Leukocytes in semen from men with spinal cord injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the leukocyte populations in semen samples from men with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and their relation to sperm motility.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
A joint spinal cord injury and fertility clinic at an academic tertiary referral center for fertility treatment and a university-based department of immunology.


METHODS
Nine men with chronic SCIs and seven healthy sperm donors as controls.


METHODS
Semen samples were obtained by electroejaculation from men with SCIs and by masturbation from donors.


METHODS
Leukocyte populations determined by immunohistochemical techniques, bacteriologic assessment of urine, and sperm density and motility.


RESULTS
The most cellular specimens were antegrade specimens obtained from men with SCIs and coexisting urinary tract infections. The highest proportion of leukocytes occurred in retrograde samples from men with SCIs and urinary tract infections. The most predominant leukocytes in all specimens were granulocytes. Infection increased the number of T cells and the degree of cell activation. There was no significant correlation between leukocyte populations and total motile sperm counts.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased numbers of leukocytes in semen samples from men with SCIs are the result of urinary tract infections. The reduced sperm motility seen in men with SCIs does not correlate with the numbers of leukocytes; therefore, other factors also contribute to the semen abnormalities in these patients.
Aird
I A
IA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Vince
G S
GS
Bates
M D
MD
Johnson
P M
PM
Lewis-Jones
I D
ID
D000328:Adult; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology; D002452:Cell Count; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D015994:Incidence; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology
D015703:Antigens, CD