[Myelogram of intervertebral disk hernia--with special reference to annulomeningeal interval distance].
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Female↗
Biomedical subjects
H Fuse
Publications and source records attributed to H Fuse.
DNA microarray analysis of genes involved in the process of differentiation in mouse Leydig cell line TTE1.
A Leydig cell line, TTE1, was established from the temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen transgenic mice. The cells showed temperature-sensitive growth characteristics and a differentiated phenotype at a nonpermissive temperature. To identify differentially expressed genes in the process of Leydig cell differentiation, the authors carried out microarray analysis of TTE1 cells cultured at permissive and nonpermissive temperatures. The resulting fluorescence-labeled cDNAs synthesized from mRNAs were hybridized with Clontech's Atlas glass mouse 1.0 microarrays. Of the 1081 genes analyzed, the levels of 31 genes were changed, with 24 genes showing increased levels of expression and the remaining 7 genes showing decreased levels. Tie2 was the most changed transcript, with a 13.5-fold upregulation under the differentiated condition. The authors believe this to be the first report of broadscale gene expression in Leydig cell differentiation using the microarray technology. The ability to analyze broadscale gene expression in this manner provides a powerful tool for investigating the molecular mechanisms of Leydig cell functions.
Animals↗
Establishment of Leydig cell line, TTE1, from transgenic mice harboring temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene.
A Leydig cell line, TTE1, has been established from transgenic mice harboring a temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 (tsSV40) large T-antigen gene. The cells grew at a permissive temperature (33 degrees C), but growth was markedly prevented at a nonpermissive temperature (39 degrees C). T-antigen was expressed in the nuclei at 33 degrees C but disappeared at 39 degrees C, indicating that the cells show a temperature-sensitive growth phenotype reflected by the tsSV40 large T-antigen. TTE1 cells did not show any colony-forming activity in soft agar and form tumors in subcutaneous tissue in nude mice, indicating that the cells were not transformed. Alkaline phosphatase and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) activities or expression of cytokeratin and vimentin were observed. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis indicated that TTE1 cells expressed mRNAs encoding 17beta-HSD types 1 and 3, and inhibin-alpha. The cells with unique characteristics, therefore, should serve useful model study the function of Leydig cell.
17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
Evaluation of acrosome reactivity using the Acrobeads test in varicocele patients: findings before and after treatment.
The Acrobeads test was performed on semen samples from 43 patients with varicocele before and after varicocelectomy. Sperm motility significantly increased after surgery (p <.05), while sperm concentration and motile sperm concentration did not alter postoperatively. Sperm motion analysis using CellSoft 3000 did not demonstrate a significant change after treatment. Acrobeads score significantly increased after the procedure (p<.005). Pregnancy was achieved in 10 patients (28%). Acrobeads score in cases that achieved pregnancy was increased postoperatively (p<.005). The percentage of patients with a postoperative increase in Acrobeads score in the group that achieved pregnancy was significantly higher than that observed in the unsuccessful group (p <.05). Sperm parameters other than the Acrobeads score did not show a significant difference between the successful and unsuccessful patients. The Acrobeads test assessed postoperatively can be useful in precisely evaluating fertility potential after varicocele repair.
Acrosome Reaction↗
Transurethral incision for hematospermia caused by ejaculatory duct obstruction.
Hematospermia is supposed to be derived from pathological conditions in the seminal vesicle, prostate, testis, epididymis, or urethra. A recent advance in diagnostic procedures has demonstrated the seminal vesicle, the prostate, and midline cyst as potential sources of hematospermia. The authors describe a case of hematospermia caused by ejaculatory duct obstruction, in which a transurethral technique was successful. A 51-year-old male was referred to the authors' clinic with a chief complaint of hematospermia. Transurethral ultrasonography showed a cystic lesion surrounded with hyperechoic area in the middle of the prostate. Vasography demonstrated the distal dilation of the ejaculatory duct. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a high signal intensity area in the middle of the prostate. Urethrocystoscopy showed an enlarged cystic lesion with an orifice at the prostatic urethra, which was incised endoscopically. There was no complication observed postoperatively. Seven months after the technique, hematospermia resolved completely. A midline cyst should be considered a cause of hematospermia and the incidence of such cysts may be higher than that previously recognized. The transurethral technique is expected to be a successful treatment approach.
Blood↗
Soluble Fas and interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels in seminal plasma of infertile men.
The seminal plasma levels of soluble Fas (sFas) and interleukins IL-6 and IL-8 were measured and their relationship with semen qualities was examined. The seminal plasma sFas level in fertile males was significantly higher than that in the infertile group. On the other hand, seminal plasma level of IL-6 was significantly lower in fertile males than in the infertile group. In the infertile group, patients with oligozoospermia had a lower seminal plasma sFas and a higher IL-6 level than those with normal sperm concentration. There was an inverse correlation between IL-6 and sperm concentration in infertile patients. Seminal plasma IL-8 was not correlated with sperm parameters. It would appear that certain kinds of cytokine in the seminal plasma might play an important role in improving semen quality.
