Showing papers on "Semen analysis published in 1990"

Aniline blue staining as a marker of sperm chromatin defects associated with different semen characteristics discriminates between proven fertile and suspected infertile men

Abstract: A retrospective study of 49 men with proven fertility and 396 suspected infertile men was conducted with the primary objective of investigating the relationship between the nuclear maturity of sperm and male fertility. Acidic aniline blue staining was used to detect chromatin defects of sperm nuclei related to their nucleoprotein content as associated with DNA. The discriminant value of the percentage of unstained nuclei (= percentage of mature heads, MH) and of other semen characteristics, was analysed by a stepwise (forward) linear regression model. Semen characteristics that discriminated significantly between the two groups of subjects were, in descending order: (1) the percentage of normal sperm, (2) the percentage of amorphous heads, (3) the percentage of tapered heads, (4) semen volume, and (5) the percentage of MH. The discriminant value of each of the significant characteristics was studied by means of ROC-curves. MH had the best ROC-curve profile; its cut-off value was found to be equal to 70% (74.5 +/- 2.6% for the donor group versus 53.0 +/- 1.1% for the patient group). A simple infertility score (SIS) including MH, was built according to the cut-off values inferred from the ROC-curves. SIS allowed an overall satisfactory separation of the two groups (less than or equal to 4 = fertile, 5-6 = uncertainty zone, greater than 6 = infertile). Our results indicate that the addition of the evaluation of sperm head maturity to routine semen analysis improves the assessment of fertility in men.

CRC handbook of the laboratory diagnosis and treatment of infertility

Abstract: The Infertility Evaluation. The Endometrial Biopsy. The Semen Analysis. Critical Evaluation of Sperm Morphology Comparison with In Vitro Fertilization. Biochemical Analysis of Seminal Plasma and Spermatozoa. Objective Analysis of Sperm Motility and Kinematics. Methodology of the Optimized Sperm Penetration Assay. Sperm-Cervical Mucus Interaction. Detection of Agglutinating and Immobolizing Antisperm Antibodies. Detection of Antisperm Antibodies Using Immunobeads. Sperm Washing and Concentration Techniques. The Hemi-Zona Assay (HZA): Assessment of Fertilizing Potential by Means of Human Sperm Binding to Human Zona Pellucida. Cryopreservation of Human Semen. Microbiological Examination of the Infertile Couple. Statistical Methods for Serum Hormone Assays. Organization of the In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Laboratory. Mouse Preembryo Culture as an Evaluation for Human Preembryo Requirements. Oocyte and Embryo Cryopreservation Techniques and Results. The Morphological Assessment of Human Oocytes and Early Concepti. Index.

Human seminal clusterin (SP-40,40). Isolation and characterization

Abstract: Molecular cloning of the human complement inhibitor SP-40,40, has revealed strong homology to a major rat and ram Sertoli cell product, sulfated glycoprotein-2, known also as clusterin. This study reports the purification and characterization of human seminal clusterin. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed charge differences between clusterin purified from semen and the serum-derived material. Both preparations demonstrate comparable hemagglutination (clustering) activity and inhibition of C5b-6 initiated hemolysis. The average clusterin concentration in normal seminal plasma is considerably higher than that found in serum. Mean seminal plasma clusterin concentrations were significantly lower in azoospermia caused by obstruction or seminiferous tubule failure than with oligospermia or normospermia. Only men with vasal agenesis had undetectable seminal clusterin, suggesting that some of the seminal clusterin is produced by the seminal vesicles. Immunofluorescence of human spermatozoa revealed that clusterin was detected on 10% of spermatozoa, predominantly those that were immature or had abnormal morphology. A pilot study of 25 patients suggests that seminal clusterin concentration, together with sperm motility and morphology, is correlated with the fertilization rate in vitro. The function of seminal clusterin is unknown. Its extensive distribution in the male genital tract and its high concentration in seminal plasma suggests an important role in male fertility.

