Coenzyme Q10 levels in pigeon (Columba livia) spermatozoa.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the CoQ10 levels in pigeon spermatozoa and to verify their possible correlation with spermatic kinetic parameters.


METHODS
In pigeons the sperm motility percentage (MOT%), mean linear velocity (VCM) and morphology were determined in ejaculated semen. In addition intracellular CoQ10 concentrations were also detected with a HPLC method.


RESULTS
Intracellular CoQ10 levels demonstrated wide individual variations, averaging 4.85 +/- 2.31 (SD) ng/106 spermatozoa. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation of the substance with the sperm concentration (r= 0.63; P<0.05) and with the VCM (r=0.66; P<0.05), and a negative correlation with the MOT% (r = -0.78; P=0.01). No correlation was found between the CoQ10 concentration and the percentage of normal spermatozoa.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest a possible role for CoQ10 as a "fertility marker" in pigeons, which may be employed to monitor the pharmacological effects of cytostatic substances often used to reduce the pigeon fertility in urban environment.
Ducci
M
M
Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Veterinary Physiology, University of Pisa, Italy. mducci@vet.unipi.it
Gazzano
A
A
Tedeschi
D
D
Sighieri
C
C
Martelli
F
F
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D003067:Coenzymes; D010856:Columbidae; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000201:enzymology; D013076:Sperm Count; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000201:enzymology*; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis*
D015415:Biomarkers; D003067:Coenzymes; D014451:Ubiquinone; C024989:coenzyme Q10