Analytical biochemistry of seminal vesicle secretion: a challenge to andrological laboratories.

Chemical characterization of seminal vesicle secretion through seminal vesicle proteins would have the following advantages: (1) to judge on the secretory competence of the gland, (2) to recognize atypical secretory patterns, (3) to identify specific molecules and their epitopes for anatomical, diagnostic, therapeutic, anti-fertility and forensic purposes, and (4) to study physiologically active proteins or peptides of seminal plasma. There are different approaches for collection of the specific samples, each of which has peculiar advantages and disadvantages: ejaculate collection in the presence of protease inhibitors, use of split or multi-split ejaculates, utilization of autopsy or surgical material. Liquefied proteins are submitted to different chromatographic and electrophoretic procedures. One must keep in mind, however, that a whole series of biochemical processes can rapidly and irreversibly alter in vivo and in vitro the secretory proteins. The study of the secretion from male accessory sex glands and their interaction with spermatozoa therefore still deserves an absolute research priority.