Effect of Glycerol and Freezing on Some Staining Reactions of Human Spermatozoa

Abstract

No differences were observed between the staining intensities of spermatozoal nuclei in untreated and glycerol-treated semen, either before freezing or after thawing, when they were stained at pH 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 with certain oxidation-reduction potential indicator dyes. On the basis of this criterion, it was demonstrated that treating 9 parts of liquefied semen with 1 part absolute glycerol, placing it in an insulated box containing dry ice (-70 degrees C ) for 24 hours and then thawing it in a 37[degree]C water bath does not modify those proteins of the spermatozoal nucleus which are stained.