Influence of cations and albumin on human spermatozoa.
The effects of potassium, calcium and magnesium cations, and albumin on motility of spermatozoa, were tested after 15 min, 4 hr, and 24 hr of incubation using laser Doppler velocimetry. The optimal concentration of K+ was found to be 11 mM; higher values decreased motility more severely than did lower ones, even when K+ was completely removed. Motility was increased in the presence of small amounts of calcium (from 0.8-1.7 mM) but was depressed by magnesium concentrations above 0.8 mM. Moderate concentrations of albumin (0.5-1%) improved motility, but the protecting effect of this compound--leading to a best sperm survival--appeared with higher concentrations (4%). In conclusion we observed that optimal ionic conditions presently found were corresponding well to the tubal environment in preovulatory phase.
D000418:Albumins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008274:Magnesium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D011188:Potassium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects*
D000418:Albumins; D008274:Magnesium; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium