Some characteristics of split human semen of various sperm densities.
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Bulbourethral Glands↗
Biomedical subjects
M Sagiv
Publications and source records attributed to M Sagiv.
Separation of normozoospermic human spermatozoa into subpopulations by selective agglutination with peanut agglutinin.
Incubation of human spermatozoa of normozoospermic origin with the galactose specific lectin peanut agglutinin (PNA) resulted in agglutination of the majority of sperm. This finding enabled separation of sperm into two subpopulations. The major one, accounting for 87.0 +/- 12.7 (SD)% consisted of agglutinating sperm (PNA+), while the minor subpopulation (PNA-) did not bind the lectin. The correlation between the percentages of PNA- sperm and acrosome-damaged sperm, as detected by light microscopy prior to separation, was analysed and an overlapping has been found. Light and electron microscopy examination revealed that the PNA- cells were either acrosomeless or possessed severely damaged acrosomes while the PNA+ sperm were mostly free of such pathologies. Following treatment of sperm with fluorescin-conjugated PNA the single cells lacked any labeling while the agglutinates exhibited fluorescence. However, the binding of the lectin to sperm was non-uniform and differences in fluorescence intensity at various parts of the head have been observed. The sialic acid content in PNA+ sperm was found to be significantly higher (7.5 +/- 2.2 micrograms/10(8) sperm) as compared to PNA- sperm (2.1 +/- 0.6 micrograms/10(8) sperm). It was suggested that sialic acid content could be a biochemical indicator of acrosomal integrity. Separation of sperm by selective PNA agglutination might be valuable for elimination of sperm affected by acrosomal pathologies from the ejaculate.
Galactose↗
A high proportion of double-headed and double-tailed sperm in semen of a human male. A case report.
We present the case of a patient whose semen contained 30% of sperm with double heads and double tails at various stages of attachment due to abnormal meiosis. The genital system, sperm density, endocrinological profile and karyotype were normal. It is postulated that abundance of the above-noted type of sperm pathology in the human semen might not necessarily be associated with oligozoospermia or fertility impairment.
Adult↗
Separation of sub-populations of sperm with higher fertility potential from normal and pathological semen by peanut agglutinin.
Incubation of human sperm from semen with counts below 20 x 10(6)/ml with peanut agglutinin (PNA) resulted in agglutination of about 70% of sperm. An inverse correlation was found between non-agglutinating (PNA) sperm and sperm density (r = 0.48, p less than 0.01) and a direct correlation with acrosome-damaged sperm (r = 0.83, p less than 0.001). Binding of 125I-PNA to sperm revealed high, and possibly also low affinity binding sites on sperm from both normozoospermic and oligozoospermic origins. Quantitative transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that agglutinated, PNA+, sperm had lower frequency of acrosomeless spermatozoa than PNA(-)-sperm (44% versus 77%) and higher fertility score (+0.18 +/- 0.1 and -1.5 +/- 0.87 respectively, p less than 0.01). Removal of PNA- sperm from oligozoospermic semen may increase the fertility score of the remaining sperm.
Cell Separation↗
Inhibition of sialyl transferase activity by gossypol acetic acid in human seminal plasma.
Seventeen aliquots of 15 microliters seminal plasma of human origin were incubated with 25 micrograms, 15 micrograms, 5 micrograms and 2.5 micrograms gossypol acetic acid (GAA), dissolved in BWW containing 0.9% sodium chloride and 0.9% benzyl alcohol, at 37 degrees C for 60 minutes. Following incubation, activity of sialyl transferase (S.T.) was determined by a procedure involving incorporation of radioactive sialic acid into asialofetuin. The activity of S.T., expressed as cpm per hour per 15 microliters seminal plasma was compared to controls consisting in incubation of sperm in BWW containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol and 0.9% sodium chloride. The activity of S.T. in controls represented 61.3 +/- 8.0%-67.7 +/- 8.9% of the activity obtained by incubation with BWW only. GAA was found to exert a dose-dependent inhibition of S.T. activity, ranging from 38.3 +/- 20.6% to 53.4 +/- 19.4% (with 25 micrograms) and from 11.3 +/- 14.8% to 21.9 +/- 14.8% (with 2.5 micrograms).
Gossypol↗
Low energy narrow band non-coherent infrared illumination of human semen and isolated sperm.
