Lewin L M, Beer R, Lunenfeld B
Fertil Steril. 1976 Jan;27(1):9-13. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)41589-x.
Carnitine determinations in human seminal fluid were shown to be useful in assessing epididymal and seminal vesicle function and in locating blockages in the male reproductive tract. The carnitine concentrations in 50 samples of seminal fluid ranged from 15 to 530 mug/ml (as carnitine-HCl). The patients could be divided into four classes. Patients with normal seminal vesicle and epididymal function had values of 250 mug/ml or above. Those with a defective epididymis and a functional seminal vesicle had intermediate carnitine levels (100 to 200 mug/ml) and normal fructose values in the seminal fluid. Patients with a defective seminal vesicle but a functional epididymis had intermediate carnitine concentrations and low fructose levels. Extremely low carnitine values (less than 100 mug/ml) were found in seminal fluid from patients whose epididymis and seminal vesicle both were defective. The possible role of carnitine in sperm maturation was discussed.
人体精液中肉碱的测定结果表明，其在评估附睾和精囊功能以及定位男性生殖道阻塞方面具有重要作用。50份精液样本中的肉碱浓度范围为15至530微克/毫升（以盐酸肉碱计）。患者可分为四类。精囊和附睾功能正常的患者，其肉碱值在250微克/毫升及以上。附睾功能缺陷但精囊功能正常的患者，精液中的肉碱水平处于中等范围（100至200微克/毫升）且果糖值正常。精囊功能缺陷但附睾功能正常的患者，肉碱浓度处于中等水平且果糖水平较低。附睾和精囊均有缺陷的患者精液中肉碱值极低（低于100微克/毫升）。文中还讨论了肉碱在精子成熟过程中可能发挥的作用。
