Reversible Inhibition of 2,5-Alkyl Benzimidazoles on Chicken Sperm.

Abstract

Motility, fructolysis, and fertilizing capacity of chicken sperm were determined following their subjection to various dose levels of 2,5-dimethyl-(DMB), 2-ethyl-5-methyl-(EMB), and 2-hepta-5-methyl-(HMB) benzimidazoles. Motility after 1-2 hr. and acid production from fructose after 3 and 6 hr. were inhibited by the compounds with the following order of inhibition: DMB < EMB < HMB. Motility was completely inhibited by levels of DMB and EMB which had no effect on fructolysis. Fertilizing ability was prolonged by inhibitor levels which did not reduce fructolysis indicating that the disturbed metabolic process which inhibited motility was responsible for prolongation of fertilizing capacity and that this disturbance is not intimately concerned with fructolysis. The storage period for chicken semen was extended to 3 days with excellent fertility obtained with both DMB and EMB. The ease with which these compounds are removed by dilution and the lack of adverse after-effects appears to make them peculiarly useful for preservation of chicken sperm or possibly other types of cells or tissues.