Cellular and biochemical markers in semen indicating male accessory gland inflammation.

Leucocytospermia is considered to be a sign of male accessory gland inflammation. The leucocytes in semen are mainly polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes. Leucocytospermia is not associated with the presence of bacteria and antibiotic treatment does not significantly lower the extent of leucocytospermia. A higher frequency of elevated herpes simplex antibodies titres were found in men with leucocytospermia. The concentration of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 and -8, is closely correlated with the number of leucocytes. Their determination does not provide additional information. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated at least in part by seminal leucocytes in response to stimulating factors. Purified leucocytes produce high levels of ROS. The determination of ROS appears to represent a parameter of functional activity of leucocytes. The role of chlamydiae in male accessory gland infection is unclear. Their determination in semen by DNA amplification and by immunological tests does not provide reliable results.