Electron Microscopic (Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis) Study of Human Male Reproductive Organs and Semen

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.

In vitroeffect of gold and silver nanoparticles on human spermatozoa

“…As silver is not naturally present in sperm cells and traces only of gold have recently been identified in human semen and spermatozoa (Skandhan et al, 2011), we thought that thus they should be easily identifiable if they are incorporated in the cells. As silver is not naturally present in sperm cells and traces only of gold have recently been identified in human semen and spermatozoa (Skandhan et al, 2011), we thought that thus they should be easily identifiable if they are incorporated in the cells.…”

“…In this study, we utilised engineered Au-NPs and Ag-NPs, of a size frequently used in common industrial products, in human spermatozoa, which are highly differentiated cells. As silver is not naturally present in sperm cells and traces only of gold have recently been identified in human semen and spermatozoa (Skandhan et al, 2011), we thought that thus they should be easily identifiable if they are incorporated in the cells. We tested different concentrations of NPs up to high concentrations to clarify if these compounds can exert a toxic effect and in particular to explore their possible ability to penetrate inside the cells and to define their localisation.…”

Time bound changes (in 24 h) in human sperm motility and level of calcium and magnesium in seminal plasma

“…Composition of seminal plasma was important for functioning of sperm. 4 Number of organic 5,6 and inorganic 5,[7][8][9][10] substances were reported in it. Among all two electrolytes, calcium and magnesium secured attention of different groups of workers.…”

“…1,2 Later on it was identified throughout the reproductive system. 10 Its level differed during different timings of the day. 16 When its level was seen in daily ejaculates a negative correlation was seen between total sperm count and seminal plasma calcium and magnesium.…”

Gold in Human Semen Around and Away From a Gold Deposit Area

“…Presence of the metal in testis may be for this action [36, 49,50] (Sumangala, Skandhan, personal communication). We have proved the presence of gold in the sperm cell by using EDAX facilities on electron microscope [51]. Gold may enter sperm cells from testis or while travelling from there to form ejaculate; zinc enters sperm cell after maturation [5].…”