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Biomedical subjects

G Rohr

Publications and source records attributed to G Rohr.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

[Hormone profile of elderly women and potential modifiers].

In 136 women with a median age of 78 (60-98) years the serum concentrations of FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol-17 beta, testosterone and DHEA-S were determined completed by GnRH and ACTH stimulation tests in a subgroup. This resulted in median values for FSH of 15.8 ng/ml, LH 6.4 ng/ml, prolactin 6.9 ng/ml, estradiol 16 pg/ml, testosterone 270 pg/ml and 306 ng/ml for DHEA-S. No correlation with age in this population was found for gonadotropins as well as the other hormones for an age level of up to 98 years. Determination of multiple general clinical and laboratory parameters demonstrate the significance particularly in a geriatric group of patients to consider these patient characteristics when interpreting the serum hormone levels. In summary, the results of this prospective study underline the importance for health, of the secretion of gonadotropic and sexual hormones even at a very advanced age.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1993

Evaluation of polyacrylamide gel as substitute for human cervical mucus in the sperm penetration test.

OBJECTIVE: To compare polyacrylamide gel as synthetic medium with human cervical mucus (CM) for the in vitro sperm-penetration test during infertility investigation. PATIENTS: One hundred sixty-nine randomly chosen couples with a median duration of infertility of 4 (range, 1 to 16) years presenting at the infertility unit of the Women's University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evaluation of sperm migration in polyacrylamide gel used in four different concentrations (1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%) in the capillary tube test in parallel with CM of patients' female partners and CM of fertile donors, obtained under standardized conditions. Correlation of migration test results with outcome of semen analysis including microbial cultures and testing for local antisperm antibodies by means of the mixed antiglobulin reaction, postcoital testing, and the subsequent pregnancy rate after control for female infertility factors in a prospective study. RESULTS: Sperm ability to penetrate the synthetic medium (concerning all concentrations) correlated significantly with the penetration of human CM, although polyacrylamide proved to be a stronger barrier. Sperm velocity and duration of progressive motility were markedly reduced in polyacrylamide. Polyacrylamide results correlated with the outcome of standard sperm analyses but not with sperm antibody testing. No clear differentiation was obtained with regard to subsequent fertility (19% after 6 months), although adequate sperm migration in polyacrylamide 1.8% was significantly more frequent in the fertile group. CONCLUSIONS: In analyzing the intrinsic motility, penetration testing with polyacrylamide gel provides important information not obtained by routine sperm analysis. However, particularly with regard to immunological factors and fertility prognosis, human CM should be preferred whenever possible.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed1993

Antisperm antibodies in cervical mucus in an unselected subfertile population.

To determine the incidence and the clinical significance of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in cervical secretions in an unselected subfertile population, cervical mucus samples of 192 patients with long-standing infertility were screened by means of the indirect mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) test allowing differentiation for immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG in a parallel test setting. In addition, the indirect MAR IgG test in cervical mucus was evaluated by means of IgG coated latex particles instead of sensitized erythrocytes as the indicator system. All cervical mucus samples were taken under standardized conditions. Results of ASA determination were related to microbial findings in the cervix and the outcome of sperm-mucus interaction testing in vivo and in vitro, and the subsequent fertility in a prospective study. The total incidence of cervical mucus ASA within this population was low (< 2%). A significant correlation was found between sperm antibodies of the IgG and IgA class and of IgG ASA, determined with the standard MAR and testing with latex microspheres as indicator particles. Results were not influenced by microbial colonization of the cervix and were not markedly related to lymphocytes subset testing. All ASA positive women had a negative outcome of the post-coital test, but the majority of negative post-coital tests was not caused by local mucus antibodies of the IgG and/or IgA class. In patients with positive indirect MAR testing in cervical mucus, there was no pregnancy within an observation period of > 12 months. In conclusion, the results indicate the ASA in cervical secretions are not frequent but nevertheless are a severe cause of infertility when present.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cervix Mucus↗
PubMed1993

Determination of antisperm antibodies in serum samples by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay--a procedure to be recommended during infertility investigation?

