Showing papers on "Sperm motility published in 1977"
TL;DR: The component of the sperm extracts that was responsible for stimulating hamster sperm motility was found to be heat-stable and to have the same elution volume on a Sephadex G-10 column, suggesting that the active components may be similar or possibly the same.
Abstract: Extracts of washed spermatozoa from hamster and guinea pig cauda epididymidis and of human ejaculated sperm were all found to stimulate the motility of unwashed hamster epididymal spermatozoa in vitro and to support development of fertilizing ability. The motility of hamster spermatozoa was only sustained in the presence of both sperm extracts and appropriate energy substrates indicating a synergistic effect of the motility-stimulating component of the sperm extracts with energy sources. Albumin was also required for the development of fertilizing ability by hamster sperm. Comparison of different combinations of energy substrates indicated that pyruvate was the most important energy source for sperm motility and the acrosome reaction but glucose and lactate played suporting roles. In all 3 species examined the component of the sperm extracts that was responsible for stimulating hamster sperm motility was found to be heat-stable and to have the same elution volume on a Sephadex G-10 column with an estimated molecular weight of about 200. These properties are identical to those of the sperm motility-stimulating factor found in blood serum and adrenal gland suggesting that the active components may be similar or possibly the same.
382 citations
TL;DR: The data demonstrate a lack of direct correlation between sperm density in the ranges of 5 to 60 million/ml and pregnancy rates in couples where the wife is treated intensively, and emphasize the importance of considering infertility as a problem of a couple rather than as a specific disorder of one of the partners.
170 citations
TL;DR: The results presented in this paper indicate that albumin is the bovine follicular fluid protein involved in the in vitro induction of the hamster sperm acrosome reaction.
Abstract: Biochemical techniques were used to purify and identify the bovine follicular fluid protein involved in the in vitro induction of the acrosome reaction of hamster sperm. A follicular fluid protein fraction obtained by means of Sephadex G-1 50 and DEAE-Sephadex column chromatography, when combined with an Amicon XM-50 follicular fluid ultrafiltrate containing a motility factor, stimulated the acrosome reaction as effectively as intact follicular fluid. Further purification of the effective protein fraction by trichloroacetic acid precipitation and ethanol solubilization resulted in a highly purified preparation of serum albumin as identified by SDS disc-gel electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis. This highly purified albumin retains its full ability to induce the acrosome reaction in the presence of the XM-50 ultrafiltrate. The acrosome reaction inducing effectiveness of the albumin was dependent on its concentration. Similar treatment with trichloroacetic acid and ethanol further purified a crystalline bovine serum albumin to immunoelectrophoretic homogeneity and greatly increased its acrosome reaction inducing ability. This is the first demonstration that an appropriate treatment can greatly increase the acrosome reaction inducing ability of a serum albumin which was previously a poor inducer of acrosome reactions. The results presented in this paper indicate that albumin is the bovine follicular fluid protein involved in the in vitro induction of the hamster sperm acrosome reaction. The mechanism of action of albumin and/or its ligands in the acrosome reaction remains to be determined, but the mechanism appears to be more than just the maintenance of sperm viability and to require the presence of a sperm motility factor for optimal results.
71 citations
TL;DR: A turbidimetric method has been developed for determining rapidly the fraction of sperm in human ejaculates which show the most vigorous motility, which may be the best candidates for fertilization.
63 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, an increase in motility of ejaculated human spermatozoa was observed after the addition of acetylcaritine or carnitine, and this stimulation was shown to be the result of no increase in ionic strength nor any change in the levels of ATP.
Abstract: An increase in motility of ejaculated human spermatozoa was observed after the addition of acetylcaritine or carnitine. Similar results were also obtained in the diluted semen with 25--30% initial motilities. However, indirect evidence suggests that carnitine is converted to acetylcarnitine prior to its stimulatory action. In addition, this stimulation was shown to be the result of no increase in ionic strength nor any change in the levels of ATP.
