An investigation on lipoperoxidation mechanisms in boar spermatozoa

Aerobic incubation of washed boar spermatozoa in a heavy metal free medium at 37 degrees C results in a peroxidative breakdown of membrane phospholipids as revealed by malondialdehyde production. In the presence of iron ions, alone and with ascorbate, the amount of malondialdehyde produced increases noticeably. Alkoxy and lipoperoxy radicals are likely involved in these peroxidative processes, while OH. radical does not seem to be essential in the pathway of malondialdehyde formation.