Seminal plasma proteins of fertile and infertile men analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis.

Sperm-free seminal plasma from seminal fluid ejaculate of fertile and infertile men obtained in the presence and absence of aprotinin (500 kallikrein inhibitor units per milliliter) was analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by silver staining. To evaluate postliquefaction proteolytic breakdown of seminal plasma proteins, protease inhibitors were added to the semen at 15, 30, and 60 minutes after ejaculation. Most seminal plasma proteins in normospermic men (n = 4) had molecular weights of 30,000 to 70,000 and were similar to those present in serum.

Human corpus luteum: presence of epidermal growth factor receptors and binding characteristics.

Epidermal growth factor receptors are present in many reproductive tissues but have not been demonstrated in the human corpus luteum. To determine the presence of epidermal growth factor receptors and its binding characteristics, we carried out studies on the plasma cell membrane fraction of seven human corpora lutea (days 16 to 25) of the menstrual cycle. Specific epidermal growth factor receptors were present in human corpus luteum.