Adult↗
Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome: a surgical approach.
Laparoscopy revealed a left inguinal testis and a right abdominal testis. Surgery revealed uterus-like structures. The bilateral testes showed primitive testis without ovarian tissue. Physical examination showed a normal and an empty scrotum with a nonpalpable gonad. Chromosome analysis revealed 46,XY. Pathological findings demonstrated the immature testis and the immature uterus.
Cryptorchidism↗
Effect of Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang on seminal plasma cytokine levels in patients with idiopathic male infertility.
Twenty-two idiopathic infertile patients were treated with Oriental herbal medicine, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (Hochu-ekki-to). Seminal plasma sFas level elevated significantly after herb administration. There was an inverse correlation between seminal plasma IL-6 level and sperm concentration before treatment. After the administration of herb seminal plasma, sFas levels significantly correlated with sperm concentration. Seminal plasma IL-8 level did not change. Certain kinds of cytokine in the seminal plasma might play some role in improving semen quality with treatment.
Adult↗
Treatment with prednisolone of hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
Fifteen patients 60 to 80 years old (a mean of 72 years) with hormone-refractory prostate cancer were treated with low dose prednisolone. All patients had previously undergone hormone therapy. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) values decreased in 11 cases (73%), of which 4 had PSA decreases of 50% or greater. Serum levels of DHEAS significantly decreased at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment (both intervals were p < 0.05 vs pretreatment). Of 8 patients with bone metastasis evaluation, 2 (25%) showed improvement of the lesion. In 5 patients (33%), relief of pain was observed one month after starting prednisolone. The one-year survival rate was 58%. The side effects were mild and manageable in an outpatient clinic.
Aged↗
Postoperative changes of sperm chromatin heterogeneity, using acridine orange staining, in varicocele patients.
The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative changes in sperm chromatin heterogeneity in varicocele patients. In 15 infertile patients with varicocele, sperm parameters including concentration, motility, and morphology were evaluated before and after surgical correction of varicocele. Sperm motion analysis using computer-assisted semen analyzer (CASA) was also performed. To analyze the sperm nuclear proteins, the acridine orange staining method was used. On semen analysis, sperm concentration and motility significantly increased after surgery (p = 0.002, p = 0.003, respectively), although sperm morphology was unaltered postoperatively. CASA parameters, including velocity, linearity, amplitude of lateral head displacement and beat cross frequency were unaltered postoperatively. On the other hand, acridine orange staining significantly increased postoperatively (p = 0.002). Varicocele influences the sperm chromatin condition, as well as sperm concentration and motility.
Acridine Orange↗
Assessment of sperm quality analyzer II B: comparison with manual semen analysis and CASA.
Two hundred and seven patients with male infertility were investigated. Total sperm concentration and percent progressive motility by SQA IIB showed high correlations with those of conventional manual method. Percent of normal morphology showed a significant correlation among these techniques. The sperm motility index (SMI) and total functional sperm concentration (TFSC) demonstrated high correlations with any variables of manual analysis. Only velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement showed significant correlations with the variables obtained by SQA IIB, especially with SMI and TFSC. It was suggested that SQA IIB could be a useful instrument in the clinical practice of infertility as a screening test for semen quality.
Adult↗
Usefulness of sperm quality analyzer-V (SQA-V) for the assessment of sperm quality in infertile men.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of new of Sperm Quality Analyzer (SQA-V) with the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and manual semen analysis estimates. One hundred five fresh semen samples were analyzed using SQA-V and CASA and manual semen analysis. Significant correlations of sperm concentration (p < 0.0001), sperm motility (p < 0.0001), and normal morphology (p < 0.0001) were observed between SQA-V variables and manual semen analysis estimates. There also were significant correlations of sperm concentration (p < 0.0001), sperm motility (p < 0.0001), and sperm velocity (p = 0.0235) between SQA-V variables and CASA estimates. Meanwhile, it did not correlate with amplitude of lateral head displacement, beat cross frequency, lineality assessed by CASA. The value of the sperm concentration and the sperm motility measured by SQA-V showed high correlations with the value of those measured by CASA and manual semen analysis. In addition, velocity and sperm morphology may also be evaluated to some extent using SQA-V.
Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗
DNA hybridization study using Y-specific probes in an XX-male.
A 30-year-old male attended the Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital with the chief complaint of infertility. Physical examination showed bilateral small testes and the semen contained no sperm. Hormonal studies revealed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and cytogenetic studies showed a 46,XX karyotype. High-resolution banding showed no abnormalities in both of the X chromosomes. Histological examination of both testes showed germinal aplasia and the proliferation of Leydig cells. The diagnosis of XX-male was made from the above findings. A DNA hybridization study using 17 Y-specific probes revealed the presence of a major part of the short arm of the Y chromosome, which had presumably been translocated to the X chromosome. The translocated Y short arm had a small deletion within it.
