Seminal plasma effects on bovine endometrial respiration.

The oxygen uptake of bovine endometrium was less when perfused with seminal plasma than when perfused with Krebs-Ringer phosphate buffer solution. Dialysing the seminal plasma against Krebs\x=req-\ Ringer phosphate buffer solution did not alter the depressant action of the seminal plasma. The depressant substance was shown to be partially heat labile. Variable mineral concentrations were not responsible for the respiratory depression of the endometrium. It was found, however, that calcium is contributed to the seminal plasma in various amounts and that this contribution is made in conjunction with or associated with the non\x=req-\ dialysable depressant substance. Calcium does not appear to be tightly bound to the non-dialysable material and its removal does not alter the depressant action. It was shown that the degree of respiratory depression is related to the dry weight of non-dialysable seminal plasma.