Composition Of Seminal Fluid Research Articles

Complexity of seminal fluid: a review

The seminal fluid is a complex medium containing a great variety of molecules, mainly produced by sex accessory glands, and also cells other than spermatozoa (e.g. leucocytes). In this paper, I review current knowledge on composition of seminal fluid in both vertebrates (mainly mammals) and invertebrates (mainly insects) with internal fertilisation, in the light of possible benefits of seminal fluid components to males (e.g. sperm capacitation, sperm competition and fertilisation), possible costs to males (e.g. autoimmunity, antigenic effects), potential benefits to females being inseminated (e.g. food, immunostimulation and antibiotic effects) and potential costs to females (e.g. transmission of venereal diseases). The diversity of microorganismal, cellular and molecular components of seminal fluids can be interpreted in the light of emergence of co-adapted complexes, host–parasite coevolution, male–female arms races, sperm competition, pleiotropy and redundancy of function.

Biochemical Composition of Seminal Plasma and Annual Variations in Semen Characteristics of Jundiá Rhamdia quelen (Quoy and Gaimard, Pimelodidae)

This study investigated the composition of milt of the South American silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) or jundia. The semen was taken from jundia in different periods during the four seasons. The biochemical composition of seminal fluid and the characteristics of sperm were analyzed. The semen quantity which can be extracted per fish in one day was 0.95 ± 0.08 ml during spring (maximum) and 0.24 ± 0.03 ml during winter (minimum). Sperm density (spermatocrit) showed higher values in the spring (75.1 ± 1.3%) decreasing slightly afterwards and reaching 63.0 ± 2.4% to 65.0 ± 2.2% in the fall and winter. Immediately after water dilution, 90–100% of the spermatozoa presented vigorous straightforward motility that remained for at least 20 s. The total duration of the motility was 47.9 ± 1.3 s in the spring and 38.6 ± 0.6 s in the other seasons (P < 0.05). This pattern of motility is maintained for more than 2 h after storage of the milt at room temperature. The pH from 5 to 10 of the water dilution does not influence the sperm motility. The mean seminal pH and osmolality values were 8.7 ± 0.07 and 274.8 ± 11.2 (mOsm/kg), respectively. The ion concentration was: Na 153.7 ± 2.4, K 10.7 ± 2.4, Cl 139.4 ± 2.1, Ca 4.2 ± 0.2, Mg 0.9 ± 0.05, P 0.9 ± 0.08 (mEq/l). The total protein was 0.6 ± 0.05 mg/dl and cholesterol concentration was 13.9 ± 0.9 mg/dl.

Structure of the seminal pathway in the European chub,Leuciscus cephalus (Cyprinidae); Teleostei

The testicular efferent duct system of Leuciscus cephalus (Cyprinidae), is described for three phases of testicular development. Testicular main ducts were analyzed by means of conventional histology and transmission electron microscopy. Additional techniques were applied for lectin histochemistry to determine secretory activity, as well as immunohistochemistry for cell proliferation activity and for muscle actin to demonstrate the distribution and amount of contractile cells. The contribution of the main ducts' epithelia and of degenerating spermatocytes to seminal fluid composition was confirmed, with the former being a source of carbohydrates and the latter that of phospholipids. The apical glycocalyx of epithelial cells, which is important in cell recognition and potentially involved in sperm storage, was marked by RCA I, LCA, and WGA lectin. Higher numbers of proliferating epithelial cells were ascertained during spawning phase compared to pre- and postspawning phases. In the ducts' stroma, a large number of cells expressed muscle actin and tropomyosin, indicating the ducts' contractile potential for the transport of seminal fluid towards release. Adjacent to these contractile cells, numerous nerves were found, indicating neuronal control of sperm fluid flow.

