LEVELS OF INTERFERON-ALPHA AND INTERFERON-GAMMA IN SEMINAL PLASMA OF NORMOZOOSPERMIC, OLIGOZOOSPERMIC, AND AZOOSPERMIC MEN

The functions of the interferons in the testis are unclear. We investi gated the role of interferon alpha and gamma in the seminal plasma on spermatogenesis. The levels of interferon alpha and gamma were determi ned in the seminal plasma of 101 males including normozoospermic (n = 31), oligozoospermic (n = 57) and azoospermic men (n = 13). The correl ation between such levels and clinical parameter (seminogram and serum hormone levels) was evaluated. The seminal plasma level of interferon alpha (92.0 + 110.3 ng/mL) in the normozoospermic men was significant ly lower than that of oligozoospermic men (162.4 +/- 130.3 ng/mL) (p < .05). The three groups (normozoospermic, oligozoospermic, and azoospe rmic group) did not differ as to the level of interferon gamma. No sig nificant correlations were observed between the levels of interferon a lpha or gamma in seminal plasma and the serum levels of follicle stimu lating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, prolacti n, or estradiol. Theses results suggest that the level of interferon a lpha in the seminal plasma may be related to sperm production.