Amino Acid Content of Human Semen in Normal and Infertility Cases

Reports concerning the content of alpha-amino-nitrogen and amino-acids in human semen are few and results are different with authors. These variations could be explained by the no considerations of the changes due to liquefaction. In order to test this possible effect, measures were performed 30 mm, 1 h 30, 3 h and 5 h after seminal collection. Deproteinization was obtained with mixture of barium hydroxide and zinc sulfate. The data were compared to results of spermiogram. According to seminal parameters, 6 categories were distinguished. Measures showed a significant increase of the alpha-amino-nitrogen with time. The chromatography separation showed 19 different free amino-acids. The content of the most amino-acids increased with time except phosphoserine, taurine and ornithine; several amino-acids appear. In cases of azoospermia, levels of alpha-amino-nitrogen and amino-acids were lower. The content of amino-acids is not influenced by the spermatozoa count that seems to indicate their glandular origins. The free amino-acids content had to be considered in regard to cases with low liquefaction. But, in all cases it appears necessary to use a strictly standardized method since results are influenced with time.