Chemical composition and osmolality of seminal fluid of Acipenser persicus; their physiological relationship with sperm motility

Determination of semen quality is necessary to understand the basic biochemical processes occurring during motility of sperm and during fertilization to evaluate the reproductive ability of different fish species and to create an optimal environment for storage of spermatozoa; in this regard less information is available for Acipenseridae compared with Cyprinidae and Salmonidae. The aim of the present study is to determine chemical composition and osmolality of seminal fluid and their relationship with sperm motility in Acipenser persicus. The results obtained show that sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl−) and potassium (K+) were predominant ions in the seminal plasma and the average of osmolality of seminal plasma was 82.56 mOsm kg−1. The higher chemical contents and osmolality compared with other sturgeon species reveal species-specific characteristics and high secretory activity of spermatic duct in A. persicus. Significant positive correlations were observed between osmolality-Cl−, Na+-osmolality and Na+–Cl− (P<0.05, P<0.001 and P<0.05 respectively). But statistically significant correlation was not observed between seminal plasma parameters and sperm motility. Probably, the Na+ and Cl− are the main electrolytes playing a major role in maintaining the osmolality of the seminal plasma and the viability of the spermatozoa in vivo.

Urinary bladder, ionic composition of seminal fluid and urine with characterization of sperm motility in tench (Tinca tincaL.)

Summary A small urinary bladder attached to the seminal duct in caudal part of the abdominal cavity was registered for the first time in dissected males of tench. The urinary bladder wall was of whitish color and the bladder contained 0.5–2 ml of urine. When collected in the experiment, the tench sperm was white-colored. Spermatozoa density is highly variable due to contamination by urine, and the latter additionally activates spontaneous motility of the spermatozoa. Seminal fluid contains ions such as Na+ (18.4 ± 1.3 mm), K+ (1.9 ± 0.6 mm), Ca2+ (0.6 ± 0.2 mm) and Mg2+ (0.5 ± 0.1 mm), leading to osmolality of 230 ± 82 mOsmol kg−1 depending on the dilution by urine. Urea was detected in urine samples uncontaminated by sperm with an osmolality of 85 ± 58 mOsmol kg−1. Urine also contained high concentrations of ions such as Na+ (30.9 ± 8.9 mm), K+ (4.3 ± 2.9 mm), Ca2+ (0.9 ± 0.5 mm) and Mg2+ (0.6 ± 0.2 mm). The spontaneous sperm activation by urine was up to 100%, but could be prevented by collection in an immobilizing solution. Motility was observed for 90–100% spermatozoa just after their transfer to distilled water or in a swimming medium (SM, 30–45 mm KCl) with a velocity of 120–140 μm s−1. A flagellar beat frequency of 60–70 Hz and forward motility lasted up to 80 s in distilled water, and up to 180 s in SM at room temperature.

Localization of Estrogen Receptor α and β RNA in Germinal and Nongerminal Epithelia of the Channel Catfish Testis

The germinal epithelium of the anterior region of the channel catfish testis is the site of spermatogenesis, whereas the nongerminal epithelium of the posterior region (seminal vesicle) may play a role in the regulation of seminal fluid composition. The available information indicates that estrogens play a physiological role in the regulation of spermatogenesis and seminal fluid composition in vertebrates. However, the cellular distribution of estrogen receptor (ER) gene expression in the teleost testis is poorly understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the presence and cellular distribution of ERα and ERβ transcripts in germinal and nongerminal epithelia of the mature testis of channel catfish. RT–PCR of whole-testis RNA extracts showed that ERα and ERβ RNAs are present in the mature testis. In situ hybridization of histological sections of the germinal epithelium showed that primary spermatocytes contain little or no ERα or ERβ RNA. However, both ER transcripts were present in secondary spermatocytes and spermatids and their levels were relatively high in mature sperm. The columnar epithelium of the seminal vesicle also contained ERα and ERβ RNA. The ER RNAs in epithelial cells of the seminal vesicle were not evenly distributed throughout the cytoplasm but seemed to concentrate in their apical region, near the nucleus. In conclusion, ERα and ERβ genes are coexpressed in germinal and nongerminal epithelia of the mature testis of channel catfish and seem to be developmentally regulated in spermatocytes. These observations are consistent with the concept that estrogens, via interaction with ERα and ERβ, participate in the regulation of male gamete development and fertility.

G-protein regulation of adenylate cyclase activity in rat prostatic membranes after chronic ethanol ingestion.

