Temperature Shock in Human Spermatozoa

Abstract

Summary

1. Human semen in the presence and absence of glycerol was cooled at various rapid rates above the freezing temperature in order to ascertain whether or not the spermatozoa exhibited temperature shock. It was found that these cells, unlike the majority of other mammalian cells, are not susceptible to this phenomenon. It is indicated, therefore, that the death of spermatozoa, which occurs when human semen is exposed to extremely low temperatures, is associated with ice formation. 2. Spermatozoa in human semen in the presence and absence of glycerol showed no deleterious effects when they were rapidly re-warmed above the freezing temperature. Therefore, if death occurs during the thawing of frozen human semen, then most likely it too is associated with ice formation. 3. The possible role of glycerol in temperature shock is discussed.