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Selenium in human male reproductive organs
N B Oldereid1, Y Thomassen, K Purvis
1Institute of Pathology, National Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|October 2, 1998
Summary
Selenium is concentrated in the human male reproductive organs, particularly the testes. Its levels correlate with sperm count and may originate from the prostate gland.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Trace element research
- Human physiology
Background:
- Selenium is an essential trace element with known roles in human health.
- Its specific distribution and function within the male reproductive system require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the concentration and distribution of selenium in the human male reproductive tract.
- To investigate potential correlations between selenium levels and reproductive parameters.
- To explore the relationship between selenium in reproductive organs and other tissues.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy samples from 41 men.
- Semen samples from 184 men undergoing fertility investigation.
- Semen samples from 32 healthy volunteers.
- Analysis of selenium concentration in reproductive organs, liver, kidney, and blood.
Main Results:
- Selenium concentrations were highest in the testes.
- Positive correlations were observed between selenium levels in different reproductive organs.
- No correlation was found between selenium in reproductive organs and liver, kidney, or blood.
- Selenium concentration in seminal plasma positively correlated with sperm concentration.
- A positive correlation between zinc and selenium in ejaculates suggests prostate as a source.
Conclusions:
- Selenium uptake and activity in the male reproductive tract may be regulated by specific mechanisms.
- Selenium levels in seminal plasma are linked to sperm concentration, indicating potential importance in male fertility.
- The prostate gland is a likely significant contributor to seminal selenium levels.