The Lipids of the Prostatic Fluid, Seminal Plasma and Enlarged Prostate Gland of Man

Abstract

In view of contradictory statements in the literature on the lipid content of prostate gland and related secretions, lipid detns. were made on 28 enlarged prostate glands obtained from humans at operation, on 10 specimens of human prostatic fluid and 10 specimens of human seminal plasma. The total lipid content of the enlarged prostate gland is low as is its phospholipid/cholesterol ratio. Neutral fat is absent. The predominant phospholipid present in the enlarged prostate is cephalin. Lecithin can be demonstrated in prostatic tissue but not in prostatic fluid or seminal plasma. Hence, the term "lecithin bodies" should be abandoned for the lipid bodies present in these fluids. The enlarged prostate gland contains no steroid of the nature of the urinary 17-keto-steroids. Speculations are made with regard to the source of the lipids found in prostatic fluid and seminal plasma.