Human spermatozoa motility analysis in a Ringer's solution containing cupric ions

The ability of cupric ions to immobilize human spermatozoa was assessed in vitro using an optical microscope. A Ringer's solution containing human spermatozoa and three cupric ion concentrations of 8 X 10(-8) mol/L, 8 X 10(-6) mol/L and 8 X 10(-5) mol/L were tested. The higher cupric ion concentrations (8 X 10(-5) mol/L and 8 X 10(-6) mol/L) significantly reduced spermatozoa motility after about 20 min. However, with the lower cupric ion concentration tested (8 X 10(-8) mol/L), also for 20-min experimentation, the reduction in motility was more limited. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.