therefore refered to 1 cm3 of Golgi apparatus. In the treated animals there was, related to the unit of epididymal tissue, a significant decrease in the volume density of the interductular tissue, whereas that for the lumina was significantly higher. The volume density of the glandular epithelium remains unchanged. Refered to the unit volume of principal cell cytoplasm the rough endoplasmic reticulum shows a signficant decrease by 6.5%, whereas the smooth endoplasmic retiuclum is increased by 6.3%. The volume density of the lysosomes was calculated to be 4.3% (Control 2.5%). The stereological data of the Golgi apparatus indicate a vacuolar transformation: Increased volume of vacuoles, decreased volume fraction of saccules and vesicles. However, the volume density of the whole Golgi apparatus remains unchanged. An impaired secretory activity of the principal cells could be assumed.

PIP: The effect of a synthetic progestin (ethinyl-norgestrienone) on the epididymal head (stereological analysis) was studied in the rat by electron microscopy. 3 male mature rats were treated during a 3-month period in low dosage (60 mcg/day) and were studied with 5 control animals. The calculated values are related to 1 cc of each of the following: epididymal tissue, epididymal cell, and epididymal cell cytoplasm. In the treated animals there was a significant (p less than .05) decrease in volume density of the interductular tissue, whereas that for the lumina was significantly (p less than .05) higher. The volume density of the glandular epityhelium remained unchanged. The rough endoplasmic reticulum showed a significant (6.5%, p less than .05) decrease whereas the smooth endoplasmic reticulum increased (6.3%, p less than .05). The volume density of the lysosomes was 4.3% (control 2.5%). The stereological data of the Golgi apparatus indicate a vaculolar transormation due to increased volume of vacuoles, and decreased volume fraction of saccules and vasicles. However, the volume density of the whole Golgi apparatus remained unchanged, perhaps because of an impaired activity of the principal cell.

[Coincidence of two carcinomata with excessive high level of serumestrogen (author's transl)]. / Koinzidenz zweier Karzinome mit ungewöhnlich hohem Serumöstrogenspiegel

A case of an unusual combination of a metastasing bronchus cancer, a non-metastasing cancer of prostata and an excessive high level of serum-estrogen is described. This casuistic gives rise to some more general discussion of the pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of paraneoplastic endocrinopathies.

PIP: Breast cancer was discovered in a 78-year-old man, which came from a metastasizing bronchus cancer. Investigation showed a level of serum estrogen 20 times higher than normal. This was probably due to a nonmetastasizing prostate cancer, spironalactone therapy for heart trouble, paraneoplactic endocrinopathy, and the Pierre-Marie-Bamberger syndrome.

Effect of an indigenous drug (Speman) on accessory reproductive functions of mice.

PIP: The effects of an indigenous drug preparation, Speman (Himalaya Drug Company), on the accessory reproductive organs were studied in castrated adult mice and immature intact mice. Oral administration of Speman to castrated adults markedly increased the weights of the seminal vesicles and ventral prostate, as well as the level of fructose and maltase activity. These increases were dose-dependent and highly significant (p less than .001). The results indicate that Speman possesses both androgenic and anaboliclike activities.^ieng

[Basic elements of testicular physiology]. / Eléments de physiologie testiculaire

PIP: This review has sections on exocrine function of the testis, including meiosis, topography, the spermatozoan, regulation of spermatogenesis and the male genital tract; endocrine function, including metabolism, regulation, and mode of action of testosterone and other androgens; and fetal testicular physiology. Spermatogenesis includes meiosis, takes place over 74 days in regions of the germinal epithelium, and is sustained by the Sertoli cells which elaborate a specific androgen-binding globulin. Spermatogenesis is controlled by negative feedback on luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone secretion by a protein called "inhibine." Testosterone levels range from negligible at birth, to 200 ng/100 ml at 50 days, to 34 ng in boys, then 700 ng/ml in puberty and adulthood, declining to 200 ng/100 ml between 60-90 years of age. Testosterone is metabolized to active androgens, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, or 17beta-hydroxy or 3beta-derivatives in target tissues, or conjugated in the liver for excretion in urine. The fetal gonad is formed from Weeks 5 to 8, probably under the influence of local androgens and possibly a protein which inhibits development of female structures. Another androgen causes development of external male genitalia.^ieng

The regulation of male fertility: the state of the art and future possibilities.

PIP: This review prepared for the World Health Organization Task Force on methods for the regulation of male fertility presents the state of knowledge with respect to the disruption of sperm formation, interference with the sperm maturation after spermiation, and interruption of sperm transport. Disruption of sperm formation involves interference with cell division, testicular vasculature, or hormonal millieu. Interference with sperm maturation requires physiological alterations somewhere during their passage through the duct system that connects the testis and the ejaculatory ducts. Interference with the transport of spermatozoa can best be accomplished with the use of barriers either before or after ejaculation.^ieng

Radiozinc spermatogenesis test: follow-up semen analysis.

PIP: Semen analysis was performed on 8 men, every 2 months, for a period of 8 months, after the application of the radiozinc spermatogensis test. Semen was examined for volume, cell count, motility, and abnormal forms. Results showed no evidence of any changes in semen parameters. Student's test was used to compare the data before the test with the data after the test, and no significant differences were seen. The radiozinc spermatogensis test seems safe, from a radiologic point of view, does not have an adverse effect on semen, and unlike testicular biopsy, saves the patient from surgical exposure. The radiozinc spermatogensis test can be applied as an important adjuvant measure in the diagnosis and prognosis of male infertility.^ieng