Effect of Hormones on In vitro Metabolism of Bull Semen.

Abstract

Effects of steroids and thyroactive substances on respiration and glycolysis of bovine spermatozoa were studied. A consistent but insignificant reduction in O2 uptake and fructolysis was seen when 0.48% ethanol was used as steroid solvent while 0.29% ethanol was without effect. 17-Methyltestos-terone, testosterone and androstenedione caused marked inhibition of respiration and fructolysis. A similar, though less pronounced effect on O2 uptake, was obtained with 17-methylnortes-tosterone, androsterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, nor-androstenedione, high levels of androstane-3,17-diol, and estradiol. Actoxytestosterone acetate, pregnanediol and low levels of androstane-3,17-diol did not affect O2 uptake. Fructolysis was significantly reduced by androstenedione, pregnenolone, high levels of androstane-3,17-diol and estradiol. There is some indication of a relationship between androgenicity of a steroid and its interference with the metabolic behavior of sperm. Thyroxine and triiodothyronine were difficult to evaluate because of inconsistent stimulatory or depressant behavior which to some extent seemed to be influenced by the concentration employed. Thyroglobulin caused a progressive depression of O2 consumption with increase in dosage.