Sixty-two samples of human normal and abnormal semen and 23 samples of washed sperm were illuminated for 4 minutes with a narrow band non-coherent infrared device (BioBeam). Immediately after illumination the following parameters were examined in comparison with appropriate controls: motility, viability and morphology, fructose content of semen, acrosome reaction of sperm, viscosity of seminal plasma and analysis of the protein pattern. The mean value of motility grade calculated for the total number of 62 semen samples was 2.58 +/- 0.79 versus 2.17 +/- 0.75 (non illuminated controls), P less than 0.005. The mean value of motility grade of 23 samples of washed sperm was 2.89 +/- 0.77 versus 2.43 +/- 0.62, respectively (P less than 0.01). In two illuminated seminal plasma specimens, the viscosity was decreased by 8.8% and 14.8%, the protein content and pattern remained, however, unchanged. Neither the percentages of motile, viable and morphologically normal sperm, nor the fructose content of semen were found to be affected by the illumination.
Acrosome↗
Role of physical activity training in attenuation of height loss through aging.
BACKGROUND: Although the genetic contribution to variability in bone mass has been estimated to be as high as 80%, evidence continues to accumulate suggesting that factors such as physical activity can influence bone mass which may avoid compression of the vertebrae leading to slower stature decline with age. OBJECTIVES: This study examines whether regular exercise has the potential of positively affecting the aging process with regard to height loss. METHODS: The height of 957 females and 1,088 males who were 35-55 years of age in 1965 were measured again in 1995. Based on a questionnaire, the subjects were divided into four groups. Group A (80 females, aged 73. 2 +/- 6 years, and 141 males, aged 72.1 +/- 5.7 years) represented subjects who were engaged in moderate vigorous aerobic activity throughout their lives; group B (95 females, aged 73.6 +/- 5.5 years, and 207 males, aged 71.7 +/- 6.1 years) were subjects who started their moderate vigorous aerobic activity around the age of 40 and kept their activity until the present time; group C (362 females, aged 73.2 +/- 5 years, and 390 males, aged 71.1 +/- 6 years) were persons who were active as young adults, but did not continue to exercise, and group D (425 females, aged 72.8 +/- 5.3 years, and 350 males, aged 70.9 +/- 6.1 years) were subjects who had not exercised regularly throughout their lives. RESULTS: All subjects lost height due to aging. However, significant (p < 0.05) differences in rate of height loss were found among the A, B, C, and D groups: for females 3.4 +/- 0.7, 3.5 +/- 0.8, 6.0 +/- 0.5, and 6.5 +/- 0.7 cm, respectively; for males 2.6 +/- 0.5, 3.1 +/- 0.4, 5.3 +/- 0.4, and 5. 5 +/- 0.5 cm, respectively. In addition, the females' height loss rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the males in all four activity categories. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that lifelong moderate endurance training, especially after the age of 40 years, is associated with attenuation of height loss in both sexes. However, the magnitude of the attenuation is significantly higher in males.
Aged↗
Some characteristics of azoospermic human semen.
Of 260 volume measurements and 265 fructose determinations on 257 azoospermic semen samples, the volume was normal (1-6 mL) in 78%, low in 16.7%, and high in 5.2%. The percentage of azoospermic samples with low volume was greater than that found for samples containing sperm. Mean fructose concentrations were similar in high-volume and normovolemic azoospermic samples, but significantly lower in low-volume samples. There was no correlation between (a) the etiology of the azoospermia and abnormal semen volume or fructose concentration (save for cases of obstruction and/or atrophic seminal vesicles) or (b) semen volume, fructose concentration, and serum LH, FSH, testosterone, or prolactin.
Adolescent↗
Semen volume and fructose content of human semen. Survey of the years 1980-1989.
The communication presents percentages of semen with low (less than 1 ml) and high (greater than or equal to 6 ml) volume and of semen with decreased fructose content (less than 1 ml) in the total number of 8,128 human specimens analyzed during the years 1980-1989. Percentages of low volume specimens and of specimens with decreased fructose content were found to increase with time. High volume semen lacked such trend.
Adolescent↗
The influence of seminal plasma and polyaminic substances on the motility of isolated human sperm.
