Analysis of serum and seminal plasma after feeding ochratoxin A with breeding boars

The aim of the experiment was to investigate whether or not ochratoxin A (O A) can be detected in seminal plasma after feeding the toxin in five and 10 times of the human tolerable daily intake with breeding boars and how toxi n profiles of serum and seminal plasma correspond to each other. In additio n to that, the effect of the toxin challenge on motility and longevity of b oar semen was also evaluated. OA from samples was analyzed by microplate EL ISA. Percentage of progressive motility of spermatozoa was determined initi ally and after 24, 48, 96, 120 and 144 h of storage. OA appeared in serum a nd seminal plasma shortly after toxin application had started. Significant reduction of initial motility and impaired longevity was observed after tox in withdrawal. These findings suggest that OA might have the potential to a ffect sperm production and semen quality of boars, but further research is required to elucidate whether OA exerts direct effect on germinal epitheliu m or disturbs sperm cell maturation only. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.