Study of sperm concentration, seminal plasma composition and their physiological correlation in the Persian sturgeon,...

The objectives of the present study were to determine ionic and organic composition of seminal plasma, sperm concentration and their relationships in the Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus). In this regard, ionic content (Na(+) , K(+) , Cl(-) , Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) ) and organic content (total protein, glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride) along with sperm concentration were measured in 17 specimens of the Persian sturgeon. The seminal plasma contained 59.53 ± 2.56 mm/l sodium, 9.1 ± 1.42 mm chloride, 4.72 ± 0.3 mm potassium, 1.45 ± 0.075 mm calcium and 0.7 ± 0.072 mm magnesium. The following organic contents were found: total protein 0.11 ± 0.02 g/dl, glucose 22.18 ± 4.16 mg/dl, cholesterol 6.67 ± 1.04 mg/dl and triglyceride 15.2 ± 0.65 mg/dl. The mean sperm concentration was estimated to be 1.6 ± 0.12 (×10(9)  sperm/ml). A significant relationship was found between sperm concentration and K(+) of seminal plasma (r = 0.533, p < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between ionic contents: Na(+) vs Cl(-) (r = -0.854, p < 0.01) and Mg(2+) vs K(+) (-0.583, p < 0.05). Also, level of triglyceride was negatively correlated with Mg(2+) (r = -0.503, p < 0.05). Presented data could be considered as a complementary study for developing special extenders and protectant solutions for improving artificial fertilization in this valuable species.