The clinical significance of antispermatozoal antibody (ASA) testing in serum samples with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) technique using a commercially available kit was evaluated in 95 randomly chosen couples under infertility investigation. Results were related to many other parameters of male and female fertility, e.g. outcome of sperm analysis, testing of sperm functional capacity including the crossed in-vitro sperm-cervical mucus penetration test (SCMPT), results of a microbial screening in genital secretions, testing for local IgG- and IgA-class sperm antibodies in semen by means of the mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) and the subsequent pregnancy rate in a prospective study. Results of ASA testing did not show any relationship with medical history and results of clinical examination, the semen quality including sperm function tests and seminal cultures, outcome of the crossed SCMPT, and local ASA. All patients with MAR (IgG or IgA) positive ejaculates were ELISA negative in serum samples. No significant difference with regard to circulating ASA (ELISA) was found in couples with and without a subsequent pregnancy. Furthermore there was no significant difference of antibody levels in subfertile female patients, virgins (n = 36), 'normal' pregnant women (n = 39) and prostitutes (n = 40). In summary, the results of this study clearly demonstrate that the use of this method for detection of antisperm antibodies during infertility investigation cannot be recommended.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1993

The pH as an important determinant of sperm-mucus interaction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical significance of endocervical mucus pH on sperm-mucus interaction during infertility investigation. PATIENTS AND MATERIAL: Two hundred sixteen couples with a median duration of infertility of 4 years (range, 1 to 19 years) presenting at the infertility unit of the Women's University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Determination of endocervical pH by colorimetric and electrometric measurement and correlation of results with the outcome of postcoital testing (PCT) and other parameters of infertility investigation (semen and cervical mucus [CM] quality, microbial colonization of cervix and ejaculates, medical history, hormonal status, and specific medication) and the subsequent fertility in a prospective study. In vitro experiments with the sperm-cervical mucus penetration test (SCMPT) used as biological model. RESULTS: The colorimetric determination of endocervical mucus pH is an easy method, suitable for routine clinical use, correlating significantly with electrometric measurement of pH. Median pH was 7.0 (range, 5.4 to 8.2). The mucus pH was significantly related with the results of PCT, even when mucus and semen variables were taken into account. No significant relationship was seen between the cervical index and mucus pH and the microbial colonization of cervix and ejaculates. The pH of endocervical secretions correlated with the peripheral hormonal status: low pH levels were significantly more frequent in patients with hyperandrogenemia, indicated by high testosterone and/or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels before medication was started, and in hyperandrogenemic patients treated with dexamethasone than in the other women. Oral administration of estrogens led to a subtle alkalinization of the CM. With regard to subsequent fertility 6 months after pH testing, the pregnancy rate was significantly lower in women offering reduced mucus pH on occasion of the PCT in the group of couples with primary infertility and in couples with oligozoospermia of the male partner. The significant influence of pH on sperm-mucus interaction was confirmed in vitro with the SCMPT. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the pH of the CM, easily determined with pH indicator paper, is an important parameter of mucus quality with significant influence on spermatozoal viability in CM, which correlates with peripheral hormonal status and can be affected by oral medication with estrogens. Therefore the routine determination of pH on occasion of the PCT is recommended during infertility investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[The effect of heavy metals on the in vitro interaction between human sperm and cervical mucus].

The sperm-cervical mucus-penetration test (SCMPT) was used in vitro to examine the influence of heavy metals (mercury, cadmium and copper) on sperm function. 30 each of freshly obtained different sperm samples with varying starting sperm motility and oestrogen-stimulated cervical mucosa from women of known fertility were used. Mercury chloride (HgCl2; 0.005-0.5 mmol/l), cadmium chloride (CdCl2; 0.05-10 mmol/l) and copper sulphate (CuSO4; 0.0001-10 mmol/l) were added to the in-vitro system. After incubation, at 37 degrees C for 6 hours, linear progression, penetration depth and motility index of the sperm (cumulative SCMPT score) were analysed. An untreated control was run in parallel with each test. The added substances, especially CdCl2 and HgCl2, significantly reduced the quantitative and qualitative penetrability of sperm (P = 0.001), in step with the concentration. The concentrations which were used, especially those of mercury, were in the range of in-vivo. measured levels. These results make clear that heavy metals can influence human sperm function.

Cadmium↗
PubMed1992

Differentiation of round cells in semen by means of monoclonal antibodies and relationship with male fertility.

