Cytokine levels in seminal plasma.
We have studied IL-2, SIL-2R, and sCD4 concentrations in the seminal plasma of 20 healthy men (controls), 20 oligozoospermics and 20 azoospermics by the "sandwich" enzyme immunoassay technique. We have also measured IL-2, SIL-2R and sCD4 in the two fractions of the split ejaculate of 10 healthy men. Our results show that the mean IL-2 and sCD4 concentrations in the seminal plasma were significantly higher compared to the levels in the serum of normal men; furthermore, there were no significant differences of SIL-2R and sCD4 between the group of normal men and the groups of men with oligozoospermia or azoospermia. On the contrary, significantly higher levels of IL-2 and sCD4 were found in the first compared to the second fraction of the split ejaculates. Our results support the view that the estimation of IL-2 in seminal plasma has value concerning the quality of semen. On the contrary, the estimation of SIL-2R and sCD4 in seminal plasma are valueless concerning normal or abnormal semen. Finally, the prostate seems to be the main site or origin of IL-2 and sCD4.
Matalliotakis
I
I
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University General Hospital, Crete, Greece.
Sifakis
S
S
Goumemou
A
A
Fragouli
Y
Y
Neonaki
M
M
Matalliotakis
G
G
Koumantakis
E
E
D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000378:metabolism; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry*
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016207:Cytokines; D007376:Interleukin-2