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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
08:22
Using an Extracellular Flux Analyzer to Measure Changes in Glycolysis and Oxidative Phosphorylation during Mouse Sperm Capacitation
Published on: January 22, 2020
Distinct metabolic strategies drive variation in mass motility longevity between rams
Madeleine Van de Hoek1, Jessica P Rickard1, Simon P de Graaf1
1School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Room 344 Level 3, RMC Gunn Building, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Sperm motility longevity in rams varies significantly. Distinct metabolic profiles, not just substrate levels, determine how long sperm remain motile, offering insights into sperm preservation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Sperm physiology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Sperm motility longevity is crucial for assessing sperm function and resilience.
- Inter-individual variability in motility duration and its underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize variations in mass sperm motility duration among rams.
- To investigate the association between motility longevity and distinct metabolic profiles in ram spermatozoa.
Main Methods:
- Collected and analyzed 314 successive ejaculates from 23 Merino rams.
- Utilized targeted mass spectrometry to analyze seminal plasma metabolites from ejaculates with shortest and longest motility durations.
- Assessed metabolite changes immediately post-collection and at motility cessation.
Main Results:
- Mass motility duration showed wide variation (11 min to >20 h) among rams.
- Motility duration was not strongly correlated with ejaculate volume or sperm concentration.
- Short-lasting ejaculates exhibited rapid fructose depletion and lactate accumulation, indicating reliance on glycolysis.
- Long-lasting ejaculates maintained fructose levels and showed sustained mitochondrial oxidation, with increased hexose phosphates and pyruvate utilization.
- Accumulation of α-ketoglutarate and 2-hydroxyglutarate in short-lasting ejaculates suggested mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic regulation, not solely substrate availability, is a key factor determining ram sperm motility longevity.
- Understanding the metabolic coordination in long-lasting ejaculates can inform strategies for extending sperm viability during processing and storage.
Keywords:
glycolysismetabolismmotilityoxidative phosphorylationredox statesheepsperm concentrationwave motionMore Related Videos
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