Human seminal lectin. I. Demonstration and association with male infertility

A lectin-like hemagglutinin, human seminal lectin (HSL), has been demonstrated in human seminal plasma. It appears to be naturally secreted by all parts of the male reproductive system. High HSL activity was associated with infertility. HSL agglutinated erythrocytes from all of the species tested and agglutination was enhanced by trypsinization of erythrocytes. HSL activity was specifically but weakly inhibited by sugars containing a galactose moiety and was sedimentable by ultracentrifugation. As HSL had properties similar to decapacitation factors, it may play a role in fertilization and could be one of the causes of male infertility.