RELATIONSHIP OF ENDOGENOUS ATP TO FLAGELLAR BEAT FREQUENCY IN EJACULATED BULL SPERMATOZOA

The relationship between endogenous ATP and flagellar beat frequency of bull spermatozoa was investigated using cinematographic and biochemical criteria. ATP content was measured by the luciferin-luciferase method. Potassium, sodium, chloride, and viscosity were used to alter motility to establish the concomitant effects on ATP content. Beat frequency was correlated to endogenous ATP in potassium-supplemented media. Increased sodium concentration was related to ATP content, but not to beat frequency. With increasing viscosity of the medium, the frequency of flagellary beat decreased dramatically, while ATP content of the cells remained unchanged. © 1979, Informa UK Ltd. All rights reserved.