The Effect of Egg Albumen and of Sperm Immobilization on the Rate of Oxygen Uptake by Fowl Spermatozoa

BOBR et al. (1964) have suggested that the spermatozoa ascend the oviduct from the uterovaginal glands at about the time of oviposition and ovulation. It is at that time that albumen starts to be secreted (Romanoff and Romanoff, 1949) and of necessity the spermatozoa come in contact with it. Elsewhere, it was reported by the present authors (Lehrer and Schindler, 1969) that homogenates prepared from the mucosal layer of the magnum affect the oxygen uptake of the spermatozoa in vitro in relation to the amount of albumen present when the oviduct was excised. Wilcox (1960) reported that egg white added to the diluent may increase the fertility of stored fowl semen, and according to previous literature reviewed by him, egg white has a favorable effect on the preservation of fowl sperm motility. In view of the apparent association of albumen with the prolongation of fowl sperm survival in vivo and…