Abnormal Deficiency of Both Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺-Dependent Adenosine Triphosphatase and Secretory Granules and Vesicles in Human Seminal Plasma

Abstract

A pronounced deficiency of Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase and of secretory granules and vesicles was demonstrated in the seminal plasma of a patient with infertility problems (person A) and with a lowered serum testosteron level. Both total ejaculates and different fractions of split-ejaculates were examined on repeated occasions. Divalent cations. fructose and protein were also determined in most of the samples. The low activity of the Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase and the ultrastructure of the split-ejaculates of the seminal plasma of person A contrasted sharply against the high activity of the Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase and the ultrastructure of the split-ejaculates of the seminal plasma of another individual (person B). The latter displayed a normal Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase activity as well as an ordinary representation of the secretory granules and vesicles. The findings on the ATPase system in the seminal plasma of person A together with the lowered levels of divalent cations in the order Ca²⁺<Mg²⁺<Zn²⁺ are proposed to reflect a defective functioning of the prostate gland in person A.