The relation between sperm quality and the effect of ouabain on the motility of spermatozoa.

This paper reports the results of an investigation into the effect of ouabain on spermatozoa which have suffered from aging, sudden changes in temperature and deep-freezing. Normal spermatozoa of different boars under standard conditions show an evident variation in ouabain sensitivity. A definite relation could be established between the fertility of the semen of a boar and the ouabain sensitivity of this semen. Spermatozoa exposed to aging, sudden temperature changes or deep-freezing, showed a greater sensitivity for 10(-3)M ouabain than corresponding controls. We concluded that factors which are harmful to membrane quality of spermatozoa can be revealed by exposing them to ouabain.