The Effects of Albumin, Magnesium, and Zinc on Human Sperm Survival in Different Fractions of Split Ejaculates

Abstract

The effects of albumin, magnesium, and zinc on human sperm survival in different fractions of split ejaculates were studied. Of particular interest was the effect of these prostatic factors on the survival of spermatozoa in the last 1/2 of the ejaculate. The survival and motility of human spermatozoa were studied in the first and last halves of more than 50 split ejaculates from 7 men. The 4-hour survival was better in the first 1/2. The addition of human albumin (4%) to the last 1/2 maintained the survival and motility of the spermatozoa at the same level as in the first 1/2. Addition of albumin to the last 1/2 also reduced the uptake of zinc by the spermatozoa in the part of the ejaculate. Addition of magnesium (100 mcg/ml) to the second 1/2 of the ejaculate had a slight beneficial effect on sperm survival; however, the effect was much less than that achieved with albumin. Addition of zinc or colloids (dextran, Ficoll) to the last 1/2 had no effect on the survival of the spermatozoa. Dextran and Ficoll did not reduce the high uptake of zinc characteristic for spermatozoa in the second 1/2. Addition of zinc ions to the second 1/2 increased the uptake of zinc by the spermatozoa.