Therapy of male fertility disorders with kallikrein

Abstract

An overview of the use of kallikrein to treat male sterility is presented. Kallikrein was shown to increase sperm motility in both in vivo and in vitro studies. The vitality and longevity of the sperm are also enhanced. These effects are due to the stimulation of the intracellular concentration of cyclical adenosonemonophosphates in the sperm. Quinine receptors on the sperm surface are assumed to be the mechanism responsible for the kallikrein effect. Kallikrein stimulates spermal penetration of cervical mucus by about 80% and causes a significant increase in total sperm output 3 months from the beginning of treatment. After 2 months of use, kallikrein leads to an increase in the number of normally formed spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Kallikrein is indicated in cases of asthenospermia and oligozoospermia, in some cases of teratozoospermia, in cases of the vegetative-functional congestion syndrome desecribed by Hoffmann, and is recommended in cases of testicular parenchyme damage involving tubulus function. Parenteral administration involves 40 KE (1KE=8mcg) thrice weekly, oral administration 300-600 KE daily. Kallikrein is added directly to the ejaculate in instrumental insemination in cases of therapy-resistant decrease in motility associated with asthenospermia or oligozoospermia. Concentrations of 5 KE per ml ejaculate are used in such cases. Chronic infection, especially in the genital area, and the incidence of dizziness during therapy are contraindications to kellikrein use.