Carnitine in seminal plasma: its significance in diagnostic andrology

Carnitine estimation in human semen is of diagnostic value for epididymal function. About 95% of the free carnitine originates from the epididymis. In patients with euspermia the median value of carnitine is 7 +/- 3 mg%. The clinical significance of carnitine determination is demonstrated in azoospermia, varicocele, and obstructive azoospermia. In order to obtain a general picture of seminal plasma we ought not to rely only on fructose estimations but should also take into account those of the citrate and carnitine.