Recent advances in andrology research: physiopathology and clinical application to fertility and infertility.
Sperm maturation depends on androgen and is mediated by several unidentified epididymal factors: glycoproteins and metabolites affecting acrosomal stability and fertilizing potential of capacitated sperm. Several genes encoding human epididymis-specific proteins have been described. One of the cloned epididymal cDNA encodes a polypeptide designated as HE4 with an estimated molecular mass of 10,000. Leydig cells are rich in lipid droplets and display epithelioid features. These cells have a cord-like arrangement; the cords are formed by one or two closely apposed cells. In between these cells, labyrinthine or canalicular-like spaces are opened in wide perivascular spaces that improve cell secretion of hormones and facilitate their transport into the blood, as well as the traffic of fluids and metabolites. Coagulation and liquefaction in human semen plays an important role in the capacitation of semen. The liquefaction of semen is retarded by the powerful synthetic inhibitors of 6-amidino-2-naphtyl-p-guanidinobenzoate dimethansulfonate.
Hafez
B
B
Andrology Laboratory, Hafez/Hafez Reproductive Health Center, Kiawah Island, South Carolina 29455, USA.
Goff
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L
Hafez
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S
D000818:Animals; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D005298:Fertility; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D012099:Reproductive Techniques; D012106:Research; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D014572:Urology
D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D013963:Thyroid Hormones