title: Seminal Plasma pH, Inorganic Phosphate, Total and Ionized Calcium Concentrations In The Assessment of Human Spermatozoa Function.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fertilization in humans is dependent on viability of the male spermatozoa among other factors and there have been conflicting reports on the role of pH, calcium and phosphate concentrations in sperm function. This study therefore aimed to investigate seminal plasma pH, inorganic phosphate, total and ionized calcium concentrations relative to spermatozoa function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seminal plasma concentrations of pH, total calcium, ionized calcium (Ca(++)); inorganic phosphate, motility and spermatozoa count were determined in 80 males by standard methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-nine of the subjects had normal spermatozoa motility (> 60%) and 31 had hypomotility (< 60%). The hypomotility group exhibited lower calcium ion (Ca(2)+) concentrations; 0.19+0.01mmol/L compared with normal motility group; 0.24+0.01mmol/L (p<0.001) the latter also had significantly higher inorganic phosphate; 7.83+1.27 while the former had 5.64+1.62mmol/L (p= 0.004). The mean spermatozoa counts for hypomotility and normal motility group were 42.0 ± 13 x 106 , 72.35 + 20 x 106 respectively (p< 0.001). No significant differences were observed in pH, volume of ejaculate and total calcium concentration between the hypomotility and normal motility groups The mean concentrations of pH were 7.51 ± 0.02 and 7.54 ± 0.03 respectively (p= 0.21) and total calcium; 3.10 ± 0.12 and 3.36 ± 0.14mmol/L respectively (p= 0.16 ). There was a significant difference in percentage of abnormal forms in both groups with hypomotile group having 36% compared to mormal motility group with 5% (p< 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Correlations were observed between seminal concentrations of calcium ions, inorganic phosphate, spermatozoa count and motility but not with total calcium concentrations and pH and therefore should be considered in understanding male infertility and preparation of media for sperm preservation for in vitro fertilization.
authors.affiliation: Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemical Pathology, Institute of Public Health, College of Health Sciences , Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria .
authors.forename: S Olatunbosun
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Banjoko
authors.affiliation: Medical Laboratory Scientist, Department of Chemical Pathology, University College Hospital , Ibadan, Nigeria .
authors.forename: Fasiu O
authors.initials: FO
authors.lastname: Adeseolu
keywords: Biochemistry; Male fertility; Seminal fluid; Sperm function