VISCOSITY OF HUMAN SEMINAL FLUID - ROLE OF LYSOZYME

The aim of this research was to evaluate the role of lysozyme in the p henomenon of seminal hyperviscosity. The enzyme was determined in 142 samples of seminal plasma either leucospermic or not with or without a ctive macrophages classified according to their consistency (normal or high). The kinetic method with Micrococcus lysodeikticus as substrate was employed. No difference was found in enzymatic concentration expr essed in nmol/L of enzymatic protein (mean +/- 2 SEM) on comparing nor mal and high seminal consistency groups, while differences proved high ly significant in batches either leucospermic or not (n = 44, 197.2 +/ - 51.3 vs. n = 98, 108.3 +/- 12.8; p < .0005). On subdividing the norm al and high-consistency groups according to the count of polymorphonuc lear leucocytes and the macrophagic response, differences were also si gnificant (p < .005 in both cases). Lysozyme concentration increases i n presence of leucospermic reaction. In vitro lysozyme addition showed no significant effect on samples with high consistency. The results i ndicate that lysozyme plays no direct role in the phenomenon of semina l hyperviscosity, although its deficiency in cases of chronic infectio ns may prove a factor aggravating the clinical picture.