Commonality and heterogeneity of pacemaker mechanisms in the male reproductive organs.

During emission, the first phase of ejaculation, smooth muscle in organs of the male reproductive tract (MRT) vigorously contract upon sympathetic nerve excitation to expel semen consisting of sperm and seminal plasma. During inter-ejaculation phases, the epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate undergo spontaneous phasic contractions (SPCs), this transporting and maintaining the quality of sperm and seminal plasma. Recent studies have revealed platelet-derived growth factor receptor α-expressing (PDGFRα+) subepithelial interstitial cells in seminal vesicles subserve the role of pacemaker cells that electrically drive SPCs in this organ. PDGFRα+ smooth muscle cells in the epididymis also appear to function as pacemaker cells implicating PDGFRα as a potential signature molecule in MRT pacemaking. The dominant mechanism driving pacemaking in these organs is the cytosolic Ca2+ oscillator. This operates through entrainment of the release-refill cycle of Ca2+ stores, the released Ca2+ ions opening Ca2+-activated chloride channels, including in some cases ANO1 (TMEM16A), with the resultant pacemaker potential activating L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in the smooth muscle causing contraction (viz. SPCs). A second pacemaker mechanism, namely the membrane oscillator also has a role in specific cases. Further investigations into the commonality and heterogeneity of MRT pacemakers will open an avenue for understanding the pathogenesis of male infertility associated with deterioration of seminal plasma.

Loss of Adgra3 causes obstructive azoospermia with high penetrance in male mice.

The adhesion receptor ADGRA3 (GPR125) is a known spermatogonial stem cell marker, but its impact on male reproduction and fertility has not been examined. Using a mouse model lacking Adgra3 (Adgra3-/- ), we show that 55% of the male mice are infertile from puberty despite having normal spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm count. Instead, male mice lacking Adgra3 exhibited decreased estrogen receptor alpha expression and transient dilation of the epididymis. Combined with an increased estradiol production, this indicates a post-pubertal hormonal imbalance and fluid retention. Dye injection revealed a blockage between the ejaculatory duct and the urethra, which is rare in mice suffering from infertility, thereby mimicking the etiologies of obstructive azoospermia found in human male infertility. To summarize, male reproductive tract development is dependent on ADGRA3 function that in concert with estrogen signaling may influence fluid handling during sperm maturation and storage.

Screening for Zinner Syndrome in Patients With a Congenitally Solitary Kidney: Lessons Learned.

PURPOSE: We determined if serial screening ultrasounds are beneficial in evaluating for the development of Zinner syndrome in males with a congenital solitary kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients included had their congenital solitary kidney diagnosed at <20 years of age and had to be ≥20 at their last visit. Individuals were seen annually, with pelvic ultrasounds to screen for mesonephric duct cysts obtained at birth and every year of age, divisible by 5. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 38 years of age (range 20-57), 17% (20/121) developed Zinner syndrome, with 60% (12/20) developing clinical symptoms. The yield for screening ultrasound studies was significantly higher in patients ≤20 years of age at 3.5% (12/340), compared to 0.33% (1/296) in patients >20 years of age (P = .004). Serial ultrasounds reveal the onset of lower urinary tract and cyst-related pain symptoms are associated with the growth of the seminal vesicle cyst to ≥5 cm (P = .0198). Of symptomatic patients, 75% (8/12) had abnormal uroflows. Complete urodynamic studies revealed findings consistent with bladder outlet obstruction in 38% (3/8), equivocal for obstruction in 24% (2/8), and detrusor underactivity in 38% (3/8). Cyst excision effectively resolved voiding symptoms that were obstructive in etiology but failed to resolve symptoms in patients with detrusor underactivity. CONCLUSIONS: Serial ultrasound evaluations reveal that cyst growth to ≥5 cm in size is highly related to the onset of clinical symptoms, with the resolution of voiding symptoms by cyst excision directly associated with urodynamic findings.

