Spermatogenesis and sperm maturation are closely related to temperature and require a temperature slightly lower than the normal body temperature. Therefore, high temperature is an important external factor affecting sperm function, and the studies on the underlying mechanisms are of great significance for the treatment of male infertility, improvement of in vitro sperm preservation and further elucidation of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. It is known currently that the influence of high temperature on sperm involves genetic material, morphology, survival rate, motility and fertility, most of which have been found in various species and may be attributed to the conserved common process or common substances in spermatogenesis and maturation. An overwhelming majority of the influencing factors produce negative effects and a very few have positive ones, and their action mechanisms are mostly unknown. This review summarizes the results of current studies on the effect of high temperature on spermatogenesis and sperm maturation and on the sperm function in various species.
Keywords: male infertility; spermatozoa; high temperature.