Derivatives of 2-nitrofluorene cause changes of human sperm motility

The effects on human sperm motility characteristics of 2-nitrofluorene and selected derivatives were studied in vitro, using computer aided sperm analysis (Cellsoft). Substances to be tested were dissolved in acetone and added to separated spermatozoa in culture media to final concentrations of 100 and 1000 microM. Aliquots were removed immediately (< 5 min.) and 24 hr after the addition and tested for sperm motility characteristics. Four of the substances tested; 2,4,7-trinitrofluoren-9-one (2,4,7-tNFO), 2,5-diaminofluorene (2,5-dAF), 7-hydroxy-2-nitrofluorene (7-OH-NF) and 2,7-diaminofluorene (2,7-dAF) showed strong detrimental effects on the sperm motility. Slight detrimental effects were also recorded using 2-nitrofluorene and 2,5-dinitrofluorene (2,5-dNF). Weak stimulatory effects were obtained using 2-acetoamidofluorene (AAF) and 2,7-dinitrofluorene (2,7-dNF). No significant effects were seen with 5-hydroxy-2-nitrofluorene (5-OH-NF), 2-aminofluorene (AF), 2-aminofluoren-9-one (AFO), 2-amino-9-hydroxyfluorene (9-OH-AF) or 9-hydroxy-2-nitrofluorene (9-OH-NF). The mechanism behind this effect is not known but it could be speculated that these lipophilic substances interact with the membranes or the cellular respiration.