P.R. Dasgupta

Biochemical Composition of the Rat Testis Fluid.

Summary A study of the biochemical composition of rat testis fluid showed higher values for total protein, lactic dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, carbonic anhydrase, glycogen, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate than those of serum. Particularly noteworthy in this respect were glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and carbonic anhydrase which could not be detected in serum; glycogen, lactic acid and ascorbic acid occurred in much higher concentration than in serum. Values lower than those of serum were recorded for glucose, sialic acid, lipid constituents, calcium and zinc.

Chemical occlusion of vas in rats.

A single intraluminal injection (1-2 mg/side) of camphor potash alum and quinacrine dihydrochloride in aqueous medium or in aqueous-carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) suspension was given into the vas deferens of rats. CMC alone camphor and alum were without any effect. In the untreated controls microscopic examination of vasal contents revealed the presence of innumerable motile spermatozoa. In all 3 groups of rats that received quinacrine the vas deferens was found to be occluded in 83% of the animals. Qinacrine in CMC-water suspension had a localized effect and the occluded area and the urethral end of the vas were azoospermic. In the aqueous-quinacrine treated rats and also in the cases with ligation there was an extensive nonlocalized effect. CMC appears to be a suitable carrier-vehicle for instillation of quinacrine. (AUTHORS MODIFIED)

EFFECT OF A COPPER INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICE ON ENZYME ACTIVITY OF THE RAT ENDOMETRIUM

Abstract The effect of an intrauterine copper and nylon suture device on catalase, peroxidase, cytochrome c oxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities in the rat endometrium was investigated. Catalase activity was significantly stimulated by the copper device as compared to that by the nylon suture. Peroxidase and cytochrome c oxidase activities did not show any noteworthy change. Polyphenol oxidase could not be detected. The implications of these observations are discussed.

Effect of an intrauterine contraceptive device on urea content of uterine fluid.

Urea concentration in uterine fluid was determined in 20 women fitted with Lippes loops IUDs, compared to that in 12 parous controls, to see whether urea accounts for the higher nitrogen content reported in uterine fluid in IUD users. The fluid was centrifuged and the supernatant analyzed enzymatically by the Tarnoky urease method. The urea concentration of the fluid from IUD users was significantly higher than that of controls, 181.8 vs 42.9 mcg/ml, p0.01. Uterine fluid urea content did not differ throughout the menstrual cycle. Blood urea levels did not differ between groups. The protein denaturant effects of urea may conceivably be detrimental to the preimplantation blastocyst.

Effect of 3,4-trans-2, 2-dimethyl-3-phenyl-4-p-(β -pyrrolidinoethoxy) phenyl -7-methoxy chroman (centchroman) on the biochemistry of the fallopian tube and uterus of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

The biochemical effects of the nonsteroidal compound Centchroman were observed in healthy, adult, female rhesus monkeys. The compound was administered at the antifertility dose (.625 mg/kg) for 22 days in a cycle. No marked weight changes were seen in the Fallopian tube, ovary, adrenal or pituitary as a result of treatment. Uterine weight increased significantly, however (p less than .01). In the Fallopian tube, levels of glycogen and protein increased significantly (p less than .01), lactic acid decreased significantly (p less than .01), and nonprotein nitrogen was unchanged as a result of treatment. Similar changes were observed in the uterus, and in addition, total total phospholipid concentration rose significantly (p less than .01) in the uterus. The activities of beta-glucuronidase, acid and alkaline phosphatases and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) in the Fallopian tube were unchanged due to treatment. Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and malic dehydrogenase activities were significantly stimulated (p less than .01) and lactic dehydrogenase activity was significantly depressed (p less than .01). In the uterus, beta-glucuronidase and acid and alkaline phosphatase activity were unaltered, however, the activities of ATPase and the dehydrogenases of glucose-6-phosphate, lactate and malate were markedly increased (p less than .01). It is suggested that the antifertility effect of Centchroman may be due principally to the ability of the compound to elicit estrogen-like responses in the Fallopian tube and uterus.

