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Nimesulide, a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was used in cases of abacterial prostato-vesiculitis. Thirty patients with a mean age of 33.7 years (range 18-58) were studied. Nimesulide was administered orally 100 mg b i d . for three cycles of 10 d each. Dysuric symptoms, semen analysis, and transrectal ultrasound were examined during the study. The concentration-time curves of nimesulide (NIM) and its metabolite, hydroxynimesulide (OH-NIM) in seminal fluid were also evaluated after single oral administration (100 mg) using an HPLC technique. Following administration of the drug, the Cmax was reached in seminal fluid at the second hour for NIM (with a mean value+SD of 0.58k0.13 pg ml-') and at the fourth hour for OH-NIM (2.98k0.38 pg ml-'). Maximal seminal fluid concentrations compared to blood plasma levels were observed at the fourth hour for both substances (31.73 2.34% for NIM; 31.87+8.66y0 for OH-NIM.Dysuric symptoms were relieved in 20 (66%) patients. A ciear amelioration of inflammatory signs were observed at transrectal ultrasound evaluation in 16 (54%) patients. No statistically significant changes of sperm count and motility in the whole sample were observed, while a significant reduction in the number of abnormal forms occurred. From these results, nimesulide appears to be an effective anti-inflammatory drug with a good diffusion into the genital apparatus and low side-effects. ReferencesBaker HWG, Straffon WGE, McGowan MP, Burger HG, deKretser DM, Hudson B (1984) A controlled trial of the use of erythromycin for men with asthenospermia. Int J Androl 7:383-388. Canale D, Mais V, Turchi P, Andreini F, Melis GB, Menchini-Fabris G F [ 1990) Ultrasound monitoring of testis and prostate maturation in hypogonadotropic hypo-

Seminal zinc was measured in normospermic and infertile patients by a new colorimetric method. Analysis of semen from 5 patients with bilateral agenesis of the vas deferens showed high levels of zinc (mean value 1411.2 micrograms/ml). Lower levels were found in 6 patients with monolateral congenital or acquired obstruction (695.2 micrograms/ml). The seminal zinc level in 6 patients who had had a vasectomy or who had an epididymal blockage (125.7 micrograms/ml) was approximately the same as in 41 controls (134.6 +/- 42 +/- SD). Zinc levels were reduced in hypogonadal patients. These data suggest that zinc is secreted mainly by the prostate, while vesicular, epididymal and testicular secretions are devoid of zinc. Evaluation of this metal therefore permits the diagnosis of patency of the seminal pathways, but does not permit identification of prostatitis. No correlation was found between sperm count or motility and the seminal zinc level, nor between the latter and varicocele.

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