Origin of prostaglandins in human semen

The prostaglandins, PGE-1, PGE-2, PGF-1 alpha, PGF-2 alpha, 19-OH-PGE-(1 + 2), 19-OH-PGF-alpha were estimated by RIA in the semen of (a) normal men of proven fertility (total semen or split ejaculate); (b) men 1 year after vasectomy; and (c) men with agenesia of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles. PG concentrations in the semen of vasectomized men were largely within the normal ranges. In men with agenesia of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles, PG concentrations were 10(2) - 10(5)-fold less than that measured in normal subjects. The patterns of 19-OH-PGs and PGF-alpha in the five fractions of a split ejaculate followed in general the fructose profile. These data suggest that prostaglandins mostly originate in the seminal vesicles.