A simplified approach to sperm-cervical mucus interaction testing using a hyaluronate migration test

Abstract: Fifty-one comparisons were made of human sperm migration into capillary tubes containing either human cervical mucus ('Kremer test') or a synthetic mucus substitute consisting of a 5 mg/ml solution of sodium hyaluronate (average mol. wt 2 x 10(6)) in a phosphate-buffered medium. The results of these two tests were highly significantly correlated and dependent upon the same sperm characteristics reflecting sperm progressive ability (including the specific movement characteristic of lateral head displacement amplitude), morphological normality and cellular vitality as well as the concentration of these more functional cells in the semen. The result of the hyaluronate migration test, in conjunction with the mucus quality measures of Insler score and pH, allowed a 92.2% correct prediction of the Kremer test outcome (90.9% of normal tests and 93.1% of abnormal tests). In this data set, these values also corresponded to the sensitivity and specificity of the analysis, respectively. From these studies, we propose the hyaluronate migration test as a useful adjunct to routine semen analysis, sperm movement analysis and the more traditional in-vitro tests of sperm-cervical mucus interaction in the diagnostic investigation of infertile couples. It effectively assesses the mucus-penetrating potential of a semen sample without the need for relatively large quantities of midcycle cervical mucus; it will therefore augment (as an internal control), although not necessarily replace, the homologous Kremer test and reduce the quantity of both patient and donor mucus needed for comprehensive crossed-hostility format testing of sperm-mucus interaction.

The Long-term Outcome following “Special Clearance” after Vasectomy

Abstract: Between 1980 and 1985, 6067 out-patient vasectomies were performed under local anaesthesia at the Elliot Smith Clinic in Oxford. During this period 151 men (2.5%) were given a "special clearance". This sanctioned the discontinuation of other forms of contraception despite the persistence of scanty (less than 10,000/ml) sperm in 2 consecutively examined semen samples at least 7 months after vasectomy. These men have been reviewed and further specimens of semen requested after a minimum follow-up of 3 years (range 3-8); 50 patients supplied a specimen and all except 1 were azoospermic. No pregnancies attributable to failure of the vasectomy have been identified.

Semen characteristics of asymptomatic males affected by Trichomonas vaginalis.

Abstract: Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted anaerobic parasite which causes vaginitis and cervicitis. The present study was carried out to determine the incidence of Trichomonas infection in semen samples of asymptomatic men and also to understand the changes of semen characteristics in the infected individuals before treatment and after treatment with metronidazole (Flagyl, 400 mg x 3x a day for 10 days). The semen obtained from 1131 men was examined for different characteristics and Trichomonas were detected in wet smear preparations in 50 cases (4.42%). The characteristics of semen in them was compared with 52 normal semen samples. Statistical analysis showed that the seminal fluid viscosity and percentage particulate debris was increased significantly in the infected group (P less than 0.001). There was no significant change in the pH of semen. Spermatozoan motility and morphologically normal forms were decreased significantly (P less than 0.001), spermatozoan viability was altered, and there was a significant change in membrane integrity (P less than 0.001) as indicated by the hypoosmotic swelling test. The significant improvement in semen characteristics were seen in 25 cases after a single course of treatment. Therefore, it is possible that in some cases, the infertility seen in asymptomatic individuals may be due to infection by Trichomonas.

A comparison of two computer-automated Semen analysis instruments for the evaluation of sperm motion characteristics in the stallion

Abstract: Two commercially available computer-automate semen analysis instruments (CellSoft Automated Semen Analyzer and HTM-2000 Motion Analyzer) were compared for their ability to report similar results based on the analysis of pre-recorded video tapes of extended, motile stallion semen. The determinations of the percentage of motile cells by these instruments were more similar than the comparisons between subjective estimates and either instrument. However, mean values obtained from the same sample may still differ by as much as 30 percentage units between instruments. Instruments varied with regard to the determinations of mean sperm curvilinear velocity and sperm concentration, but mean sperm linearity determinations were similar between the instruments. We concluded that the determinations of sperm motion characteristics by subjective estimation, CellSoft Automated Semen Analyzer, and HTM-2000 Motility Analyzer are often dissimilar, making direct comparisons of results difficult.

