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Immunocytochemical localization studies revealed the presence of 10·5 kDa inhibin in the prostatic epithelial cells of the human, non-human primates (Macaca radiata,Presbytis entellus, Callithrix jacchus), dog and laboratory rodents (guinea pigs, hamsters, rats and mice). The capability of the prostate gland to synthesize inhibinin vitrowas shown by the incorporation of radiolabeled leucine into inhibin which was immuno-precipitated. Unlike most prostatic proteins, inhibin was found to be androgen-independent since no significant alteration in inhibin concentration in prostate occurred pre/post castration. Physicochemical and immunological characteristics of inhibin as revealed by high performance liquid chromatography and parallel dilution curve in a radioimmunoassay revealed similarities of inhibin in prostates of various species.

Summary.Vasovasostomy was performed in rabbits that had been vasectomized or had the vas occluded by a tantalum clip for 6 or 15 months. Vasovasostomy restored fertility to 40–50% in vasectomized rabbits and 60–70% in the tantalum clip-occluded animals. Any changes that occurred due to vasectomy and tantalum clip occlusion (e.g. testicular weight, enzyme concentrations in the testis) returned to normal within 3–6 months of vasovasostomy. We suggest that vas occlusion with tantalum clips is a good method of surgical male sterilization and has a high success rate for restoration of fertility.

Alpha-chlorohydrin (3-chlor-1,2 propanediol) possesses antifertility properties when administered to male rats, hamsters, guinea-pigs, rams and monkeys (Ericsson, 1968; Ericsson & Norland, 1970). The compound is thought to exert its action on the epididymis (Gunn, Gould & Anderson, 1969; Samojlik & Chang, 1970). Coppola (1969) and Gunn et al.(1969) suggested that α-chlorohydrin might act as a metabolic antagonist to glycerol in phospholipid metabolism and the compound has also been shown to act as an alkylating agent in vitro(Jones, Davies, Edwards & Jackson, 1969).The effects of α-chlorohydrin on the adenohypophysis have not so far been reported. The purpose of the present investigation was to compare the cytological changes occurring in the gonadotrophic cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary in male rats and gerbils after the administration of α-chlorohydrin, with those changes following bilateral gonadectomy.The α-chlorohydrin (sp. gr. 1·326) was supplied by Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan, in

A crude ethanol extract of Carica papaya L. seeds was administered to male albino rats at dose regimens of 10 and 50 mg/animal/day orally for 30, 60 and 90 days and 0.1 and 1.0 mg/animal/day intramuscularly for 15 and 30 days for the evaluation of contraceptive efficacy, reversibility and related side effects. Significant decreases in cauda epididymal sperm motility, sperm count, fertility and litter size were observed after oral dosing of the extract, while intramuscular administration caused significant decreases in cauda epididymal sperm motility and litter size. Testis weight decreased significantly after oral, but not intramuscular, administration. Body weight response, hematological parameters and blood/serum biochemical parameters were comparable to control values throughout the experimental period. Complete recovery of all the altered parameters except sperm motility in the high dose intramuscular group was evident following 60 and 45 days of treatment withdrawal in animals dosed orally and intramuscularly, respectively. In conclusion, an ethanol extract of Carica papaya seeds produced reversible antifertility effects in male rats which were dependent on the mode and duration of drug administration.

Summary.In 5 caged langurs menstrual cycle length (for 125 cycles) varied from 18 to 45 days with a mean ± s.d. of 26·3 ± 3·6 days. Menstruation lasted for 2 days. A distinct cycle of vaginal smear cells was observed with a maximum cornification on Day 10 coinciding with the serum oestradiol peak. A monophasic pattern of vaginal temperature with a significant nadir on Day 11, 1 day after the oestradiol peak, was observed. Serum sialic acid concentrations directly reflected the oestrogenic activity and showed a significant peak on Day 10, coinciding with the oestradiol peak and was followed by a progesterone rise. Langurs menstruated throughout the year without showing any sign of summer amenorrhoea. We suggest that maximum cornification, vaginal temperature nadir and serum sialic acid peak could be used as markers for prediction and detection of the time of ovulation in langur monkeys.Keywords:langur; vaginal temperature; serum oestradiol; vaginal smear patterns; serum sialic acid; ovulation; menstrual cycle

The sex accessory gland functions were studied in 1-12 months vasectomized langur monkeys. Seminal plasma fructose did not change. Semen volume, magnesium, and citric acid decreased transitionally up to 6 months. A significant decrease in LDH and transaminases (GOT, GPT) following vasectomy indicated an altered secretory activity of the accessory sex organs.