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  • Title: A comparative evaluation of spermicidal activities of iron salts.
    Author: Safaya S, Sikka SC, Sharma BR, Laumas KH.
    Journal: Indian J Exp Biol; 1979 May; 17(5):465-8. PubMed ID: 521063.
    Abstract:
    The mechanism of action of the sperm-immobilizing effects of various iron salts has not been established. This study was conducted to determine: 1) the effects of tonicity of the medium containing ferrous and ferric salts on the motility of human sperm and their effect on fructose utilization; and 2) the effect of pH on the medium of sperm motility. Fresh semen samples with 50% or more motility and with a count of more than 70 million per ml were used. A new total spermicidal test which mixes liquified semen with diluted iron salt solutions and observing a drop under a microscope within 40 seconds was used. Aqueous solutions of ferric chloride, ferric ammonium sulfate and ferrous sulfate were prepared in the ranges of their hypotonic, isotonic and hypertonic concentrations. The results show that the interaction of spermatozoa with iron salts accounts for the varying degree of irreversible immobilization. Instantaneous, complete and irreversible sperm immobilization required hypertonic concentrations of ferric chloride, ferric ammonium sulfate and ferrous sulfate. A significant degree of irreversibility was also observed at isotonic concentrations of these salt solutions. Ferric chloride and ferric ammonium sulfate exhibited total spermicidal action at comparatively lower concentrations; both have a higher acidic characteristic compared to ferrous sulfate. Ferric salts are thus more potent sperm-immobilizing agents than ferrous salts. Toxic alteration in enzyme systems, particularly those with sulphydryl groups, is probably the underlying mechanism behind motility inhibition.
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