Evaluation of the Hamilton-Thorn 2030 motility analyser for routine semen analysis in an infertility clinic

Abstract: In routine semen analysis of 242 patients the values of sperm concentration, sperm motility and progressive sperm motility were measured with the Hamilton-Thorn semen analyser (HT) and compared to the data obtained by conventional semen analysis according to the guidelines of the WHO. Overall, the HT gave higher values for sperm concentration (mean difference 21.7 +/- 46.2 x 10(6) ml-1, mean +/- SD). Motility values showed a correlation of 0.67 (slope 0.94, P less than 0.001) but were estimated lower by the HT than by conventional analysis (mean difference 7.3 +/- 21.7%); this was caused by the overestimation of sperm concentration. In the range from 0 to 50% motility the HT yielded lower values and higher values from 50 to 100% motility. Progressive motility values of the HT agreed better with conventional analysis (WHO categories a + b): the mean difference of all values was 0.5 +/- 19.5% (r = 0.74, slope = 1.0). The mean lateral head displacement measured by the HT increased with increasing sperm path velocity, but other significant correlations between sperm movement parameters could not be demonstrated. In many instances round cells and debris could not be distinguished from normal sperm. In conclusion, the HT system cannot replace conventional semen analysis in routine diagnosis.

Comparison between different pre-treatment techniques for sperm recovery prior to intrauterine insemination, GIFT or IVF

Abstract: An attempt was made to compare different pre-treatment techniques in 16 normal and proven fertile and 30 subnormal and hitherto infertile semen samples. The techniques used were (i) standard, (ii) layering, (iii) discontinuous Percoll density gradient and (iv) albumin columns. Percoll gradient was most effective in separating a high fraction of progressive motile spermatozoa (75 and 57% in normal and subnormal semen samples, respectively). The albumin columns, as well as the standard techniques, were equally effective in recovering 45 and 24% respectively of progressive motile spermatozoa in normal and subnormal semen samples. The layering method was the least effective of the four techniques (4% recovery in normal and subnormal semen samples). In cases of contamination with inflammatory cells, the standard and layering methods were significantly (P less than 0.001) more advantageous than isolations with Percoll gradient and albumin columns. The percentage of ideal forms of spermatozoa recovered from a normal semen sample was significantly higher with the standard (P less than 0.01), layering (P less than 0.05) and Percoll gradient (P less than 0.05) techniques. In subnormal samples, only the Percoll gradient gave a significantly (P less than 0.02) higher percentage of ideal forms, whereas the other techniques were less effective. The significance and practical use of the various pre-treatment techniques are discussed in relation to the characteristics of the pre-treatment semen sample.

Differential evaluation of human sperm hypoosmotic swelling test and its relationship with the outcome of in-vitro fertilization of human oocytes

Abstract: The hypoosmotic swelling test is a simple laboratory test to measure the functional integrity of the human sperm membrane. Its in-vivo and in-vitro applicability needs to be evaluated before it can be accepted as a useful routine test for the fertilizing potential of human semen. We studied the standard semen analysis results and differential sperm tail swelling patterns of seminal and swim-up sperm after hypoosmotic treatment in 97 semen samples used for in-vitro fertilization of human oocytes. Semen samples were classified as infertile (0% fertilization rate; n = 27) or fertile (greater than 0% fertilization rate; n = 70) before statistical analyses. There was a significant difference (P less than 0.005) in percentage normal morphology of seminal sperm between the fertile and infertile semen samples. The percentage normal morphology of seminal sperm correlated (r = 0.4250; P less than 0.005) with the in-vitro fertilization rate of human oocytes and this parameter was selected by the multivariate stepwise discriminant analysis as the discriminator capable of predicting the in-vitro fertilization rate with 57.7% accuracy. The percentage total swelling of seminal and swim-up sperm after hypoosmotic treatment was not correlated with the in-vitro fertilization rate. The percentage swelling pattern g (the open type) of seminal sperm was also selected by the multivariate stepwise discriminant analysis as the discriminator to predict the in-vitro fertilization rate. This parameter correlated with the percentage normal morphology of seminal sperm (r = 0.3014; P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Computerized semen analysis with sperm tail detection

Abstract: We evaluated a recently developed computerized semen analyser that detects spermatozoa not only by the criteria of size, contrast and movement but also by the morphological characteristics of the sperm tail. Comparison of the sperm concentration in 33 semen samples measured by conventional and by computerized semen analysis, as well as by flow cytometry, showed acceptable agreement between all three methods, although the mean differences and standard deviations were less for conventional than for computerized analysis when compared to flow cytometry as a reference method. Motility estimates were lower by the computer system for values between 1 and 40%. Higher motilities showed no systematic error. In conclusion, the improved algorithms for sperm detection yield more reliable data for sperm concentration and motility than previous systems of computerized semen analysis.

