R.G. Bunge

Semen Analysis: Evidence for Changing Parameters of Male Fertility Potential

Semen analysis was obtained of 386 males and measured for volume of ejaculate and sperm count in millions/ml. Discussion of previous male potential fertility studies through semen analysis is presented. This study found an average volume of 2.83 ml ejaculate and an average sperm concentration of 48 million/ml. The average viable sperm was 77% and the average of abnormal forms was 26%. These sperm counts are considerably lower than in the earlier studies reported (p<.005). The differences were so startling the authors reviewed 400 semen analyses from 1956 to 1958 and found 20% had concentrations greater than 100 million/ml. It is suggested that studies be undertaken to determine whether some factor has significantly altered or influenced the male potential fertility rate.

The Effect of Therapeutic Dosages of Nitrofurantoin (furadantin) Upon Spermatogenesis in Man

Furadantin (N-(5-nitro-2-furfurylidene)-1-amino-hydantoin) was ingested at 10 mg daily in 4 divided doses by 36 male volunteers for 14 days. Total sperm counts were taken at about 4-week intervals and testicular biopsies taken at 2-4 week intervals from 25 subjects and analyzed by the chalkley quantitative method. 18 men showed no differences in sperm counts or testicular biopsies. 5 had a negligible decreased in sperm count only. 5 showed depressed sperm counts 5-8 weeks after starting furadantin and recovery 9-12 weeks later but no change in testicular histology. Of 8 others with depressed sperm counts 7 had spermatogenic arrest with polynuclear cells in some cases. Intolerance appeared in some of the men in the form of nausea and headache. These results are difficult to interpret because the dose was considerably lower than the dose which inhibited spermatogenesis in rats because 10 of the sperm counts and 13 of 25 of the biopsies were subfertile and because sperm counts from 19 men were of doubtful reliability.

Frozen human semen.

4 refrigerants were compared to determine the best refrigerant for m aximum survival of human spermatozoa. These included isopentane cooled to -150 degrees C by liquid nitrogen dry ice in acetone slush at -79 degrees C liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees C and dry ice in an insulated box at -70 degrees C. 10% glycerol was the medium used to protect the sperm. There was 67% survival with dry ice. Samples remained consistent at 1 2 or 3 months storage. Differences in type speed and duration of motility before and after freezing were absent. Specimens were without morphological alterations.

Mediastinal choriocarcinoma in a chromatin-positive boy.

A case of primary mediastinal choriocarcinoma in a chromatin-positive boy is reported. The incidence of neoplasms in patients with so-called Klinefelters syndrome is discussed as well as embryogenesis and diagnostic evaluation in patients presenting with this tumor.

Some Observations on the Male Ejaculate

Vasectomy may be reversed in dogs by using intermedic tubing P.E. 50 7 cm in length with both ends tapered by heat. It is inserted into the lumen of the exposed ductus deferens. Both tapered ends penetrate the wall and are secured with silver clips providing easy identification both radiologically and for removal surgically. Vasectomy has been reversed in 10 humans by securing 2 fresh ends of the duct and placing a splint of 000 nylon suture. Apposition was done with 4 fine silk sutures passing through the approximated walls. The splint was removed 10 days later. A follow-up of 9 of these patients revealed that 6 pregnancies had been established.

Infertility and Semen Non-Liquefaction

Semen non-liquefaction is common and was present in 11.8 per cent of our patients. The diagnostic test is simple and treatment is not difficult. Thus, it appears that treatment of non-liquefaction of semen with alpha-amylase may be a useful aid in the treatment of infertility.

The Treatment of Spermatogenic Arrest with Arginine

Eighteen selected infertile patients of arginine, orally, daily. failed to respond significantly to 4 gm