5-(1h-indol-3-yl)-oxazole, -oxadiazole and -furan derivatives as enhancers of sperm motility

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (I), stereoisomers, and physiologicaily tolerable salts thereof, to enhance the motility of sperm obtained from a non-human mammal: wherein in formula I: X is —NR'— (in which R′ is H or Calkyl. e.g. —CH), —O—, —S— or —CH—; Y is —S—, —O—, —NR″— (in which R″ is H or Calkyl, e.g. —CH), or —CH—; Zand Zare independently selected from N and CH; R1 to R3 are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, Calkyl, Calkoxy, Chaloalkyl, —OH, —CN, —NOand —NRR; Ris hydrogen, halogen, Calkyl, Calkoxy, Chaloalkyl, or —OH; Ris hydrogen, halogen, Calkyl, Calkoxy, or Chaloalkyl; Rand Rare independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, Calkyl, Calkoxy, Chaloalkyl, —OH, —CN, —NOand —NRR; Ris hydrogen, halogen, Calkyl, Calkoxy, Chaloalkyl, —CN, —NOor —NRR; Ris hydrogen or Calkyl; Rand Rare independently selected from hydrogen and Calkyl; or Rand R, together with the intervening —O— and ring atoms, are joined to form a dioxolane ring; and Rand Rare independently selected from H and Calkyl. The compounds find particular use in animal husbandry to increase the rate of fertilization in artificial insemination of livestock, especially pigs. They can also be used to prepare, pre-treat or store semen for use in artificial insemination procedures.