Total Sperm Output Research Articles

Anti-sperm antibodies and seminal characteristics after testicular biopsy or epididymal aspiration in dogs

A study was performed to determine if performing testicular biopsies or epididymal aspirates in dogs would induce sperm-bound anti-sperm antibodies (ASA), affect long-term sperm production or semen quality. Semen was collected from 8 mature dogs 3 times a week before and after hemicastratration and then 3 times a week after testicular biopsy (n = 3 and 1 control) or epididymal aspiration (n = 3 and 1 control). Detection of anti-sperm IgG (ASA) on sperm cells was performed by flow cytometry analysis using a flow cytometer. Two dogs with testicular biopsies became positive for ASA 16 d after testicular biopsy and remained positive for 7 and 9 d, respectively. One dog that had an epididymal aspirate became positive 13 d after epididymal aspiration and remained positive for 35 d. One dog became positive 21 d after hemicastration and remained positive for 28 d. Sperm output declined significantly in 7 of 8 dogs after hemicastration. A control epididymal aspirate treatment dog had decreased sperm output, and a testicular biopsy treatment dog had increased sperm output. None of the dogs with ASA had significant changes in sperm output after treatment. Sperm motility declined significantly in 3 dogs after hemicastration. An epididymal aspiration treatment dog had a decrease in sperm motility, a control epididymal aspirate treatment dog and a control testicular biopsy treatment dog each had increases in sperm motility. None of the dogs with ASA had significant changes in motility. The percentage of normal spermatozoa significantly decreased in 3 dogs and significantly increased in 1 dog after hemicastration. Two dogs that had testicular biopsies and 1 dog that had an epididymal aspiration had decreases in percent normal sperm. Two of 3 dogs with decreases in percent normal sperm after treatment had ASA, but 2 dogs with ASA had no change in motility. Hemicastration, epididymal aspiration, and testicular biopsy can induce ASA production within 2 wk of the procedure, but ASA are transient and do not have a predictably negative effect on total sperm output or motility. Testicular biopsy and epididymal aspiration are safe diagnostic procedures, but further work investigating post-treatment fertility must be done before final conclusions can be made.

Seasonal variations in sperm production and sperm quality in male winter flounder, Pleuronectes americanus : the effects of hypophysectomy, pituitary replacement therapy, and GnRH-A treatment

The pattern of sperm release and changes in sperm quality were investigated throughout the normal spawning season of male winter flounder, Pleuronectes americanus (Walbaum), caught in Conception Bay, Newfoundland, Canada in April and November 1994. In addition, the impact of hormonal manipulation on sperm production and sperm quality was examined through gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH-A) treatment, hypophysectomy, and pituitary extract injection – pituitary replacement therapy (PRT). While a lengthy period of spermiation, lasting ∼6 months (December to July), can be detected in some males, the major period for sperm release occurred in May to July in the summer spawning season. The spawning period started with peak levels of plasma testosterone (T) and 11 ketotestosterone (11-KT). By late July sperm production fell rapidly along with a notable deterioration in sperm motility. While GnRH-A treatment advanced the period of sperm release, and the milt became diluted and increased in volume, the treatment did not increase total sperm output over the spawning season. In hypophysectomized male flounder, by contrast, milt was more concentrated and sperm production declined along with reduced plasma androgen levels during the spawning season. Increased plasma T and 11-KT levels in hypophysectomized males followed PRT in December and January. Moreover, PRT appeared to be responsible for advancement of spermiation in a large number of prespawning males, which released an increased amount of milt. Finally, these studies indicated that both sperm motility and egg fertilization rates remained unchanged after these hormonal treatments.

Effect of carbosulfan pesticide and selenium on some semen characteristics and serum testosterone in male rabbits

This study was undertaken to investigate the hazardous effects of carbosulfun pesticide on the level of serum testosterone and on semen quality in male New Zealand rabbits, and to determine whether selenium can alleviate these effects when given to the treated animals. Carbosulfan was given orally to animals in two doses (1/100 LD50 and 1/10 LD50 per kg body weight) weekly, while selenium (0.3 mg per kg body weight) was given alone or in combination with carbosulfan. The experiment was divided into three periods of 6 weeks each as follows: preliminary, treatment and recovery. Semen and blood samples were collected weekly and biweekly throughout experiment, respectively. Semen analyses indicated significant decreases in ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility and fructose content. This was associated with a significant decline in the level of serum testosterone in the treated animals. Meanwhile pesticide treatment caused increases in the percentages of abnormal and dead spermatozoa, sperm without acrosomes and methylene-blue reduction time. Selenium combined with carbosulfan reduced the detrimental effects of the pesticide in most of the measured parameters.

