The aim of this study was to investigate the response of Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) sperm to external cations (Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+)) and their susceptibility on the induction of motility and swimming behavior. An in vitro spermatozoa motility assay was used by a computer-aided Motion-Analysis system. Sperm motility was inhibited by 60 mM NaCl (~140 mOsm/kg) and 0.7 mM KCl solutions (~ 21.4 mOsm/kg). The Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) ions were not able to inhibit spermatozoa motility. By contrast, Na(+) within a limited concentration range (between 45 and 55 mm) was able to reverse the inhibitory effect of K(+) at the critical concentration (0.7 mM). Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) were also able to reverse the K(+)-mediated spermatozoa motility restriction at concentrations starting at 0.01 and 0.1 mM, respectively. These results provide evidence for the role of K(+) in suppressing spermatozoa motility, and suggest that Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and possibly Na(+) trigger motility in Russian sturgeon sperm.

University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters Zatisi 728 2 Vodnany Czech Republic

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