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Biomedical subjects

K Gopalkrishnan

Publications and source records attributed to K Gopalkrishnan.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Ultrastructure of spermatozoa & non spermatozoal cells in human semen in genital tract infections.

With a view to ascertain the possible etiology fo the morphological abnormalities seen in spermatozoa of semen from genital tract infections, 16 semen samples were studied. Samples were selected on the basis of each of them having 10-12 pus cells per high power field. Apart from routine semen analysis, the sperms were subjected to electron microscopic studies. Alterations in the ultrastructure of spermatozoa and non-spermatozoal constituents of the infected semen samples were studied. The possible etiology of a wide spectrum of abnormalities in semen found to be associated with genital infection is discussed.

Genital Diseases, Male↗
PubMed1987

Antibodies to human seminal plasma inhibin cause sperm agglutination and impairment of cervical mucus penetration and sperm-egg attachment.

Inhibin isolated from human seminal plasma which has 94 amino acids has been shown to be structurally similar to a sperm coating antigen of prostatic origin. Specific antibodies generated against this peptide caused agglutination of human sperm. Using FITC-labeled antibody, antigen was localized on the post-acrosomal head region of sperm. Antiserum to inhibin could also impair the penetration of human spermatozoa into cervical mucus. After 10 and 30 minutes, the depth and density of penetration as well as the motility of the sperm were inhibited. The treatment of sperm with antiserum to inhibin caused an inhibition of sperm attachment to the egg as well as inhibition of penetration.

Cervix Mucus↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Does seminal fluid viscosity influence sperm chromatin integrity?

A retrospective study was undertaken to investigate whether viscosity alters sperm chromatin integrity. Semen samples were obtained from 269 men attending the infertility clinic. The viscosity was measured quantitatively by needle and syringe method and the viscosity ratio was calculated against distilled water. The chromatin integrity was evaluated by in vitro decondensation test using 1% SDS and 6 mM EDTA. According to the viscosity ratios the samples were divided into 2 groups: I, normal (ratio < 9, n = 239): and II, abnormal (ratio > 9, n = 30) viscosity. Chromatin integrity was significantly lower in the group with higher viscosity. Significant decrease in sperm count and motility were seen in group II as compared to group I. Thus, hyperviscosity of seminal fluid alters the sperm chromatin integrity.

Chromatin↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Poor quality of sperm as it affects repeated early pregnancy loss.

A study was carried out to determine whether males contribute to repeated early pregnancy loss. Semen samples were analyzed from proven-fertile men (n = 51 group I) and from men whose partners presented with early pregnancy loss (>3 first trimester abortions, n = 32 group II). Routine analysis, sperm function tests, and ultrastructural studies of sperms were carried out. Female factor could be identified in 25 (78%) couples, and in 7 (22%) no cause either male or female could be identified and the semen analysis was normal. Percent morphologically normal did not differ significantly between the groups, but increased sperm head abnormalities were seen. The functional tests were all normal except for a significant decrease in the capacity of nuclear chromatin to decondense in vitro. The ultrastructural studies showed defects of chromatin condensation and irregular nuclei with vacuoles. This study points to the loss of chromatin integrity as a possible contributing factor from males to early pregnancy loss.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Morphometric and ultrastructural studies on the rat testis following administration of antiserum to human seminal plasma inhibin.

A study was undertaken to see the effects of antiserum to human seminal plasma inhibin (hSPI) on the morphology of rat testis. Morphometric, light microscopic, and ultrastructural studies were done on rat testis after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of administration of antiserum to hSPI. Daily sperm production rate was also estimated by histometric method. The light microscopic analysis showed a slight decrease in tubular diameter which was not significant. The degenerative changes in the tubules were marked after 12 weeks of treatment. The daily sperm production rate was reduced by 50% after 12 weeks of treatment. The ultrastructural study revealed phagocytosis of elongated spermatids and spermatozoa enclosed in a vacuole surrounded by Sertoli cells. The Sertoli cells were dedifferentiated into an immature type. The spermatogonia were not affected. The treatment with antiserum to hSPI alters testicular morphology at the spermatid and mature spermatozoa level. Since treatment with AshSPI is known to elevate the FSH level it appears that the morphological changes correlate with the endocrine status.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

In vitro decondensation of nuclear chromatin of human spermatozoa: assessing fertilizing potential.

Spermatozoan nuclear chromatin is in a highly condensed state prior to fertilization. In vivo decondensation occurs in the ooplasm and is essential for successful fertilization and the formation of male pronucleus and the zygote to occur. The chromatin of spermatozoa and nucleus can undergo in vitro decondensation with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 6 mM ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). The ability of sperm to decondense in vitro was compared with their ability to fertilize human oocytes in vitro. Spermatozoa from normal samples were studied for their decondensation ability as regards their fertilizing performance in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. Fertilization occurred when the decondensation percentage of sperm nuclear chromatin was more than 70%. The effective sperm count was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower in the unfertilized group. This is a new diagnostic technique to assess sperm-fertilizing potential at the initial evaluation of the male.

Cell Nucleus↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Alteration of semen characteristics and regulatory factors in human semen with bacterial infection.

Semen samples (n = 40) obtained from males attending an infertility clinic were subjected to bacteriological culture and categorized as bacteriologically negative (group I) and bacteriologically positive (group II) depending on the culture positivity. Semen samples from both groups were simultaneously analyzed for routine parameters such as volume, count, motility, viability, morphology, pH, and hypoosmotic swelling. Seminal plasma was assayed for levels of prolactin (PRL), prolactin-suppressing factor (PSF), prostatic inhibin peptide (PIP) and zinc (Zn). Patients in group II (n = 25) showed statistically significant alteration (p < .01) in semen parameters such as motility, percent normal morphological forms, and percent normal HOS test as compared to group I (n = 15). There was a negligible change in the sperm concentration between the two groups. The semen volume, viability, and pH did not show any variation. Among the regulatory factors assayed, there was a significant change in the Zn, PSF (p < .05), and PIP (p = .01), while no such alterations were seen for PRL. The results suggest that bacterial infection affects fertility either by affecting the seminal characteristics directly or by acting on the regulatory systems.

Bacterial Infections↗