A METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF PROSTAGLANDINS IN HUMAN SEMINAL FLUID

Human seminal fluid has earlier been shown to contain thirteen different prostaglandins. Methods for quantitative determination of six groups of these prostaglandins, viz. prostaglandin E, prostaglandin A, prostaglandin B, 19-hydroxy-prostaglandin A, 19-hydroxy-prostaglandin B and prostaglandin F compounds are described. The methods include extraction with ether, group separation by thin-layer chromatography and quantitative determination by measuring a chromophore (λmax 278 mμ), which is formed by treatment with alkali or is present originally. The recovery of the various prostaglandins was determined using 3H-labelled compounds and the precision of the method was studied by repetitive analyses of a pool of seminal fluid from men with suspected infertility. Evidence on the conversion of prostaglandin A derivatives to prostaglandin B derivatives and on the binding of prostaglandin A derivatives to other components of the seminal fluid during storage is discussed. © 1969.