Studies on prolonged spermatozoa survival in chiroptera. III. Preliminary data on carnitine.
High epididymal levels of free carnitine during hibernation may have a role in extended sperm survival in bats. Accessory gland carnitine may further enhance the survival of ejaculated spermatozoa. The role of carnitine, if any, in uterine sperm storage, is as yet more obscure.
D000818:Animals; D002331:Carnitine / Q000032:analysis*; D002685:Chiroptera; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000032:analysis; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D012098:Reproduction; D012621:Seasons
D002331:Carnitine