THE SPERMICIDAL ACTIVITY OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The effect of hydrogen peroxide on the motility of bull, fowl, dog, ram, mouse, rabbit and human spermatozoa has been studied in vitro. Although 3 p.p.m. peroxide had a small but significant action on bull and fowl spermatozoa, those of the other species were more resistant, and 30–300 p.p.m. was usually required to produce substantial spermicidal effects, and even 3000 p.p.m. failed to immobilize rabbit spermatozoa completely. Ram, dog and rabbit spermatozoa were rendered more susceptible by washing, and the seminal plasma was found to decompose hydrogen peroxide. The agent, in rabbit seminal plasma at least, is probably catalase. Hydrogen peroxide given orally to mice and rabbits did not affect either the spermatozoa or fertility.