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Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists and human sperm motility.
1Cambridge Research Institute, Histon, UK.
The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Several beta-blockers show spermicidal activity, with potency varying significantly. This activity appears linked to lipid solubility and membrane properties, not beta-blocking effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents are widely used clinically.
- Their potential spermicidal activity has not been extensively studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the spermicidal activity of various beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents.
- To investigate the relationship between spermicidal potency and drug properties.
Main Methods:
- Transmembrane migration method was employed to assess spermicidal activity.
- A range of beta-blockers were tested for their effects on sperm motility.
Main Results:
- Penbutolol, (+)-propranolol, bufuralol, (-)-alprenolol, oxprenolol, and metoprolol exhibited spermicidal activity.
- Atenolol, pindolol, practolol, and tolamolol showed no significant activity.
- Potency order: penbutolol > (+)-propranolol > bufuralol > (-)-alprenolol > oxprenolol > metoprolol.
Conclusions:
- Spermicidal activity of beta-blockers is distinct from their beta-blocking effects.
- Lipid solubility and nonspecific membrane properties contribute to spermicidal potency, but do not solely predict it.