Adult↗
A case of decapitated spermatozoa in an infertile man.
A case of headless or decapitated spermatozoa of an infertile man is reported. The 33-year-old patient showed almost normal spermiogram except for a high percentage (more than 90%) of headless spermatozoa. Both hypoosmotic swelling and zona-free hamster egg tests showed that most headless spermatozoa appeared to be normal in their function as tails. The ultrastructure of the ejaculated spermatozoa was observed using a surface replica method and by conventional ultrathin sectioning. The headless spermatozoa were almost normal in structure except for the absence of the head. Tailless heads were rarely observed. Varieties of ultrastructural abnormalities were observed in spermatozoa heads. Among them, abnormalities in the nuclear membrane covering the posterior pole of the nucleus were prominent. The implantation fossa and the basal plate were not formed. Instead, the nuclear membrane with numerous nuclear pores was found in this region. The decapitation seemed to take place between the region of the basal plate and the proximal centriole.
Acrosome↗
Histological and endocrinological investigations of cyclosporine effects on the rat testis.
To investigate the effects of cyclosporine on spermatogenesis and endocrinological function of the testis, cyclosporine was administered subcutaneously to mature male Sprague-Dawley rats. Four and 6 weeks after the termination of cyclosporine administration (40 or 60 mg kg-1), the diameter of seminiferous tubules was diminished. The percentage of tubules with spermatozoa was decreased 6 weeks after the termination of cyclosporine treatment (20-60 mg kg-1). However, tubular wall thickness did not change throughout the experiment. Serum follicular stimulating hormone level increased significantly immediately after termination of cyclosporine administration dose-dependently, while the serum levels' luteinizing hormone and testosterone did not alter throughout the experiment. It is strongly suggested that cyclosporine impairs spermatogenesis and Sertoli cell function, although Leydig cell function is not injured.
Animals↗
A case of an infertile man with short-tailed spermatozoa.
Ejaculated spermatozoa from an infertile patient were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. All spermatozoa had abnormalities in the tail region. The abnormalities were divided into three types: (a) spermatozoa with a spherical tail. The tail was larger than the head in volume. This type of abnormality accounted for about 60% of the population; (b) spermatozoa with a blunt tail. The tails were about 2 microns in diameter and about 7 microns in length. This type of abnormality accounted for about 30% of the population of an ejaculate; (c) spermatozoa without a tail. Some of these had only a rudimentary tail. About 10% of the population belonged to this type. In types A and B, all components of the tail, except for dynein arms, were observed, but they were severely disarranged. Biopsy specimens of the testes and of the nasal mucosa of this patient were also investigated. The testicular biopsy showed defects in manchette formation. Normal development of the manchette could not be observed. The nasal epithelium showed absence of the inner dynein arms in the cilia.
Adult↗
Relationship between hypoosmotic swelling test, semen analysis, and zona-free hamster ovum test.
The hypoosmotic swelling test is a simple test for measuring the functional competence of the human sperm membrane. Fifty-four patients with idiopathic infertility were assessed by hypoosmotic swelling test and the results were compared with those of routine semen analysis and zona-free hamster ovum human sperm penetration test (ZSPT). Semen samples with abnormal semen parameters had lower percentage of swollen sperm in comparison with those with normal semen parameters. A positive correlation was observed between sperm concentration and sperm swelling (r = .50, p less than .05). A strong positive correlation was observed between the percentage of sperm motility and the percentage of swollen sperm (r = 0.60, p less than .01), and between motile sperm concentration and sperm swelling (r = .62, p less than .01). On the other hand, sperm swelling correlated only weakly with the percentage of sperm penetration. The results indicate that the hypoosmotic swelling test appears to evaluate different functional qualities of sperm than ZSPT.
Adult↗
Hypoosmotic swelling test in patients with varicocele.
The hypoosmotic swelling test is a simple test for measuring the functional competence of human sperm membrane. Thirty-five patients with varicocele were assessed by hypoosmotic swelling test and the results were compared with those in patients with idiopathic infertility. Percentage of swollen sperm in varicocele tended to be lower than that in idiopathic infertility, especially in sperm concentration between 30 x 10(6)/mL and 40 x 10(6)/mL. Varicocele with sperm motility of 40% or more revealed lower percentage of swollen sperm than idiopathic infertility did. The results indicate that varicocele may particularly injure sperm membrane function because hypoosmotic swelling test is a test for measuring functional ability of human sperm membrane. The percentage of swollen sperm recovered after the operation earlier than did the other sperm parameters such as sperm concentration or motility, which indicates that impaired sperm membrane injury by varicocele is reversible.
Adult↗