Gero Hohlbrugger

Angiotensin I converting enzyme in the ejaculate of fertile and infertile men.

ACE has been measured in the seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men according to the method of Cushman and Cheung. High enzyme activity was found in fertile subjects which did not significantly differ from those with oligozoospermia and those with the Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Enzyme activity was significantly lower after vasectomy. The data suggest a higher enzyme/sperm cell ratio in oligozoospermia. Considerable enzyme activity in obstructive azoospermia can be attributed to enzyme formation within either the prostate or the seminal vesicles.

A Micropuncture Study of Transepithelial Water Reabsorption in Rat Ductuli Efferentes

Micropuncture techniques were used to study transepithelial water reabsorption in single tubular sections of rat ductuli efferentes in vivo and in situ. Fluid reabsorption was found to be secondary to an electrolyte transport process. It was completely abolished by intraluminal application of 10(-4) M amiloride and by an elevated local temperature of 38 degrees C. The fluid reabsorption rate was modified by the intraluminal electrolyte concentration, whereas various local temperatures from 37 degrees C to room temperature had no effect. This finding led to the conclusion that the function of the ductuli efferentes may require temperatures lower than body temperature, which is in accordance with the well-known behavior of mammalian testes. It was further suggested that the described fluid reabsorption leads to concentrations of spermatozoa and of substrates which spermatozoa may need to develop and mature.

Non-bacterial cystitis.

The concept of non-bacterial cystitis (NBC) combines sterile urine and cystitic symptoms as well as inflammatory changes, in particular in the mucosa and submucosa of the bladder. It includes a multiplicity of vicious circles along the entire continence reflex. An understanding of NBC presupposes knowledge of the origin of the normal urinary urge and its successful control. Against the background of the steadily increasing incidence of interstitial cystitis (often irreversible end-stage NBC), it is suggested here that in the face of a failure of first-line therapeutics (anticholinergics, cyclic antidepressants or oestrogens), one must consider without delay the possible presence of NBC.

LB15 Intravesical hyaluronic acid for the treatment of interstitial cystitis: An update

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Current pathogenetic concepts of interstitial cystitis (IC) are based on an increased urothelial permeability due to dysfunction of the GAG (glycosaminoglycane)-layer and the urothelium. The efficacy of GAG-substitution therapy has been demonstrated with various drugs. Instillation of hyaluronic acid, a GAG-component, for IC therapy was introduced by Morales (J.Urol., 156: 45-48, 1996.) who found a 71% rate of symptom improvement. For the present study, we analyzed the outcome of intravesical hyaluronic acid therapy in IC patients treated at our institutions. MATERIAL & METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 95 IC patients by a questionnaire mailed several months after the last instillation. Patients had been assigned for hyaluronic acid therapy in case of increased potassium sensitivity demonstrated by the modified potassium sensitivity test (Daha et al., J.Urol., 170: 807, 2003). Weekly instillations of 50 cc hyaluronic acid 40 mg were performed until patients were free of symptoms or significantly improved to their satisfaction. Patients rated their preand posttreatment as well as their present symptoms on a visual analog scale (VAS, 0-10) and were asked to comment on their personal benefit on quality of life.

534Comparative assessment of maximal bladder capacity, 0.9% NaCl VS. 0.2 M KCl before and after therapy for interstitial cystitis

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: For diagnosis of increased potassium sensitivity in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) comparative assessment of maximal bladder capacity (CAMBC) with a 0.9% NaCl solution vs. a 0.2 M KCl solution is a well tolerated alternative to the 0.4M potassium sensitivity test (PST) (Daha et al., J.Urol., 165, Supp: A 280, 2001). In the present study comparative assessment of maximal bladder capacity was performed before and after GAG substitution therapy to asses the post therapeutic changes in potassium sensitivity.