[Energy metabolism of spermatozoa: present status of the subject]

The energetic metabolism of the human sperm is characterized by the predominant importance of glycolytic pathway, with the probable participation of the pentose shunt. The participation of the aerobic pathway is very small since the oxidative phosphorylation seems to be partially uncoupled at time of ejaculation. There is no correlation between the respiratory activity and the mobility of the sperm. The effects of several physicochemical conditions were studied, indicating that the spermatozoon is indeed very resistant to variations of its environment. Seminal plasma seems to be a rather unsuitable medium for investigations of the glycolytic pathway, with the probable participation of the pentose shunt.