Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes
Published on: November 28, 2018
Fluoride decreased the sperm ATP of mice through inhabiting mitochondrial respiration
Zilong Sun1, Wen Zhang2, Xingchen Xue1
1College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China.
Abstract:
Fluoride-induced low sperm motility was observed in accumulated investigations. However, the effect of fluoride exposure on ATP generation which is essential to sperm motility remains to be elucidated. In this study, 120 healthy male mice were orally administrated with 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg L(-1) NaF for 90 d. Results showed that compared with controls, fluoride ingestion significantly reduced sperm count, survival, as well as mobility and total ATP level in sperm untreated with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) or pyruvate, which was used to establish glycolysis or mitochondrial respiration model, respectively. Data further revealed that sperm mobility and ATP level under mitochondrial respiration condition were significantly suppressed, while no statistical difference occurred in the model of glycolysis, indicating ATP derived from mitochondria was affected. Moreover, mRNA expressions of mitochondrial cytochrome b (mt-Cytb) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (mt-COX2), two important molecules in mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC), were down-regulated in all fluoride treatment groups. Mitochondria in sperm of mice exposed to 100 mg L(-1) NaF appeared to be irregular and vacuolated. These findings suggested that decreased sperm motility induced by fluoride may result from low ATP generation due to the disturbed ETC in sperm mitochondrial.
Insights
Fluoride exposure significantly reduces sperm count and motility in mice by disrupting mitochondrial ATP generation. This impacts sperm energy production, potentially affecting male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Mitochondrial function
- Environmental health
Background:
- Fluoride exposure is linked to reduced sperm motility.
- The precise mechanism, particularly concerning ATP generation, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sodium fluoride (NaF) on sperm ATP generation and motility in male mice.
- To elucidate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in fluoride-induced infertility.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were orally administered varying doses of NaF (0, 25, 50, 100 mg L(-1)) for 90 days.
- Sperm count, survival, motility, and ATP levels were assessed under glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration conditions.
- mRNA expression of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) components (mt-Cytb, mt-COX2) and sperm mitochondrial morphology were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Fluoride ingestion significantly decreased sperm count, survival, motility, and ATP levels.
- Sperm motility and ATP production under mitochondrial respiration were suppressed, while glycolysis-dependent ATP was unaffected.
- Down-regulation of mt-Cytb and mt-COX2 mRNA and observed mitochondrial abnormalities in high-dose groups.
Conclusions:
- Fluoride exposure impairs sperm motility primarily by inhibiting mitochondrial ATP generation.
- Disturbance of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is a key mechanism underlying fluoride's adverse effects on sperm.
- These findings highlight the potential risk of fluoride in male reproductive health.
