Study on the Origin of Seminal Leucocytes Using Split Ejaculate Technique and the Effect of Leucocytospermia on Sperm Characteristics

Abstract

The origin of seminal leucocytes and their biological significance were investigated in 76 whole ejaculate samples and 27 split ejaculate samples, obtained from patients attending the Zimbabwe Family Planning Council’s Spilhaus Infertility Clinic at Harare. The leucocytes were more prevalent in fractions 1 and 2 than in fraction 3, implying that the testis, epididymis and prostate are the major sources of seminal leucocytes. The contribution from the seminal vesicles was minimal. An inverse relation is apparent between leucocyte count and sperm count (p < 0.01). The percentage of abnormal sperms was higher (p < 0.05) and the sperm motility poorer in leucocytospermic samples (p < 0.01). Fructose, the seminal vesicular marker, citric acid, the prostatic marker and α-glucosidase, the epididymal marker were not decreased in leucocytospermia. It is concluded that the epididymis and prostate are the major contributors of granulocytes in semen. Leucocytospermia affects sperm morphology and sperm motility but not the accessory sex gland functions. Probably these cytotoxic effects are mediated by hydrogen peroxide due to activation of seminal leucocytes. However, the presence of leucocytospermia in normozoospermic samples is indicative of the possible peaceful coexistence of leucocytes and sperms.

Effect of Varicocele Grade and Age on Seminal Parameters

“…Semen is formed with input from the secretions of the epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles (and bulbourethral glands) and these glands could be the source of leukocytes. Epididymis and prostate are considered the major sources of seminal leukocytes [24] . A study in patients after vasectomy indicates that the epididymis is the source of 90% seminal leukocytes [25] and studies in rat have demonstrated the presence of leukocytes in the epididymis [26] .…”

Sperm Characteristics and Accessory Sex Gland Functions in Hiv-Infected Men

“…We have reported in earlier studies that activated seminal leucocytes affect sperm morphology and sperm motility through the mediation of hydrogen peroxide [23]. Activated granulocytes liberate large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage both microorganisms and human tissues [24], and sperm damaged by ROS could lose motility and viability [18].…”

Role of genital tract infections and inflammatory processes in male infertility

“…Immature germ cells, spermatids and sperm cells are also present in the ejaculate of most infertile men (Gonzales et al, 1992). Seminal leucocytes have testicular origin in the epididym and prostate, and the contribution of seminal vesicles is minimal (Simbini et al, 1998). Leucospermia seems to be correlated with a decreased number and motility of the sperm, which could lead to infertility (Tolbert et al, 1987).…”