Unconjugated 5 alpha-androstan-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 17 beta-diol in normal and pathological human seminal plasma. Comparison with testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone and testosterone-glucosiduronate

Abstract

By means of specific RIA unconjugated 5 alpha-androstan-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol (3 alpha-diol) and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 17 beta-diol (3 beta-diol) have been estimated for the first time in normal and pathological human seminal plasma. Testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone and testosterone-glucosiduronate (T, DHT, TG) have been determined simultaneously. On average a significant decrease of both diols was established in seminal plasma obtained from males suffering from oligozoospermia, azoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. The decrease of 3 beta-diol was more pronounced. A significant diminution in DHT concentrations was found only in severe oligozoospermia. Significantly lowered concentrations of testosterone were detected in severe oligozoospermia and in teratozoospermia. However, DHT levels in teratozoospermia were found on average within normal ranges. TG exhibited no significant deviations.