Adenine nucleotides and some related enzyme activities (adenylate kinase and phosphoglycerate kinase) in normal and abnormal human semen.

Adenine nucleotides (ATP and ADP) and enzyme activities of Adenylate Kinase (AK) and Phosphoglycerate Kinase (PGK) were assayed on semen samples from normal and infertile men. In accordance with the values obtained, samples could be classified into two groups: one group with levels of either adenine nucleotides and enzymes assumed as normal; a second group with high levels of all the parameters. The latter group comprised the samples with low sperm density (less than 40 million/ml). When the samples were subdivided according to sperm motility, the above distinction into two groups appeared less evident. Moreover, comparing biochemical parameters with morphological findings some contrasts were seen. Nevertheless, we suggest comparing both biochemical and morphological data for a more detailed classification of human semen abnormalities.