Determination of phthalate esters in human semen.

Phthalate esters are a large group of chemical compounds used in the production of plastics, household articles, packages, cosmetics and plant pesticides. World production of phthalates is estimated to be several million tons a year. Recent observations indicate some mutagenic, cancerogenic and orchidotoxic effect of these compounds.

Evaluation of HLA expression on gametogenic cells isolated from human testis.

Human germinal cells were isolated using a combined mechanical method and enzymatic digestion of testicular tissue. The attempt to fractionate the testicular cells by centrifugation in the continuous and discontinuous Percoll gradient was undertaken. The homogeneous (100%) fraction of late spermatids and enriched fractions of spermatocytes (up to 60%) and round spermatids (approx.

HLA expression on human germinal cells.

Ejaculated human seminal plasma cells obtained from 46 healthy men and 48 infertile patients were tested for expression of HLA class I and II antigens by complement-mediated cytotoxicity, cell-binding radioimmunoassay (CB-RIA), and an ELISA involving monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In a group of healthy men tested for HLA expression on human spermatozoa, 4 of 46 were positive for class I and II HLA antigens. However, the results were negative in a second examination of the same donors, possibly on account of alterations with time in the expression of various subpopulations of cells which are antigen positive or antigen negative.

The non-mature sperm cells: evaluation of surface markers and interaction in in vitro cultures.

The ejaculated human seminal plasma cells may be classified into subpopulations on the basis of spermatogenesis or biological features. In this paper we divided these cells into two main groups: one of them is obviously predestinated to fertilization as mature sperm cells, viable and motile ejaculated cells. Second group of unknown biological role is very heterogeneous; simplifying its variety we call them non-mature sperm cells.

Chlorinated pesticide residues in testicular tissue samples. Pesticides in human testicles.

Residues of chlorinated pesticides--HCB, alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-, epsilon-HCH isomers, heptachlor epoxide, DDE and DDT isomers in bilateral testicular biopsy material were determined in gas liquid chromatography with electron capture detector (GLC-ECD). The average levels of chlorinated pesticides residues occurring in 36 men are presented. Alpha-, delta-HCH and p,p'-DDE were observed in nearly all analyzed samples.

Blast transformation of lymphocytes induced by spermatozoa obtained from spermatocoele.

Human lymphocytes cultured for 6 days in the presence of autologous and allogeneic spermatozoa obtained from spermatocoele undergo blast transformation. The proliferation level in autologous combination is markedly higher than that in allogeneic one.

Simple, low-cost method for determination of selected chlorinated pesticides in fat samples.

A method is described for the quantitative and qualitative determination of selected chlorinated pesticides in fat samples. Pesticides residues are extracted with petroleum ether and separated from fat with concentrated H2SO4 instead of the commonly used adsorbents Florisil, alumina, or silica gel. Residues were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection.

Stimulation of lymphocytes by spermatozoa-stimulated cells.

The mechanism of spermatozoa-lymphocyte interaction was studied using spermatozoa and lymphocytes obtained from 11 healthy individuals and from 2 patients with spermatocoele. The lymphocytes activated by spermatozoa in 3-day cultures were used as inducers of fresh, unstimulated autologous or allogeneic lymphocytes. In 9 cases of 13 tested sperm samples, a slight proliferative response of lymphocytes stimulated by spermatozoa-induced lymphocytes was observed.

Content of chlorinated pesticides in human semen of a random population.

Residues of chlorinated pesticides--BHC isomers, DDT isomers, HCB and DMDT--in samples of human semen have been determined. Samples of semen were collected from a random population of patients sent to our department for the evaluation of their fertilizing ability. The contents of 50 samples of semen were analyzed individually for residues of chlorinated pesticides and their metabolites by gas-liquid chromatography.

Comparison of the content of chlorinated pesticide residues in human semen, testicles and fat tissues.

Studies were undertaken to determine the residues of chlorinated pesticides in human semen, testicles and fat tissues. Samples of semen were taken from a random population and samples of tissues at surgery. A preliminary estimation was made to assess the level gradient of environmental pollutants in these types of specimens characterized by a different fat content.

T and B lymphocytes in the ontogenetic development of man.

Cord blood lymphocytes of premature and mature fetuses and peripheral blood of infants and adults were studied by rosette techniques and membrane immunofluorescence. Percentage of lymphocytes carrying surface immunoglobulins, receptors for complement and receptors for uncoated sheep erythrocytes or receptors for Fc IgG was determined. T lymphocyte receptors were found to appear later in ontogeny than the receptors typical of B lymphocytes.