Studies on the Origin and Nature of Seminal Proteins by Cellulose Acetate Electrophoresis

Abstract

Electrophoresis of semen on cellulose acetate strips allowed the localization of 19 protein bands. Of these 12 were analyzed for their composition and 10 for their tissue of origin. Four bands were composed of prostatic products, 3 contained secretions from the seminal vesicles, and various serum products composed 6 others. Assays were also performed for acid phosphatase activity, glycoproteins and proteins bound to Zn. Proteins in semen were broken down with time during incubation at 37.degree. C and therefore only fresh specimens or material which is frozen immediately after liquefaction may be used with these techniques. Electrophoresis of semen may be a useful technique in clinical andrology: in particular in the case of human excretory azoospermia and infections of the genital tract.