Colchicine inhibits spermatozoal motility in vitro.

OBJECTIVE

To study the in vitro effect of colchicine on the motility of normal human spermatozoa.

METHODS

Seminal fluid was obtained from 15 normal healthy volunteers. Following the swim-up technique for sperm selection, samples of sperm were incubated with different concentrations of colchicine and their forward motility was assessed after 2, 17, and 24 hours.

RESULTS

Colchicine concentrations of 10 micrograms/mL and 20 micrograms/mL reduced spermatozoal motility, while a concentration of 2 micrograms/mL did not have a significant inhibitory effect. Reduction in motility was observed after a minimum incubation of 18 hours. After 24 hours 90-95% of the spermatozoa was shown to be viable by eosin staining.

CONCLUSION

Relatively high concentration of colchicine may affect in vitro motility of sperm, probably by its direct effect on the microtubules rather than by causing spermatozoal death.