Sperm disposal system in spermatic granuloma: a link with superoxide radicals

Spermatic granulomas are believed to maintain 'physiological harmony' in th e male reproductive tract by maintaining a balance of hydrostatic pressure post-vasectomy. The mechanism for the disposal of deposited spermatozoa in the granuloma core is not clear. A fourfold rise in the production of super oxide along with ascorbyl and dienyl radicals and a 50% drop in the product ion of nitric oxide (NO) radicals by granuloma tissue hints that a reaction between NO and superoxide radicals could lead to the formation of peroxyni trite species which may contribute to the disposal of spermatozoa in the gr anuloma core. A higher protease activity and low hypoxanthine content in th e granuloma indicates that a free radical driven sperm disposal system is a ctive in granulomas.