Prostasomes - Wenner-Gren International S.

This volume contains contributions presented at the First International Conference on Prostasomes, a Wenner-Gren Symposium held in Stockholm, Sweden, in June 2001.;Prostasomes are prostate-derived, submicron secretory granules that are present in seminal fluid. Research has led to an incereased understanding of thier biological function. They participate in the normal fertilization process, promote forward sperm motility, have immunosuppressive and antibacterial effects, and can inhibit the complement pathway. The complex protein composition and high cholesterol:phospholipid ratio of the protasmome membrane gives rise to this pluripotent nature.;Describing knowledge about a relatively unknown granular constituent of semen, this text contains contributions from many of the leading reseachers in this field and focuses on the various functional and biochemical properties of these structures.;Presenting a cross-section of the research that is in progress in many laboratories, this volume should stimulate further work in this active research field and provide ideas for future studies.