Role of reactive oxygen species on normal and abnormal function of equine spermatozoa

摘要

Although oxidative stress was suggested as an important factor in disruption of sperm function over 50 years ago, it is only recently that the importance of oxidative stress has gained a wider understanding. Numerous studies indicate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in normal sperm function and that an imbalance in the production or degradation of ROS may have serious adverse effects on sperm. The objectives of the studies summarized here were to evaluate the generation of ROS by equine sperm, to determine the effect of ROS on normal and abnormal sperm function, to measure the activity of enzyme scavengers in seminal plasma as well as to assess the effect of antioxidants on sperm storage.