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Active and inactive renin in human seminal plasma
Archives of Andrology
|August 1, 1981
Summary
Human seminal plasma contains renin and renin substrate, with higher mean levels of active and total renin compared to male plasma. Renin may function within the male genital tract or after ejaculation in the female tract.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Urology
Background:
- Renin and renin substrate are key components of the renin-angiotensin system.
- Previous studies have indicated the presence of these factors in human seminal plasma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare the levels of active and total renin and renin substrate in human seminal plasma versus male plasma.
- To explore the potential functional significance of renin in the male reproductive tract and post-coitus.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of active and total renin concentrations.
- Quantification of renin substrate levels.
- Comparison of seminal plasma and peripheral male plasma concentrations.
Main Results:
- Mean levels of active renin were 7.1 ng/ml/hr in seminal plasma versus 3.8 ng/ml/hr in male plasma.
- Mean levels of total renin were 38.5 ng/ml/hr in seminal plasma versus 24.6 ng/ml/hr in male plasma.
- Renin substrate concentrations were significantly lower in seminal plasma compared to male plasma.
Conclusions:
- While renin levels are higher in seminal plasma, the differences were not statistically significant.
- Low renin substrate levels suggest renin's potential role in male genital tract tissues before secretion or in the female reproductive tract after insemination.