Microelectrophoresis of bovine spermatozoa.

The electrokinetic properties of bovine spermatozoa were studied during microelectrophoresis. An apparent direct correlation between increased motility and increased voltage was observed with lower charges. However at potential gradients above 190 volts spermatozoa motility began to decrease and was rendered completely immotile at the 250 volt potential. Immotile sperm migrated only in the direction of the current. No 2-way migration was observed as reported in a previous study. Immotile and low-motility spermatozoa underwent galvanotaxis. Random motility of the greater number of spermatozoa was not affected until the potential reached lethal levels. It is concluded that electrophoretic separation of normal spermatozoa may depend upon electrophoresis galvanotaxis and increased motility of sperm.