Aim: To assess the CoQ10 levels in pigeon spermatozoa and to verify their possible correlation with spermatic kinetic parameters. Methods: In pigeons the sperm motility percentage (MOT%), mean linear velocity (VCM) and morphology were determined in ejaculated semen. In addition intracellular CoQ10 concentrations were also detected with a HPLC method. Results: Intracellular CoQ10 levels demonstrated wide individual variations, averaging 4.852.31 (SD) ng/106 spermatozoa. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation of the substance with the sperm concentration (r= 0.63; P<0.05) and with the VCM (r=0.66; P<0.05), and a negative correlation with the MOT% (r= -0.78; P=0.01). No correlation was found between the CoQ10 concentration and the percentage of normal spermatozoa. Conclusion: Our results suggest a possible role for CoQ10 as a "fertility marker" in pigeons, which may be employed to monitor the pharmacological effects of cytostatic substances often used to reduce the pigeon fertility in urban environment.

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