In vitro effects of Bisphenol A on sperm motility characteristics in Perca fluviatilis L. (Percidae; Teleostei)

P>In the present study, the effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) on sperm motility and velocity were investigated in perch (Perca fluviatilis L.). Sperm of five mature males was separately collected in a syringe. The sperm samples were diluted in an immobilizing solution containing 180 mm NaCl, 2.7 mm KCl, 1.4 mm CaCl2, 2.4 mm NaHCO3, pH 8.0 (340 mOsmol kg-1) at ratio 1 : 50 (sperm : IS). The sperm motility was triggered in an activation solution composed of 50 mm NaCl, 20 mm Tris, pH 8.5 containing different concentrations of BPA (2, 1.5, 1.25, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.0 mm) at ratio 1 : 50 (sperm : AS). At 15 s post-activation, sperm motility and velocity decreased significantly in activation medium containing 1.5 and 1 mm BPA, respectively. The motility of sperm was totally inhibited in 2 mm of BPA. Sperm motility duration decreased with increasing BPA concentrations. In the control, 25.3% of spermatozoa were still motile at 90 s post-activation, while only 1.3% was in 0.12 mm. However, sperm velocity was higher in activation medium containing 0.12 mm BPA at 15 s post-activation. There was no significant difference between the control and DMSO test group, the latter being used for dissolving BPA. The results of this study indicate that BPA decreases both motility and velocity of exposed sperm, in vitro. BPA may damage the flagella as 'C' shape of flagella was observed, once motility period of sperm cells are finished.