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Complement-inhibiting activity of seminal plasma.

T H Tarter, N J Alexander

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology : AJRI : Official Journal of the American Society for the Immunology of Reproduction and the International Coordination Committee for Immunology of Reproduction

|July 1, 1984

Summary

Human seminal plasma contains a complement inhibitor that protects reproductive tissues. This factor is present throughout the male reproductive tract, with higher concentrations found in epididymal fluid.

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Area of Science:

Immunology
Reproductive Biology

Background:

Human seminal plasma exhibits anticomplement activity.
Approximately 20% of seminal plasma samples may lack this inhibitory effect.
The anatomical source of this complement inhibitor is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the anatomical origin of the complement inhibitor in human seminal plasma.
To characterize the nature of the complement-inhibiting factor.

Main Methods:

Immune hemolytic assays were used to measure anticomplement activity.
Seminal plasma samples from different anatomical origins (prostatic, vesicular, epididymal/testicular) were analyzed.
Gel filtration was employed to assess the molecular weight of the inhibitor.

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Main Results:

All analyzed seminal plasma samples, regardless of origin, demonstrated complement-inhibiting activity.
Epididymal fluid exhibited approximately double the inhibitory activity compared to other sources.
Gel filtration revealed two high-molecular-weight peaks associated with the inhibitory activity.
The inhibitor was determined not to be lactoferrin, a proteinase, or known proteinase inhibitors.

Conclusions:

The complement inhibitor is ubiquitous in the male reproductive tract secretions.
The findings suggest the inhibitor's role in protecting gametes and reproductive tissues from complement-mediated damage.