The inhibitory effect of some ionophores on human sperm motility
Hong, C.Y.; Huang, J.J.; Chiang, B.N.; Wei, Y.H.
Contraception 33(3): 301-306
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 3087696 DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(86)90021-1Document Number: 345080
The inhibitory effect of five ionophores, namely, A23187, nonactin, nigericin, monensin and m-chlorocarbonyl cyanide phenylhydrazone, on human sperm motility were measured with a trans-membrane migration method. The concentrations of A23187 and nigericin that decreased sperm motility to 50% of control were 20 .mu.M (10.5 mg/l) and 8 .mu.M (5.8 mg/l), respectively. Because these two ionophores were more potent than previously reported membrane-active sperm-immobilizing agents, we propose that ionophores could be a new category of vaginal contraceptive if a pharmaceutical preparation that is safe to be administered in vivo can be developed.