Structure and function of prostatic- and seminal vesicle-secreted proteins involved in the gelation and liquefaction of human semen

Abstract

At ejaculation, the epididymal spermatozoa mix with the secretions produced by the seminal vesicles and the prostate. The glandular secretions immediately turns into a gel-like structure which entraps the spermatozoa. The ejaculated spermatozoa become progressively motile as the gel dissolves. The discovery, structure, and interactions of proteins involved in these post-ejaculatory phase reactions of semen are here reported.