Gene expression alterations in cryptorchid males using spermatozoal microarray analysis.

Objective: To identify differential spermatozoal gene expression patterns using microarray between controls and patients with cryptorchidism.

Design: Prospective laboratory analysis.

Setting: Pediatric urology clinic and laboratory of an academic hospital in the United States.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with transmission of a ring(Y) chromosome and ovotesticular disorder of sex development in offspring.

We present a newborn infant with ovotesticular disorder of sex development and sex chromosome mosaicism with a supernumerary ring(Y), and a normal female cell line (47,XXr(Y)[10]/46,XX[40]. The ring (Y) was inherited from the child's father, and was transmitted following assisted reproductive technology and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The father presented with infertility and oligospermia, but cytogenetic analysis had not been carried out as part of the infertility workup.

Partial bladder outlet obstruction selectively abolishes protein kinase C induced contraction of rabbit detrusor smooth muscle.

Purpose: Despite the acute onset, partial bladder outlet obstruction in the rabbit induces detrusor remodeling similar to that in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia in terms of its impact on structural and functional alterations in smooth muscle. We determined if partial bladder outlet obstruction induced remodeling alters the protein kinase C signaling pathway that leads to contraction.

Materials And Methods: Smooth muscle from control animals and those subjected to 2 weeks of partial bladder outlet obstruction were mounted for isometric force recording, measurement of myosin light chain phosphorylation and levels of adducin phosphorylation.

Activation of the calcineurin pathway is associated with detrusor decompensation: a potential therapeutic target.

Purpose: We hypothesized that the calcineurin pathway mediated some of the complex remodeling process that allows a bladder subjected to partial outlet obstruction to adapt to its new workload. Atrial natriuretic factor mRNA expression served as a marker of calcineurin activation.

Materials And Methods: A total of 16 New Zealand White rabbits underwent surgical creation of partial outlet obstruction, followed by randomization to receive cyclosporin A (20 mg/kg intramuscularly twice daily) or no additional treatment for 14 days.

Urethral strictures incident to bicycle motocross racing.

A dramatic shift from traditional team to alternative or "extreme" sports has given rise to a new generation of nontraditional athletes and sports-related injuries in the pediatric population. We present a case of 2 brothers who developed urethral strictures believed incident to BMX racing. We address current demographics and the general presentation and course of treatment to aid both the pediatric urologist and the general practitioner in prompt and proper diagnosis.

The physical characteristics of young males with varicocele.

Objective: To determine if there is an association with habitus in young males with varicocele, as adolescent boys with varicoceles appear to be mostly taller and leaner than age-matched controls.

Patients And Methods: Retrospectively reviewing our records we obtained the height and weight of 43 consecutive males (mean age 14.3 years, range 11-19) under long-term follow-up for varicocele.