Leukocytes in semen from men with spinal cord injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the leukocyte populations in semen samples from men with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and their relation to sperm motility.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

A joint spinal cord injury and fertility clinic at an academic tertiary referral center for fertility treatment and a university-based department of immunology.

PATIENT(S): Nine men with chronic SCIs and seven healthy sperm donors as controls.

INTERVENTION(S): Semen samples were obtained by electroejaculation from men with SCIs and by masturbation from donors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Leukocyte populations determined by immunohistochemical techniques, bacteriologic assessment of urine, and sperm density and motility.

RESULT(S): The most cellular specimens were antegrade specimens obtained from men with SCIs and coexisting urinary tract infections. The highest proportion of leukocytes occurred in retrograde samples from men with SCIs and urinary tract infections. The most predominant leukocytes in all specimens were granulocytes. Infection increased the number of T cells and the degree of cell activation. There was no significant correlation between leukocyte populations and total motile sperm counts.

CONCLUSION(S): Increased numbers of leukocytes in semen samples from men with SCIs are the result of urinary tract infections. The reduced sperm motility seen in men with SCIs does not correlate with the numbers of leukocytes; therefore, other factors also contribute to the semen abnormalities in these patients.