Localization of human follicle-stimulating hormone in the testis.

Localization of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) molecule and its receptor (FSHR), as well as the role of FSH in Sertoli cell mitosis and maturation, has been demonstrated by several investigators in human and murine testis by detecting the localization of anti-FSH antibodies or [(131)I]-labeled FSH and by detecting FSH receptor (FSHR) mRNA by in situ hybridization, or FSHR by anti-FSHR antibodies. The presence of FSH in germinal cells is controversial or, in humans, excluded. We have investigated the distribution of the human FSH molecule and its receptor in human and mouse testicular cells under different experimental conditions, at the submicroscopical level, by using a better antigenicity conservative procedure.

Notulae seminologicae. 4. Mathematical evaluation of submicroscopical alterations in spermatozoa of sterile men with varicocele.

In this paper the mathematical formula recently proposed by Baccetti & Mirolli in this journal is used for the quantitative electron microscopical evaluation of six submicroscopical defects frequently present in the spermatozoa ejaculated by patients affected by various degrees of varicocele. All these characteristics are independent from each other and are in some way related to imperfect sperm maturation. They concern the shape and position of the acrosome, the status of the chromatin, of the mitochondria, of the axoneme, the individuality of the cell.

Notulae seminologicae. 3. Mathematical diagnosis from TEM seminological detection.

In this paper a formula obtained by probability analysis is presented. This formula can predict the number of healthy spermatozoa in a sperm population containing more or less numerous different defects recognized in ultrathin sections by transmission electron microscopy or in entire cells stained with different specific antibodies, by fluorescence light microscopy. This formula is able also to orientate the diagnosis of the various sperm pathological affections and, can be used generally in the evaluation of any kind of populations of isolated cells examined in ultrathin sections or in immunocytochemical preparations.

Notulae seminologicae. 2. The 'short tail' and 'stump' defect in human spermatozoa.

In this note several cases of stunted tails involving the total sperm population in sterile humans are described. Half of the cases are classified as 'short tailed' spermatozoa, the other half as 'stump defect' previously described in bulls. Both defects are referred in details at electron microscopical level.

Notulae seminologicae. 1. New combinations of Kartagener's syndrome.

In this note new consequences of the Kartagener's syndrome are described. In males the syndrome involved a diffused sperm immaturity; in one female severe skeletal defects were present probably resulting from bad organization of the renal apparatus.

Studies on varicocele. II. The inhibin secretion.

In this paper a previous interpretation given by the authors concerning one of the ways varicocele can affect fertility is confirmed. Moreover, it is definitely demonstrated that the high temperature stimulates inhibin secretion (and probably the testosterone-estradiol conversion) in the Sertoli cells, while the somatomedin secretion in vitro seems to be unaffected. It means that the action of the temperature on the germinal cells seems to be mediated by the pathway: inhibin (plus estradiol)-->pituitary-->FSH.

HIV particles detected in spermatozoa of patients with AIDS.

In this paper the Authors describe the presence of HIV particles on and in mature spermatozoa either ejaculated by AIDS patients or incubated in vitro with HIV. Both kinds of spermatozoa have particles localized around the sperm organelles. In the first case, the nucleoid of the virus can be enveloped by a membrane-like coat or be devoid of it and form buddings in the plasma membrane.