Postcopulatory sexual selection increases ATP content in rodent spermatozoa

TOURMENTE, MAXIMILIANO; ROLDAN, EDUARDO R. S.

Sheffield

Congreso; 12th Biology of Spermatozoa Meeting; 2013

University of Sheffield

Rapid swimming speed is crucial for mammalian spermatozoa since it is required to overcome physical barriers, reach the ovum and penetrate its vestments. Faster velocities associate with high sperm competition levels due to increases in sperm dimensions, but they may also relate to higher ATP content. We examined if sperm ATP content relates to sperm competition and sperm swimming speed in rodents. We found that sperm competition associates with variations in both sperm ATP content and sperm-size adjusted ATP concentrations. Moreover, both measures were associated with sperm swimming velocities. Thus, sperm competition may select for higher sperm ATP content leading to faster swimming velocity.