Semen Quality and Behavior of Holstein Bulls Exposed to Estradiol-Treated Bulls for Mounts

The objectives were to test the effects of estradiol treatment of teaser bull mounts on sexual behavior and on quality and quantity of sperm obtained from sires managed as in large commercial AI breeding organizations. In a change-over design, the same teaser bulls were either untreated or treated with estradiol. Five semen-producing bulls were ejaculated twice per day on Tuesdays and Fridays after epididymal reserves were partially depleted. A 15-min period of continuous sexual preparation with three false mounts allowed was standard before each semen collection. All bulls were attracted to and licked the preputial area of the teaser bulls followed by the Flehmen response during the period of sexual preparation. Bulls usually completed the false mounts in ≤15min, and all thrusted vigorously with both hind feet moving forward synchronously at this time on 100% of the 80 semen collections. Major differences among bulls and between first and second ejaculates occurred in semen volume, semen concentration, and total sperm collected. An increase of 10% in total sperm output when bulls were exposed to treated teaser bulls could be of commercial benefit. The correlation between total time to first mount for the two ejaculates per bull each day and total sperm collected per bull per day was –.44. Thus, the shorter time to first mount may be useful as a low level predictor of higher sperm output per bull.

Semen analysis in human immunodeficiency virus infection

To examine the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on semen quality and to investigate the role of clinical stage of infection, mode of virus acquisition, and azidothymidine (AZT) treatment. DESIGN, PATIENTS, MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ejaculates from 39 HIV-seropositive men and 51 seronegative controls were compared using conventional semen analysis parameters. Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta, GA) classification and peripheral blood CD4 lymphocyte count of seropositive men were recorded at the time of semen analysis. Five patients provided semen before and after AZT treatment.Semen from seropositive men contained significantly fewer motile sperm (48.8% versus 58.8%, P = 0.001), more round cells (62% versus 28% subjects with density greater than 1 x 10(6)/mL, P = 0.003), and was more viscous (1.3 versus 0.5 cm, P less than 0.05) than semen from seronegative controls. The proportion of motile sperm was correlated with absolute number (r = 0.49, P = 0.004) and percentage (r = 0.37, P = 0.03) of CD4-positive lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Total sperm output, however, was preserved and was not correlated with lymphocyte count or symptomatic disease. Administration of AZT had no deleterious effect on sperm output or other semen variables.Human immunodeficiency virus infection per se does not significantly reduce sperm production, regardless of clinical stage or mode of acquisition; however, HIV-seropositive men produce more viscous semen containing fewer motile sperm and more round cells.

Semen analysis in insulin-dependent/non-insulin-dependent diabetic men with/without neuropathy.

The present study deals with the diabetic neuropathies prevailing in the male population. In this investigation 100 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 314 non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients with and without an objective evidence of neuropathy, having an age span of 15 to 80 years and the duration of diabetes distributed over 1-33 years were included along with age-matched nondiabetic controls. The diabetic subjects were evaluated for semen analysis. Results of semen analysis showed a highly significant increase (p > .0005) in total sperm output and sperm concentration in both IDDM and NIDDM neuropathic diabetic men. On the other hand, sperm motility and semen volume were found to be about 30 and 60% less, respectively, in IDDM and NIDDM patients, where as sperm morphology and quality of sperm motility remained unaffected. A comparison between IDDM and NIDDM neuropathic and non-neuropathic diabetic groups further indicated a nonsignificant difference in the parameters of semen analysis, thus suggesting an endocrine basis for the sexual disturbances of diabetic neuropathy. A significant rise in total sperm output in both IDDM and NIDDM neuropathic diabetic patients and a significant decrease in semen volume in both types of diabetic patients thus suggests some kind of Leydig cell hyperplasia, which in turn may stimulate spermatogenesis and atonia of the bladder and urethra, resulting in retrograde ejaculation.

