A-glucosidase

Azoospermia is the condition in which there are no spermatozoa in the ejaculate. There are many causes for azoospermia, one of which is the obstruction of the vas deference, ie the “cord” that carries the spermatozoa to the urethra. In cases where an obstruction exists near the epididymis, the spermatozoa, which are normally produced in the testes, cannot reach the ejaculate. The same is true for α-glucosidase, an enzyme which is secreted by the epididymis.

In cases of azoospermia, where the semen sample has a normal volume and a normal pH, α-glucosidase should be measured. If α-glucosidase is not present in the ejaculate an obstruction of the vas deference near the epididymis exists. (Α-glucosidase, Mahmoud-et-al, 1998).