Mitochondrial resparation (illegible)

Sperm motility is one of the most important criteria in determining the quality of semen; many biochemic parameters are known to regulate this important function of sperm. By using a newly developed transmembrane migration method, we were able to measure quantitatively boar sperm motility, which correlated well with that estimated by microscopic examination. While studying motility energy coupling, we found that the activity of succinate supported mitochondrial respiration correlated well with boar sperm motility (γ=0.584, n = 16, P<0.01). Moreover, the respiratory inhibitor antimycin A (EC50=9.0 μM), uncoupler CCCP (EC50 = 2.5 μM) and ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin (EC50= 9.0 μM) all decreased boar sperm motility. ATP (EC50 = 4.5mM) and Mg2+ ion (EC50 = 12.5 mM) stimulated sperm motility. Boar sperm motility correlated well with activities of Na+-k+-ATPase (γ = 0.671, n = 28, p<0.01) and Ca2+-ATPase (γ = 0.500, n = 16, p<0.05). Monesin (an Na+/H+ antiporter, EC50 = 1.8 μM), nigericin (a K+/H+ antiporter, EC50 = 2.5 μM), valinomycin (a K+ ionophore, EC50 = 64 nM) and A23187 (a Ca2+ ionophore, EC50 = 125 nM) all decreased motility. In Contrast, the calcium chelator EGTA and calcium antagonist diltiazem showed stimulatory effects on boar sperm motility. The energy status of sperm and intracellular concentrations of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ ions are vital for boar sperm motility