Importance of zinc for human sperm head-tail connection

Head-tail detachment of ejaculated human spermatozoa was studied with phase contrast microscopy. The frequency of head-tail detachment was assessed after sperm exposure to the anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for 60 min at 22 degrees C. Decapitation was enhanced by EDTA. Zinc reversibly inhibited native as well as EDTA induced head-tail disconnection. Still a certain proportion of spermatozoa were resistant to EDTA-treatment and this proportion significantly increased upon 24 h of saline storage. The development of EDTA resistance was enhanced by EDTA treatment before storage. A physiological role for zinc as a preserver of an inherent mechanism for head-tail detachment is suggested.