Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes
08:58

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes

Published on: November 28, 2018

13.2K

Trifluoperazine effect on human sperm: The accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the decrease in the

Houpeng Wang1, Cheng Cheng2, Jing Ding2

  • 1Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Disease Prevention and Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, China.

Reproductive Toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.)
|October 6, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Trifluoperazine (TFP), an antipsychotic, may harm male fertility. High TFP concentrations reduced sperm viability by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Toxicology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antipsychotic drug use is linked to reduced human sperm quality.
  • Trifluoperazine (TFP), a common antipsychotic, is being investigated for anticancer properties.
  • The impact of TFP on human sperm quality is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of TFP on human sperm function and physiological parameters in vitro.
  • To determine the concentration-dependent toxicity of TFP on sperm.

Main Methods:

  • Human sperm were co-cultured with various concentrations of TFP (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μM).
  • Sperm function and physiological parameters, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), viability, motility, penetration ability, capacitation, and acrosome reaction, were assessed.

Main Results:

  • TFP concentrations of 50 μM and 100 μM increased ROS and decreased MMP, leading to reduced sperm viability.
  • 25 μM TFP inhibited sperm penetration ability, total motility, and progressive motility.
  • Lower TFP concentrations (12.5 and 25 μM) increased intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) but did not affect capacitation or acrosome reaction, possibly due to lack of increased tyrosine phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

  • TFP can induce male reproductive toxicity.
  • Mechanisms of toxicity include ROS accumulation and decreased MMP in human sperm.
  • These findings highlight potential risks of TFP use on male fertility.
Keywords:
Drug repurposingHuman semen qualityIn vitroIntracellular calcium concentrationTrifluoperazine

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Intracellular Location of Reactive Oxygen Species in Solea Senegalensis Spermatozoa10:24

Evaluation of Intracellular Location of Reactive Oxygen Species in Solea Senegalensis Spermatozoa

Published on: March 11, 2018

6.2K
Author Spotlight: Advancing Male Infertility Research by Unraveling Sperm Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function08:32

Author Spotlight: Advancing Male Infertility Research by Unraveling Sperm Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function

Published on: June 23, 2023

1.6K

Related Concept Videos

Spermatogenesis01:41

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...
102.2K
Infertility in Males01:23

Infertility in Males

Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
253