Carnitine in Seminal Plasma: Its Significance in Diagnostic Andrology

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Abstract
Carnitine estimation in human semen is of diagnostic value for epididymal function. About 95% of the free carnitine originates from the epididymis. In patients with euspermia the median value of carnitine is 7 ± 3 mg%. The clinical significance of carnitine determination is demonstrated in azoospermia, varicocele, and obstructive azoospermia. In order to obtain a general picture of the function of all the glands contributing to the formation and composition of seminal plasma we ought not to rely only on fructose estimations but should also take into account those of the citrate and carnitine.