High incidence of oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia in human semen infected with the aerobic bacterium Streptococcus faecalis.

Bacterial culture of semen samples from 100 male partners in infertile couples revealed the presence of aerobic bacteria in 49 cases. Streptococcus faecalis (Enterococcus) was isolated from 53%, micrococci species from 20% and alpha-haemolytic streptococci from 16% of the infected samples. The incidence of oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in men whose semen samples contained S. faecalis than those whose semen samples contained micrococci or alpha-haemolytic streptococci or those that did not contain bacteria. The mean sperm concentration, as well as the mean percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, was significantly (P < 0.03) lower in semen infected with S. faecalis compared with that containing micrococci or alpha-haemolytic streptococci and the uninfected samples. There is a high incidence of semen infection with S. faecalis, and it is associated with compromised semen quality in terms of sperm concentration and morphology. The presence of micrococci or alpha-haemolytic streptococci does not appear to have any detrimental effect on sperm quality.

Reproductive exocrine and endocrine profiles and their seasonality in male langur monkeys (Presbytis entellus entellus).

The reproductive exocrine and endocrine profiles in male langurs are reported with an emphasis on seasonality. The animals showed positive response to electroejaculation throughout the year. The sperm concentration varied between 10-383 x 10(6)/ejaculation with wide fluctuations all through the year. No appreciable changes in the motility and percent live sperm were observed throughout the year. The levels of seminal fructose and magnesium remained unchanged throughout the year, while acid phosphatase showed wide fluctuations. Citric acid showed elevation during February and March and LDH showed elevated levels during April and May. The annual range of serum testosterone was 6-34 nMol/l with a peak during July. Cortisol ranged between 575-1587 nMol/l and prolactin ranged between 107-900 mU/l. Wide fluctuations were observed in hormonal levels. No seasonality was exhibited in the seminiferous tubule diameter, nuclear diameter of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells, and the cholesterol, glycogen, and sialic acid contents of testis. None of the parameters studied have shown any correlation with season. The results suggest that the male langurs lack seasonality in their reproductive exocrine and endocrine profiles and thus could be used as model for research in human reproduction.

Gamete intrafallopian transfer: A preliminary experience.

BACKGROUND: After in vitro fertilizationand embryo transfer for tubal infertility, gamete intrafallopian transfer has been introduced for patients with non-tubal infertility. However, the gametes need to be transferred in 2 to 5 minutes and the distance between the operating theatre and tissue culture laboratory delayed its introduction at our hospital. METHODS AND PATIENTS: To overcome this problem we designed a box in which gametes could be stored. Using gametes taken from this box and employing the standard technique, we achieved 5 pregnancies in 39 infertile women. RESULTS: From 41 treatment cycles, 39 women underwent oocyte retrieval. Five pregnancies were achieved of which 4 delivered live births at full term and 1 ended in abortion. Our first gamete intrafallopian transfer baby was born on 6 January 1988. CONCLUSION: The gamete intrafallopian transfer technique can be successfullyadapted for India.

Scanning electron microscopy in the assessment of sperm morphology.

The advantages of using scanning electron microscope (SEM) vis-a-vis light microscope (LM) to assess sperm morphology was studied. The semen samples obtained from 15 fertile (group I) and 25 infertile (group II) men were processed by routine procedures for LM and SEM. The usually described sperm abnormalities were identifiable with greater resolution. Sperm abnormalities were significantly more in group II, as compared with group I (P less than 0.001) by both methods. Abnormalities of different regions, like thinning of midpiece, were scored higher in SEM than in LM. The abnormality of aggregation or retraction of mitochondrial sheath was clearly visible under SEM and missed by LM. Apart from detection of certain subtle abnormalities, SEM has advantages of rapid screening, accurate quantitation directly from the screen, zooming to higher magnification and automation.

Ultrastructure of the cortex in the human egg.