Comparative biochemistry of testicular fluid in some mammals

Abstract A clear cell-free fluid uncontaminated with serum was collected from the testis of rat, goat, rhesus monkey, and human by techniques involving no direct pressure on the organ. Biochemical analyses (protein, enzymes, carbohydrates, vitamin, lipids, and electrolytes) were carried out on the fluid and autologous sera, and the results obtained are reported in this communication.

The nature and kinetics of biochemical response of the genital organs of ovariectomized female rhesus monkeys to sex hormones

Abstract The kinetics of action and interactions of estradiol dipropionate and progesterone (100 μg and 20 mg, respectively, by a single intramuscular injection) with respect to some biochemical constituents of the uterus and the fallopian tube of ovariectomized rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta ) have been investigated. The concentration of these constituents (protein and non-protein nitrogen, nucleic acids, glycogen, lactic acid and phospholipid) records an increase under the influence of the hormones (with the exception of non-protein nitrogen). However, when injected concurrently their stimulatory action is generally diminished. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Long-term effect of a continuous low dose of megestrol acetate on the genital organs and fertility of female rats

Micro doses (1.5 mcg/rat/day) of megestrol acetate (6-methyl-17beta-acetoxypregna-4,6-diene-3,20 dione) were administered to 16 rats for 1 year to determine the effect on the genital organs and female fertility. No noteworthy ponderal or histologic effect of the genital organs or the pituitary was observed. However, uterus glycogen concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity were greatly reduced (versus controls, p.05 and p.01, respectively) while glucose-6-phosphate and lactic dehydrogenase activities increased significantly (versus controls, p.01). In the fertility performance test, 86% of the 14 controls showed positive mating compared with 50% for the treated group. By Day 10 of pregnancy many of the fetuses in the treated group were in the process of resorption. The factors contributing to pregnancy failure were inhibition of mating, implantation failure and fetal resorption.

METABOLISM OF RAT PITUITARY GONADOTROPHIN.

Summary The liver, but not the ovary, spleen or diaphragm inactivates homologous rat pituitary gonadotrophin in vitro. Liver tissue damaged by carbon tetrachloride loses this property altogether. Thyroxine prevents such inactivation of gonadotrophin when added to the incubation medium. Liver tissue from thyroidectomized animals causes more potent inactivation of gonadotrophin, which could be prevented by thyroxine both in vitro and in vivo. Liver tissue of intact thyroxine-treated animals does not inactivate gonadotrophin. The possible mechanism of such inactivation is discussed.

Effect of 2-phenyl-3-p-(β -pyrrolidinoethoxy)phenyl-β-methoxy benzofuran hydrochloride (DBF) on the biochemistry of the Fallopian tube and uterus of rhesus monkey ( Macaca mulatta )

The effects of the nonsteroidal title compound (DBF) on the biochemical composition of the Fallopian tube and uterus were studied in the rhesus monkey. Monkeys received 2 mg/kg daily by mouth, which is the antifertility dose. The weight of the pituitary was significantly decreased (p less than .05) due to treatment, but the weights of the Fallopian tube, uterus, ovary and adrenal were unaltered. In both the Fallopian tube and uterus, DBF induced a significant increase (p less than .01) in the concentration of glycogen, protein and nonprotein nitrogen, and a significant decrease (p less than .01) in the concentration of lactic acid. The total phospholipid level in the uterus showed an increase (p less than .01) in the activities of adenasine triphosphatase (ATPase), malic dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatases, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) was seen. Lactic dehydrogenase activity fell (p less than .01) and the activity of beta-glucuronidase was unchanged. In the uterus, ATPase, malic dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase activities increased significantly (p less than .01), beta-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase activities fell (p less than .01) and G-6-PD activity was unaltered. The antifertility effect of DBF may be due to its ability to elicit many biochemical effects similar to those induced by a typical estrogen.