Stimulation of Motility and Energy Metabolism of Spermatozoa From Asthenozoospermic Patients by 17β-Estradiol

Abstract

Spermatozoa from nine asthenozoospennic patients were incubated for 3 h in Krebs Phosphate Ringer (KRP), supplemented or not with 17β-estradiol. 17β-estradiol increased the mean velocity and maintained the percentage of motility during the first 2 h of incubation. Oxydative metabolism and intracellular ATP concentrations were enhanced, too, whereas glycolysis remained unchanged.

Key Words:

• Asthenozoospermia
• Spermatozoa
• 17β-estradiol
• Motility
• Energy metabolism