Correlation of Computerized Semen Analysis with Successful Fertilization of Oocytes in an in Vitro Fertilization Program

Abstract: Sixty-nine couples enrolled in 123 in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles were categorized by percentage fertilization; the results of categorization were compared with those of computerized semen analysis carried out with the CellSoft semen analyzer. Four groups were established: group 1 had 75% fertilization or greater; group 2 had 34% to 74% fertilization; group 3 had 1 % to 33% fertilization; and group 4 had 0% fertilization. Statistical differences in certain semen parameters (motility, linearity, and straight-line velocity) were found comparing groups 1 and 3 using the initial ejaculate. A significant number of patients in group 1 had all normal semen parameters, but no statistical difference could be found in group 3 or 4 because of variations in specific abnormal parameters in the groups. When the straight-line velocity-motile density (SLVMD) calculation was used, a significant difference was seen between group 1 and group 3 and between group 1 and group 4 (p < 0.01); 65% of group 3 and 76%...

Correlation of the hypo-osmotic swelling test, semen score and the zona-free hamster egg penetration assay in humans.

Abstract: The correlation between the hypo-osmotic swelling test, the modified Eliasson score for human semen analysis and the hamster egg penetration assay was examined. The results showed a weak but significant correlation between the group of subjects with swelling rates below 50% and the above 80% group. These groups showed hamster egg penetration assay rates of 9 +/- 14% and 39 +/- 29%, respectively (P less than 0.035). A significant correlation was also found between modified Eliasson scores (17 +/- 10 and 5 +/- 7, respectively) and swelling rates below 50% and above 70% (P less than 0.001). These results suggest that spermatozoa showing a low swelling rate have a poor fertilizing capacity. Therefore, the swelling tests and analysis of the patients semen can be used to discriminate sperm quality.

Automated semen analysis shows an increase in sperm concentration and motility with time in Makler chambers having excess sample volume

Abstract: The sperm concentration and motility within a Makler chamber increased markedly after 3-5 min of settling when one large drop (approximately 24 microliters) of semen was loaded in the chamber. The values remained stable when a 5-microliter volume was loaded and were intermediate with a 10-microliter volume. In order to obtain accurate data, it is necessary to load the Makler chamber with a semen volume of no more than 5 microliters.

Semen analysis in patients operated on for impalpable testes

Abstract: Semen analysis was performed on 48 men who had undergone orchiopexy, 40 for unilateral impalpable testes and 8 for bilateral impalpable testes. Patients with unilateral impalpable testes had varying sperm analysis; 18 (86%) of the 23 patients with unilateral impalpable canalicular testes had normal sperm analysis. All patients with bilateral impalpable testes were azoospermic. The subsequent quality of the semen is dependent upon the original anatomical positions of the undescended testes.

Andrological parameters in men with high sperm counts and possible correlation with age.

Abstract: Two hundred eighty six human semen samples with sperm counts above 200 million/ml, were divided into 3 groups according to semen volume: (1) less than 1 ml (low), (2) 1 ml-5 ml (normal), and (3) greater than or equal to 6 ml (high). Each group was examined for routine andrological parameters. Also examined was a possible correlation between sperm counts, semen volumes, and ages of patients. The quality of motility (percent and grade) and viability of sperm were generally lowest in specimens with a volume below 1 ml and highest in those of normal volume. Proportions of morphological normality exhibited a similar trend, lacking, however, statistical significance. The mean fructose content of low-volume semen was significantly decreased in comparison with those of normal volume. Patients with low-volume semen and sperm counts above 200 million/ml were older than those with similar sperm counts and normal volume. The mean ages of all patients with high sperm counts of semen were higher than of those with lower sperm counts. It was assumed that in contradiction to specimens with high sperm counts and low volume, those whose volumes range from 1 ml-5 ml should be considered normal with respect to motility, viability, and morphological normality.

Cell-mediated immunity and inflammatory processes in male infertility

Abstract: Considerable evidence indicates that white blood cell concentrations are often elevated in semen of infertility patients, and that white blood cell products can affect sperm function in vitro. Furthermore, recent studies indicate that leukocytospermic semen samples exhibit poor motility characteristics and impaired ability to function in sperm penetration assays. We believe that the identification and quantification of white blood cells in semen should be an integral component of every semen analysis. If properly diagnosed, a significant number of infertility patients with leukocytospermia may benefit from antibiotic, antiviral, or anti-inflammatory drug treatments. Further studies should be directed at better defining the role of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens in leukocytospermia, and further understanding the effects of WBC products on sperm function.