Aumüller G, Riva A
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.
Andrologia. 1992 Jul-Aug;24(4):183-96. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1992.tb02636.x.
The seminal vesicles originate in embryos of about 58 mm crown-rump-length from the Wolffian duct under the influence of testosterone. Along with the ampulla of the vas deferens and the ejaculatory duct, they form a functional unit that develops slowly until the onset of puberty. Developmental malformations occur as uni- or bilateral agenesis, aplasia, cysts, or ureterovesicular fistules. After puberty, the glands form sac-like structures which have a capacity of about 3.4-4.5 ccm and contribute about 70% of the seminal fluid. In addition to secretion, they are capable of reabsorption of fluids or dissolved substances, and of spermatophagy (ingestion and degradation of damaged spermatozoa by epithelial cells). Secretory activity of the glands is a measure of testosterone supplementation to the epithelium. Nervous regulation of secretion is realized by cholinergic post-ganglionic, sympathetic (and perhaps parasympathetic) fibres, derived from pelvic plexus. Contraction of the muscular wall occurs under the influence of excitatory adrenergic and modulatory NPY-encephalin-peptidergic nerve fibres. The secretory products of the seminal vesicles encompass (1) ions (K+: 1.1 mM ml-1) (2) low molecular weight substances (fructose: above 1.2 mg ml-1; prostaglandins above 250 microliters ml-1, (3) peptides (endorphin: 330 pg ml-1), and (4) proteins. In addition to plasma protein related forms such as transferrin, lactoferrin, and fibronectin, specific proteins such as semenogelin (52 kDa) are synthesized, the scaffold protein of semen coagulate forming the substrate for PSA (prostate specific antigen), sperm motility inhibitor (ca. 18 kDa), and others (placental protein 5, protein kinase inhibitor, carboanhydrase, 5'-nucleotidase), some of which are immunosuppressive. Therefore, functions of the seminal vesicles concern (a) formation of seminal coagulum, (b) modification of sperm functions (motility, capacitation), and (c) immunosuppression. Additional functions within the female genital system, perhaps during pre-implantation period, are likely, but remain to be proven experimentally.
精囊起源于约58毫米冠臀长的胚胎，在睾酮的影响下由中肾管发育而来。它与输精管壶腹和射精管一起形成一个功能单元，在青春期开始前发育缓慢。发育畸形表现为单侧或双侧发育不全、发育不良、囊肿或输尿管精囊瘘。青春期后，精囊形成囊状结构，容量约为3.4 - 4.5立方厘米，精液约70%由其分泌。除了分泌功能外，精囊还能够重吸收液体或溶解物质，并具有吞噬精子的作用（上皮细胞摄取和降解受损精子）。精囊的分泌活动是上皮细胞睾酮补充量的一个指标。分泌的神经调节通过来自盆腔丛的胆碱能节后纤维、交感神经（可能还有副交感神经）纤维实现。肌壁的收缩在兴奋性肾上腺素能和调节性神经肽Y - 脑啡肽 - 肽能神经纤维的影响下发生。精囊的分泌产物包括：（1）离子（钾离子：1.1毫摩尔/毫升）；（2）低分子量物质（果糖：高于1.2毫克/毫升；前列腺素高于250微升/毫升）；（3）肽（内啡肽：330皮克/毫升）；（4）蛋白质。除了与血浆蛋白相关的形式，如转铁蛋白、乳铁蛋白和纤连蛋白外，还合成了精液凝块蛋白（52千道尔顿）等特定蛋白质，精液凝块的支架蛋白为前列腺特异性抗原（PSA）形成底物，还有精子活力抑制剂（约18千道尔顿）等其他物质（胎盘蛋白5、蛋白激酶抑制剂、碳酸酐酶、5'-核苷酸酶），其中一些具有免疫抑制作用。因此，精囊的功能涉及：（a）精液凝块的形成；（b）精子功能的改变（活力、获能）；（c）免疫抑制。在女性生殖系统内可能还有其他功能，也许在植入前期，但仍有待实验证明。
