This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by TESH, J. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by TESH, J. M.

EFFECTS OF THE AGEING OF RABBIT SPERMATOZOA IN UTERO ON FERTILIZATION AND PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

Summary.: The effect on fertilization and post-fertilization development of ageing spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract has been studied in 114 female rabbits. Ageing of the spermatozoa was effected by artificially inseminating does and thereafter deliberately delaying the administration of luteinizing hormone (LH) for different periods. In this way, spermatozoa reaching the site of fertilization were `older' than normal. Under these conditions, fertilizing capacity was retained by the spermatozoa for up to 31 hr before ovulation. The main effect of ageing appeared to be on fertilization and to a lesser extent on post-implantation development. No effect was found on pre-implantation development and no increase in the incidence of foetal abnormalities was observed. The sex ratio was found to be unaltered, and the mean foetal weight was within normal limits.