Lipid peroxidation in spermatozoa

Abstract

Ram spermatozoa produce aerobically an organic peroxide which can be determined quantitatively by the thiobarbituric acid reaction. The reaction is more intense in sperma­tozoa that have been stored at 5°C. Cold shock and homogenization release from spermatozoa a substance, presumably a lipid, which provides the substrate for peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation is probably linked with the decline in motility and respiratory activity, and the structural damage to sperm membranes, which characterize ageing or degenerating spermatozoa.