Adverse risk factors for salvage radiotherapy outcomes after radical prostatectomy in prostate cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate salvage treatment approaches and treatment outcomes in high-risk prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: In this retrospective, multicenter study, 272 patients who underwent salvage radiotherapy (RT) ± androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for recurrent prostate cancer after RP between 2007 and 2021 were analysed. Univariate analyses of time to biochemical and clinical relapse after salvage therapies were conducted using Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests. Multivariate analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards model to determine the risk factors for disease relapse. RESULTS: Median age was 65 (48-82) years. All patients underwent salvage prostate bed RT. Pelvic lymphatic RT was performed in 66 patients (24.3%) and ADT was included in 158 (58.1%) patients. The median PSA value before RT was 0.35 ng/mL. The median follow-up time was 64 (12-180) months. 5-years bRFS, cRFS, and OS were 75.1%, 84.8%, and 94.9% respectively. In multivariate cox regression analysis; seminal vesicle invasion (HR 8.64, 95% CI 3.47-21.48, p < 0.001), pre-RT PSA higher than 0.14 ng/mL (HR 3.79, 95% CI 1.47-9.78, p = 0.006), and ≥ 2 positive pelvic lymph nodes (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.11-5.62, p = 0.027) were found to be unfavorable prognostic factors for bRFS. CONCLUSION: Salvage RT ± ADT provided 5-years biochemical disease control in 75.1% of patients. Seminal vesicle invasion, ≥ 2 positive pelvic nodes and delayed administration of salvage RT (PSA levels higher than 0.14 ng/mL) were found to be adverse risk factors for relapse. Such factors should be taken into account during the decision process on salvage treatment.

Progesterone receptors in extratesticular ducts of the Amazonian stingray Potamotrygon wallacei: A potential role in sperm maturation and aggregate formation.

In cururu stingray (Potamotrygon wallacei Carvalho, Rosa and Araújo 2016) males, plasma progesterone (P4) levels appear to be associated with spermiation events. However, the specific contribution of P4 in sperm maturation via extratesticular ducts in this stingray species is unknown. With the aim of filling this knowledge gap, this study examined the morphology and the presence of progesterone receptors (PR) in the ducts, and analyzed the relationship of progesterone (P4) with sperm maturation and formation of aggregates. Morphological analysis showed that a columnar pseudostratified epithelium with stereocilia lined all the attached ducts. In active males, the secretory cells of the epididymis and the Leydig glands presented PR; however, these receptors were not found in the distal region of the epididymis (essential for nurturing and capacitation events) of regressing males. In the seminal vesicles of active males, the spermatozoa are parallelly aligned and embedded in a matrix to form the spermatozeugmata. The matrixes are formed by proteins secreted by the ducts and Sertoli cell cytoplasts. These structures presented PR, which suggests that P4 engages in sperm metabolism during storage. Our findings allude to the potential role of P4 in regulating the development and function of the attached ducts in different reproductive phases. Furthermore, P4 seems to be an essential component for regulating sperm progress, protein secretion, aggregate formation, and maintenance of sperm during storage in this freshwater stingray.

Rectal prolapse associated with enlarged seminal vesicles in a Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus).

A 7-year-old vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) died 8 days after surgery to repair the rectal prolapse. The animal had a history of tenesmus in a week leading up to the rectal prolapse. At necropsy enlargement and dilatation of seminal vesicles that appeared to cause posterior compression of the rectum leading to luminal narrowing. It was concluded that enlargement of the seminal vesicles may have serious consequences such as rectal obstruction and tenesmus leading to prolapse of the rectum in vervet monkeys and should be considered a rare cause of lower gastrointestinal disorders in this species and probably other species of nonhuman primates as well.

Seminal Vesical Sparing Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer is Feasible with Good Functional Results without Impairing Oncological Outcomes: A Longitudinal Long-Term Propensity-Matched Single Center Study.

PURPOSE: Seminal vesicle-sparing radical cystectomy has been reported to improve short-term functional results without compromising oncological outcomes. However, there is still a lack of data on long-term outcomes after seminal vesicle-sparing radical cystectomy. The aim of this study was to compare oncological and functional outcomes in patients after seminal vesicle-sparing vs nonseminal vesicle-sparing radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oncological and functional outcomes of 470 consecutive patients after radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal reservoir from 2000 to 2017 were evaluated. They were stratified into 6 groups according to nerve-sparing and seminal vesicle-sparing status as attempted during surgery: no sparing at all (55), unilateral nerve sparing (159), bilateral nerve sparing (132), unilateral seminal vesicle-sparing and unilateral nerve sparing (30), unilateral seminal vesicle sparing and bilateral nerve sparing (45), and bilateral seminal vesicle sparing (49) and used propensity modeling to adjust for preoperative differences. RESULTS: Median followup among the entire cohort was 64 months. Among the 6 groups, our analysis showed no difference in local recurrence-free survival (p=0.173). However, progression-free, cancer-specific and overall survival were more favorable in patients with seminal vesicle-sparing radical cystectomy (p <0.001, p=0.006 and p <0.001, respectively). Proportions of patients with erectile function recovery were higher in the seminal vesicle-sparing groups at all time points in all analyses, respectively, with pronounced earlier recovery in patients with bilateral seminal vesicle sparing. Importantly, patients with seminal vesicle sparing were significantly less in need of erectile aids to achieve erection and intercourse. Over the whole period, daytime urinary-continence was significantly better in the seminal vesicle sparing groups (OR 2.64 to 5.21). CONCLUSIONS: In a highly selected group of patients, seminal vesicle sparing radical cystectomy is oncologically safe and results in excellent functional outcomes that are reached at an earlier time point after surgery and remain superior over a longer period of time.

