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PubMedDate not supplied

Biochemical alterations in the proacrosin-acrosin system during epididymal maturation of the rat spermatozoa.

Acrosin, an acrosomal serine protease, is believed to have a role in fertilization. The enzyme is synthesized in an enzymatically inactive precursor form, proacrosin, and is processed to enzymatically active form(s). In the studies presented here, maturation-associated changes in the proacrosin-acrosin system of rat spermatozoa are reported. Acid-solubilized components of spermatozoa from caput, corpus, and cauda epididymidis were resolved on gelatin-sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and the proteolytic bands visualized by enzymography. These studies reveal the presence of one form (52 kDa), two forms (52 and 41 kDa), and four forms (52, 41, 34, and 31 kDa) in the spermatozoa from caput, corpus, and cauda, respectively. The findings suggest that the enzymatically inactive high molecular weight component (proacrosin) present in the caput spermatozoa is partially converted to the low molecular weight components (acrosin) during epididymal transit. The sensitivity of these molecular forms to an inhibitor of acrosin, p-nitrophenyl p'-guanidino benzoate (NPGB), and the fact that all four forms cross-reacted with the antibody against guinea pig testis proacrosin, suggest that these molecular forms are proacrosin-acrosin components. To understand the mechanism of the changes in molecular forms, spermatozoa from caput, corpus, and cauda regions were subjected to in vitro activation, and the acid-solubilized components resolved on gelatin-SDS-polyacrylamide gel. A smaller component of 34 kDa was generated from both the caput and corpus spermatozoa. No changes in the molecular form(s) of cauda spermatozoa were observed, even after in vitro activation for 4 hours. Inclusion of NPGB during in vitro activation blocked generation of the new molecular form from the caput spermatozoa. These studies indicate that intra-acrosomal events during epididymal transit may be important in the production of functionally mature spermatozoa.

Acrosin↗
PubMed2004

[Outcome of intracytoplasmic injection of epididymal and testicular sperm obtained from azoospermic patients].

OBJECTIVE: To review the treatment results of intracytoplasmic injection of epididymal and testicular sperm obtained from 50 azoospermic patients from January 2003 to May 2004. METHODS: Sperm was retrieved by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was performed. The rates of successful sperm retrieval, fertilization, implantation and pregnancy were analysed and evaluated. RESULTS: In the PESA, TESE and ejaculation groups, the number of M II oocytes suitable for ICSI were 286, 360 and 1569 respectively. The difference of fertilization rates among the three groups was not significant (74.8%, 75.2% vs 77.5%, P>0.05). No difference was seen in the implantation and clinical pregnancy rates of the TESE group from the ejaculation group (29.87% vs 29.54%; 48.15% vs 52.60%, P>0.05). However the implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were higher in the PESA group compared with the TESE and ejaculation groups (50.85% vs 29.87%, 29.54%; 68% vs 48.15%, 52.60%, P<0.05). In the PESA group, 17 clinical pregnancies were achieved including 9 ongoing pregnancies, and 6 live deliveries and 2 miscarriages. While in the TESE group, 13 clinical pregnancies were achieved including 4 ongoing pregnancies, 7 live deliveries and 2 miscarriages. CONCLUSION: ICSI with PESA and TESE is an effective method to treat azoospermia.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[ICSI with testicular and epididymal spermatozoa].

The use of epididymal or testicular sperm for ICSI should be employed only as a last resort to restore male reproductive function. Depending on whether the underlying cause of the infertility is obstructive or non-obstructive, prior appropriate genetic examinations are to be recommended. For the collection of sperm, microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) and TESE (testicular sperm extraction) are accepted methods. Today, cryopreservation of the sperm thus obtained is standard. In the event of obstructive causes, the pregnancy rate per treatment cycle is almost as high as with ICSI employing ejaculated spermatozoa. If existing genetic defects are excluded, congenital anomalies among the resulting children is presumably somewhat elevated in comparison with the normal population, although there are also studies that have failed to confirm this.

Cryopreservation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Testicular regulation of epididymal protein secretion.

