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Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase in human seminal plasma
E D Letendre1, P Miron, K D Roberts
1University of Montreal, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Quebec, Canada.
Objective:
To search for the presence of platelet-activating factor (PAF) acetylhydrolase activity in human seminal plasma.
Design:
Experimental.
Setting:
Reproductive laboratory in a university-affiliated hospital research center.
Participants:
Human male volunteers were selected on the basis of apparent normal health.
Results:
Human seminal plasma contained significant levels of PAF-acetylhydrolase activity. Enzymatic hydrolysis of PAF displayed typical kinetics and was a calcium-independent process. Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase in seminal plasma was associated with a very high-density lipoprotein fraction. Enzymatic activity was independent of sperm count and motility.
Conclusion:
Human seminal plasma contains significant levels of PAF acetylhydrolase. This enzyme may be an important factor in the regulation of PAF concentration and activity.