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Prostate specific antigen is detectable in formalin‐fixed semen
Author(s) -
Michael Eyre,
Yin Yin,
Kiessling
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
bju international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 1464-4096
DOI - 10.1046/j.1464-410x.1999.00938.x
Subject(s) - semen , prostate specific antigen , antigen , andrology , immunology , chemistry , prostate , biology , medicine , cancer
Objective To conduct a pilot study to test whether or not prostate specific antigen (PSA) and/or PSA‐positive cells can be detected and characterized in semen specimens archived in aldehyde fixative. Materials and methods Specimens from 12 men were examined, six before elective vasectomy and six undergoing infertility evaluation. Fixed semen elements were assessed immunocytologically using monoclonal antibodies against PSA and leucocyte common antigen, CD 45, as a control. Results PSA was detectable in the semen from the fertile men as amorphous protein and contained within round vesicles (prostasomes). Semen from men undergoing infertility evaluation contained a greater variation in detectable forms and amount of PSA than the specimens from the fertile men, including PSA associated with some nonspermatozoal cells (NSCs). Conclusion PSA is detectable by immunocytological analysis of semen specimens archived in aldehyde‐based fixative. Three forms of PSA were detected; within round vesicles characteristic of prostasomes, associated with some NSCs, and as amorphous protein. The detected variations suggest that analysis of PSA‐positive semen elements may provide important insights into prostate physiology.