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Lithium inhibits human sperm motility in vitro.
Author(s) -
Raoof NT,
Pearson RM,
Turner P
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
british journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.216
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1365-2125
pISSN - 0306-5251
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1989.tb03565.x
Subject(s) - motility , sperm motility , sperm , semen , lithium (medication) , in vitro , andrology , incubation , pharmacology , biology , chemistry , medicine , endocrinology , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry
Lithium is a widely prescribed drug used for the treatment of bipolar affective illness. Previous reports on its effects on sperm motility and male fertility are conflicting. The effect of lithium on human sperm motility was examined in vitro using the modified transmembrane migration method. This technique takes account of the dilution of lithium that occurs during the incubation. Lithium inhibits human sperm motility in vitro in concentrations comparable with those reported to be achieved in semen after oral administration.