Carnitine represents the secretion which is added to human seminal fluid by the epididymis. More than 94% of the free carnitine originates from the epididymis. The frequency distribution of carnitine concentration is investigated with patients showing a normal spermiogram and with those suffering from azoospermia. Correlations with conventional spermiogram parameters are discussed. The clinical significance of the carnitine determination is shown in various andrological clinical pictures, with special consideration given to postvasectomy semen and Klinefelter's Syndrome. Two case reports of high blockages in the male reproductive tract demonstrates the diagnosis of such a blockage with the simultaneous determination of fructose, citrate and carnitine. The evaluation of split ejaculates confirms that free carnitine does not originate from seminal vesicles, but rather flows into the seminal fluid via the ductus deferens.

Carnitine↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Glutamic acid concentration in human semen--its origin and significance.

Glutamic acid content of semen was determined photometrically in over 400 semen specimens. Glutamatic acid content was found to increase proportionately to temperature in the first few hours post ejaculation. The glutamate estimation should therefore be performed on semen at 30 min. after ejaculation. The frequency distribution of glutamic acid concentration with 400 unselected specimens, 50 "normozoospermias" as well as 42 azoospermias is shown. The mean value of normozoospermias was 10.6 mg% (+/- 4.6 mg%) that of azoospermias 7.7 mg% (+/- 4.7 mg%). There was no correlation found between glutamic acid content and pH value. A correlation however, was demonstrated between glutamic acid and following: sperm count, citrate concentration, gamma-GT and carnitine. No correlation to fructose content was detectable. That suggests that glutamate gets to the ejaculate with the secretions from the prostate gland and epididymis whereas the seminal vesicles do not play a role in the level in the total semen.

Ejaculation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Acid phosphatase in seminal fluid--method of estimation and diagnostic significance].

A new method for the estimation of acid phosphatase in seminal fluid based on the use of p-nitro-phenylphosphate is described as simple in practicability and appropriate for routine in clinics. The frequency distribution of acid phosphatase activity is specified with 66 samples showing a normal spermiogram. The values spread logarithmically with an average of 400 U/ml and a standard deviation ranging from 200 U/ml to 880 U/ml. Correlations between acid phosphatase content and general, cytological and biochemical spermiogram-parameters are investigated. A plain negative correlation with the pH (r = 0,4615, n = 250) and a very strong positive correlation with citrate (r = +0,9029, n = 200) turned out. The significance of these correlations is discussed. Among the biochemical parameters in spermiogram both citrate and acid phosphatase--each representing prostatic function--are equivalent in diagnostical significance.

Acid Phosphatase↗