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Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa
Published on: December 30, 2014
Tissue polypeptide antigen immunoreactivity in human semen
Archives of Andrology
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) is found in human seminal plasma and is absorbed by sperm. Studies suggest TPA originates from the prostate and is not linked to sperm quality or infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Onco-immunology
Background:
- Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) is a tumor-associated marker.
- TPA presence and origin in human seminal plasma are not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence, origin, and characteristics of TPA in human seminal plasma.
- To determine the correlation between seminal plasma TPA levels and sperm parameters or infertility.
Main Methods:
- Immunological assays to detect TPA in seminal plasma.
- Split-ejaculate studies to determine TPA origin.
- Correlation analysis with sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Main Results:
- TPA immunoreactivity was detected in human seminal plasma, showing similarity to tumor-derived TPA.
- TPA is taken up by spermatozoa and appears to originate mainly from the prostate.
- Seminal plasma TPA levels were not correlated with sperm count, motility, or morphology.
- No significant difference in TPA levels was observed between normozoospermic individuals and those undergoing infertility investigations.
Conclusions:
- Human seminal plasma contains TPA, likely originating from the prostate.
- TPA uptake by spermatozoa suggests a potential interaction with reproductive cells.
- Seminal plasma TPA levels do not appear to be a reliable indicator of male fertility or infertility.