The purpose of the study was to examine the influence on the motility patterns of isolated human sperm of seminal plasma originating from semen of high and low motility, as well as of seminal plasma of azoospermic origin. Also assessed was the effect of incubation of sperm in the presence of solutions of the polyamines spermine, spermidine, and putrescine. The mean values of the obtained motility percentage and grade were related to the quality of sperm motility in semen and the quality of seminal plasma in that respect. The best results were obtained with specimens containing greater than or equal to 50% motile sperm and having a motility grade greater than or equal to 2. No relationship was found between the concentrations of polyamines in the seminal plasma and sperm motility of respective semen, as well as between the levels of polyamines and their effect on isolated sperm motility. It appears that the participation of polyaminic substances in the process of motility could be contributive and dependent on additional factors present in the semen.
Humans↗
Andrological parameters in human semen of high (greater than or equal to 6 ml) and low (less than or equal to 1 ml) volume.
A study was carried out to evaluate 792 semen of high (greater than or equal to 6 ml) and low (less than or equal to 1 ml) volume and sperm counts ranging from 0.1 to 200 x 10(6) per ml. Particularly emphasized were: motility percentage and grade, percentage viability, morphologically normal sperm and immature cells, and the concentration of fructose in semen (mg/ml). The Duncan multiple range test and the Kruskal-Wallis test with multiple comparison of ranks were used in the statistical analyses. The results show that abnormal semen volume influence neither the basic tendency of andrological parameters to change in accordance with sperm counts of semen nor to correlate with each other. The quality of motility was significantly higher in specimens of high semen volume as compared to those of low semen volume. The concentration of fructose in semen was generally higher in specimens of high volumes than in those of low volumes, including semen devoid of sperm. It was assumed that in general increased semen volume does not affect the quality of other andrological parameters, thus being probably unrelated with fertility potential. The considerably lower values of both motility and viability characterizing the semen of low volume would suggest a lower fertility potential of specimens affected by this type of abnormality.
Fertility↗
Hyaluronidase activity in split human semen.
Hyaluronidase is an acrosomal enzyme which participates in the dissolution of the cumulus oophorus matrix, containing hyaluronic acid, and is essential for the fertilization process. In this study hyaluronidase activity was determined in two fractions of split normozoospermic and oligozoospermic human semen. The method consisted of measurements of areas of digestion of hyaluronic acid in agar (Petri dishes) as compared to activity obtained by commercial testicular hyaluronidase. It was found that the first splits of semen, which are generally characterized by higher sperm density and better quality of sperm, exhibit higher enzyme activity (136.0 +/- 11.6-207.0 +/- 15.1 micrograms/mL) as compared to the second splits (117.8 +/- 10-134.0 +/- 12.9 micrograms/mL).
Humans↗
Total and free testosterone and estradiol in human semen.
Total and free testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were determined by a radioimmunoassay technique in 30 normozoospermic and oligozoospermic human semen samples. The mean amounts of total T ranged from 25.1 +/- 7.4 to 32.5 +/- 12.2 ng/100 mL, and those of the free hormone from 7.0 +/- 2.8 to 7.9 +/- 2.3 ng/100 mL. The values for E2 were 10.5 +/- 4.4 to 11.2 +/- 4.5 pg/mL and 2.3 +/- 1.1 to 3.2 +/- 2.6 pg/mL, respectively. There was no correlation between sperm density of semen and the levels of T and E2. It is suggested that the nonspecific binding of T and E2 in semen provides a physiological reservoir for active, free T and E2 and that an appropriate ratio of free T to free E2 in semen may be crucial in the processes that lead to fertilization.
Adult↗
Sialic acid content of human spermatozoa in relation to age and quality of sperm.
Sialic acid (SA) has been estimated in human spermatozoa separated according to age by the use of a discontinuous gradient of human serum albumin (HSA), and according to quality (viability and motility) by the use of a discontinuous gradient of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The amount of SA in the "mature" sperm was 3.5 +/- 0.7 (SD) micrograms/mg protein, whereas in the immature sperm subpopulation, enriched with morphologically abnormal sperm, it was 6.9 +/- 3.4 micrograms/mg protein (P = .05). SA estimated in spermatozoa separated according to quality had values of 3.6 +/- 1.2 micrograms/mg protein in sperm of higher quality and 4.1 +/- 1.3 micrograms/mg protein in that of lower quality; this difference was not of statistical significance. It is suggested that changes in SA levels might reflect differences in the degree of sialylation of protein in the subpopulation of sperm, and thus be related to various stages in the fertilization process.
