Levels of interferon alpha and gamma in seminal plasma of normozoospermic, oligozoospermic,and azoospermic men.

Abstract

The functions of the interferons in the testis are unclear. We investigated the role of interferon alpha and gamma in the seminal plasma on spermatogenesis. The levels of interferon alpha and gamma were determined in the seminal plasma of 101 males including normozoospermic (n = 31), oligozoospermic (n = 57) and azoospermic men (n = 13). The correlation between such levels and clinical parameter (seminogram and serum hormone levels) was evaluated. The seminal plasma level of interferon alpha (92.0 + 110.3 ng/mL) in the normozoospermic men was significantly lower than that of oligozoospermic men (162.4 +/- 130.3 ng/mL) (p < .05). The three groups (normozoospermic, oligozoospermic, and azoospermic group) did not differ as to the level of interferon gamma. No significant correlations were observed between the levels of interferon alpha or gamma in seminal plasma and the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, prolactin, or estradiol. Theses results suggest that the level of interferon alpha in the seminal plasma may be related to sperm production.