60 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of prostaglandin E on sperm motility was evaluated using 100 semen specimens incubated in concentrations 100 times greater than that found in normal semen.
55 citations
Journal Article•
54 citations
TL;DR: It is clear from this study that semen should be kept at room temperature (20 degrees C) and not at 37 degrees C if there is to be any delay in its analysis, or a falsely lowered motility will result.
50 citations
TL;DR: Human spermatozoa were exposed to concentrations of live Trichomonas vaginalis varying from 10(4) to 10(7) organisms per ml and a striking decrease in spermatoza motility ensued, suggesting the possible role of trichomoniasis in human reproductive failure.
50 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that aging of spermatozoa occurs during the spawning season.
50 citations
TL;DR: Deputy medroxyprogesterone acetate and testosterone enanthate were administered as a monthly treatment to 20 normal male volunteers and Gonadotropins and testosterone decreased initially, then tended to recover somewhat in later months of treatment.
TL;DR: Cinemicrography of sea urchin fertilization reveals that the fertilizing sperm is one of the first sperm to attach to the egg and is incorporated into the egg without flagellar beating.
Abstract: Cinemicrography of sea urchin fertilization reveals that the fertilizing sperm is one of the first sperm to attach to the egg. Just before the cortical reaction the fertilizing sperm ceases motility and then is incorporated into the egg without flagellar beating. The rate of incorporation is 5-1 1 pmlsec and is constant. Lytechinus pictus sperm rendered immotile by azide treatment can bind to and fertilize eggs but binding, and therefore fertilization, is blocked by azide treatment of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus gametes. Although much attention has focused on the interaction of sperm with egg before fertilization and the metabolic responses of the egg after fertilization, surprisingly little is known about the mechanism of incorporation of the sperm into the egg. Early observations of JEAN DAN (2) on sea urchin gametes and C. R. AUSTIN (1) on mammalian gametes suggested that sperm motility per se is not required once fusion has occurred. These workers observed that the fertilizing sperm (that is, the sperm which fuses with and enters the egg) ceases motion during its period of incorporation into the egg. These observations suggest that the force incorporating the sperm into the egg is not the sperm flagellum but originates from the egg itself or from some non-motile component of the sperm. We here report on a cinemicrophotographic and experimental analysis of fertilization of the sea urchin egg which confirms and considerably extends these earlier observations. The motion pictures reveal no immediate distinction between the ultimately fertilizing and the nonfertilizing or supernumerary sperm in terms of their behavior on the egg surface. All sperm that attach vigorously gyrate around the point of acrosomal attachment up to a time just before the initiation of the cortical reaction. At this moment the fertilizing sperm ceases its movement. It remains attached and non-motile, perpendicular to the egg surface. Single frame analysis shows that this sperm is incorporated into the egg at a constant rate of 5 pm/min. Since sperm motility did not seem to be required, we attempted to fertilize eggs with nonmotile sperm. Although we observed species differences, the results reveal that motionless sperm can attach to and fertilize eggs. These findings suggest that the function of sperm motility is primarily to bring the sperm to the egg surface and that subsequent incorporation is independent of flagellar activity. Several hypotheses to account for sperm incorporation are discussed.
TL;DR: A clinical approach to the evaluation of sperm-cervical mucus interactions is reviewed in this paper, where the topics reviewed are 1) sperm passage through the cervix (sperm motility cervical mucus) 2) the cervical passage and infertility (the Sims-Huhner post-coital test the fractional post coital test and intrauterine lavage in vitro systems the slide test the capillary penetrability test).
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A French diluent has recently been produced for use on rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in fish farms, and is superior to existing dry methods, since the Diluent allows a longer period for fertilisation, and prevents precipitation of vitellus and inhibition of sperm motility.
