Showing papers on "Sperm motility published in 1986"

Sperm factors related to failure of human in-vitro fertilization.

Abstract: Two groups of men were retrospectively selected according to their observed success in in-vitro fertilization. Seminal and post-migration sperm samples from a low fertilization rate group (less than or equal to 33% cleaved embryos) have been compared to results obtained from a high fertilization rate group (greater than or equal to 66%). It was found that a low mean value of the amplitude of lateral sperm head displacement and an increased percentage of abnormal acrosomes were related to in-vitro fertilization failure. None of the individual sperm factors studied was found to determine in-vitro fertilization success with certainty; only when they were considered in combination was it possible to predict the likelihood of successful in-vitro fertilization of human oocytes.

The Epididymis, Sperm Maturation and Fertilisation

Abstract: I. Maturation of Spermatozoa in the Epididymis.- 1. Acquisition in the Epididymis of Sperm Fertilising Ability.- 2. Involvement of the Epididymis in the Development of Sperm Fertilising Ability.- 3. The Nature of the Androgen-Dependent Epididymal Secretions Involved.- 4. Response of Immature Spermatozoa to Epididymal Secretions.- 5. Scope of this Review.- 6. Summary.- 7. References.- II. Fertilisation.- A. Sperm Motility.- 1. The Need for Flagellar Activity of Sperm for Them to Reach the Egg.- 2. The Ability of Immature Spermatozoa to Reach the Site of Fertilisation.- 3. Development in the Epididymis of Sperm Motility In-Vitro.- 4. The Nature of the Reduced Motility of Immature Spermatozoa.- 5. Involvement of the Epididymis in the Maturation of Motility.- 6. Induction of Motility in Immature Spermatozoa In-Vitro.- 7. Relationship of Induced Forward Motility to Fertilising Ability.- 8. Summary.- 9. References.- B. Capacitation.- 1. Detection of Capacitation.- 2. Changes in the Sperm Surface During Capacitation.- 3. Mechanisms of Capacitation.- 4. Consequences for Membrane Fluidity.- 5. Action of Decapacitation Factors.- 6. Maintenance of Motility.- 7. Requirements of Capacitation.- 8. Development in the Epididymis of the Ability of Spermatozoa to be Capacitated.- 9. Involvement of the Epididymis in Permitting Capacitation.- 10. Summary.- 11. References.- C. Consequences of Capacitation. I. Sperm-Egg Binding.- 1. Sperm-Egg Binding.- 2. Relationship to Capacitation.- 3. Relationship to the Acrosome Reaction.- 4. Mechanisms of Binding.- 5. Development in the Epididymis of the Ability of Sperm to Bind to Eggs.- 6. Involvement of the Epididymis in the Development of the Sperm Surface.- 7. Summary.- 8. References.- D. Consequences of Capacitation. II. The Acrosome Reaction.- 1. The Acrosome Reaction.- 2. Mechanism of the Acrosome Reaction.- 3. Requirements for the Acrosome Reaction.- 4. Stimulus to the Acrosome Reaction.- 5. Relationship to Capacitation.- 6. Relationship to Hyperactivated Motility.- 7. Relationship to Fertilisation.- 8. Site of the Acrosome Reaction.- 9. Consequences of the Acrosome Reaction.- 10. Development in the Epididymis of the Ability of Spermatozoa to Undergo the Acrosome Reaction.- 11. Involvement of the Epididymis in Permitting the Acrosome Reaction.- 12. Summary.- 13. References.- E. Consequences of Capacitation. III. Hyperactivation.- 1. Hyperactivation.- 2. Requirements of Hyperactivated Motility.- 3. Mechanisms of Hyperactivated Motility.- 4. Stimulus to Hyperactivated Motility.- 5. Relationship to Capacitation.- 6. Relationship to the Acrosome Reaction.- 7. Relationship to Fertilisation.- 8. Site of Hyperactivated Motility.- 9. Consequences of Hyperactivated Motility.