The possibility that long-term ethanol ingestion might alter either vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) content, VIP binding to membrane receptors, G-protein levels or adenylate cyclase activity in rat prostate was tested, as ethanol produces serious alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and several modifications on different elements on signal transduction pathways in other systems. Prostatic membranes from control and ethanol-treated (for 4 weeks) rats were used to study adenylate cyclase stimulation as well as for the immunodetection of stimulatory (alpha(s)) and inhibitory (alpha(i)1-2) G-protein subunits. Studies on VIP binding and cross-linking to receptors were performed using [125I]VIP. Prostatic VIP content was estimated by radioimmunoassay. GTPase activity was quantified by measuring the amount of 32Pi released from [gamma-32P]GTP. Chronic ethanol ingestion resulted in an increased presence of VIP in the rat prostate without any change on the VIP receptor/effector system in this gland. By contrast, the basal adenylate cyclase activity as well as the dose-dependent stimulation of this enzyme by either the nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue Gpp(NH)p or the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol were enhanced in prostatic membranes after ethanol intake. Moreover, an increase in the content of G-protein subunits (alpha(S) and alpha(i)1-2) was observed without any change in GTPase activity in this condition. These modifications were accompanied by a significant decrease in rat prostate weight and, consequently, the height of the secretory epithelium in this gland. Considering the role of VIP in the mechanisms of secretion and cell proliferation in the prostate, the observed increases in the prostatic content of VIP and G-protein subunits make conceivable that VIP and cAMP signal transduction could be involved in the atrophy of the rat prostate and in the alterations in the composition of seminal fluid that appear in the alcoholic syndrome.

High resolution [formula omitted] NMR spectroscopic studies on dynamic biochemical processes in incubated human seminal fluid samples

High resolution 600 MHz 1 H NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the changes in biochemical composition of whole human seminal fluid (SF) and an artificial mixture of prostatic (PF) and seminal vesicle fluid (SVF). A variety of time-related biochemical changes were monitored simultaneously and non-invasively in SF, including enzymatic hydrolysis of phosphorylcholine to choline and polypeptides to amino acids. The fastest NMR-observable reactions in SF were the conversion of phosphorylcholine to choline ( t 1/2≅9 min) and uridine-5′-monophosphate (UMP) to uridine ( t 1/2<2 min). UMP has not previously been detected in SF because of its rapid hydrolysis. Artificial mixtures of separately obtained prostatic and SVF showed very similar biochemical changes to those observed in whole SF. Addition of EDTA to SF incubated for 2 min post ejaculation strongly inhibited peptide hydrolysis. Zn 2+, present in whole SF was shown to be non EDTA-chelatable 2 min after ejaculation, whereas after 7 min, a singlet signal from the ethylenic protons of the Zn-EDTA 2− complex was clearly observed which remained constant after 7 min. This indicates that soon after ejaculation (<5 min) Zn 2+ is immobilised in a macromolecular complex which is rapidly broken down by proteolytic enzymes, the released Zn 2+ then being free to react with EDTA. Mg- and Ca-EDTA 2− complexes were observed at 2 min and remained constant (at 1.4 and 2.1 mM, respectively) throughout the entire time course of the experiment. These studies cast new light on the time-related biochemical changes occurring in the post-ejaculatory SF which may have an important role in reproductive function.

