Reduction capacity on nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) of the normal human spermatozoa

Experimental conditions were determined to find out if washed spermatozoids from fertile, health donors are capable of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction in a similar way (although in the absence of a substrate) to that of leukocytes. Formazan blue formation obtained suggest the participation of the NADH oxidoreductase mitochondrial enzyme. The sperm capacity for NBT reduction might be take as a reflection of human sperm metabolic capacity. Our results seem to be useful for comparison of reduction (metabolic) capacity of normal sperms with that of individuals with fertility problems.