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Biomedical subjects

R Beer

Publications and source records attributed to R Beer.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Epididymis and seminal vesicle as sources of carnitine in human seminal fluid: the clinical significance of the carnitine concentration in human seminal fluid.

Carnitine determinations in human seminal fluid were shown to be useful in assessing epididymal and seminal vesicle function and in locating blockages in the male reproductive tract. The carnitine concentrations in 50 samples of seminal fluid ranged from 15 to 530 mug/ml (as carnitine-HCl). The patients could be divided into four classes. Patients with normal seminal vesicle and epididymal function had values of 250 mug/ml or above. Those with a defective epididymis and a functional seminal vesicle had intermediate carnitine levels (100 to 200 mug/ml) and normal fructose values in the seminal fluid. Patients with a defective seminal vesicle but a functional epididymis had intermediate carnitine concentrations and low fructose levels. Extremely low carnitine values (less than 100 mug/ml) were found in seminal fluid from patients whose epididymis and seminal vesicle both were defective. The possible role of carnitine in sperm maturation was discussed.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Retrograde ejaculation: pathophysiologic aspects and report of two successfully treated cases.

The ejaculatory process consists of two stages. During the first stage the semen is pumped into the posterior urethra and during the second stage the semen is propelled via the urethra through the external meatus. A pathologic second stage may lead to retrograde ejaculation of the semen into the urinary bladder. Attempts to achieve fertility in such patients can be made in two ways; namely through procedures to restore antegrade ejaculation (mainly using alpha-sympathomimetic agents) and procedures to regain viable and fertile sperm from the urinary bladder after sexual intercourse, with subsequent artificial insemination. The latter way of treatment was used in two patients who were referred for infertility and in whom retrograde ejaculation had been diagnosed. Postcoital urinary specimens were obtained by micturition and centrifuged. In one patient the sediment was washed with a nutrient solution; the other patient received alkalizing agents prior to intercourse in order to neutralize the urinary pH. The wives were inseminated on appropriate days and conceived. Both delivered healthy babies after uneventful pregnancies.

Adult↗

Varicocle in oligospermic patients: pathophysiology and results after ligation and division of the internal spermatic vein.

We have followed for up to 32 months 51 oligospermic patients with varicoceles who underwent high ligation and division of the left spermatic vein. Of these patients 59.9 per cent had improvement in total sperm count, 47.1 per cent in sperm motility and 42.1 per cent in the morphological pattern of the spermatozoa. Pregnancies were reported by 13 patients. Improvement in sperm motility occurred first, followed by improvement in morphology. The last improvement was in total sperm count. We suggest that the observation period after a varicocele operation be restricted to 9 months, in which time about 75 per cent of the expected improvement takes place. A clinical classification for the degree of varicocele is proposed. No correlation between size of the varicocele and treatment results could be observed. A classification of sperm analysis is proposed, using a 3-digital index that might enable better comparison of sperm analysis and better communication among physicians. We could not define a specific group of oligospermic patients who might benefit more than other groups from a varicocele operation. Pathophysiological pathways leading to impaired spermatogenesis in patients with varicoceles are discussed.

Fertility↗