Red LED Light Acts on the Mitochondrial Electron Chain of Mammalian Sperm via Light-Time Exposure-Dependent Mechanisms

Abstract

This work analyzes the effects of red LED light on mammalian sperm mitochondrial function, using the pig as an animal model. Liquid-stored pig semen was stimulated with red-light for 1, 5 and 10 min in the presence or absence of oligomycin A, a specific inhibitor of mitochondrial ATP synthase, or carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP), a specific disruptor of mitochondrial electron chain. Whereas exposure for 1 and 5 min significantly (p 2 consumption and mitochondrial membrane potential, whereas compared to non-irradiated samples, FCCP significantly (p 2 consumption when sperm were irradiated for 1 min. Both oligomycin A and FCCP significantly (p c oxidase activity with a maximal effect after 5 min of irradiation, which was abolished by both oligomycin A and FCCP. In conclusion, red-light modulates sperm mitochondrial function via electron chain activity in an exposition, time-dependent manner.

Keywords

• sperm
• photobiology
• mitochondrial function
• mammalian
• oligomycin A
• FCCP