Inhibitory effect of K+ and Ca2+ concentrations, pH, and osmolality of activation solution on motility of shabut ( Barbus grypus Heckel 1843) spermatozoa

Abstract

Evaluation of sperm quality is important in order to understand the main biochemical processes occurring during motility of sperm, to determine the reproductive ability of fsh species, and to optimize the environment for spermatozoa. Generally, once diferentiated in the gonad the sperm remain there completely quiescent until they are released into an external medium. Afer activation, motility duration of fsh spermatozoa is greatly afected by environmental factors such as pH, ion concentrations, and osmotic pressure. Investigating these factors in relation to fsh sperm can help establish good activation or immobilizing media for improving artifcial fertilization and preservation. Tis study aimed to determine the efect of activation solution pH, ions (K+ and Ca2+), and osmolality on the motility of cultured shabut (Barbus grypus Heckel 1843) sperm. Te best pH level for activation of spermatozoa was pH 9.0. Ionic factors can stimulate the initiation of sperm activation and duration. Maximum percentage and duration of motile sperm were observed in solutions containing 5 mM K+ and no Ca2+ with an osmolality of 56 mOsmol kg –1 . Concentrations of more than 20 mM K+ and more than 10 mM Ca 2+ had negative efects on sperm motility.