Cell Separation↗
The evaluation of routine andrological parameters in human serum.
A study was carried out to evaluate the andrological parameters in 540 human semen specimens divided into groups according to sperm counts. The parameters were: motility percentage and grade, percentage of viability and of morphologically normal sperm and immature cells. The Duncan multiple range test and the Kruskal-Wallis test with multiple comparison of ranks were used in the statistical analyses. Of particular interest, among other our findings, were the significant differences obtained by comparing the group with sperm counts up to 5 x 10(6) per ml semen and that with counts ranging from 5.1 to 10 x 10(6) per ml semen. This was true for all parameters with the exception of semen volume. Comparison of the oligozoospermic groups (up to 20 x 10(6)/ml) with those having higher sperm counts also showed significant differences. There was a trend towards improvement of the examined parameters with the increase in sperm density, but with a remarkable heterogeneity particularly within the oligozoospermic groups. In all groups motility, viability and morphological normality of sperm showed a positive correlation with each other. "Normal values" of the parameters studied could be derived from scatterplot charts over the entire range of sperm counts and from the statistical evaluation of the grouped material.
Humans↗
Separation of human semen on Percoll gradients: effect on percentage of motile and morphologically normal sperm and proportion of acrosome reacted sperm.
OBJECTIVES: To examine whether sperm motility and morphology correlate with ability to undergo the acrosome reaction in vitro. METHODS: Sixty-one seminal specimens were separated on a discontinuous Percoll gradient (70%, 40%). Percentages of motile and morphologically normal sperm, their motility grade, and percentages of acrosome-reacted sperm before and following acrosome reaction inducing treatment were estimated. RESULTS: Percentage of motile sperm from normozoospermic specimens increased from whole semen (47.6 +/- 5.6) to sediments (59.6 +/- 13.0). Motility grade exhibited a similar trend (2.1 +/- 0.5 and 3.6 +/- 0.5-scale of 1-4). Percentage of morphologically normal sperm increased from semen (27.3 +/- 10.9) to sediment (53.8 +/- 14.8). All differences were statistically significant, (P < 0.00). In abnormal semen the motility grade and percentage of morphologically normal sperm also increased from semen to sediment (1.9 +/- 0.4 to 3.2 +/- 0.8 and 17.7 +/- 7.8 to 37.1 +/- 15.4 respectively, (P < 0.001). Percentages of motile sperm were similar. In normozoospermic sediments, both non-treated or treated to induce the acrosome reaction, proportions of acrosome-reacted sperm were significantly higher than in semen (18.3 +/- 6.9% and 20.0 +/- 6.5% vs. 6.8 +/- 4.2% respectively, P < 0.001). A similar trend was obtained using abnormal aliquots; however, the acrosome-reacted sperm accounted for only 9.0 +/- 5.1% and 10.8 +/- 4.3% versus 5.4 +/- 2.8% (P < 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Morphology and motility of sperm were correlated with the proportion of acrosome-reacted sperm.
Acrosome↗
Percentages of acrosome-reacted sperm in human semen close to liquefaction and following acrosome-reaction inducing treatment.
OBJECTIVES: To compare spermatozoa from normal and subnormal seminal specimens in their ability to undergo the acrosome reaction, as defined by the triple-staining method. METHODS: Normal (39) and abnormal (23) specimens were examined by staining promptly after liquefaction. In a total of 32 specimens, the reaction was examined before and after acrosome-reaction-inducing treatment, which was essentially incubation of isolated sperm in BWW containing 0.3% BSA and 4 mM calcium chloride. RESULTS: Percentage of vital acrosome-reacted sperm (true acrosome reaction) of untreated specimens: normal, 10.0 +/- 4.9%, abnormal, 5.3 +/- 3.6% (P < .001). After treatment: increase in reacted sperm from normal specimens, 9.0 +/- 7.1% to 22.7 +/- 14.0% (P = .005); abnormal specimens, 5.4 +/- 2.9% to 7.3 +/- 4.2% (NS). CONCLUSIONS: Low capability of sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction might be a decisive factor in the low fertility potential characterizing the majority of abnormal semen. Effort in infertility treatment should be directed to increasing the proportion of acrosome-reacted sperm.
Acrosome↗