Semen analysis in human immunodeficiency virus infection

To examine the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on semen quality and to investigate the role of clinical stage of infection, mode of virus acquisition, and azidothymidine (AZT) treatment. DESIGN, PATIENTS, MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ejaculates from 39 HIV-seropositive men and 51 seronegative controls were compared using conventional semen analysis parameters. Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta, GA) classification and peripheral blood CD4 lymphocyte count of seropositive men were recorded at the time of semen analysis. Five patients provided semen before and after AZT treatment. Semen from seropositive men contained significantly fewer motile sperm (48.8% versus 58.8%, P = 0.001), more round cells (62% versus 28% subjects with density greater than 1 x 10(6)/mL, P = 0.003), and was more viscous (1.3 versus 0.5 cm, P less than 0.05) than semen from seronegative controls. The proportion of motile sperm was correlated with absolute number (r = 0.49, P = 0.004) and percentage (r = 0.37, P = 0.03) of CD4-positive lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Total sperm output, however, was preserved and was not correlated with lymphocyte count or symptomatic disease. Administration of AZT had no deleterious effect on sperm output or other semen variables. Human immunodeficiency virus infection per se does not significantly reduce sperm production, regardless of clinical stage or mode of acquisition; however, HIV-seropositive men produce more viscous semen containing fewer motile sperm and more round cells.

Effect of the synthetic androgen mesterolone upon seminal characteristics of dogs

The synthetic androgen mesterolone given at 1–5 mg/kg daily in divided doses significantly increased the total sperm output of normal dogs. A dose of 3-0 mg/kg daily in divided doses significantly improved sperm morphology of an oligoasthenoteratozoospermic dog. The effects upon plasma testosterone concentration were not conclusive.

Reproductive abnormalities in canine fucosidosis

Male English springer spaniel dogs affected with fucosidosis, a lysosomal storage disorder, were found to be infertile while females with the disease reproduced successfully. Ejaculates of semen collected from affected dogs had reduced total sperm output and morphologically abnormal spermatozoa. A high proportion of ejaculated spermatozoa had midpiece droplets, bent tails and poor motility. Severely vacuolated epididymal epithelial cells were observed by light microscopy. Electron microscopic examination revealed membrane-bound vacuoles of variable size containing scanty amounts of granular to fibrillar material in epididymal epithelial cells, smooth muscle, myoid cells and Sertoli cells. Male infertility is believed to result from lysosomal storage of fucosyl-linked substrates in cells of the reproductive system. The extensive lesions in the epididymis may have interfered with maturation and transport of spermatozoa. Also, deficiency of alpha- l-fucosidase activity could have impaired the shedding of cytoplasmic droplets from spermatozoa and altered the surface glycoprotein composition of the sperm during epididymal transit.

Semen quality and sperm output of Yankasa rams at different ages

Three groups of three Yankasa rams aged 1.4, 2.4, and 3.4 yr, weighing 32.8 ± 0.8, 47.9 ± 1.4, and 48.8 ± 1.3 kg, and with scrotal circumferences measuring 26.8 ± 0.9, 28.9 ± 0.3, and 30.3 ± 1.3 cm (mean ± SEM), respectively, were used for this study. The rams were ejaculated once per day for 14 d using an artificial vagina and their semen quality and sperm output determined. For the three groups, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, percentage of morphologically normal sperm, and total sperm output per ejaculate averaged 0.72 ± 0.03, 0.90 ± 0.04, and 0.88 ± 0.03 ml; 3.421 ± 0.133, 4.025 ± 0.179, and 4.673 ± 0.184 × 10 9/ml; 83.2 ± 2.3, 84.6 ± 1.5, and 74.0 ± 2.4%; 96.2 ± 0.3, 96.0 ± 0.4, and 95.4 ± 0.4%; and 2.469 ± 0.141, 3.663 ± 0.237, and 4.163 ± 0.247 × 10 9 sperm, respectively. Differences between groups were significant for all semen traits except for percentage of morphologically normal sperm. Total sperm output per ejaculate (Y; × 10 9) was significantly correlated with scrotal circumference (X; cm) by the geometric regression equation Y = 0.000128 X 3.03 (r = 0.71; P < 0.05). Ejaculate characteristics were not influenced by day of collection except for percentage of morphologically normal sperm, which was significantly (P < 0.01) lower on the first day of collection.

Effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha on libido, seminal quantity and quality of buffalo bulls

Four mature Murrah buffalo bulls on a regular semen collection schedule of twice a day, two days per week, were injected with 30 mg prostaglandin F2 alpha THAM salt(PGF) intramuscularly 30 minutes prior to each alternate first ejaculation for six weeks. Effects of PGF on time to initial false mount on the decoy, time to ejaculation after two false mounts (reaction time), seminal volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, motility of fresh and thawed semen and the semen doses obtained per collection were evaluated. Treatment caused significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the time to first false mount and the reaction time for the first ejaculations but had no effect (P > 0.05) on these for the second ejaculations. Values for other quantitative and qualitative parameters did not differ (P > 0.05) due to PGF treatment. It is concluded that PGF at the dosage and frequency of administration used may be of some value in improving libido in low-libido bulls but does not alter the reproductive capacity of buffalo bulls.

