study of changes in sperm mitochondrial electron transport chain [ETC] enzymes activities, ultrastructure and motility among lysergic acid [LSD] users

ABSTRACT

Lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD] is considered the primary drug that makes up the hallucinogen class. This is the first study to report on the effect of LSD abuse on ultrastructure and electron transport chain enzymes activities of sperms of LSD users. In this study, it was hypothesized that LSD might exert its toxic effects upon sperm cells of its users by affecting sperm mitochondrial function that might have adverse effects on sperm motility and morphology. So, the target of this study was to investigate the relationship between sperm motility and mitochondrial electron transport chain enzymes activities in LSD users. The obtained results showed that semen samples of LSD users [n = 15] have significantly lower sperm motility and lower activities of complexes I, II. III, IV and citrate synthase as compared with those of controls. Moreover, a direct and positive correlation was found in the whole population studied between spermatozoa motility and all the mitochondrial electron transport chain enzymes activities assayed [I, II III, and IV]. In addition the ultrastructure study of sperms revealed that LSD mainly induces degenerated mitochondrial sheath with large cytoplasmic droplets. In conclusion, LSD impairs sperm motility through its direct toxic effect on sperm mitochondria leading to decreased mitochondrial energy production