Metabolism of Glycerol and Similar Compounds by Bull Spermatozoa

Abstract

Actively motile washed bull spermatozoa metabolize glycerol aerobically producing lactic acid and material estimating as fructose. This process is accompanied by increased O2 uptake and decreased aerobic fructolysis. Dihydroxyacetone, but not phosphoglycerol, is oxidized at a similar rate and lactic acid is formed. It may be an intermediate of glycerol breakdown. Sorbitol is also oxidized by washed bull spermatozoa producing lactic acid and material estimating as fructose. Glycerol and sorbitol combined yield fructose in amounts greater than their separate effects.