Sperm motility and seminal fluid composition in the burbot, Lota lota

Sperm motility and composition of the seminal fluid in Lota lota were investigated. Fives after motility initiation, 88.2 ± 12.4% of the spermatozoa were motile, their mean average path swimming velocity was 61.6 ± 16.3 μm s−1 and their principal swimming type the linear motion (77.4 ± 20.9%). In distilled water the rate of motile spermatozoa decreased to 0% in 40s. In 25–50 mosmol kg−1 electrolyte (NaCl) or non-electrolyte (glucose, sucrose) solutions, motility was prolonged for 10s and these solutions can therefore increase the efficiency of artificial fertilization when used for sperm motility activation. When semen was diluted in electrolyte or non-electrolyte solutions with osmolalities higher than 50 mosmol kg−1, sperm motility rates and swimming velocities decreased, and at osmolalities of 400 mosmol kg−1 motility was completely suppressed. In the seminal fluid with an osmolality of 290.08 ± 45.22 mosmol kg−1, sodium levels of 139.86 ± 23.79 mmol × 1−1, potassium levels of 11.59 ± 2.45 mmol × 1−1 and calcium levels of 0.20 ± 0.08 mmol × 1−1, sperm motility was inhibited. Under in vitro conditions, artificial saline solutions resembling the seminal plasma composition and 400 mosmol kg−1 NaCl or glucose solutions were useful as motility inhibiting solutions for predilution of semen. Sperm motility was not affected by pH 7.5–9.0, but at pH 6 the motility rate and the swimming velocity were reduced; seminal fluid pH was 8.47 ± 0.02. Therefore buffering of the artificial saline solutions can provide more stabile conditions for semen during storage and activation. Temperature optimum of semen was between 2 and 5°C. At higher temperatures semen became spontaneously motile. Therefore, controlled temperature conditions are an important factor for handling of semen. The qualitative, organical composition of seminal fluid was similar as in other fresh water teleosts.

Study of the composition of seminal fluid and of sperm motility along the genital tract, during a spawning season, in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Le sperme testiculaire et celui contenu dans les canaux deferents, divises en trois ou quatre parties, ont ete collectes sur 4 a 6 mâles de truite arc-en-ciel de souche hivernale, environ toutes les deux semaines pendant trois mois (Janvier a Mars). Le volume de sperme, le spermatocrite, la motilite des spermatozoides, les concentrations en 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) et en 17α-hydroxy,20β-dihydroprogesterone (17,20P), ainsi que la composition ionique, ont ete determines. Les deux steroides et les ions ont aussi ete mesures dans le plasma sanguin. Les concentrations en K + et en steroides dans le fluide seminal de chacune des parties des canaux deferents n'ont pas varie significativement pendant la periode etudiee. Dans deux parties sur trois des canaux deferents, les concentrations en Na + (parties I et III), en Ca 2+ (parties I et III) et en Mg 2+ (parties I et II) etaient significativement plus elevees a la fin Mars que deux mois plus tot. La motilite des spermatozoides testiculaires etait maximale (42%) a la mi-Fevrier, tandis que celle des spermatozoides des canaux deferents restait stable pendant les trois mois (80 a 100%). Il a ete confirme que le fluide seminal et le plasma sanguin sont isotoniques (300 mmol/kg). Les concentrations en K + , Na + , Ca 2+ , 11-KT et 17,20P dans le plasma sanguin et le fluide seminal differaient significativement (respectivement 0,3 et 34 mmol, 134 et 116 mmol, 3,4 et 2,0 mmol, 87 et 17 a 39 ng/ml, 11 et 3 a 13 ng/ml). Les concentrations en Na + et en steroides dans les deux milieux etaient correlees. L'osmolarite et les concentrations en Cl - , Na + , K + , Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ restaient constantes tout au long du tractus genital. Par contre, le spermatocrite et les concentration en 11-KT et en 17,20P diminuaient progressivement des testicules a la partie posterieure des canaux (respectivement 97 a 49%, 39 a 17 ng/ml, 13 a 3 ng/ml), alors que la motilite des spermatozoides (pourcentage de cellules mobiles et duree de la motilite) augmentait (74 a 96% et 41 a 51 s). Il n'a pas ete trouve de correlation significative entre la motilite des spermatozoides et les parametres physicochimiques du fluide seminal.

Ultra high field NMR spectroscopic studies on human seminal fluid, seminal vesicle and prostatic secretions

