Lack of effect of α-chlorohydrin on the ATP content of rat, mouse and human spermatozoa

Abstract

α-Chlorohydrin (3-chloro-1,2-propanediol) has been shown to cause inhibition of glycolysis of spermatozoa in vivo and in vitro (Mohri, Suter, Brown-Woodman, White & Ridley, 1975; Suter, Brown-Woodman, Mohri & White, 1975; Homonnai, Paz, Sofer, Yedwab & Kraicer, 1975). The drug also leads to reduced sperm motility (Coppola, 1969; Samojlik & Chang, 1970; Kreider & Dutt, 1970; Johnson & Pursel, 1972; Brown & White, 1973; Vickery, Erickson & Bennett, 1974; Homonnai et al., 1975). It has been suggested that the inhibition of glycolysis prevents normal ATP production, leading to insufficient energy supply for motility (Mohri et al., 1975; Suter et al., 1975; Homonnai et al., 1975). We have therefore investigated, in vivo and in vitro, the effect of α-chlorohydrin on the ATP content of rat, mouse and human spermatozoa.