The role of the seminal vesicles, coagulating glands and prostate glands on the fertility and fecundity of mice

Abstract

Female mice were allowed to mate with males which were sham-operated (Group 1); had seminal vesicles, coagulating glands and ventral dorsal prostate glands removed (Group 2); had the seminal vesicles removed (Group 3); had the coagulating glands removed (Group 4) or had the ventral and dorsal prostate gland removed (Group 5). The pregnancy rate was normal in Groups 1 and 4, severely reduced in Groups 2 and 3 and less so in Group 5. Litter size was reduced in Groups 2 and 3 but not in Group 5. The seminal vesicles and possibly the prostate glands are apparently important in the production of young in mice.