Scribd
Upload
72 views2 pages

File

Catecholamines like norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine can be found in seminal plasma through normal physiological mechanisms such as sympathetic innervation, glandular secretion, and plasma diffusion. In cases of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, catecholamine levels may be significantly elevated due to systemic overflow or localized tumor effects. Seminal plasma is not typically used for diagnosing these tumors, with diagnosis relying more on plasma or urine metanephrines.

Uploaded by

jhonsmithert
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
72 views2 pages

File

Catecholamines like norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine can be found in seminal plasma through normal physiological mechanisms such as sympathetic innervation, glandular secretion, and plasma diffusion. In cases of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, catecholamine levels may be significantly elevated due to systemic overflow or localized tumor effects. Seminal plasma is not typically used for diagnosing these tumors, with diagnosis relying more on plasma or urine metanephrines.

Uploaded by

jhonsmithert
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Catecholamines (like norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine) can be present in

seminal plasma through several physiological and pathological mechanisms. Their


presence does not necessarily indicate a pheochromocytoma (PHEO) or paraganglioma
(PGL), but in such cases, levels may be markedly elevated.

✅ Normal Mechanism of Catecholamines in Seminal Plasma (without PGL/PHEO)


Catecholamines in seminal plasma under normal conditions are believed to originate
from:

1. Sympathetic Innervation of Male Reproductive Tract


The seminal vesicles, prostate, and vas deferens are richly innervated by
sympathetic postganglionic neurons that release norepinephrine.

This plays a role in ejaculation, particularly the emission phase.

Some catecholamines may diffuse or be secreted into seminal plasma during this
process.

2. Secretion from Accessory Sex Glands


There is evidence that the seminal vesicles and prostate can secrete small amounts
of catecholamines.

This might be due to local enzymatic activity (e.g., tyrosine hydroxylase


expression in glandular tissue) or uptake and storage mechanisms similar to
neurons.

3. Plasma Diffusion
Catecholamines circulating in the blood may pass into the seminal plasma through
passive diffusion or active transport.

🔴 Catecholamines in Seminal Plasma with PGL/PHEO


In the context of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma, catecholamine levels in seminal
plasma may be elevated due to:

1. Systemic Overflow
PGL/PHEO tumors secrete large quantities of catecholamines into the bloodstream.

This can lead to increased diffusion or filtration into various body fluids,
including seminal plasma.

2. Localized Tumor Effect (very rare)


If a tumor is near or metastasized to pelvic organs, catecholamines might be
secreted locally into the reproductive tract.

🧪 Clinical Relevance
Seminal plasma is not routinely used to diagnose PGL/PHEO. Diagnosis typically
relies on plasma or urine metanephrines.

However, elevated catecholamines in semen might be detected incidentally or studied


in research settings related to fertility or autonomic dysfunction.

Summary Table
Source Mechanism Seen in PGL/PHEO?
Sympathetic innervation Neuronal release into ejaculatory ducts No
Seminal vesicles/prostate Glandular secretion or uptake No
Plasma diffusion Passive/active transfer Yes (if systemic levels are high)
Tumor secretion near tract Local secretion Rare, but possible

You might also like