Zika Virus Infection, Reproductive Organ Targeting, and Semen Transmission in the Male Olive Baboon.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnant women is a serious threat to the development and viability of the fetus. The primary mode of ZIKV transmission to humans is through mosquito bites, but sexual transmission has also been well documented in humans. However, little is known of the short- and long-term effects of ZIKV infection on the human male reproductive system. This study examines the effects of ZIKV infection on the male reproductive organs and semen and the immune response of the olive baboon (Papio anubis). Nine mature male baboons were infected with ZIKV (French Polynesian strain) subcutaneously. Six animals were euthanized at 41 days, while three animals were euthanized at 10 or 11 days postinfection (dpi). Viremia and clinical evidence of infection were present in all nine baboons. ZIKV RNA was present in the semen of five of nine baboons. ZIKV was present in the testes of two of three males euthanized at 10 or 11 dpi, but in none of six males at 41 dpi. Immunofluorescence of testes suggested the presence of ZIKV in sperm progenitor cells, macrophage penetration of seminiferous tubules, and increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), particularly in vascular walls. These data demonstrate that male olive baboons approximate the male human ZIKV response, including viremia, the adaptive immune response, and persistent ZIKV in semen. Although gross testicular pathology was not seen, the demonstrated breach of the testes-blood barrier and targeting of spermatogenic precursors suggest possible long-term implications in ZIKV-infected primates.IMPORTANCE Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus spread through mosquitoes and sexual contact. ZIKV infection during pregnancy can lead to severe fetal outcomes, including miscarriage, fetal death, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal microcephaly, collectively known as congenital Zika syndrome. Therefore, it is important to understand how this virus spreads, as well as the resulting pathogenesis in translational animal models that faithfully mimic ZIKV infection in humans. Such models will contribute to the future development of efficient therapeutics and prevention mechanisms. Through our previous work in olive baboons, we developed a nonhuman primate model that is permissive to ZIKV infection and transfers the virus vertically from mother to fetus, modeling human observations. The present study contributes to understanding of ZIKV infection in male baboon reproductive tissues and begins to elucidate how this may affect fertility, reproductive capacity, and sexual transmission of the virus.

Seminal Vesicle Tumor Microenvironment.

Primary diseases of the seminal vesicles (SV) are very rare entities.Nonneoplastic lesions of the seminal vesicles include amyloidosis, inflammation, calcification and calculi, radiation-induced changes, and basal cell proliferation.Seminal vesicles are frequently involved by tumors originating elsewhere, in particular by prostatic adenocarcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and rectal adenocarcinoma. On the contrary, primary tumors of the seminal vesicles are rare. Among these, the most common is seminal vesicle adenocarcinoma. To date, less than 100 cases have been reported in literature. Morphologically, primary SV adenocarcinoma is described as a papillary or sheetlike growth architecture, with trabecular and glandular patterns, composed by hobnail tumor cells, frequently with mucinous differentiation. On the contrary, mesenchymal tumors include benign lesions such as leiomyoma, schwannoma, fibroma, paraganglioma, solitary fibrous tumor, cystadenoma, and mixed epithelial and stromal tumors (MEST).Cystadenoma is a rare benign tumor, while MESTs are biphasic tumors with stromal and benign epithelial components. Histological features such as stromal atypia, mitotic activity, nuclear pleomorphism, and tumor necrosis distinct MEST in low-, intermediate-, and high-grade tumors.In recent years, multiple studies reported a link between tumorigenesis and tumor microenvironment. In this regard, the molecular mechanisms connecting prostate cancer (PCa) progression and the host microenvironment have been described and include extracellular matrix (ECM), myofibroblasts, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), neuroendocrine cells, adipose tissue, and the immune-modulatory cells. Of note, only one study evaluated the influence of seminal vesicle's tumor microenvironment (SVME) on prostate cancer cells so far. Besides, in vivo experiments in NOD/SCID mice clarified the influence of SVME on PCa progression. As such, the injection of PC3 cells into the prostate or the SV resulted in different tumor aggressiveness, and the incidence of retroperitoneal lymph node metastases was significantly higher in mice models receiving SV injection. These findings demonstrated that SVs (rather than the prostate) offer a stimulating tumor microenvironment for growth and invasion of prostate cancer cells.