Combined hMG/hCG Treatment in Subfertile Men With Idiopathic Normogonadotrophic Oligozoospermia

Forty-eight patients with idiopathic normogonadotrophic oligozoospermia were treated with hMG plus hCG over a period of 3 months. Total sperm output increased by an average of 15.3 million spermatozoa per ejaculate and a similar significant increase was seen in the percentage of motile spermatozoa. Sixteen of the 48 men increased their sperm output by 25 million or more. Follow-up information was available in 33 patients. Ten pregnancies were reported within one year after initiation of treatment. Six of 12 responders impregnated their wives, whereas only 4 pregnancies were reported in a group of 21 non-responders. Endocrinological investigations showed no differences in mean basal levels of LH and FSH, or in the gonadotrophin response to a 100 micrograms GnRH stimulation between responders and non-responders. However, mean basal plasma testosterone concentration was significantly lower in the responder group than in the non-responders. Responsiveness to gonadotrophin treatment tended to be better in patients with basal plasma testosterone concentration lower than 4.5 ng/ml. Combined hMG/hCG treatment in subfertile men with idiopathic oligozoospermia seems to be efficient in only a small proportion of cases.

Combined hMG/hCG treatment in subfertile men with idiopathic normogonadotrophic oligozoospermia.

Forty-eight patients with idiopathic normogonadotrophic oligozoospermia were treated with hMG plus hCG over a period of 3 months. Total sperm output increased by an average of 15.3 million spermatozoa per ejaculate and a similar significant increase was seen in the percentage of motile spermatozoa. Sixteen of the 48 men increased their sperm output by 25 million or more. Follow-up information was available in 33 patients. Ten pregnancies were reported within one year after initiation of treatment. Six of 12 responders impregnated their wives, whereas only 4 pregnancies were reported in a group of 21 non-responders. Endocrinological investigations showed no differences in mean basal levels of LH and FSH, or in the gonadotrophin response to a 100 micrograms GnRH stimulation between responders and non-responders. However, mean basal plasma testosterone concentration was significantly lower in the responder group than in the non-responders. Responsiveness to gonadotrophin treatment tended to be better in patients with basal plasma testosterone concentration lower than 4.5 ng/ml. Combined hMG/hCG treatment in subfertile men with idiopathic oligozoospermia seems to be efficient in only a small proportion of cases.

Environmental Influences on Semen Output

Semen output characteristics of 7,858 ejaculates of 57 commercial Holstein sires in artificial insemination were analyzed to estimate effects of environment over 3-yr. Large differences existed between bulls, first and second ejaculates, and intervals between collections for all measures of semen output. Effects of age of bulls were greatest for sperm concentration per milliliter and total sperm output, peaking at 4 yr of age. Original semen volume was influenced less by age. December was the best month for total sperm production even though June and July were the months for most volume of seminal fluid production. Total sperm output was highest on Fridays and lowest on Wednesdays. Effects of temperature and humidity and changes in temperature and humidity on semen output were small and inconsistent. These results do not support the assumption that semen output could be increased in controlled environment conditions.

The effect of some exogenous hormones on seminal characteristics, libido and peripheral plasma testosterone concentrations in the male beagle.

ABSTRACTThe effect of short term treatment with exogenous hormones viz. HCG, testosterone, betamethasone and delmadinone, on semen characteristics, libido and peripheral plasma testosterone concentrations was studied in five mature Beagle dogs. HCG caused a slight increase in the total ejaculatory volume whilst betamethasone depressed the total ejaculatory volume, reduced sperm output and increased the number of abnormal spermatozoa. Delmadinone reduced libido, ejaculatory volume and total sperm output.

Determination of various semen parameters and sex hormone levels in subfertile men during kallikrein therapy.

