Factors Influencing Metabolic Activity of Bull Spermatozoa. II. Cold-Shock and its Prevention

Abstract

Evidence is presented to show the effect of cold-shock on the permeability of the sperm cell, as revealed by the mineral content of the seminal plasma, the metabolic activity of the semen, and the protection by lecithin and egg yolk. Rapidly cooling diluted semen from 25 to near 0C. greatly reduced motility, respiratory activity, and glycolysis. Metabolic damage was retarded by lecithin and almost completely by egg yolk, which also stimulated glycolysis of unshocked semen. Cold-shocking semen transferred potassium and ether alcohol-extractable phosphorus from cells to plasma, with an uptake of sodium and calcium by the cells. Editor.