Ultra high field 1H-NMR spectroscopic methods have been used to analyse the composition of seminal fluid and its component secretions, prostatic and seminal vesicle fluids from normal human subjects and those with vasal aplasia and non-obstructive infertility. The 1H-NMR spectrum of whole seminal fluid is extremely complex and many resonances are extensively overlapped in single pulse spectra even when measured at 600 or 750 MHz 1H resonance frequency. A combination of 2-D 1H-NMR methods (including J-Resolved and various 1H homonuclear correlation and 1H 13C heteronuclear correlation techniques) were applied at 600 or 750 MHz in order to extensively assign the signals from the organic components of seminal fluid. Prostatic fluid (PF) gives a much less complex metabolite profile than whole seminal fluid and can be completely analysed using 500 MHz 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The 1H-NMR spectra of prostatic fluid are dominated by signals from citrate, spermine and myo-inositol, whereas the spectra of seminal vesicle fluid (SVF) show extensively overlapped signals from complex peptide mixtures together with strong signals for glycerophosphocholine (GPC) and lactate. Whole seminal fluid is a combination of the PF and SVF constituents together with further substances that appear after mixing due to the operation of PF enzymes on SVF, e.g. peptidase activity causes rapid cleavage of peptides to amino acids and GPC is hydrolysed to choline, glycerol and inorganic phosphate. It is also shown that vasal aplasia leads to highly characteristic abnormal metabolite profiles in seminal fluid that can be readily observed in single-pulse 500 and 600 MHz 1H-NMR spectra. Measurement of the molar citrate to choline, or spermine to choline ratios in seminal fluid both show differences of 2 orders of magnitude between vasal aplasia (greater for both ratios) and non-obstructed infertile patients. This work gives an indication of the potential of high field 1H-NMR spectroscopy in the investigation and assessment of the secretory functions of the male genital tract and the evaluation of the infertile male subject.

Proteins of seminal fluid and spermatozoa in the trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Partial characterization and variations

The protein composition of seminal fluid, blood serum, sperm plasma membrane and flagellum of rainbow trout were analysed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Immunological identity between proteins of the 2 fluids and sperm components was studied using crossed immunoelectrophoresis, rocket immunoelectrophoresis and immunoblotting. Results indicate that many seminal proteins are antigenically-related to serum proteins, proteins of sperm origin are present in seminal fluid in varying amounts, depending on the animals and sampling time, and several serum-like seminal proteins are bound to spermatozoa.Lipoproteins were isolated from seminal fluid (mean level: 33 μg/ml) and characterized. They were identified as being HDL-like lipoproteins. A possible physiological role is proposed for these seminal lipoproteins.

Letter to the Editor: Composition of Seminal Fluid from Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Letter to the Editor: Composition of Seminal Fluid from Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Correlation Between Sperm Motility and Electrolyte Composition of Seminal Fluid in Normal and Infertile Men

Correlation Between Sperm Motility and Electrolyte Composition of Seminal Fluid in Normal and Infertile Men

AN UNUSUAL ISOZYME OF LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE IN MATURE TESTES: LOCALIZATION, ONTOGENY, AND KINETIC PROPERTIES.

SummaryOne or more electrophoretically unusual isozymes of LDH have been demonstrated in homogenates of mature testes from some species. Analyses of the isozymic composition of many other tissues, developing testes, and seminal fluid revealed that these unusual forms, or “band X” isozymes, are present only in postpubertal testes and are localized in the differentiating germ cells of the seminiferous tubules. Rates of reactivity with certain alpha‐hydroxy acids and analogs of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide differentiated some of the “band X” isozymes from the usual LDH isozymes. Results of dissociation and recombination studies on homogenates of human and rabbit testes indicated a similarity in structure between “band X” and the other isozymes.The ontogeny and characteristic distribution of the “band X” isozymes suggested that each fulfills a specific metabolic function. As yet the nature of this metabolic assignment has not been determined.

Electrolyte Composition and Freezing Point Depression of Turkey Seminal Fluid

ARTIFICIAL insemination of turkeys has become an accepted practice. However, there are still many problems which must be answered before this practice can be as successful as that attained by the dairy industry.No reports have been found concerning the electrolyte composition and osmotic tension of turkey seminal fluid. Since such information is fundamental for the formulation of a satisfactory diluent, the study reported is an attempt to supply this information.MATERIALS AND METHODSTen males of each of three varieties of turkey (Bronze, Large Whites, and Small Whites) were selected for source of semen. All males were ejaculated at one month intervals from January through April. Immediately after collection of a pooled sample the sperm were centrifuged down and the seminal fluid decanted. Dilutions for sodium and potassium analysis were made immediately. The remaining seminal fluid was frozen and held until freezing point determinations could be made.Each pooled …