Thirty-one (31) subfertile men with idiopathic iligozoospermia were treated by a daily oral medication of 600 units of pancreatic kallikrein (Padutin(R) 100) over a period of 3 months. Total sperm output increased significantly with a maximum 3 months after initiation of therapy. In addition, quantitative and qualitative sperm motility improved during treatment and was still improved 2 months after withdrawal of therapy. Compared to other regimens, oral administration of 600 units kallikrein for a period of 3 months yielded better results than shorter medication periods or lower dosage. Quantitative determination of several serum proteins occurring in seminal plasma before, during and after kallikrein therapy showed a significant increase of alpha 1, x-antichymotrypsin. Thus, kallikrein treatment seems to affect, to a certain degree, the secretory activity of the accessory glands or the blood-seminal plasma barrier. Determination of serum gonadotropins and serum testosterone levels showed a significant increase of LH and testosterone during kallikrein treatment, whereas FSH was unaffected. Thus, systemic kallikrein administration induces significant changes of the pituitary-gonadal axis influencing spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. However, the local action of kinins as pharmacological active tissue hormones has to be considered too.

Therapy of male fertility disorders with kallikrein

An overview of the use of kallikrein to treat male sterility is presented. Kallikrein was shown to increase sperm motility in both in vivo and in vitro studies. The vitality and longevity of the sperm are also enhanced. These effects are due to the stimulation of the intracellular concentration of cyclical adenosonemonophosphates in the sperm. Quinine receptors on the sperm surface are assumed to be the mechanism responsible for the kallikrein effect. Kallikrein stimulates spermal penetration of cervical mucus by about 80% and causes a significant increase in total sperm output 3 months from the beginning of treatment. After 2 months of use, kallikrein leads to an increase in the number of normally formed spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Kallikrein is indicated in cases of asthenospermia and oligozoospermia, in some cases of teratozoospermia, in cases of the vegetative-functional congestion syndrome desecribed by Hoffmann, and is recommended in cases of testicular parenchyme damage involving tubulus function. Parenteral administration involves 40 KE (1KE=8mcg) thrice weekly, oral administration 300-600 KE daily. Kallikrein is added directly to the ejaculate in instrumental insemination in cases of therapy-resistant decrease in motility associated with asthenospermia or oligozoospermia. Concentrations of 5 KE per ml ejaculate are used in such cases. Chronic infection, especially in the genital area, and the incidence of dizziness during therapy are contraindications to kellikrein use.

Characteristics of semen changes during Brucella ovis infection in rams.

The effect of brucellosis on semen quality in rams was studied by means of artificially infecting five rams with a strain of Brucella ovis isolated in Kenya. Infection resulted in reduced semen quality including reduced total sperm output, poor motility and a high percentage of morphological abnormalities. Variation in semen quality both between and within rams appeared to be related to progress of the disease in the epididymis as well as to the distribution and severity of lesions in the reproductive tract.

Semen output of rabbits ejaculated after varying sexual preparation.

SummaryThree intensities of sexual preparation were compared with none using 9 rabbits which each furnished 2 ejaculations every second day for 38 days. The average sperm content of first ejaculations after one false mount (102.9 × 106) was 178% greater than that following no sexual preparation (37.0 × 106) and 3 false mounts resulted in an additional 40% increment in sperm output over one false mount. Sexual preparation also increased average sperm content of second ejaculations, although the increments were not as large as those obtained in first ejaculations. Analyses of seminal volume and total fructose content revealed that sexual preparation stimuli also affected accessory glands, but the magnitude of effect was proportionately smaller than the magnitude of the effect on epididymides. Sexual preparation also reduced the relative magnitude of the within-buck variance of total sperm output.

Progesterone and 6α-Methyl-17α-hydroxyprogesterone Acetate as Inhibitors of Spermatogenesis and Accessory Gland Function in the Ram

The effects of progesterone and 6alpha-methyl-17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) on spermatogenesis and accessory gland function were studied in 6 rams. Weekly semen collections were started 3 weeks prior to the injection of 50 mg progesterone every other day for 60 days in 3 of the rams and 100 mg of MAP/day for 60 days in the other 3 rams. Testicular biopsies were obtained 6 days after treatment. No protoplasmic droplets were observed pretreatment however sperm in both groups contained a protoplasmic droplet 3 weeks after beginning treatment. Semen volume in the progesterone- and MAP-treated rams decreased significantly (p less than .01) and (p less than .05) respectively from the 4th through the 18th week when compared with pretreatment volume. Semen fructose levels were significantly (p less than .01) lower by the 4th week in the progesterone-treated and 6th week in the MAP-treated rams. Total sperm output was significantly (p less than .01) lower from the 8th through the 19th week in the progesterone-treated and from the 9th through the 18th week in the MAP-treated rams while the percentage of abnormal sperm was significantly (p less than .01) greater for both treated groups from the 4th through the 21st week. The biopsies revealed Leydig cell atrophy and seminiferous tubules with sloughing and disorganization of germinal elements.