title: Sialic acid content of human spermatozoa and seminal plasma in relation to sperm counts.
abstract: Sialic acid levels were determined in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of 47 semen samples divided into two groups according to sperm counts. Group 1, up to 40 x 10(6) sperm/ml seminal fluid and group 2, above 40 x 10(6) sperm/ml seminal fluid. The content of sialic acid in spermatozoa ranged from 4.4-28.1 micrograms/10(8) spermatozoa and from 70-95 mg/100 ml seminal plasma. Sialic acid was significantly higher in sperm and lower in seminal plasma of group 1 as compared to group 2. The lower content of sialic acid in seminal plasma might have a deteriorating effect on structural integrity of sperm.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000473:pathology; D012661:Semen / Q000032:analysis*; D012794:Sialic Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D012794:Sialic Acids