Testicular testosterone concentration following testicular vein ligation

A rat model to study the local effects of testicular vein ligation is described. One hour after unilateral testicular vein ligation, the testicular concentration of testosterone was significantly greater (P less than 0.01) on the side that was ligated than in the contralateral testis (177.1 +/- 19.7 [SEM] ng/gm of tissue as compared with 108.8 +/- 11.8 ng/gm of tissue, respectively). This effect was not seen 1 week after the testicular vein ligation. The testosterone concentration in the ligated testis was also higher than that in sham-operated animals. These differences in testicular testosterone concentration were not associated with changes in peripheral serum testosterone levels.

CONCLUSION

ligation of the testicular vein causes an acute rise in the testicular concentration of testosterone and may thus mediate changes in testicular function.

Haemophilus influenzae amnionitis associated with prematurity and premature membrane rupture

Prematurity and premature rupture of the membranes present major obstetric problems. When associated with amnionitis, the result may be disastrous. A case of Haemophilus influenzae aminionitis in association with premature rupture of the membranes is presented. The rarity of this organism as a causative agent in amnionitis and its possible causative role in premature membrane rupture are considered in review of the scant relevant literature.

Use of discriminant analysis in relating maternal anti-D levels to the severity of haemolytic disease of the Newborn

The automated assay of maternal anit-D levels has been compared with manual methods and correlated with the severity of haemolytic disease of the newborn using discriminant analysis. The automated assay of anti-D proved to be marginally better than manual techniques in predicting the need for amniocentesis. The level at which amniocentesis should be considered has been calculated to be 4IU/ml of maternal serum.

Consultant problems

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Capture of Schistosoma mansoni miracidia and cercariae by carnivorous aquatic vascular plants of the genus Utricularia

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