The Testicular Function Efficiency Determined by the Spermatogenic Activity Test (Sat) in Diabetic and Alcoholic Patients

Abstract

As far back as 1962, Czerniak /1/ proposed a new test to rate the spermatogenic activity of the gonads by means of radioactive phosphorus (^32p). The predilectional accumulation of high-energy phosphate compounds in the tissues which have a pronounced metabolite activity underlies it. As these compounds, being carriers of considerable bioenergies, participate in the synthesis of nucleic acids, their accumulation is in keeping with the mitoses in a given tissue. This accounts for their accumulation in organs and tissues with a clear-cut active cell proliferation, such as testicles, bone marrow, and malignant tumors. The advantages of the SAT are connected with the opportunity of a separate evaluation of the functional capacity of each gonad as well as of establishing the intensity level of spermatogenesis even in patients from whom it is impossible to obtain sperm ejaculation.