Abstract: A French diluent has recently been produced for use on rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in fish farms. It is superior to existing dry methods, since the diluent allows a longer period for fertilisation, and prevents precipitation of vitellus and inhibition of sperm motility. Recommendations are made regarding details of the insemination technique, such as temperature and egg collection. The technique gives a higher fertilisation rate than the dry method, and requires only a minute quantity of sperm. Sire populations in hatcheries can be reduced because a few males can fertilise hundreds of females.
TL;DR: The presence of trypsin inhibitors during insemination reduced penetration of zzon-intact and zona-free mouse ova by capacitated sperm.
Abstract: The presence of trypsin inhibitors during insemination reduced penetration of zona-intact and zona-free mouse ova by capacitated sperm. This inhibition was dependent upon both concentration of inhibitor and sperm. Preincubation of gametes in inhibitors did not markedly influence their subsequent fertility, nor did it alter sperm motility. Trypsin inhibitors may exert an effect on penetration by interfering with the induction of the sperm acrosome reaction or with the process of sperm-egg fusion.
TL;DR: In specimens of semen kept at 37 degrees C sperm lose their motility and viability, but if kept at 4 degrees C they retain their viability but lose the motility from so-called thermal shock.
Abstract: In specimens of semen kept at 37 degrees C sperm lose their motility and viability. If kept at 4 degrees C they retain their viability but lose their motility from so-called thermal shock. The best temperature to keep semen in order to preserve sperm motility is 20 degrees C. Loss of motility at 37 degrees C is not entirely prevented by prevention of bacterial contamination with antibiotics.
TL;DR: In 1975, semen was collected by massage from 18 randomly selected captive male American kestrels (Falco sparverius) and the period of semen production extended for 103 days, beginning on March 19, while the mean duration was 73.6 days.
Abstract: In 1975, semen was collected by massage from 18 randomly selected captive male American kestrels (Falco sparverius). The period of semen production extended for 103 days, beginning on March 19, while the mean duration of semen production was 73.6 days. Under natural light, semen production began at of daily light, peaked about , and decline considerably around June 21 at . Weather factors, i.e., temperature, barometric pressure, did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect semen collections or quality.The following means were calculated: semen volume, 12 μl; sperm concentration, 31 000/mm3; sperm count per ejaculate, 416 000; motility score, 78%; contamination with epithelial debris and urates, 67%; and semen colour, very pale to pale amber.The following significant (P < 0.05) correlations were found: body weight with semen volume (0.48) and sperm count per ejaculate (0.54); egg fertility with sperm count per ejaculate (0.65); semen volume with sperm count per ejaculate (0.84) and sperm motility (0.54); sperm ...
TL;DR: The reduction in the incidence of acrosome reaction and fertilization by respiratory inhibitors implies an intimate relationship between high energy production (via respiration and oxidative phosphorylation) and capacitation and the acrosomes reaction of spermatozoa.
Abstract: Effects of respiratory inhibitors (oligomycin, antimycin A and rotenone) on hamster sperm acrosome reaction and fertilization were studied. Hamster spermatozoa were incubated in a mixture of a modified Tyrode's solution and heat-treated human serum in the presence and absence of inhibitors. Oligomycin (2.4 x 10(-6) M), antimycin A (2.5 x 10(-6) M) and rotenone (2.5 x 10(-6) M) all reduced the incidence of the sperm acrosome reaction and fertilization without markedly affecting sperm motility. Antimycin A was the most effective in reducing the incidence of acrosome reaction. A reduction in the rate of fertilization was found in the presence of all of these respiratory inhibitors. The reduction in the incidence of acrosome reaction and fertilization by respiratory inhibitors implies an intimate relationship between high energy production (via respiration and oxidative phosphorylation) and capacitation and the acrosome reaction of spermatozoa. The necessity of oxidative metabolism for efficient capacitation and acrosome reaction of spermatozoa is suggested.
TL;DR: A method for separating human X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa, without affecting the motility or the variability of these vital cells, is developed using a two-step procedure with Ficoll–Sodium metrizoate density gradient.
