Semen leukocytes: friends or foes?
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that male reproductive tract leukocytes function in the elimination of abnormal spermatozoa from ejaculated semen.


METHODS
Semen specimens with > or = 2 x 10(6) nonspermatozoal cells/mL were examined for leukocytes and for mature sperm with ideal morphology.


METHODS
Andrology laboratory of a Center of Assisted Reproductive Technology.


RESULTS
Semen specimens with elevated concentrations of leukocytes contained a significantly higher frequency of sperm with ideal morphology than semen specimens with elevated numbers of immature germ cells and low numbers of leukocytes.


CONCLUSIONS
The direct correlation between leukocyte density and sperm with ideal morphology supports the concept that sperm surveillance is a normal function of male reproductive tract leukocytes. Understanding such germ cell-leukocyte interactions may provide valuable new insights into immunologic control mechanisms in male reproductive tract tissues.
Kiessling
A A
AA
Harvard/Deaconess Surgical Service, Faulkner Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Lamparelli
N
N
Yin
H Z
HZ
Seibel
M M
MM
Eyre
R C
RC
D000328:Adult; D016922:Cellular Senescence; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology