Polyamines and other accessory sex gland secretions in human seminal plasma 8 years after vasectomy

In 56 males vasectomized 8 years previously and and in 56 age-matched nonvasectomized controls a number of secretory products of prostatic seminal vesicular and epididymal/testicular origin were used to monitor postoperative changes in accessory sex gland function. Significant reductions were observed in seminal plasma volume (3.0 vs 4.9 ml p 0.95) and fructose (3.9 vs 4.5 mcmol p>0.1) indicated no effects on the secretory function of the seminal vesicles. A marked reduction was demonstrated in the ejaculatory contents of the polyamines spermidine (366 vs 650 nmol p<0.0005) and spermine 5435 vs 11804 nmol p<0.05) but not their acknowledged precursor putrescine which is also of prostatic origin. (authors)