Effect of aging on the fertilizing capacity of testicular spermatozoa from the rabbit
Cooper, T.G.; Orgebin-Crist, M.C.
Biology of Reproduction 16(2): 258-266
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0006-3363 PMID: 831851 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod16.2.258Document Number: 435792
Attempts were made to induce fertilising capacity in testicular spermatozoa. Ageing in vitro was ruled out because the fertilising capacity of doses of 1.5X106 mature spermatozoa decreased to <2% after storage for 48 h at room temp. This occurred whether the spermatozoa were diluted or undiluted, and was not improved by addition of catalase, theophylline or myo-inositol to the incubation medium. Testicular spermatozoa were unable to fertilise ova after retention in the rete testis for 4-6 days or after retention in a sperm-free distal cauda epididymidis for 2-4 days. The fertilising capacity of mature spermatozoa retained in the distal cauda under the same conditions fell from 57 to 17% over a 2- to 4-day period. The inability of testicular spermatozoa to acquire the capacity to fertilise ova under these conditions is discussed.