Biochemical Studies of Prostato-Vesicular Secretions

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Abstract
Data are reported for the chemical composition of the prostato-vesicular secretions of normal young men. These secretions contain an unusually high concentration of Ca, inorganic P, hydrolyzable P and amino N. It is believed that the amino N and hydrolyzable P may be partly in the form of spermine. The sugar concentration shows marked variations. The sugar content of fresh semen greatly exceeds that of blood. Glycolysis was observed during incubation of the semen at 38[degree]C. for 9-12 hrs. The decrease in sugar was accompanied by a rise in lactic acid. However, the amount of lactic acid formed does not account for all of the sugar lost. It is probable that the glycolysis is a phenomenon attributable to the living spermatozoa, and that the lactic acid is an intermediate product in the sugar utilization. A study of the pH of the semen during glycolysis demonstrates an efficient buffer mechanism in this fluid.