Abstract
The rapid immobilization of mammalian spermatozoa which occurs when an ejaculate is diluted with a large volume of physiological saline is the basis of Milovanov's1 test of ‘resistance’, used in assessing the value of a specimen for artificial insemination. Milovanov attributes this immobilization to the toxic action of chloride ions. Chang2 also remarks on the low motility, rate of respiration and fertilizing capacity of rabbit spermatozoa in dilute suspension. Our own observations confirm these findings; rabbit spermatozoa at a concentration of 20 million/ml. in Baker's3 solution remain motile for two or three days at room temperature, whereas at a concentration of 0·4 million/ml. they are motionless within an hour or two. In our experience this rapid loss of motility is not attributable to a toxic action of chlorides, since chloride-free diluents have an identical action.
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References
Milovanov, V. K., "Osnovy iskusstvennogo osemenija—Principles of Artificial Insemination". (Moscow-Leningrad: State Publishing House, 1934.)
Chang, M. C., Science, 104, 361 (1946).
Baker, J. R., Quart. J. Exp. Physiol., 21, 139 (1931).
Emmens, C. W., [J. Physiol., 106, 471 (1947)].
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EMMENS, C., SWYER, G. Maintenance of Spermatozoal Motility in Dilute Suspension. Nature 160, 718 (1947). https://doi.org/10.1038/160718a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/160718a0
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