Human motile sperm recovery after cryopreservation: freezing in nitrogen vapor vs the direct plunge technique.

Objectives: The following will be tested: 1) Freezing in nitrogen vapor prior to submerging will have a higher motile sperm recovery rate compared to directly submerging in liquid nitrogen, 2) The length of time a sample spends in nitrogen vapor will not affect the motile sperm recovery, and 3) The volume of sample to be frozen will not affect the recovery of motile sperm.Design: This is a prospective study performed through a university infertility clinic. The semen samples were obtained from 20 male partners of couples being screened for in vitro fertilization.

Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage of N-terminal type III procollagen peptides in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Collagen deposition is a prime determinant of clinical course in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Identification of a marker of connective tissue metabolism would significantly enhance the ability to stage the disease and monitor the course of these patients. Prior studies of IPF have indicated that N-terminal Type III procollagen peptide (N-PIIIP) levels in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage BAL fluid are elevated.

CA-125 levels in human uterine fluid.

Objective: To measure uterine fluid CA-125 concentration and to determine if any menstrual cycle phase dependent changes exist in its level. Serum levels are measured for comparison.

Design: CA-125 levels in uterine fluid were measured during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.

Prostaglandin F2 alpha synthesis and metabolism by luteal phase endometrium in vitro.

Differences in prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha synthesis and degradation were sought between early luteal endometrium (histology day 15 to 22, n = 6) and late luteal endometrium (histology day 23 to 28, n = 6). In addition, alterations in PGF2 alpha synthesis and degradation in response to 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) were examined to clarify the mechanism of steroid modulation of endometrial PG production (n = 12). Endometrium was maintained in tissue culture and the concentration of PGF2 alpha and 13,14 dehydro-15 keto F2 alpha (DHKF2 alpha) was determined in spent media by radioimmunoassay.

Observation of production of immunoactive prolactin by normal human connective tissue in cell culture.

Data from our in vitro studies indicate a new source of prolactin (PRL)-like activity, normal human connective tissue. Fascial cells from primary culture and subsequent passages produced an extracellular antigen which specifically reacted in a radioimmunoassay RIA developed to detect human pituitary PRL. An initial peak or first surge of fascial PRL-like activity occurred between 4 and 15 d in primary culture.