Seminal Vesicles: Development, Secretory Products, and Fertility

Abstract

The development of the seminal vesicle from the mesonephric duct is described. Particular attention is given to the recent biochemistry of seminal vesicle proteins. Proteins in the seminal vesicle fluid are few in number, may be insoluble at certain pH, and frequently form large macromolecular aggregates. Although not an absolute requirement for fertility, seminal vesicle fluid assists in a number of ways to insure fertility. A biochemical model is presented that demonstrates that CAMP dependent phosphorylation may be an important interaction between sperm and certain seminal vesicle proteins.

Key Words:

• development
• secretory proteins
• seminal vesicle
• sperm phosphorylation