Elucidation of the mechanism responsible for the temperature‐dependent reversible inactivation of the motility of fowl spermatozoa

Abstract

1. When washed fowl spermatozoa were held at 30°C in a Ca⁺⁺‐free medium they retained internal Ca⁺⁺, assimilated from the seminal plasma in vivo, which maintained their motility. 2. When this preparation was warmed to 40°C, Ca⁺⁺ was lost to the medium and the spermatozoa became immotile. 3. On subsequent cooling to 30°C, the spermatozoa were capable of re‐sequestering the Ca⁺⁺, which restored their motility. 4. Removal of internal Ca⁺⁺, with subsequent reduction of cellular activity, improved the survival of fowl spermatozoa held at 30°C.