C.N. Graves

EFFECT OF CO2 ON ANAEROBIC GLYCOLYSIS OF UNWASHED, ONCE-AND TWICE-WASHED SPERMATOZOA FROM THE SAME SEMEN SAMPLES.

Summary A minimum partial pressure of carbon dioxide is required for the glycolytic processes furnishing energy for motility of spermatozoa. The washing process for obtaining twice-washed sperm cells depletes the cells of CO2 below the minimal required level for glycolysis and motility and must be replaced from exogenous sources when the cells are in dilute concentration.

Carbon Dioxide in Prevention of the Deleterious Dilution Effect on Metabolism and Motility of Mammalian Spermatozoa

Summary An experiment was designed to test the effect of CO2 in preventing the deleterious dilution effect on metabolism and motility of spermatozoa in varying concentrations from the same sample. The results showed that CO2 prevented the depressed metabolic activity and loss of motility associated with high dilution. Thus, CO2 is one essential factor which is removed from the sperm cells upon excessive dilution.