Effects of Aspirin on Prostaglandin and Fructose Levels in Human Semen

Summary. The object of this investigation was to determine how completely prostaglandin synthesis can be inhibited by high doses of aspirin (3·6 and 7·2 g/day) in man. Concentrations in human semen of fructose and of prostaglandins E and 19-hydroxy A and B were measured daily before, during and after 3-day courses of aspirin administration to two subjects, using absorptiometric methods. Recoveries of prostaglandin E were estimated with a radioactive tracer; prostaglandin F was measured by biological assay. At the higher aspirin dose, prostaglandin E levels were reduced by 80%; this reduction was accompanied by signs of aspirin toxicity. Fructose levels were unaffected. It is concluded that highly toxic doses of aspirin would be required to block prostaglandin synthesis completely.