Effect of Castration and Steroid Therapy on Seminal Plasma with Respect to Fructose Utilization by Normal Bull Sperm. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. The method employed for the separation of normal bull semen into plasma and sperm with subsequent reconstitution appears to have no detrimental effect upon the ability of the sperm to metabolize fructose. 2. Similar results were obtained when semen from three normal bulls was intermixed. 3. The immediate administration of testosterone propionate to a bull at the time of castration prevents the loss of seminal fructose resulting from castration. Seminal plasma from such an animal was not fully capable of maintaining the metabolism of fructose by normal sperm. 4. Seminal plasma of negligible fructose content from a bull in which castration changes were allowed to develop before testosterone therapy was begun failed to support a normal rate of fructolysis since only 20 per cent of added fructose was utilized by normal sperm. Testosterone therapy caused a marked increase in both seminal fructose and the utilization thereof. Subsequent withdrawal and resumption of steroid therapy produced similar results. Thereafter, in spite of continued treatment with testosterone, the seminal plasma of this castrate only partially supported fructose metabolism. 5. Vasoresection in a bull had no adverse effect on either sex drive or the production of seminal fructose. However, when normal sperm was transferred to seminal plasma from this bull, the utilization of fructose was, contrary to expectations, markedly reduced. This would indicate that vasectomy adversely affects the functional status of the accessory sex organs.