Inactivation of Spermatozoa by Lactate and Reactivation with Alkali

In two experiments, comparisons were made on the inactivation and reactivation by alkalinization of spermatozoa in two basic diluters: (a) YC, consisting of one part egg yolk and one part of a 2.9% solution of' sodium citrate dihydrate, and (b) YGL, consisting of one part yolk, four parts of a 5% solution of glucose, and one part of different combinations of a 1.25% solution of lactic acid and a 0.6% solution of sodium hydroxide to have different pH levels. Survival of spermatozoa in the lactate diluents at 5 C. for seven days was not enhanced by the presence of sulfanilamide. Rather, complete inactivation of spermatozoa was observed after storage in YGL at pill 6.4, but not in YC at the same pH. Reactivation of spermatozoa after storage in the lactate medium can be accomplished by increasing pI-I to levels above 7.00. These spermatozoa are then capable of maintaining motility for at least 1 hr. at room temperature or for 24 hr. at 5 C., in spite of high pH. More work is needed to determine the value of inactivation with lactate in preservation of spermatozoa.