The effects of different androgen and testicular fluid levels on the protein synthesis and secretion of the epididymis of mice and rats were examined. In mice, the in vitro protein synthesis and secretion of five epididymal segments were measured from 3 days up to 8 weeks after efferent duct ligation. During the entire period, alterations in the rate of protein secretion per milligram tissue were small. At 8 weeks, the mean rate of protein synthesis per milligram ligated epididymal tissue was 80% of that of the control side. As a consequence of the weight loss of the ligated epididymis, however, the protein secretion per organ can be estimated to be reduced by 50%. Changes in the protein profile were only found in the proximal segment, where a 40-kd protein appeared and a 29-kd protein disappeared. In rats, the effects of efferent duct ligation were studied in vivo for up to 8 months. Structural changes were present both in the proximal and in the distal epididymis. The most conspicuous change in the protein profile of secretory proteins was the disappearance of a 27-kd protein from the proximal segment. In the distal epididymis, a 32-kd protein was no longer secreted. In mice, the effects of castration on the profile of secreted proteins demonstrated that, without androgen stimulation, some proteins are still secreted 6 weeks after castration. Administering low or high doses of testosterone propionate to castrated mice resulted in almost similar profiles of secretory proteins. However one protein secreted in the proximal epididymis was preferentially stimulated by the high dose of testosterone propionate.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The response of the regional lymph node to epididymal sperm granulomas after vasectomy.

The cause of the variable immune response in the regional testicular lymph node of inbred Albino Swiss rats after vasectomy was investigated in two experiments. In the first, the ductus deferens was transected at its junction with the epididymis so that, in every case, sperm granulomas developed in the epididymis, from which lymph is known to drain invariably to the testicular node. In spite of this, not all testicular nodes showed histological signs of an immune response at 12 weeks after vasectomy. In the second experiment the contents of epididymal lymphatics were compared in vasectomised rats and sham-operated controls at intervals of up to 18 months after operation. Lymphatics in animals with an 'active' epididymal granuloma invariably contained numbers of macrophages and lymphocytes, thought to be involved in antigen transport, while those of controls contained none. It is concluded that variations in the lymphatic drainage of vasal granulomas were not primarily responsible for the variable lymph node response to vasectomy previously reported.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Dissociation of lipolysis from the levels of cyclic AMP in rat epididymal fat cells.

Two compounds, theophylline and 8-aza-9-furfuryl-adenine (SQ 4665), were found to maximally stimulate lipolysis in preparations of rat epididymal fat cells in the absence of exogenous hormones. Cyclic AMP levels in lipocytes maximally stimulated by either agent alone were unchanged from control levels. In contrast, lipolysis stimulated by either epinephrine alone or in combination with several cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors correlated well with increases in the levels of cyclic AMP observed. These results suggest the presence of a non-cyclic AMP dependent pathway for the stimulation of lipolysis in rat epididymal fat cells.

Adenine↗
PubMed1990

Reduction of epididymal sperm motility after ablation of the inferior mesenteric plexus in the rat.

Surgical ablation of the inferior mesenteric plexus in the rat results in an excessive accumulation of sperm within the cauda epididymidis. The present study examined the effect of ablation of the inferior mesenteric plexus on the motility of cauda epididymal spermatozoa. One to 8 weeks after ablation of the inferior mesenteric plexus, sperm curvilinear and straight line swimming velocities were reduced significantly compared with sperm curvilinear and straight line swimming velocities from sham-operated controls. Sperm swimming linearity also changed significantly versus controls after inferior mesenteric plexus ablation. Additional experiments using a vasectomy model suggested that the reductions in sperm curvilinear and straight swimming velocities after inferior mesenteric plexus ablation were not primarily the result of tubal obstruction. These data suggest that the sympathetic nervous system may influence epididymal sperm function.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1989

The pull-through technique for the advancement of the unfolded epididymal tubule and the tubulo-deferential telescopic reconstruction.

A new reconstructive microsurgical model of the epididymo-deferential complex was performed in the rat to study the plastic adaptation of the distal epididymal tubule in transposition and/or substitution procedures. The model consists of three steps: endoluminal stripping of the mucosa of the proximal half of the vas deferens; pull-through technique for the advancement of the unfolded epididymal tubule of the "zone 9" into the stripped vas deferens; end-to-end tubulo-deferential telescopic reconstruction.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1989

Effect of corticosterone on epididymal lipids in pubertal rat.

