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Ionized calcium in human seminal plasma.
Summary
Human seminal plasma contains low levels of ionized calcium (Ca++). Lower Ca++ concentrations correlate with improved sperm motility and viability, suggesting a role in male reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
- Andrology
Background:
- Ionized calcium (Ca++) plays crucial roles in various biological processes.
- Understanding calcium levels in seminal plasma is important for male fertility assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify ionized calcium (Ca++) levels in human seminal plasma.
- To investigate the factors affecting Ca++ concentration in semen.
- To determine the relationship between seminal Ca++ levels and sperm quality.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a calcium-sensitive electrode to measure ionized calcium (Ca++) in human seminal plasma.
- Assessed the impact of dilution, freezing/thawing, and storage conditions (aerobic/anaerobic) on Ca++ levels.
- Correlated seminal plasma Ca++ concentrations with sperm motility and viability parameters.
Main Results:
- Human seminal plasma exhibited low ionized calcium (Ca++) concentrations, averaging 0.17 mM.
- Ca++ levels decreased linearly with seminal plasma dilution.
- Storage under aerobic conditions led to a temperature-dependent decrease in Ca++, paralleled by a pH increase.
- Lower seminal plasma Ca++ levels were associated with enhanced sperm motility and viability.
Conclusions:
- Ionized calcium (Ca++) is present at low concentrations in human seminal plasma.
- Spermatozoa quality, specifically motility and viability, is inversely related to seminal plasma Ca++ levels.
- These findings suggest a potential role for seminal Ca++ in regulating sperm function and male fertility.