Movement characteristics and power output of guinea-pig and hamster spermatozoa in relation to activation

Abstract

Spermatozoa were collected from the cauda epididymidis of golden hamsters and guinea-pigs, and the acrosome reactions was induced in vitro. Movement characteristics of the spermatozoa was assessed with high-speed cinemicrography. Before the initiation of the acrosome reaction (preactivated spermatozoa), sperm movement in both species was characterized by progressive swimming by regular flagellar waves of moderate amplitude and relatively high frequency. After the acrosome reaction (activated spermatozoa), sperm movement in both species was not progressive, and was characterized by whiplash-like flagellar undulations of significantly (P < 0.05) higher amplitude and lower frequency. Calculation of the hydrodynamic power output by a new theory indicated that no significant change occurred after activation.