Influence of Cations and Albumin on Human Spermatozoa

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Abstract
The effects of potassium, calcium and magnesium cations, and albumin on motility of spermatozoa, were tested after 15 min, 4 hr, and 24 hr of incubation using laser Doppler velocimetry. The optimal concentration of K+ was found to be 11 mM; higher values decreased motility more severely than did lower ones, even when K+ was completely removed. Motility was increased in the presence of small amounts of calcium (from 0.8–1.7 mM) but was depressed by magnesium concentrations above 0.8 mM. Moderate concentrations of albumin (0.5–1%) improved motility, but the protecting effect of this compound — leading to a best sperm survival — appeared with higher concentrations (4%). In conclusion we observed that optimal ionic conditions presently found were corresponding well to the tubal environment in preovulatory phase.