Contents of fructose, citric acid, acid phosphatase, proteins and electrolytes in secretions of the accessory sex glands of the male golden hamster

Abstract

Secretions were collected from the ampullary gland, dorsolateral prostate, ventral prostate, coagulating glands and seminal vesicles of male golden hamsters aged 15-20 weeks. The concentrations of total protein, citric acid, fructose, acid phosphatase, chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc were determined. The ampullary gland secreted predominantly citric acid, sodium and acid phosphatase. Zinc was secreted only by the prostatic complex, with the largest quantity coming from the coagulating gland. The highest concentrations of potassium, calcium and magnesium were found in secretions of the ventral prostate. The coagulating gland and dorsolateral prostate were the principal contributors to total protein. The hamster appears to be more related to the mouse than to the rat in terms of the secretory functions of its accessory sex glands.