P. F. Kraicer

The temperature, pH, and partial pressure of oxygen in the cervix and uterus of women and uterus of rats during the cycle.

Changes in the temperature, pH, and partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) in the cervical canal and cavum uteri were measured in women with or without an intrauterine device and in the uteri of rats throughout the cycle. Only the PO2 exhibited significant variations, rising during the ovulatory phase in both cervices of women and uteri in rats. It is speculated that the rise in PO2 is related to the function of these organs as reservoirs for spermatozoa.

The Cation Composition of the Seminal Plasma and Prostatic Fluid and its Correlation to Semen Quality

The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and zinc were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of all three cations were found to be strongly correlated with one another and with acidity (pH). Analysis of the relative concentrations in prostatic fluid, split ejaculates, and whole seminal plasma confirmed an almost exclusively prostatic origin of these cations. Semen quality, as judged by motility, vitality, concentration, and morphology of spermatozoa, was inversely related to cation concentrations. Therefore, we recommend adoption of the measurement of seminal divalent cations as part of the routine andrologic examination.

Immunoreactive Insulin in Serum and Seminal Plasma of Diabetic and Nondiabetic Men and its Role in the Regulation of Spermatozoal Activity

Concentrations of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and, in some cases, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured in serum and seminal plasma (SP). IRI levels were usually higher in SP. They were unaffected by masturbation; circulating testosterone, LH, and FSH levels were also unaffected. The IRI concentration was higher in the second (vesicular) fraction of split ejaculates. Semen quality was unrelated to IRI in SP in normal and diabetic (chlorpropamide-maintained) men. The addition of insulin in vitro to washed spermatozoa from diabetic and nondiabetic men had no effect on oxygen and glucose uptake or on lactate production and spermatozoal motility. Furthermore, administration of L-arginine to infertile men for 3 months (4 gm/day) was followed in four of seven men by significant increases in IRI concentrations in blood and SP. However, neither semen quality nor fertility was improved.

FOLLICULAR DEVELOPMENT DURING LATE HUMAN PREGNANCY

In contrast to the accepted view of ovarian quiescence during pregnancy, the ovaries of preparturient women are covered with a dense population of small superficial follicles. In this study we have measured the follicular size and status of the oocytes and cumulus oophorus in 298 follicles from the ovaries of 30 women. The samples were taken at cesarean section and were examined with Nomarski differential interference microscopy. No oocyte was recovered from 50% of the follicles; 79% of the recovered oocytes and 78% of their cumuli were degenerative. Degeneration was correlated with appearance of phagocytes in the follicular fluid. These findings suggest that the endocrine status of gestation does not prevent early follicular development, but induces premature atresia.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOACTIVE myo-INOSITOL IN THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF THE MALE RAT. THE BLOOD-TESTIS BARRIER TO myo-INOSITOL

SUMMARY: The distribution of intraperitoneally injected 14 C or 3 H myo-inositol within the reproductive tract of the male rat has been studied. The epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and coagulating glands concentrated myo-inositol from the blood. A barrier to inositol penetration has been demonstrated at the seminiferous tubule of the testis, whereas the tunica albuginea concentrated myo-inositol slightly.

Induction of Luteolysis in Luteal Autographs of the Pregnant Rat: Interactions Between Ergocornine and Progesterone

To examine the hypothesis that the rate of progesterone secretion is limited by partial functional luteolysis at the time of grafting. The activity of 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20 alpha-HSD) in grafted CL was examined and compared with the activity in or the topic CL of pregnant rats not operated on. In addition the effect of ergocornine on the structural integrity of grafted CL was evaluated histologically and the effect of exogenous progesterone on induced luteolysis was studied. No 20 alpha-HSD activity was in both types of CL 20 alpha-HSD activity increased sharply the activity in the grafts being 48% of that in the orthotopic CL. In both ovarian and grafted CL exogenous progesterone reduced the ergocornine-induced 20 alpha-HSD activities by about 67%. Despite the partial alleviation of early symptoms of luteolysis by progesterone ergocornine-induced luteolysis was irreversible. CL grafts from ergocornine-treated animals degenerated despite treatment with exogenous progesterone to term and secretion of placental luteotropin. The same degeneration despite progesterone treatment and maintenance of gestation was also seen after hypophysectomy on Day 4. It is concluded that the limited secretion of progesterone by grafter CL is not caused by luteolysis at the time of grafting.(AUTHORS MODIFIED)