Effects of Oyster Extract on Sperm Counts and Motility in Zinc-Deficient Mice

Abstract

It is well-known that the oyster extract contains a large amount of zinc. Zinc is an essential nutrient required for normal reproductive development and function in mammals. Zinc deficiency in males has profound effects on spermatogenesis. Therefore, we studied the effects of oyster extract on sperm maturation and function in zinc-deficient mice. Zinc deficiency for 12 weeks induced the decrease in body weight, testis weight and sperm counts in epididymis. After zinc deficiency for 6 weeks, an increase in sperm counts was induced in the zinc carbonate-supplemented group. On the other hand, the sperm motility significantly increased in the oyster extract-supplemented group. Some nutrients containing oyster extract, such as taurin and glycogen, may be directly or indirectly related with the sperm function. From these findings, it is suggested that the oyster extract may be a useful diet which can prevent the defects of spermatogenesis in the zinc-deficient status.