- 10. Development in the Epididymis of the Ability of Sperm to Display Hyperactivated Motility.- 11. Involvement of the Epididymis in Permitting Hyperactivation.- 12. Summary.- 13. References.- F. Sperm-Egg Fusion.- 1. Binding to the Vitellus.- 2. Fusion with the Vitellus.- 3. Relationship to Capacitation.- 4. Relationship to the Acrosome Reaction.- 5. Relationship to Sperm Motility.- 6. Regions of the Sperm Head Involved in Fusion.- 7. Basis of Fusion.- 8. Development in the Epididymis of the Ability of Sperm to Fuse with Eggs.- 9. Involvement of the Epididymis in Permitting Sperm-Egg Fusion.- 10. Summary.- 11. References.- G. Post-Fusion Events.- 1. Activation of the Eggs.- 2. Decondensation of Sperm Chromatin.- 3. Formation of the Male Pronucleus.- 4. Chromosome Condensation.- 5. Development in the Epididymis of the Ability of Sperm to Interact with the Vitellus.- 6. Involvement of the Epididymis in Permitting Post-Fusion Events.- 7. Summary.- 8. References.- III. Function of the Epididymis and Its Secretory Products.- A. Epididymal Structure and Function.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Epididymal Structure.- 3. Blood Supply.- 4. Lymphatics.- 5. Methods of Study.- 6. Epithelial Cells.- 7. Testicular Control of Epididymal Function.- 8. Permeability of the Epididymal Epithelium.- 9. Resorptive Activity of the Epididymis.- 10. Secretory Activity of the Epididymis.- 11. Summary.- 12. References.- B. Secretion of Steroids by the Epididymis.- 1. Steroids in Epididymal Tissue.- 2. Origin of Epididymal Steroids.- 3. Testicular Control of Androgenic Function in the Epididymis.- 4. Endocrine Role of the Epididymis.- 5. Role of Steroids in Epididymal Function.- 6. Interactions of Steroids with Spermatozoa.- 7. Role of Steroids in Spermatozoal Function.- 8. Summary.- 9. References.- C. Resorption and Secretion of Ions by the Epididymis.- 1. Luminal Contents.- 2. Transporting Activities.- 3. Control of Transporting Activities.- 4. Role of Monovalent and Divalent Cations.- 5. Interactions of Ions with Maturing Spermatozoa.- 6. ATPase Activity in Spermatozoa.- 7. Polycations.- 8. Summary.- 9. References.- D. Epididymal Secretion of Glycerophosphocholine (GPC).- 1. Concentration in Epididymal Tissue.- 2. Origin of Epididymal GPC.- 3. Androgen Dependence.- 4. Role of GPC in Epididymal Function.- 5. Summary.- 6. References.- E. Epididymal Secretion of Carnitine.- 1. Concentration in Epididymal Tissue.- 2. Origin of Epididymal Carnitine.- 3. Androgen Dependence.- 4. Interaction of Carnitine with Maturing Spermatozoa.- 5. Roles of Carnitine in Epididymal Function.- 6. Summary.- 7. References.- F. Epididymal Secretion of myo-Inositol.- 1. Concentration in Epididymal Tissue.- 2. Origin of Epididymal Inositol.- 3. Androgen Dependence.- 4. Metabolism of Inositol.- 5. Interaction of Inositol with Maturing Spermatozoa.- 6. Role of Inositol in Epididymal Function.- 7. Summary.- 8. References.- G. Epididymal Secretion and Resorption of Proteins.- 1. Luminal Proteins.- 2. Origin of Epididymal Proteins.- 3. Protein Synthesis and Precursors in the Epididymis.- 4. Protein Secretion in the Epididymis.- 5. Androgen Dependence.- 6. Control of Protein Synthesis by Luminal Fluid.- 7. Site of Synthesis of Specific Proteins.- 8. Evidence for Interactions of Luminal Proteins with Spermatozoa.- 9. Binding of Proteins to Maturing Spermatozoa.- 10. The Nature of the Interaction.- 11. Site of Binding.- 12. Role of Proteins in Epididymal Function.- 13. Peptides.- 14. Resorption of Proteins by the Epididymis.- 15. Summary.- 16. References.- IV. Conclusions.- 1. The Importance of the Epididymis in Male Fertility.- 2. Summary.- Appendix I (Tables 1-21).- Appendix II (Figures 1-8).

