The mechanisms of reversible immobilization of fowl spermatozoa at body temperature

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Abstract
Intact fowl spermatozoa became almost immotile at 40.degree.C, but motility increased significantly at 30.degree.C. The oxygen consumption at both temperatures was 8-11 .mu.l O2/1010 spermatozoa.min-1. The ATP concentration at 40.degree.C was higher than that at 30.degree.C but ADP concentration at 30.degree.C was higher than that at 40.degree.C. Consequently, the ATP/ADP ratio at 30.degree.C (1.9-2.2) increased to 3.5-3.7 at 40.degree.C. The motility of intact spermatozoa at 40.degree.C was effectively restored by 2 mM-ca2+, 10% seminal plasma and 10% peritoneal fluid taken at the time of ovulation. In contrast, these effectors did not restore the motility of demembranated spermatozoa at 40.degree.C. Motility of demembranated spermatozoa was restored at 30.degree.C. These results suggest that the immobolization of fowl spermatozoa at 40.degree.C occurs due to a decrease in flagellar dyenin ATPase activity. Furthermore, the action of effectors for mobility such as Ca2+ may not be directly on the axoneme, but mediated by solubilzed substances which have been removed by demebranation of the spermatozoa.