Two distinct types of cortical granules were discerned in the human oocyte. The first type, G1 granules, had a mean diameter of 350 nm, contained a uniformly compacted, electron-dense substance; these granules were probably synthesized even before the oocyte was aspirated from mature follicles and their contents were never found to be secreted in any of the preovulatory (immature), unfertilized and fertilized eggs examined. The G2 granules measured 450 nm (mean diameter), had a granular content and were found to be synthesized and secreted at all the stages of egg development studied. Endocytosis was also evident in the unfertilized and fertilized eggs. The secretion of the G1 cortical granules even before fertilization suggests that they may have an additional role, rather than merely contributing to the blockade of polyspermy.

Structure of rete testis, vas efferens, epididymis and vas deferens of langur monkey (Presbytis entellus entellus Dufresne).

Morphological and histological features of rete testis, vas efferens, epididymis and vas deferens were studied in the langur monkey. Tubular extensions of rete were located towards lateral side of the testis. Its epithelium comprises mostly of cuboidal cells with hyaline cytoplasm. Three to nine bundles of vas efferens, emerging below the cranial pole of the testis, were observed. Vas efferens epithelium comprises of ciliated and nonciliated cells. Epididymis could be divided into six zones on the basis of cytological features. Principal cells, basal cells, apical cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes were observed in the epididymal epithelium, but their number, shape, size and location of nuclei varied in different zones. Vas deferens epithelium comprises of principal cells, basal cells, apical cells and few intraepithelial lymphocytes. Epithelium is surrounded by lamina propria, longitudinal, circular and longitudinal muscle layers.

Reproductive exocrine and endocrine profile of female langur monkeys, Presbytis entellus.

In 5 caged langurs menstrual cycle length (for 125 cycles) varied from 18 to 45 days with a mean +/- s.d. of 26.3 +/- 3.6 days. Menstruation lasted for 2 days. A distinct cycle of vaginal smear cells was observed with a maximum cornification on Day 10 coinciding with the serum oestradiol peak. A monophasic pattern of vaginal temperature with a significant nadir on Day 11, 1 day after the oestradiol peak, was observed. Serum sialic acid concentrations directly reflected the oestrogenic activity and showed a significant peak on Day 10, coinciding with the oestradiol peak and was followed by a progesterone rise. Langurs menstruated throughout the year without showing any sign of summer amenorrhoea. We suggest that maximum cornification, vaginal temperature nadir and serum sialic acid peak could be used as markers for prediction and detection of the time of ovulation in langur monkeys.

Pharmacokinetics of norethisterone following its oral administration and by spraying it nasally or sublingually to male bonnet monkeys.

Pharmacokinetic parameters of norethisterone (NET) were studied in eight adult male bonnet monkeys following the administration of a single dose of 300 ug. The animals were crossed over between the following three routes of administration: oral ingestion, nasal and sublingual spraying. The results indicate that NET was readily absorbed by all three routes but the Cmax and AUC of NET were significantly greater by the sublingual route. No significant difference in the t 1/2 alpha or t 1/2 beta was observed between the three routes. These findings suggest that the sublingual route offers the possibility of reducing the effective dose of NET, which is widely used for contraceptive purposes.

Reproductive endocrine effects of intranasal administration of norethisterone to adult female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Intranasal administration of norethisterone at a daily dose of 9 micrograms between Days 5 and 14 of the menstrual cycles blocked ovulation in 10 out of 17 adult female monkeys. Serum concentrations of hormones indicated that ovulation was blocked due to a suppression of the mid-cycle, oestradiol-induced LH surge. Ovarian follicular activity in the treated menstrual cycles was not affected by norethisterone but there was a marked delay in the onset of the mid-cycle oestradiol surge in most of the treated animals. The duration of the menstrual cycle length after the oestradiol peak was significantly reduced in all the treated monkeys, indicative of a shortened luteal phase.

Reproductive endocrine effects of intranasal administration of progesterone to adult female rhesus monkeys.

