title: Effects of alpha-chlorohydrin on the metabolism of testicular and epididymal spermatozoa of rams.
abstract: Spermatozoa were collected from the rete testis and vas deferens of conscious rams. The endogenous oxygen uptake of the spermatozoa was unaffected by alpha-chlorohydrin added in vitro, although this compound abolished the stimulation of oxygen uptake caused by the addition of glycerol. The metabolism of [14C]glycerol by testicular and epididymal spermatozoa was markedly reduced by alpha-chlorohydrin, CO2 production and lactate accumulation being almost totally inhibited. These effects were dependent upon a period of preincubation of the spermatozoa with alpha-chlorohydrin alone, since the presence of glycerol protected the spermatozoa from its action. Longer exposure and a higher concentration of alpha-chlorohydrin were needed with testicular than with epididymal spermatozoa to achieve a maximal effect. The metabolism of [14C]glucose by both sperm types was also inhibited by alpha-chlorohyrin. Spermatozoa of the ram are therefore susceptible to the action of alpha-chlorohydrin throughout the epididymis, although more mature spermatozoa are more affected. It is suggested that alpha-chlorohydrin is converted to an intermediate which is the agent responsible for the inhibition of glycolysis in spermatozoa.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D002728:Chlorohydrins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D004822:Epididymis; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D005990:Glycerol / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007773:Lactates / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects; D012152:Rete Testis; D012756:Sheep / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D000517:alpha-Chlorohydrin / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D002728:Chlorohydrins; D007773:Lactates; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D000517:alpha-Chlorohydrin; D005947:Glucose; D005990:Glycerol