[Analysis of the results obtained in fertilization in vitro according to the degree and type of teratospermia].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the consequences of sperm morphology abnormalities on fertilization capacity. We selected 115 couples who consulted for in vitro fertilization at the Salengro Maternity Ward (Lille, France). Teratospermia was > 40% in all.

In vitro attachment of Pneumocystis carinii from mouse and rat origin.

The attachment of Pneumocystis carinii to lung cells could play a role in the pathophysiology of P carinii pneumonia. The trophozoite attaches to type I alveolar epithelial cells. Physical, chemical, and extracellular matrix factors, involved in the mouse-or rat-derived P carinii attachment to fibroblastic cells in culture, were examined using a new model of in vitro adherence.

Is Pneumocystis carinii a deep mycosis-like agent?

Pneumocystis carinii is a widespread eukaryotic microorganism found in the lungs of healthy mammals, including humans. It is able to proliferate extensively in the alveoli, becoming an important agent of severe pneumonitis in immunosuppressed hosts, especially in persons suffering from AIDS. The taxonomic position of P.

High osmotic pressure enables fine ultrastructural and cytochemical studies on Pneumocystis carinii. I. Epon embedding.

High osmotic pressure was used to preserve the ultrastructure of rabbit-, SCID mouse-, and rat-derived Pneumocystis carinii organisms from osmotic stress during fixation. Organelles and cytosol were well preserved within the tonicity range of 850-1,300 mosmol. Under these experimental conditions, we determined that the endoplasmic reticulum was well developed in all parasite stages and could observe the Golgi complex, autophagic vacuoles, dense bodies, type II endoplasmic saccules, and the recently described outer surface membrane, which was found in all parasite stages.

High osmotic pressure for Pneumocystis carinii London Resin White embedding enables fine immunocytochemistry studies: I. Golgi complex and cell-wall synthesis.

A method for embedding Pneumocystis carinii in hydrophilic resin (London Resin White) has been developed for immunocytochemistry studies. Using high osmotic pressure (about 850 mosmol) from fixation to embedding, this method improved the preservation of the fine structure as well as the antigenicity of rabbit- and SCID mouse-derived P. carinii.