Changes in sperm plasma membrane lipid diffusibility after hyperactivation during in vitro capacitation in the mouse.

Abstract: We have used the technique of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching to measure the diffusibility of the fluorescent lipid analogue, 1,1'-dihexadecyl 3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate on the morphologically distinct regions of the plasma membranes of mouse spermatozoa, and the changes in lipid diffusibility that result from in vitro hyperactivation and capacitation with bovine serum albumin. We found that, as previously observed on ram spermatozoa, lipid analogue diffusibility is regionalized on mouse spermatozoa, being fastest on the flagellum. The bovine serum albumin induced changes in diffusibility that occur with hyperactivation are also regionalized. Specifically, if we compare serum incubated in control medium, which maintains normal motility, with those hyperactivated in capacitating medium, we observe with hyperactivation an increase in lipid analogue diffusion rate in the anterior region of the head, the midpiece, and tail, and a decrease in diffusing fraction in the anterior region of the head.

Correlation between human sperm swelling in hypoosmotic medium (hypoosmotic swelling test) and in vitro fertilization.

Abstract: Human ejaculates (n = 83) were analyzed for standard sperm parameters (concentration, motility, and morphology), as well as for the ability of the spermatozoa to react (swell) in a hypoosmotic medium (Jeyendran et al, 1984) Subsequently, the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa was tested by their ability to fertilize human oocytes in vitro Although the sperm concentration was adjusted for in vitro fertilization, no adjustments were made for sperm motility and morphology Correlation of the in vitro fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa with the hypoosmotic swelling test (r = 056) was much higher than with standard sperm parameters (r varied from -004 to 025) Complete overlap was noted with standard semen parameters whether the ejaculate did or did not fertilize oocytes and ranged from very low to very high values in both cases By contrast, all the semen samples that fertilized oocytes showed a 60% or higher reaction in the hypoosmotic swelling test, whereas the majority of the "infertile" semen samples showed less than 60% swelling It therefore appears that, under the conditions of our studies, the hypoosmotic swelling test is a more accurate predictor of successful in vitro fertilization outcome than the conventional semen parameters A combination of all parameters, however, is likely to be most useful The hypoosmotic swelling test is simple and economical, and it is recommended that this test be further scrutinized for its value as an additional tool in the assessment of the in vivo fertilizing capacity of ejaculated spermatozoa

Polychlorobiphenyl congeners, p,p'-DDE, and sperm function in humans.

Abstract: 170 seminal samples from fertile men, men with idiopathic oligospermia or azoospermia and men status post vasectomy were analyzed for 74 polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) congeners,p,p′-DDE, mirex, and hexachlorobenzene using the technique of glass capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Low concentrations of 32 PCB congeners were measured (mean total PCB residue of 5.8 ng/g wet weight). The application of multiple linear regression analysis to the data is described and the result is critically evaluated. There is a correlation between sperm motility and count. There are indications that the concentrations of three PCB congeners (2,4,5,2′4′5′- and 2,4,5,2′3′4′-hexachlorobiphenyl and 2,4,5,3′4′-pentachlorobiphenyl) are inversely correlated with sperm motility index in samples with a sperm count less than 20 million cells/ml. The implications of the discerned associations are discussed.

Relationship between human sperm motility characteristics and sperm penetration into human cervical mucus in vitro.

Abstract: A series of 100 modified Kremer tests of human sperm penetration into human cervical mucus was carried out as part of the routine investigation of couples presenting with infertility. The outcome of these tests was significantly correlated with the concentration and progressive motility of the spermatozoa in the semen sample used for the test. Other semen characteristics significantly correlated with the test result were the mean velocity of progression (VP) and the amplitude of lateral head displacement about the axis of progression (AH) of the progressive spermatozoa. Normal sperm morphology was also correlated with the outcome. Using these semen characteristics as the independent variables to predict the test outcome in a discriminant analysis (normal vs abnormal tests), 34.2% of the variance was accounted for. From the discriminant function equation 75.0% of the test results could be predicted correctly. In the 30 cases in which the semen samples used for the tests showed greater than or equal to 25 X 10(6) progressively motile spermatozoa per ml, mean VP of greater than or equal to 25 microns/sec and mean AH of greater than or equal to 7.5 microns, 83.3% had normal test results. Conversely, all 13 cases for which the semen characteristics were below these limits had abnormal test results. Therefore, both the concentration of progressively motile spermatozoa and their movement characteristics are significant factors determining the outcome of homologous tests of human sperm-cervical mucus interaction.

