Inhibition of the metabolism of ram spermatozoa by derivatives of α‐chlorohydrin

Abstract

The effects of the male antifertility agent, α‐chlorohydrin, six of its derivatives, and glycidol were studied on the metabolism of washed ram spermatozoa in vitro with fructose as substrate. The α‐chlorohydrin derivatives were the amino, the phosphorylated, and four glycol‐bridge (ketal) compounds. All compounds except glycidol, in a concentration between 0.1 and 100 mM, reduced the aerobic glycolsis and/or oxidation of fructose. However, there was not a high correlation between the ability of these compounds to inhibit the metabolism of ram spermatozoa in vitro and their antifertility activity when administered to male rats. Other factors are clearly involved in their antifertility activity, eg, the concentration of the compounds in the epididymis and their conversion of either more or less spermicidal compounds in the body.

Antifertility Actions of a-Chlorohydrin in the Male

“…The ketal derivative (7a) possessed an antifertility action in male rats whereas the three analogues 7b, 7e, and 8 were ineffective . Compounds 7a, 7b, 7e and 8 reduced the aerobic glycolysis and oxidation of fructose by ejaculated ram sperm (Brown-Woodman et al 1981).…”