Abnormal deficiency of both Mg2+ and Ca2+-dependent adenosine triphosphatase and secretory granules and vesicles in human seminal plasma.

Abstract

A pronounced deficiency of Mg2+ and Ca2+-dependent ATPase and of secretory granules and vesicles was demonstrated in the seminal plasma of a patient with infertility problems (person A) and with a lowered serum testosterone level. Both total ejaculates and different fractions of split-ejaculates were examined on repeated occasions. Divalent cations, fructose and protein were also determined in most of the samples. The low activity of the Mg2+ and Ca2+-dependent ATPase and the ultrastructure of the split-ejaculates of the seminal plasma of person A contrasted sharply against the high activity of the Mg2+ and Ca2+-dependent ATPase and the ultrastructure of the split-ejaculates of the seminal plasma of another individual (person B). The latter displayed a normal Mg2+ and Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity as well as an ordinary representation of the secretory granules and vesicles. The findings on the ATPase system in the seminal plasma of person A together with the lowered levels of divalent cations in the order Ca2+ less than Mg2+ less than Zn2+ are proposed to reflect a defective functioning of the prostate gland in person A.