Absence of Direct Effect of Beta-Endorphin and Calcitonin on Human Sperm Motility

Abstract

Beta-endorphin and calcitonin are found in the male reproductive tract. To elucidate the role of these hormones in reproduction, we studied their effect on sperm motility in vitro. Eight semen specimens were obtained from healthy donors, washed, and incubated with different concentrations of human beta-endorphin and human calcitonin. After 30 min of incubation, percentage of motile sperm (% motility), mean progressive velocity (MPV), and lateral head displacement (LHD) were assessed by a computerized semen analyzer. There were no significant differences in any of the sperm motility parameters between control and treated sperm. There was also no correlation between the concentration of beta-endorphin or calcitonin and any sperm motility parameters. It would appear that beta-endorphin and calcitonin may not directly affect sperm motility parameters in vitro.

Key Words:

• Sperm
• Endorphin
• Calcitonin
• Motility computers.