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Prostaglandin concentrations in the semen of fertile men
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility
|January 1, 1978
Abstract:
The PG concentrations in the semen of 23 fertile men were 73 microgram PGE/ml, 267 microgram 19-OH PGE/ml, 2.1 microgram PGF/ml and 18.3 microgram 19-OH PGF/ml. The wide ranges of concentrations found for the PGEs (2-272 microgram/ml) and for the 19-OH PGEs (53-1094 microgram/ml) throw some doubt on the previously established correlation between infertility and low prostaglandin concentrations.
Insights
Prostaglandin (PG) levels in fertile men show wide concentration ranges. These findings question the established link between low prostaglandin levels and infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prostaglandins (PGs) are biologically active lipids with roles in reproduction.
- Previous research suggested a correlation between low seminal PG concentrations and infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify prostaglandin concentrations in the semen of fertile men.
- To evaluate the variability of these concentrations.
- To reassess the correlation between seminal PG levels and fertility.
Main Methods:
- Semen samples were collected from 23 fertile men.
- Concentrations of prostaglandin E (PGE), 19-hydroxy-PGE (19-OH PGE), prostaglandin F (PGF), and 19-hydroxy-PGF (19-OH PGF) were measured.
Main Results:
- Mean PGE concentration was 73 µg/ml, 19-OH PGE was 267 µg/ml, PGF was 2.1 µg/ml, and 19-OH PGF was 18.3 µg/ml.
- Observed wide ranges for PGE (2-272 µg/ml) and 19-OH PGE (53-1094 µg/ml).
Conclusions:
- The significant variability in seminal prostaglandin concentrations among fertile men challenges the hypothesis of a direct correlation with infertility.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex relationship between prostaglandins and male reproductive function.