Seminal Plasma-Induced Suppression of the Respiratory Burst of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes and Monocytes

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Abstract
Based on recent findings indicating suppression of lymphocytic functions by seminal plasma (SP) the effects were tested of SP from men with normo- and oligozoospermia (n = 7, each) on the generation of luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and monocytes (M.vphi.) stimulated in vitro with zymosan. A complete suppression was found of CL of PMN and M.vphi. by undiluted SP, 1000-fold dilutions still induced .gtoreq. 20% inhibition. There was no difference between normo- and oligozoospermic men in inhibition of CL both with PMN and M.vphi.. Protein concentrations of SP were closely the same; all SP were free of the complement components C4 and C3c. After dialysis of SP the inhibition of PMN - and M.vphi. - generated CL was no longer present. SP apparently exerts extremely potent inhibition of cells mediating nonspecific defense and/or antigen presentation. The inhibitor appears to be of low MW. These findings may be important for infections acquired by the genital tract and may provide an explanation for the immunotolerance of spermatozoa in the female reproductive system.