Adult female rhesus monkeys exhibiting normal ovulatory menstrual cycles were treated with progesterone nasal sprays. Animals in group A (n = 9) were treated with the solvent only (controls). Animals in groups B (n = 6), C (n = 17) and D (n = 7), respectively, were treated with a daily dose of 0.4, 2 and 10 micrograms of progesterone and the spraying was done between days 5-14 of the cycle. Ovulation was monitored by laparoscopy on day 20. The serum endocrine profile throughout the treated menstrual cycle was studied with respect to oestradiol and progesterone. Bioactive luteinizing hormone (bLH) was studied in blood samples taken on the day of the mid-cycle oestradiol peak, 2 days before, and 2 days after. The menstrual cycle was divided into two phases with respect to the mid-cycle oestradiol peak: phase I was taken to include day 1 of the cycle to the day of the oestradiol peak, and the remaining part of the menstrual cycle was considered to be phase II. The serum-endocrine profile in the controls was similar to that observed in normal ovulatory menstrual cycles. However, in the progesterone-treated groups three types of menstrual cycles were discernable on the basis of the serum endocrine profile. In the type I menstrual cycle, observed only in group C (n = 10), the mid-cycle bLH peak was abolished and the progesterone levels remained low throughout the cycle. Laparoscopy revealed these to be anovulatory cycles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reproductive endocrine effects of intranasal administration of norethisterone (NET) to women.

Four consecutive menstrual cycles were studied in six healthy parous women. A solvent mixture comprising propylene glycol:ethanol:water (3:3:4) was sprayed intranasally daily using a glass atomizer between days 5 and 24 of the first (control) menstrual cycle. NET was dissolved in the solvent and similarly administered at a daily dose of 100 mcg during the second and third menstrual cycles. Nasal sprays were not administered during the fourth post-treatment cycle. Blood samples were taken during four consecutive cycles between days 8 and 15 and again between days 20 and 24 of the cycle to estimate levels of estradiol (E2), FSH, LH and progesterone (P). These studies revealed that nasal sprays of NET were well accepted and that no adverse clinical effects or menstrual disturbances occurred. NET inhibited ovulation in one cycle. The E2-induced mid-cycle rise in FSH and LH was either suppressed or inhibited in nine out of the 12 treated cycles. P levels in three treated cycles were indicative of luteal inadequacy. These endocrine effects of NET persisted into the post-treatment cycle in two cases.

Effect of intranasal administration of norethisterone and progesterone on pituitary and gonadal function in adult male and female bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata).

The effect of intranasal spray of norethisterone (NET) and progesterone (P) on serum testosterone (T) and total sperm count in adult male bonnet monkeys and the effect of NET spray on the menstrual cycle in female monkeys has been studied. Whereas NET spray resulted in a drastic decrease in serum T levels and sperm count, P spray caused a decrease in total sperm count only. Intranasal spray of NET in adult cycling female monkeys between days 5 and 14 resulted in shortening of the menstrual cycle; this could be ascribed to a decrease in serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, 17 beta-estradiol, and P levels. Nasal spray of only solvent in male or female monkeys, however, had no effect on any of the parameters tested.

Steroid metabolism by monkey and human spermatozoa.

Freshly ejaculated spermatozoa from monkey and human were washed and incubated with tritium labelled androgens or estradiol to study the pattern of spermatozoa steroid metabolism. When equal concentrations of steroid substrates were used for incubation, monkey and human spermatozoa showed very similar pattern of steroid conversion. Spermatozoa from both species converted testosterone mainly to androstenedione, but reverse conversion of androstenedione to testosterone was negligible. Estradiol-17 beta was converted mainly to estrone. The close similarity between the spermatozoa of monkey and men in their steroid metabolic pattern indicates that the rhesus monkey could be an useful animal model to study the effect of drugs on the metabolic pattern of human spermatozoa.