Utility of NKX3.1 immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of seminal vesicles versus prostatic tissue in needle biopsy.

NKX3.1 is considered a reliable immunohistochemical marker of prostatic origin with high specificity and sensitivity. However, NKX3.1 positivity has been described in other neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissues, such as mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, sex-cord stromal tumors, rete testis adenocarcinoma, lobular and ductal carcinoma of the breast, salivary glands, peribronchial submucosal glands, and Sertoli cells. We analyzed expression of two antibodies (mono and polyclonal) of NKX3.1 in a total of 63 non-neoplastic seminal vesicles. We used 52 resection materials (12 seminal vesicles without prostatic adenocarcinoma, 26 seminal vesicles with prostatic adenocarcinoma infiltration, and 14 cases of seminal vesicles infiltrated by urothelial carcinoma) and 11 prostatic core needle biopsies with incidentally sampled fragment of seminal vesicles. In all cases, tissues from seminal vesicles were completely negative for NKX3.1, despite using polyclonal and monoclonal NKX3.1 antibodies, and regardless of the detection system utilized (diaminobenzidine (DAB) versus alkaline phosphatase (AF)). However, prostatic adenocarcinoma was negative in several cases (n = 6), when AF detection system was used. Reaction with DAB was strong and robust in all cases. Based on our data, we can recommend NKX3.1 as a negative immunohistochemical marker of seminal vesicles.

Immunohistochemistry in prostate pathology.

The diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma is based on a combination of histological features, none of which is absolutely sensitive and specific. Immunohistochemical examination is therefore sometimes necessary in difficult cases for confirmation of the diagnosis and distinction of mimickers. The second major indication of immunohistochemical staining in prostatic pathology is metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma.

A novel PSMA/GCPII-deficient mouse model shows enlarged seminal vesicles upon aging.

BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), also known as glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), is an important diagnostic and therapeutic target in prostate cancer. PSMA/GCPII is also expressed in many healthy tissues, but its function has only been established in the brain and small intestine. Several research groups have attempted to produce PSMA/GCPII-deficient mice to study the physiological role of PSMA/GCPII in detail. The outcomes of these studies differ dramatically, ranging from embryonic lethality to production of viable PSMA/GCPII-deficient mice without any obvious phenotype. METHODS: We produced PSMA/GCPII-deficient mice (hereafter also referred as Folh1-/- mice) by TALEN-mediated mutagenesis on a C57BL/6NCrl background. Using Western blot and an enzyme activity assay, we confirmed the absence of PSMA/GCPII in our Folh1-/- mice. We performed anatomical and histopathological examination of selected tissues with a focus on urogenital system. We also examined the PSMA/GCPII expression profile within the mouse urogenital system using an enzyme activity assay and confirmed the presence of PSMA/GCPII in selected tissues by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Our Folh1-/- mice are viable, breed normally, and do not show any obvious phenotype. Nevertheless, aged Folh1-/- mice of 69-72 weeks exhibit seminal vesicle dilation, which is caused by accumulation of luminal fluid. This phenotype was also observed in Folh1+/- mice; the overall difference between our three cohorts (Folh1-/- , Folh1+/- , and Folh1+/+ ) was highly significant (P < 0.002). Of all studied tissues of the mouse urogenital system, only the epididymis appeared to have a physiologically relevant level of PSMA/GCPII expression. Additional experiments demonstrated that PSMA/GCPII is also present in the human epididymis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we provide the first evidence characterizing the reproductive tissue phenotype of PSMA/GCPII-deficient mice. These findings will help lay the groundwork for future studies to reveal PSMA/GCPII function in human reproduction.

