EFFECTS OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE PRODUCED IN THE MEDIUM BY RADIATION ON SPERMATOZOA OF ARBACIA PUNCTULATA

Abstract

Heavily irradiated water (over 100,000 r) had deleterious effects on sperm of A. punctulata. These effects were reduction of survival time and delay in first cleavage when such treated sperm were used to inseminate fertile eggs.. The injury became more pronounced the greater the irradiation dose and the longer the sperm remained in the irradiated water. The chief, if not the only, agent responsible for these effects of irradiated water was H2O2. This was shown by chemical test, by similarity of its action with that of H2O2, and by removing the toxicity with catalase extract. The effects of H2O2 on fertility and on subsequent cleavage time are discussed regarding possible interpretations of similar reactions of the sperm to more direct effects of roentgen radiation.