Sodium and Potassium Content of Bull Spermatozoa during Processing Prior to Freezing1

Abstract

The average values in mcg./ml. for the whole bull semen, spermatozoa and seminal plasma for Na were 1,678, 1,027 and 1,768; corresponding values for K were 1,187, 1,887 and 1,095. The Na and K concentration in semen varied greatly between bulls. Extending the semen with Tris-buffered egg yolk at room temperature caused the cells to outflux 85% of their Na and 75% of their K within 15 min. after extension. This resulted in an equilibrium between intra- and extracellular Na, but intracellular K remained three times as high as K in the extracellular fluid. When spermatozoa were extended and stored at room temperature or cooled to 5° C, only moderate changes took place following the decrease of intracellular Na and K at the time of extension. Na and K levels tended to rise (P<.05) during cooling and storage except when glycerol was added. Intracellular K concentration was maintained at a higher level than intracellular Na during a 4-hr, period, but neither ion concentration was as high as intracellular levels in fresh bull semen. Copyright © 1967. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1967 by American Society of Animal Science