Serum corticosterone excess was induced by the administration of corticosterone acetate to adrenal intact rats. Different lipid classes were studied in unwashed and washed (epididymal sperm and fluid free) caput and cauda epididymides. The unwashed caput epididymidis registered a significant decrease in total lipid, cholesterol and phospholipid while total glyceride glycerol and its fractions were not altered after corticosterone treatment. Among phospholipid fractions phosphatidyl inositol, choline and ethanolamine showed a significant decrease. Unlike the unwashed caput epididymidis, the washed caput region recorded a marked increase in total lipid, glyceride glycerol and its fractions. However, total lipid in the washed cauda region significantly increased and the increase was mainly due to triacyl glycerol. Though the phospholipid fractions phosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine showed an increase, the total phospholipid was not altered significantly. Serum testosterone and prolactin registered a significant decrease while gonadotropins were unaltered. On the withdrawal of corticosterone treatment, all the lipid classes turned to normalcy along with serum testosterone and prolactin. It is concluded that corticosterone excess favours lipid accumulation in the sperm free epididymal tissue and its influence on epididymis is region specific and reversible.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Ultrastructure of epithelial cells in rat's epididymal caput in experimental hyperprolactinemia induced by metoclopramide.

The aim of the performed studies has been to find out wether or not the ultrastructural alterations of the epithelial cells in the rat's epididymal caput occur in hyperprolactinemia induced by metoclopramide and to see if the observed changes are of reversible character. It has been revealed that prolactin concentration was twice as high as in control animals due to peritoneal administration of metoclopramide in a dose of 2.2 mg/kg body mass, given for 14 days. The ultrastructural alterations in the principal cells of epididymal caput affected cellular organelles being involved in proteins synthesis, glycosylation, secretion as well as energetic processes. They were manifested by decreased amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum, widening of its cisternae combined with degranulation, distension of Golgi apparatus cisternae, elevated number of vesicles in apical part of the cells, and changes in mitochondria. The termination of metoclopramide administration made prolactin concentration exhibit values being almost similar to those determined in control rats, whereas the ultrastructural changes in the principal cells were found to be reversible.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Seminal carnitine, epididymal function and spermatozoal motility.

The carnitine content of semen from azoospermic subjects and subjects with either impaired motility or forward progression is reported. Within the azoospermic group, the values were not significantly different between those with testicular failure or obstruction. The patients with impaired motility (less than 40%) or impaired forward progression (less than 3) had a lower mean seminal carnitine content than those with good motility and forward progression (P less than 0.05). Seminal carnitine concentration was not an index of epididymal patency and could not be regarded as useful for locating the level of obstruction in the epididymis. Since carnitine plays an important role in the maturation process when sperm acquire motility, it would seem that seminal carnitine might be an indicator of epididymal dysfunction.

Carnitine↗
PubMed1978

Effect of epinephrine on acetyl-CoA carboxylase in rat epididymal fat tissue.

If acetyl-CoA carboxylase in epididymal fat tissue is subject to control by convalent modification as in the case of the liver enzyme, catalytically different forms of carboxylase should exist, independent of polymerization. By treating epididymal fat tissue in culture with epinephrine, we have demonstrated catalytically less active forms of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. The catalytically less active forms of the enzyme reacted to antibody with the same efficiency as the active form of carboxylase. However, the less active enzyme formed by epinephrine treatment of tissues has a sedimentation constant of 30 to 35 S, whereas that of the enzyme from control tissue is 45 S. Incubation of the less active forms of the carboxylase with 10 mM citrate and up to 10 mg/ml of bovine serum albumin activated the enzyme without any change in the sedimentation constant. Therefore, the less active forms of the carboxylase formed as a result of epinephrine treatment are not due to the depolymerization of polymeric forms (45 S) to the protomeric forms (17 to 20 S), but to the formation of intermediate species of carboxylase which cannot form polymeric enzyme (45 S) in the presence of high concentrations of citrate.

Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase↗
PubMed1988

[Morphometric studies of the epididymal duct in the F-zone after apical mesotestis cutting].

