The Semen pH Affects Sperm Motility and Capacitation

Abstract

As the chemical environment of semen can have a profound effect on sperm quality, we examined the effect of pH on the motility, viability and capacitation of human sperm. The sperm in this study was collected from healthy males to avoid interference from other factors. The spermatozoa cultured in sperm nutrition solution at pH 5.2, 6.2, 7.2 and 8.2 were analyzed for sperm total motility, progressive motility (PR), hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) rate, and sperm penetration. Our results showed that these parameters were similar in pH 7.2 and 8.2 sperm nutrition solutions, but decreased in pH 5.2 and 6.2 solutions. The HOS rate exhibited positive correlation with the sperm total motility and PR. In addition, the sperm Na+/K+-ATPase activity at different pHs was measured, and the enzyme activity was significantly lower in pH 5.2 and 6.2 media, comparing with that in pH 8.2 and pH 7.2 solutions. Using flow cytometry (FCM) and laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM) analysis, the intracellular Ca2+ concentrations of sperm cultured in sperm capacitation solution at pH 5.2, 6.2, 7.2 and 8.2 were determined. Compared with that at pH 7.2, the mean fluorescence intensity of sperm in pH 5.2 and 6.2 media decreased significantly, while that of pH 8.2 group showed no difference. Our results suggested that the declined Na+/K+-ATPase activity at acidic pHs result in decreased sperm movement and capacitation, which could be one of the mechanisms of male infertility.

Improving porcine in vitro fertilization output by simulating the oviductal environment

“…The results of our study showed that pH e 8.0 with OFCM led to a decrease in all motility parameters except for WOB although the main factor responsible was the addition of OFCM. Some authors36 observed that a pH e below 7.2 affected sperm motility and capacitation but there was no effect between pH e 7.2 and 8.2. This apparent inconsistency with our results could be explained by the different experimental conditions used in the studies, the sperm source (human sperm vs .…”

Effects of Zinc Sulfate on Subfertility Related to Male Factors: A Prospective Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Zanaty et al (29), showed a direct relationship between viscosity of semen and semen zinc level. Weak sperm mobility and production was related to lower level of zinc in semen plasma in infertile males (30). As various relevancies were shown in different investigations, a number of studies did not find any relationship between semen plasma zinc level and 4…”

Effects of Tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane on the quality of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa

“…The semen extender, therefore, should be formulated to closely resemble the environment of sperm cells in the body. Any change in pH that occurs during the sperm cryopreservation process could affect the rates of metabolism, motility and viability of sperm as well as its capability to fertilise the oocytes (Bonato et al, 2012;Zhou et al, 2015). A number of pH regulators, such as bicarbonate, sodium citrate, Hepes or Tris, have been added into the extender to control the pH of the medium (Gadea, 2003).…”