Ribulose-peptide in human semen: I. Isolation.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Chick embryo yolk contains phospho-peptide and ribulose-peptide compounds.
• Human semen composition is complex and not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a substance from human semen.
• To determine if this substance is related to known yolk peptides.

Main Methods:

• Isolation using Dowex 1 (OH) form column chromatography.
• Characterization via analytical ultracentrifugation and sedimentation coefficient analysis.
• Identification of sugar and amino acid components through paper chromatography, enzymatic analysis, and acid hydrolysis.

Main Results:

• A single component with a sedimentation coefficient of 0.80 was isolated from human semen.
• The sugar component was identified as ribulose.
• The amino acid profile included lysine, histidine, arginine, and others, confirming a ribulose-peptide structure.

Conclusions:

• A ribulose-peptide was successfully isolated and identified from human semen.
• This substance shares structural similarities with compounds found in chick embryo yolk.
• The study contributes to the understanding of human seminal fluid biochemistry.