High levels of catecholamines in human semen: a preliminary study

The objective of this study was to determine the seminal concentrations Of four different catecholamines and their association with semen quality. Sem inal concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline, 3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl-alan ine (DOPA), and 3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) were determined in 13 healthy volunteers, using high-performance liquid chromatography with a n electrochemical detector. In addition, semen analysis was performed. Nora drenaline and DOPA were present in all specimens with a concentration of 15 181 +/- 2951 pg ml(-1) and 4023 +/- 429 pg ml(-1) (mean +/- SE), respective ly. These concentrations are respectively 19 times (range: 3-44) and twice (range: 1-3) as high as the maximal normal concentration in plasma. Adrenal ine was present in 10 and DOPAC in seven of 13 specimens. No correlation wa s found between the concentration of any of the catecholamines evaluated an d semen characteristics. In conclusion, noradrenaline and DOPA are present in human semen at concentrations that are much higher than maximal normal v alues in plasma. Adrenaline and DOPAC were also found in some of the sample s. The concentrations of catecholamines in semen are not associated with se men quality.