Laser light-scattering study of the toxic effects of methylmercury on sperm motility

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · J. Androl.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1939-4640.1986.tb00858.x· OSTI ID:5842806

Mohamed, M K; Lee, W I; Mottet, N K; Burbacher, T M

An in vitro study was designed using the laser light-scattering technique to obtain further information on the dose-effect relationship of methylmercury on sperm motility. The technique provided a quantitative evaluation of sperm swimming speed. Semen samples were collected from normal male Macaca fascicularis monkeys by anal electroejaculation. Methylmercury was added to aliquots of sperm suspensions in BWW medium in doses of 10, 5, 2, and 1 ppm. After 3 hours, the relative speed was 35%, 59%, 69%, and 92% of the corresponding controls at doses of 10, 5, 2, and 1 ppm, respectively. The percentage of motile spermatozoa decreased significantly at 10 ppm. By microscopic observation abnormal motility was detected at 5 and 10 ppm, especially after 20 to 40 minutes. Head movement increased from side to side, and many spermatozoa developed coiled tails. The technique proved useful for defining the dose-effect relationship of methylmercury and sperm swimming speed.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Washington, Seattle
• OSTI ID: 5842806
• Journal Information: J. Androl.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Androl.; (United States) Vol. 1; ISSN JOAND
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
GERM CELLS
LASERS
LIGHT SCATTERING
MAMMALS
MERCURY COMPOUNDS
METHYLMERCURY
MONKEYS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC MERCURY COMPOUNDS
PRIMATES
SCATTERING
SPERMATOCYTES
VERTEBRATES
VIABILITY