Electron microscopic (energy dispersive X-ray analysis) study of human male reproductive organs and semen

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011 Jun;141(1-3):91-5. doi: 10.1007/s12011-010-8723-0. Epub 2010 Jun 5.

Abstract

Recently, technological advancement helped to improve our knowledge on trace elements in human male reproductive organs and its secretion, semen. In this study, employing energy dispersive x-ray analysis facilities on electron microscope, presence of different elements in human male reproductive organs--testis, epididymis, caput, corpus and cauda, prostate gland, seminal vesicle, Cowper's gland and vas deferens-seminal plasma and spermatozoa pellet was studied. Several elements were observed. Gold was one among them that was present in seminal plasma and spermatozoa. It was also present in epididymis caput. Authors consider epididymis caput as the source of gold in semen.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Genitalia, Male / chemistry*
  • Genitalia, Male / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Semen / chemistry*
  • Semen / metabolism
  • Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission*
  • Trace Elements / analysis*
  • Trace Elements / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Trace Elements