The alterations of the epididymal F-zone caused by apical mesotestis bilateral cutting after scrotal exposition were studied in adult albino rats. The epididymis were removed at 2, 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after surgery. With a semi-automatic program, from a IBAS 2000 image analyzer, areas, perimeters and maximum and minimum diameters were measured from both the tubular and the lumen sections of the caput epididymal F-zone. The animals with cutting of the apical mesotestis showed a significative increase with respect to controls for all the considered variables, indicating a tubular dilatation as a consequence of the surgical intervention. The mast cells present in the connective tissue of the F-zone of the control animals presented a typical fluorescent colour with Acridine Orange, while this was not observed in the animals with cutting of the apical mesotestis.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

[Flagellar motility amd movement of boar spermatozoa during epididymal transit].

The motility of boar spermatozoa during epididymal transit was analysed in vitro using various techniques. From the head to the cauda there was an increase of the percentage of motile and progressive spermatozoa. During maturation there was a progressive reduction of flagellar bend curvature while flagellar beat frequencies increased. A three dimensional pattern of flagellar beating responsible for cell rotation and straight line progression of spermatozoa was observed only in caudal epididymis. The addition of epididymal fluid protein to the media could increase the number of motile cells at the various levels but had no influence on the characteristics of flagellar bending.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

[Epididymal oligospermia].

Only when a patient presents a situation of azoospermia with normal hormonal assays the attention is focussed on the epididymis and in all other cases testicular damage is automatically suspected. However, there are many instances where oligospermia cannot be explained and where the testicular biopsy shows vigourous spermatogenesis. Detection of difficulties in epididymal transit is a new differential diagnosis of oligoasthenospermia. The delicate structure of the epididymis can be destroyed by infections that in extreme cases do cause complete obstructions but much more frequently lead to sub-total blocks. The diagnosis is made by comparing ejaculates with testicular biopsies and their very meticulous quantitative reading. A good selection of cases can lead to microsurgical repair of epididymal damage and significant improvement of sperm quality.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Uroandrology. I. Andrological importance of epididymal functions and diseases.

The evaluation, from the andrological point of view, of epididymal functions is made with an emphasis on the necessity of incorporating new knowledge into practical andrology. The andrological importance of the most common epididymal diseases and the more important modes of their correction are reviewed.

Epididymis↗
PubMed1986

Insulin provokes a transient activation of phospholipase C in the rat epididymal fat pad.

Insulin is known to increase the de novo synthesis of inositol phospholipids in rat epididymal fat pads. We presently examined the effects of insulin on the hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids in this tissue. Relatively small (30-40%) but significant increases in inositol phosphates (mono-, di-, and tri-) were apparent within 30-60 s of insulin treatment in fat pads (and adipocytes); thereafter, inositol phosphates returned to control levels. These rapid insulin-induced increases in inositol phosphates appeared to be due to phospholipase C-mediated hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids, since there were associated transient decreases in these lipids during 32P pulse-chase experiments. Increases in the synthesis of inositol phospholipids were also apparent within a few minutes of insulin treatment and persisted for at least 2 h. We conclude that, in the rat epididymal fat pad, insulin has two phospholipid effects, viz. a transient activation of phospholipase C, and a persistent increase in de novo phospholipid synthesis.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1987

Abnormal distribution of epididymal antigens on spermatozoa from infertile men.

An antiserum raised against human epididymal proteins associated with ejaculated sperm was used to test the hypothesis that the amount and/or localization of these antigens may be altered in men with infertility. With the use of immunofluorescence we found that in sperm from fertile donors 88.4% of the cells had the antigens localized over the acrosomal cap only and 1.3% had most of the antigens at extraacrosomal sites. Fifteen of the 26 infertile men (P1) studied had a similar relative distribution of antigens, but the remaining 11 patients (P2) had a 38-fold increase in cells with extraacrosomal localization of the antigens (40%, P less than 0.005). Using flow cytometry to quantitate immunofluorescence, content of antigen on sperm from patients from population P1 (680 +/- 60 V X 10(-4)) was not different from that of control (835 +/- 53 V X 10(-4], whereas it was significantly lower in sperm from patients from population P2 (554 +/- 64 V X 10(-4), P less than 0.005). Differences could not be correlated with parameters measured by routine semen analysis. Our results suggest a possible relationship between the decreased amount of epididymal antigens or their altered localization on sperm and the infertility of patients from population P2.

Adult↗