Stage T3b prostate cancer diagnosed by seminal vesicle biopsy and treated with neoadjuvant hormone therapy, permanent brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To report the long-term results of prostate brachytherapy followed by external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in men with a positive seminal vesicle biopsy (+SVB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 1081 men with localised prostate cancer were treated with permanent brachytherapy, of which 615 had staging SVB and 53 (9.4%) were positive. Higher stage, Gleason score and PSA level were associated with a +SVB (P < 0.001). Patients with +SVB and negative laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection, bone and CT scans had 3 months of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) followed by 103 Pd implant to the prostate (dose 100 Gy) and proximal SVs, and 2 months later 45 Gy EBRT. ADT was continued for a median of 6 months (total ADT 9 months). The mean (range) follow-up was 9 (5-22) years. RESULTS: Biochemical freedom from failure (computed by the Phoenix definition), freedom from metastasis, and cause-specific survival (CSS) for patients with a negative SVB (-SVB) vs +SVB at 15 years, was 76.3% vs 60.6% (P = 0.001), 95.4% vs 78.2% (P < 0.001), and 95% vs 70.4% (P < 0.001), respectively. Prostate cancer death occurred in 45 of 590 (7.6%) men with a -SVB vs eight of 25 (32%) with a +SVB (odds ratio 5.7, 95% confidence interval 2.35-13.9, P < 0.001). Cox proportion hazard rates (HRs) demonstrated Gleason score (P < 0.001, HR 1.9), stage (P = 0.010, HR 1.42), RT dose (P = 0.013, HR 0.991), and +SVB (P = 0.001, HR 4.48), as significantly associated with CSS. CONCLUSIONS: Men with a +SVB have inferior CSS compared to those with a -SVB. However, a strategy that included a SVB in high-risk patients and implantation of the SVs in men undergoing combined therapy still yields favourable long-term results.

Study on PREP localization in mouse seminal vesicles and its possible involvement during regulated exocytosis.

SummaryProlyl endopeptidase (PREP) is a post-proline cleaving enzyme. It is involved in the regulation of multiple inositol polyphosphate phosphatase activity implicated in the pathway of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, resulting in the modulation of cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Besides its peptidase activity, PREP was identified as a binding partner of tubulin, suggesting that it may participate in microtubule-associate processes. In this paper, we evaluated the expression of PREP mRNA and protein by polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses and its co-localization with tubulin by immunofluorescence in adult mouse seminal vesicles. We showed that both proteins are cytoplasmic: tubulin is localized at the apical half part of the cell, while PREP has a more diffuse localization, showing a prominent distribution at the apical cytoplasm. These findings support our hypothesis of a specific role for PREP in cytoskeletal rearrangement that occurs during the exocytosis of secretory vesicles, and in particular its association with tubulin filaments. Moreover, it may regulate Ca2+ levels, and promote the final step of vesicular exocytosis, namely the fusion of the vesicles with the plasma membrane. These results strongly suggest that there is a pivotal role for PREP in vesicle exocytosis, as well as in the physiology of mouse seminal vesicles.

Laparoscopic vesiculectomy for large seminal vesicle cystadenoma.

Cystadenomas of the seminal vesicles are extremely rare. Here, we report a large seminal vesicle cystadenoma. A 37-year-old man presented a 6-month history of haemospermia, 10 days of Lower Urinary Tract symptoms (LUTSs) and gross haematuria. Transabdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and revealed a large solid-cystic pelvic mass morphometrically measured 7.0 cm × 11.9 cm × 8.6 cm on the right seminal vesicle, which caused hydronephrosis of the right kidney. The prostate-specific antigen of the patient was 27.860 ng/dl. Laparoscopic exploration found the capsule of tumour was complete and the tumour came from the right seminal vesicle, in addition, the mass had a certain space with the bladder and prostate, which could be separated. So a nerve-sparing Laparoscopic Vesiculectomy was performed at last, even though the intraoperative frozen section analysis could not make sure the nature of the tumour either. The postoperative pathology revealed cystadenoma of the seminal vesicle.

Anatomical study of the seminal vesicle system for transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy.