Abstract: SEVERAL claims have been made about the successful separation of Y-bearing spermatozoa in the past1. The most recent claim by Ericsson et al.2 has been disputed3,4. We have attempted to develop a method for separating human X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa, without affecting the motility or the variability of these vital cells. We report here a successful separation of human X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa using a two-step procedure with Ficoll–Sodium metrizoate density gradient. The motility and viability of enriched fractions of spermatozoa was found to be slightly reduced. The reduction was mainly due to centrifugation and not the density gradient. The ability to predetermine the sex of the offspring before conception would have great clinical and sociological significance5.
TL;DR: Findings support the view that the development of the sperm head is under the control of a group of genes distinct from those mediating events involved in flagella development.
Abstract: Sterile male mice homozygous for the recessive p-locus allende p were used. Wild-type and mutant littermates were sacrificed at 10 spaced intervals over a 6-20 week period after birth. Tissues were removed and prepared for light and electron microscopy. A minimum of 1000 cells for at least 3 animals of each genotype were observed. The course of spermatogenesis appeared to be normal until the completion of meiosis. During the Golgi phase ultrastructural appearances differed. In mutants spermatids with normal appearing ultrastructure were seen but the Golgi apparatus frequently appeared less well organized and sometimes more than 1 proacrosome was present or more than 1 specialized site. Other defects were also seen in older spermatids. Head morphology often showed blebbing and many were highly bizarre. Some spermatozoa were undergoing degeneration and phagocytosis. Flagella development and ultrastructure were normal. Dissociated axonemes and midpieces were common as were flagella without heads. Multinucleated spermatids were frequently present. Sperm motility was high. Headless spermatozoa were most active. Photographic reproductions illustrate the electron microscopic findings. Since flagella did not show any ultrastructural defects it is concluded that the action of the p mutant allele was confined to the Golgi-nucelus complex. Therefore the development of the sperm head is probably under a group of genes different from those of the flagella.
TL;DR: The results suggest that alpha-chlorohydrin inhibits some sperm enzymes essential for ATP regeneration, and reduced fertility, and shortened the life of motile sperm in rat and mouse spermatozoa.
Abstract: The effect of alpha-chlorohydrin on the ATP content of rat mouse and human spermatozoa was investigated both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo alpha chlorohydrin 1) reduced fertility 2) shortened the life of motile sperm 3) reduced glycolytic activity in spermatozoa and significantly (p less than .02) increased the ATP content of rat spermatozoa. In vitro incubation of spermatozoa for 1 hour in the presence of .6M- alpha-chlorohydrin significantly (p less than .05) reduced the ATP content of rat and mouse spermatozoa in comparison with spermatozoa incubated in the presence of propylene glycol or buffer alone. Sperm motility was also markedly impaired. The results suggest that alpha-chlorohydrin inhibits some sperm enzymes essential for ATP regeneration.
TL;DR: It is suggested that the simple spectrophotometric assays for fumarase and diamine oxidase could form the basis of a routine assessment of human semen samples for estimation of male infertility.
Abstract: Various enzymes in the semen of men were examined to see if any could be related to measures of fertility. Fumarase activity was highly correlated with sperm number and percentage motility. Diamine oxidase activity was higher in samples with sperm counts of less than 20 X 10(6)/ml and aperm motility of less than 20%. Monoamine oxidase, adenine deaminase and prostaglandin dehydrogenase were undetectable in significant amounts in all samples, while peroxidase and adenosine deaminase were not correlated with sperm count and motility. It is suggested that the simple spectrophotometric assays for fumarase and diamine oxidase could form the basis of a routine assessment of human semen samples for estimation of male infertility.
TL;DR: X-ray microanalysis of human sperm cells in donor semen having a range of motilities from 0% to 85% showed that elemental composition is not strongly correlated with spermatozoal motility as mentioned in this paper.
01 Jan 1977
TL;DR: Several factors other than endocrinologic problems and varicocele have been demonstrated to affect sperm production and delivery.
