The interrelationships between acid phosphatase, aminopeptidase, diamine oxidase, citric acid, β‐glucuronidase, pH and zinc in human prostatic fluid

Abstract

Biochemical analysis of 328 human prostatic fluid samples were performed. The urea concentration of 69 samples was similar to that of serum and not indicative of significant contamination with urine. The pH of normal fluids was acidic (mean pH = 6.7). The interrelationships between Zn, citrate, acid phosphatase aminopeptidase, .beta.-glucuronidase, diamine oxidase and pH were investigated by factor analysis. Two significant factors were extracted; the 1st accounted for 89% of their common variance and the 2nd for 11%. Zn, citrate, acid phosphatase and aminopeptidase were positively and pH was negatively related to factor 2 and diamine oxidase was largely independent of both factors. Variables related to factor 1 share a common secretory control and mechanism, some other mechanism operates in the case of .beta.-glucuronidase and diamine oxidase may not be a true secretory product of the prostate.