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The presence of müllerian inhibiting substance in human seminal plasma
M E Fallat1, Y Siow, A M Belker
1Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, KY, USA.
Abstract:
Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS), produced by testicular Sertoli cells, is present in adult male serum. The first aim of this study was to determine if MIS is present in seminal plasma. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we measured MIS concentrations in seminal plasma from 23 donors exhibiting normal (WHO criteria) sperm qualities, and 169 patients with subnormal sperm parameters. The second aim of this study was to examine a potential relationship between MIS and sperm motility. MIS concentrations in seminal plasma ranged from 0.5 to 3.6 ng/ml in donors and from 0.5 to 17.8 ng/ml in patients. Motility index (MI, mean +/- SEM) for all patient samples was lower compared with donors (113.3 +/- 3.2 and 198.3 +/- 13.5, P < 0.00001), while mean MIS concentration +/- SEM) was higher (4.2 +/- 0.3 and 1.4 +/- 0.2, P < 0.0003). When the patients were stratified into Groups I (motility < 50%, n = 42) and II (motility > 50%, n = 127), the MI (mean +/- SEM) values were 62.3 +/- 3.8 and 130.2 +/- 2.7 respectively (P < 0.0001 for both compared with donors) and mean MIS concentrations (+/- SEM) were 5.4 +/- 0.6 and 3.9 +/- 0.3, respectively (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001 compared with donors). The inverse relationship between MIS concentration in seminal plasma and motility index suggests that MIS may have a function in modulating motility.
Insights
Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) is found in seminal plasma and its concentration is inversely related to sperm motility. Higher MIS levels correlate with lower sperm motility, suggesting a role in regulating sperm function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Andrology
Background:
- Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS), also known as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), is produced by Sertoli cells in the testes.
- MIS is known to be present in adult male serum and plays a crucial role in male sexual differentiation during fetal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence and concentration of MIS in seminal plasma.
- To investigate the potential relationship between seminal plasma MIS levels and sperm motility parameters in men.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to measure MIS concentrations in seminal plasma.
- Seminal plasma samples were collected from 23 healthy donors and 169 patients with subnormal sperm parameters.
- Sperm motility was assessed using WHO criteria, and a motility index (MI) was calculated.
Main Results:
- MIS was detected in seminal plasma, with concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3.6 ng/ml in donors and 0.5 to 17.8 ng/ml in patients.
- Patients exhibited a significantly lower motility index (MI) and higher mean MIS concentration compared to donors.
- A clear inverse relationship was observed between seminal plasma MIS concentration and MI, particularly in patients with motility below 50%.
Conclusions:
- MIS is present in seminal plasma and its concentration is significantly elevated in men with impaired sperm motility.
- The inverse correlation between MIS levels and sperm motility suggests a potential role for MIS in modulating sperm function and motility within the seminal fluid.