Abstract: Several factors other than endocrinologic problems and varicocele have been demonstrated to affect sperm production and delivery. Elevation of testicular temperature can temporarily reduce sperm output. Cyptorchidism if uncorrected by age 5 can have an irreversible effect on spermatogenesis. Stress and anxiety are also deleterious as a result of their alteration of the hypothalamic function and inhibition of testicular monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. Age plays little role in sperm production in men 20-60 years of age. However sperm motility can be depressed by prolonged continence. Radiation causes degeneration of the cells lining the seminal canals. Numerous drugs and chemical agents (e.g. aspirin methotrexate colchicine dilantin marijuana) affect spermatogenesis or render the mature sperm incapable of fertilization. The most clinically significant testicular infection is postpubertal mumps orchitis. Gonorrhea and acute nonspecific epididymitis can result in ductal blockage. In addition azoospermia has been found in a high percentage of men who have had smallpox. Impotence loss of libido testicular atrophy alterations in testicular histology and gynecomastia have been reported in patients with chronic renal failure. Immunologic factors are also increasingly recognized as playing a role in reproduction. 2 groups of antigens have been reported--1 group is common to the testis epididymis and spermatozoa and the other is present in the adnexal glands and their fluid. The Kibrick test for sperm agglutinating antibodies and the Isojima test for sperm immobilizing antibodies should be performed on the sera of couples where there is no demonstrable cause for infertility. A number of substances are currently under investigation as possible antifertility agents. Danazol cyproterone acetate nitrofurantoin and the MAO inhibitors have been shown to reduce spermatogenesis; however all have undesirable side effects.
TL;DR: It was shown that the spermatozoa could maintain the energy charge above 0.6 under stress, and Imidazole which reduced the caffeine-stimulated motility did not alter the physiological energy charge of the spermutozoa.
TL;DR: The data suggest that reproductive performance in rams is related to testicular androgen secretion and that a spring decline in those characteristics normally associated with high fertility in the male can be lessened by chronic GnRH administration.
Abstract: SUMMARY Acute and chronic effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) administration on reproductive characteristics of 32 rams have been assessed during the nonbreeding season. Rams injected intramuscularly with 50 /ag of GnRH had elevated (P<.01)concentra tions of serum testosterone and noticeably higher (60%) mating activities when compared to control animals injected with saline. Daily injections of GnRH resulted not only in higher testosterone concentrations and mating activity, but also in increased testes size (P<.05). The apparent change in testicular function may account for the improvement in semen quality which was observed in these animals. Although benefits were only slight for percentages of live sperm, normal sperm and sperm with normal acrosomes, sperm motility was markedly increased (P<.05). These data suggest that reproductive performance in rams is related to testicular androgen secretion and that a spring decline in those characteristics normally associated with high fertility in the male can be lessened by chronic
TL;DR: The results indicate that Mg2+ are required at least in some process(es) between acrosome reaction and fertilization membrane elevation, such as sperm penetration or membrane fusion, suchas sperm penetration and membrane fusion.
Abstract: The Mg2+ requirement in fertilization was investigated in sea urchins. It was found that when sea urchin eggs were inseminated in sea water free of Mg2+, little fertilization took place. Even when spermatozoa pre-treated with dissolved egg-jelly to induce the acrosome reaction, which needs Ca2+, were used, the fertilization rate remained quite low in the absence of Mg2+. In Strongylo-centrotus intermedius, the lowest concentration of Mg2+ required for 50% fertilization was 0.05 mM in the presence of 10 mM Ca2+, whereas that of calcium was 3 mM in the presence of 49 mM Mg2+. These critical concentrations increased when the concentration of the other ion decreased. Removal of Mg2+ or Ca2+ or both from the suspending medium had little adverse effect on sperm motility. The elevation of the fertilization membrane was also induced by butyric acid independent of the presence or absence of Mg2+ and/or Ca2+. These results indicate that Mg2+ are required at least in some process(es) between acrosome reaction and fertilization membrane elevation, such as sperm penetration or membrane fusion.