title: Carnitine in seminal plasma: its significance in diagnostic andrology.
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 seminal plasma we ought not to rely only on fructose estimations but should also take into account those of the citrate and carnitine.
mesh_terms: D002331:Carnitine / Q000032:analysis*; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D004822:Epididymis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000175:diagnosis; D012661:Semen / Q000032:analysis*; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014646:Varicocele / Q000175:diagnosis; D014659:Vasectomy
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone; D002331:Carnitine