The measurement of E and 19-hydroxy E prostaglandins in human seminal plasma

Abstract

A method is described which measures the four main prostaglandins of human semen (PGE1, E2, 19-hydroxy PGE1, and 19-hydroxy PGE2). For routine measurements E1 and E2 are measured together as are 19-OH E1 and 19-OH E2. These are measured by forming oximes in aqueous solution extraction, methylation and trimethyl silylation followed by gas chromatography. The method has sufficient sensitivity to measure the levels found in the majority of semen samples. The normal range in men with proven fertility was 90 to 260 mug/ml of 19-hydroxy Es and 30-200 mug/ml of Es.

PIP: A laboratory method for measuring the 4 main PGs (prostaglandins) of human semen--PGE1, PGE2, 19-hydroxy PGE1, and 19-hydroxy PGE2--is described. Only these 4 were measured because the other 4 originally isolated by Swedish workers--PGA1, PGA2, PGB1, and PGB2--have never been found in more than trace amounts in over 100 assays of human semen over 24 hours old. The 4 which were measured are, therefore, the only significant PGs in human semen. PGE1 and PGE2 were measured together and the other 2 were measured together. The measurement procedure involves formation of oximes in aqueous solution, extraction, methylation, and trimethyl silylation followed by gas chromatography. The method is sufficiently sensitive to locate PG in the levels usually found in most semen samples. Chemical structure diagrams, graphs, and tables illustrate the discussion. Storage of whole semen at 0 degrees C for 1 week significantly lowered the levels of 19-OH-Es and raised the levels of the 19-hydroxy As and 19-hydroxy Bs. Storage of semen in acetone at -20 degrees C prevents degradation of the E and 19-hydroxy E series to the corresponding As and Bs. The precision, accuracy, and sensitivity of the measurement are discussed.