α-Glucosidase, Sperm ATP Concentrations, and Epididymal Function

It has been suggested that α-glucosidase may be a marker of epididymal patency and function. Sper-matozoal ATP concentrations decrease during passage through the epididymis, indicating efficient maturation. We correlated sperm motility with seminal plasma α-glucosidase activity and spermatozoal ATP. The sperm motility correlation with α-glucosidase activity was significantly positive, and the sperm motility correlation with spermatozoal ATP was significantly negative. It appears that high-α-glucosidase activity and low-spermatozoal ATP were present in semen with good sperm motility and could possibly indicate efficient epididymal function.