Method for testing the toxicity of chemicals using hyperactivated spermatozoa

摘要

A method is provided for the in vitro testing of chemicals to determine reproductive toxicity using hyperactivated rabbit spermatozoa, and a method is provided for the in vitro production of said rabbit spermatozoa of hyperactivated motility useful in said testing. Spermatozoa are incubated in a simple salts medium in air at 22 DEG to 37 DEG C. Hyperactivated motility develops in one-half to one hour. Motility parameters are then measured using motion analysis systems and models for the classification of spermatozoa based on motility. Inhibition of hyperactivated motility of spermatozoa by exposure to chemicals may be used as an in vitro method of assessing the reproductive consequences of exposure of males to chemicals.