The photon emission, ATP level and motility of boar spermatozoa during liquid storage

Changes were studied in induced photon emission (as an indicator of oxidative stress), ATP level and sperm motility during seven day-storage of boar semen at 15 degrees C extended with the use of BTS extender. Photon emission was measured using a luminometer equipped with a cooled photomultiplier with a spectral response range from 370 to 620 nm. The time of storage had a significant effect on luminescence parameters (integral and peak max), intracellular ATP level and percentage of motile spermatozoa. The increase in luminescence parameters was paralleled by a decrease in ATP level and sperm motility. A significant correlation was found between the percentage of motile spermatozoa and integral (r=-0.27) and peak max (r=-0.31). ATP level was correlated with integral (r=-0.25) but not with peak max. Our results suggest that reactive oxygen species and products of cell membrane lipid peroxidation have a negative effect on ATP level and sperm motility. Induced luminescence assessment in combination with sperm motility and ATP level can give valuable information about the status and function of spermatozoa which may be relevant for predicting the fertilizing potential of the semen. Reproductive Biology, 2009, 9, 1: 39-49.