OBJECTIVE: To differentiate round cells in semen samples of subfertile men and evaluate the clinical significance during infertility investigation. PATIENTS: One hundred and eight randomly chosen couples with a median duration of infertility of 4 (range, 1 to 20) years presenting at the outpatient infertility clinic of the University of Heidelberg, Germany. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differentiation of round cells in semen by means of monoclonal antibodies (mABs) and a streptavidin-biotin system for staining. Correlation of results with medical history, outcome of clinical examination, sperm analysis, microbial screening of both partners, evaluation of sperm functional capacity in vivo by means of the postcoital test (PCT) and in vitro with the standardized crossed sperm-cervical mucus penetration test (SCMPT) and the subsequent fertility in a prospective study. RESULTS: The method used for differentiation of round cells proved to be practical and suitable for routine use. The percentage of leukocytes ranged from 0% to 58% with a median of 3%. Number of round cells and percentage of leukocytes did not differ markedly with regard to andrologic history, clinical findings, for example, varicocele, results of standard sperm analysis, and microbial colonization of semen samples. However, high rates of leukocytes of the round cells correlated with reduced sperm count and morphology and results of PCT. Leukocyte-positive (> 15% leukocytes) specimens were also significantly more frequent in case of inadequate SCMPT and reduced sperm penetration ability in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic patients (in terms of genital tract infection), the majority of round cells consist of immature germ cells and < 5% are white blood cells. The streptavidin-biotin system and the mABs used in this study proved to be useful to identify patients with elevated rates of leukocytes in semen possibly reflecting subclinical genital tract infection with influence on sperm functional capacity and subsequent fertility. Thus the procedure can be recommended to be included in a comprehensive evaluation of male fertility.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Biochemical analysis of cervical mucus by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Biochemical evaluation of cervical mucus is difficult due to the characteristic rheological properties of this hydrogel. The application of high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy proved to be a valuable new method for differentiated biochemical analyses of human cervical mucus. A particular advantage is that it is non-destructive, that it can be applied to specimens of small volume and that no sample preparation, such as solubilization, is necessary.

Cervix Mucus↗
PubMed1991

Characterization of a rat pancreatic secretory protein associated with pancreatitis.

A new protein was purified from the pancreatic juice of rats with acute pancreatitis. That protein, not detectable in control animals, was called "pancreatitis-associated protein." It was first observed 6 hours after induction of experimental pancreatitis with taurocholate or cerulein, reached maximal levels of 45 micrograms/mg protein in zymogen granules and 1.8 micrograms/mg protein in pancreatic tissue during the acute phase (48 hours), and disappeared during recovery (day 5). It was never detected in spleen, liver, kidney, heart, or lung. The detection limit of the assay system was 12 ng/mg protein, so that pancreatitis-associated protein levels increased at least 100-fold in pancreatic tissue during the acute phase. The molecular weight (12,000) and isoelectric point (8.2) were determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Subcellular fractionation and immunoelectron microscopy showed that the protein was synthesized on the rough endoplasmic reticulum and stored in zymogen granules before being secreted, similar to other pancreatic secretory proteins. Immunoblotting and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that the same protein was synthesized upon induction of pancreatitis by cerulein infusion, by retrograde injection of bile acids, or pancreatitis induced by pancreatic surgery. The pancreatitis-associated protein is therefore an acute-phase protein that differs from other proteins of that family because of its exocrine nature.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

New aspects for the therapy of Crohn's disease.

Although the exact etiology and pathogenesis of Crohn's disease is still unknown, inadequate immune responses as in the expression of antigen specific suppressor T-cells are involved. The established therapy is only symptomatic and only partly successful. Based on the suspected immunopathogenesis, there are several attempts for an improved therapy especially in the field of immunomodulation. Therapeutic activity is claimed for T-lymphocyte apheresis, for blood transfusions or substances as methotrexate, chloroquine, immunoglobulin or Factor XIII. Several studies for cyclosporin are promising.

Crohn Disease↗
PubMed1989

The role of gastric and duodenal pH in the cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer in the rat.

Many secretory studies reported an increase in gastric acid secretion by the duodenal ulcerogen cysteamine. A detailed analysis of these experiments, especially the results from rats with chronic gastric fistula suggest that direct stimulation of gastric acid secretion may not be the primary mechanism of the duodenal ulcerogenic action of cysteamine. We used a different approach and measured the pH at the site of ulceration in the proximal duodenum. A duodenal ulcerogenic dose of cysteamine did not change the pH at the anterior or posterior wall of the duodenum during 4 hr. In the same dose and by the same route of administration, cysteamine nevertheless induced duodenal ulcers in 24 hr. These experiments demonstrate that in addition to the effect on gastric acid secretion, other factors are needed to the effect on gastric acid secretion, other factors are needed to explain the early duodenal ulcerogenic action of cysteamine.

Animals↗