Origin of Glycerylphosphorylcholine, Inositol, N-Acetylaminosugar, and Prostaglandins in Human Seminal Plasma and Their Effects on Sperm Metabolism

Abstract

The origin of glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC), N-acetylaminosugar, inositol, and prostaglandins in human seminal plasma was investigated by correlating the concentration of these components in split ejaculates with known marker constituents. Fructose and acid phosphatase were selected as markers of the secretory activity of the seminal vesicles and prostate gland, respectively, and spermatozoa indicated epididymal origin. The concentration of fructose was lowest in the first fraction of the semen and increased to a maximum in the final portion. Prostaglandins E and F and N-acetylaminosugar values closely followed this pattern, indicating that these components originate in the seminal vesicles. The concentration of spermatozoa was high in the first two fractions, decreasing to a minimum in the final fraction. The distribution of GPC was similar to that of the spermatozoa, indicating that the epididymis secretes this compound. Inositol levels were similar in all fractions, indicating that it is probably present in epididymal, vesicular, and prostatic fluid. Human spermatozoa were unable to utilize N-acetylglucosamine or inositol. High concentrations of some prostaglandins (100 μg/ml of PGF_1α, 15S 15 met. F_2α, PGA₁, and PGA₂) depressed the endogenous oxygen uptake of human spermatozoa.