Analysis of Ejaculates from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Ejaculates from two men with cystic fibrosis (CF) were examined. Both had azoospermia. A considerable decrease in volume and fructose content was noted. The absolute amounts of calcium, magnesium, and zinc per ejaculate showed normal values in one of the patients but were two to three times increased in the other compared to mean values of a control group. Thus the concentrations of these cations were increased at least fivefold in both patients.

The amount of Mg²⁺- and Ca²⁺dependent ATPase was comparable to that of controls, but values were higher than in men with oligospermia. Both the divalent cations and the Mg²⁺- and Ca²⁺ -dependent ATPase curve profiles of split ejaculate fractions were atypical. Secretory granules and vesicles were plentiful in the seminal plasma of both patients while amorphous substance was practically absent.

The present findings agree with a less affected function of the prostate gland and a dysfunction of the seminal vesicles in these patients.

Key Words:

• calcium
• magnesium
• zinc
• Mg²⁺- and Ca²⁺+-dependent A TPase
• seminal plasma
• cystic fibrosis