A test procedure is described for the use of ejaculated bovine spermatozoa in evaluating the in vitro cytotoxicity of chemicals. Results from experiments with model substances with known modes of action (inhibitors of mitochondrial electron transport, uncouplers of mitochondrial phosphorylation, surfactants, organic solvents) are presented and suggest that specific toxic-response patterns can be defined for the different modes of action. It is concluded that the in vitro toxicity profiles obtained in the assay described can be used for a first qualitative analysis of the cytotoxic action of little studied or new compounds, in addition to a quantitative assessment of their cytotoxic potency.
SeibertH., and KolossaM. (1987). Quantitative structure-toxicity relationships of substituted phenols determined in vitro with a sperm motility assay. In Alternatives to Animal Experiments in Risk Assessment, 135 pp. Berlin: Schering AG.
2.
SeibertH., KolossaM., and WassermannO. (1989). Bovine spermatozoa as an in vitro model for studies on the cytotoxicity of chemicals: effects of chlorophenols.Cell Biology and Toxicology, 5, 315–330.
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SeibertH. (1988). Messung der Bewegungsaktivität der Spermatozoen von Mensch und Rind mit Hilfe von Videomikrographie und Computerbildanalyse.Fertilität4, 215–218.
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ChapmanA.G., and AtkinsonD.E. (1973). Stablization of adenylate energy charge by the adenylate deaminase reaction.Journal of Biological Chemistry248, 8309–8312.
