In vitro effect of ferrous sulphate on bovine spermatozoa motility parameters, viability and Annexin V-labeled membrane changes

The aim of this study was to assess the dose- and time-dependent in vitro effects of ferrous sulphate (FeSO4.7H(2)O) on the motility parameters, viability, structural and functional activity of bovine spermatozoa. Spermatozoa motility parameters were determined after exposure to concentrations (3.90, 7.80, 15.60, 31.20, 62.50, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mu M) of FeSO4.7H(2)O using the SpermVision(TM) CASA (Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer) system in different time periods. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the Annexin V-Fluos was applied to detect the membrane integrity of spermatozoa. The initial spermatozoa motility showed increased average values at all experimental concentrations compared to the control group (culture medium without FeSO4.7H(2)O). After 2 h, FeSO4.7H(2)O stimulated the overall percentage of spermatozoa motility at the concentrations of <= 125 mu M. However, experimental administration of 250 mu M of FeSO4.7H(2)O significantly (P < 0.001) decreased the spermatozoa motility but had no negative effect on the cell viability (P < 0.05) (Time 2 h). The lowest viability was noted after the addition of >= 500 mu M of FeSO4.7H(2)O (P < 0.001). The concentrations of 62.50 mu M of FeSO4.7H(2)O markedly stimulated (P < 0.001) spermatozoa activity after 24 h of exposure, while at high concentrations of 500 mu M of FeSO4.7H(2)O the overall percentage of spermatozoa motility was significantly inhibited (P < 0.001) and it elicited cytotoxic action. Fluorescence analysis confirmed that spermatozoa incubated with higher concentrations ( 500 mu M) of FeSO4.7H(2)O displayed apoptotic changes, as detected in head membrane (acrosomal part) and mitochondrial portion of spermatozoa. Moreover, the highest concentration and the longest time of exposure (1000 mu M of FeSO4.7H(2)O; Time 6 h) induced even necrotic alterations to spermatozoa. These results suggest that high concentrations of FeSO4.7H(2)O are able to induce toxic effects on the structure and function of spermatozoa, while low concentrations may have the positive effect on the fertilization potential of spermatozoa.

Automated summary

The study assessed the in vitro effects of ferrous sulphate on bovine spermatozoa in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Results indicated that high concentrations of FeSO4.7H(2)O had toxic effects on spermatozoa structure and function, while low concentrations may enhance fertilization potential.