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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa
Published on: December 30, 2014
Forensic significance of quantitatively analyzing methamphetamine in male reproductive organs
Naoto Tani1, Shigeki Oritani1, Mayumi Ono1
1Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan.
Abstract:
The present study measured concentrations of methamphetamine (MA) and its metabolite amphetamine (AMP) in male reproductive organs and investigated the significance of detecting these stimulants in the reproductive organs and the associated pharmacokinetics. The study examined the left and right testes and prostate from 28 male autopsy cases in which MA had been detected. Concentrations of MA and AMP in the left and right testes and prostate were quantified and compared with concentrations in right heart blood, iliac vein blood, and urine. No correlations were found between MA or AMP concentrations and post-mortem time at any sampling sites. MA and AMP concentrations in the left and right testes correlated with concentrations in iliac vein blood, but not with concentrations in urine. Conversely, MA and AMP concentrations in the prostate did not correlate with concentrations in any body fluid samples. Concentrations of MA were much higher in the left and right testes and prostate than in right heart and iliac vein blood (median, about 3-5 times higher). Concentrations of AMP were also much higher in the left and right testes and prostate than in right heart and iliac vein blood (median, about 2-3 times higher). In conclusion, this study revealed that MA and AMP were detected in the left and right testes and prostate at median concentrations about 2-5 times higher than those in blood.
Insights
Methamphetamine (MA) and amphetamine (AMP) accumulate in male reproductive organs. These stimulants were found at significantly higher concentrations in testes and prostate tissue compared to blood.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Methamphetamine (MA) and its metabolite amphetamine (AMP) are illicit stimulants with known systemic effects.
- Understanding the distribution and persistence of MA and AMP in specific tissues is crucial for forensic and toxicological investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify MA and AMP concentrations in male reproductive organs (testes and prostate).
- To investigate the correlation between stimulant levels in reproductive organs and body fluids.
- To determine the pharmacokinetic significance of MA and AMP in male reproductive tissues.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of MA and AMP concentrations in testes (left and right) and prostate tissue from 28 male autopsy cases with detected MA.
- Comparison of tissue concentrations with those in right heart blood, iliac vein blood, and urine.
- Statistical analysis to assess correlations between stimulant levels, tissue types, body fluids, and post-mortem interval.
Main Results:
- MA and AMP were detected in the testes and prostate.
- Concentrations of MA and AMP were significantly higher (2-5 times median) in testes and prostate compared to blood.
- MA and AMP concentrations in testes correlated with iliac vein blood, but not urine.
- No correlation was observed between prostate MA/AMP levels and any body fluid samples.
Conclusions:
- The male reproductive organs, specifically testes and prostate, act as reservoirs for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
- Higher concentrations in reproductive tissues suggest potential for accumulation and prolonged detection.
- Findings have implications for forensic analysis and understanding the toxicological impact of MA on male reproductive health.