Because of a general lack of knowledge regarding the precise anatomy of the seminal vesicle system, efforts to use transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy (TSV) are currently constrained. We investigated 26 normal adult male specimens. Contrast medium was injected into the seminal vesicle system in 18 specimens and the openings of the ejaculatory ducts were examined with an operating microscope. India ink was injected into the urethra in four specimens to investigate the function of the ejaculatory duct valve. Another four specimens were examined histologically to identify the anatomical relationships of the seminal vesicle system. We found that the openings of the ejaculatory ducts were covered by the ejaculatory duct valve, which could be classified into two types and acted as a one-way valve. The apex of the seminal colliculus together with the right and left openings of the ejaculatory ducts formed a shape resembling an isosceles triangle. This could be used to locate the openings of the ejaculatory ducts during TSV. The ejaculatory ducts can be classified into two types according to their course. During surgery, efforts must be made to protect the ejaculatory duct valve. During inspection or surgery, the second segment and the angles of the ejaculatory ducts, particularly in Type Ib and Type II cases, require particular attention. Clin. Anat. 32:244-252, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mating with seminal vesicle-excised male can affect the uterus phospholipid fatty-acids composition during implantation in an experimental mouse model.

PURPOSE: No comprehensive information is available about uterus fatty acid (FA) change during implantation period and possible effects of the seminal vesicle secretion on it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we evaluated FA composition of uterus phospholipids during the implantation period in intact and seminal vesicle-excised (SVX) mated female mice. Forty NMRI female mice were divided into control (mated with intact male) and seminal vesicle excised (SVX)-mated (mated with SVX-male) groups. The phospholipid fatty acids composition was monitored during the fi rst fi ve days of pregnancy using gas chromatography and also implantation rate was evaluated on fi fth day of pregnancy. RESULTS: We found that levels of linoleic acid (LNA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) showed a decreasing trend from the fi rst to the third day of pregnancy and then started to increase on the fourth day and peaked on the fi fth day. In contrast, the level of saturated FA (SFA) increased on the second and third day of pregnancy compared to the fi rst (p<0.05) and then decreased on the fourth and fi fth. We also found that the seminal vesicle secretion could affect the levels of LNA, ARA, SFA, and PUFA in uterine phospholipids especially on second and third day. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between ARA level and implantation rate in control but not SVX-mated groups. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that several uterus FA that have important roles in early pregnancy could be affected by seminal vesicle secretion.

Imaging findings of congenital anomalies of seminal vesicles.

The seminal vesicles are paired organs of the male reproductive tract, which produce and secrete seminal fluid. Although congenital anomalies of seminal vesicles are usually asymptomatic, they may lead to various urogenital symptoms, including infertility. Due to their embryologic relationship with other urogenital organs, congenital anomalies of seminal vesicles may accompany other urinary or genital anomalies. Congenital anomalies of seminal vesicles include agenesis, hypoplasia, duplication, fusion, and cyst. These anomalies can be diagnosed with various imaging techniques. The main purpose of this article is to summarise imaging findings and clinical importance of congenital anomalies of seminal vesicles with images of some rare and previously unreported anomalies.

Evidence for Previously Unidentified Sexual Transmission of Protozoan Parasites.

Knowing the mode of transmission of a disease can affect its control and prevention. Here, we identify 5 protozoan parasites with demonstrated presence in seminal fluid, only 1 of which has been identified as a sexually transmitted disease among humans.

Significant changes of T2 value in the peripheral zone and seminal vesicles after ejaculation.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the quantitative changes of the prostate and seminal vesicles (SV) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after ejaculation. METHODS: Ten healthy young males were enrolled for T2-weighted and T2 mapping MRI before and after two consecutive ejaculations. T2 values of the peripheral zone (PZ) and the central gland (CG) at the midgland of the prostate were compared before and after ejaculation, respectively. T2 values of the PZ at the apex and base were also compared before and after, respectively. Pre- and post-ejaculation SV volumes were compared. The Wilcoxon's signed rank test with Bonferroni adjustment was used for comparison. RESULTS: After ejaculation, T2 values of the PZ significantly decreased (mean, 119±20 vs. 105±21, p=0.002) while those of the CG did not significantly change at the midgland. At the apex, T2 values of the PZ also decreased significantly (mean, 114±9 vs. 94±7, p=0.002). On the other hand, T2 values of the PZ did not change at the base. SV volumes were significantly reduced after ejaculation (mean, 11.1±7.7mL vs. 7.2±6.7mL, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Ejaculation decreases T2 values of the PZ at the midgland and apex, and reduces SV volumes. Abstinence periods should be considered in evaluating the prostate and SV on MRI. KEY POINTS: • T2 values decrease after ejaculation in the apical-mid peripheral zone. • Ejaculation does not affect T2 values of the central gland. • Volume of the seminal vesicles decreases after ejaculation. • An abstinence period should be considered before pelvic MRI in men.