Effects of seminal vesicle removal on fertility and uterine sperm motility in the house mouse.

Abstract: The relative significance of the accessory glands of the male reproductive tract in fertility is unclear. To clarify the role of the seminal vesicles, fertility and uterine sperm motility were determined before and after removal of seminal vesicles in the house mouse. After removal of seminal vesicles, the pregnancy rate (number of females pregnant/number of females X 100) was reduced and the time to birth was increased, while the average litter size was not changed. Fertilization, determined by examining the oocytes 30 h after mating, was highly variable after matings with males whose seminal vesicles were removed; in some cases none of the oocytes were fertilized. The motility of sperm recovered from the uterus 1 h after matings with males before and after seminal vesicle removal and sham operations was analyzed using a videomicrographic system. The motility of uterine sperm was less progressive with more lateral displacement of the head about the trajectory and a less linear trajectory after removal of the seminal vesicles. Sham-operated animals showed no consistent changes in motility of uterine sperm. The changes in sperm motility could contribute to the reduction in fertilization since sperm motility is necessary for transport in the female reproductive tract and interaction with the oocytes.

Abnormal sperm and photoreceptor axonemes in Usher's syndrome.

Abstract: • Axonemes are organelles that are composed of microtubule doublets and singlets with a complex assembly of associated proteins. This study was designed to investigate the possibility that an abnormal axoneme is involved in the pathogenesis of Usher's syndrome. A masked structural and functional analysis of sperm was performed on samples from ten patients with Usher's syndrome and 33 controls, including duplicate samples from six patients and three controls. In the functional analyses, there was a significant decrease in patient sperm motility and velocity. Structurally, there was a significant increase in tail abnormalities at both the light and electron microscopic levels. Ejaculate volume and sperm concentration were normal in the patient population. The presence of abnormal axonemes was also confirmed in remnant photoreceptors of a whole eye donation from a patient with Usher's syndrome. The data suggest that defective connecting cilia axonemes may be involved in the irreversible, progressive loss of photoreceptors in Usher's syndrome.

Effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on the gonadal pathophysiology, sperm morphology, and reproductive performance of male rats.

Abstract: Dietary exposure of adult male F344 rats to 0, 320, 1250, 5000, or 20,000 ppm DEHP for 60 consecutive days resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in total body, testis, epididymis, and prostate wei...

Standardization and quality control of sperm concentration and sperm motility counts in semen analysis.

Abstract: The paper reports a study of standardization and quality control of sperm concentration counts and visual motility assessments in human semen analyses performed for infertility investigations and from internal quality control procedures. Sperm concentration determinations were performed in Improved Neubauer haemocytometers on volumetric dilutions made using a positive displacement pipettor for sampling the liquefied semen. In addition to a standard 1 + 19 dilution a second dilution of either 1 + 9, 1 + 19 or 1 + 49 was made according to whether the estimated sperm concentration was less than 20, 20-100 or greater than 100 X 10(6)/ml respectively. The duplicate determinations of sperm concentration were highly significantly correlated (P much less than 0.001) with less than 5% variability. Parallel visual sperm motility assessments were made by two pairs of technicians and showed highly significant correlations (P much less than 0.001) between technicians in the determination of the percentages of motile and progressive spermatozoa as well as the subjective rating of sperm progressivity. When these values were incorporated into a calculated motility index which gave added weight to the progressive spermatozoa and to their quality of progression the correlations between technicians remained highly significant (P much less than 0.001) with average differences of the order of 1.0%. Therefore, provided that sufficient attention is paid to technician training, regular standardization checks and the use of only proven reliable procedures, quantitatively accurate values for sperm concentration and motility can be obtained in routine semen analyses.

Acquisition of potential for sperm motility in rainbow trout and chum salmon

Abstract: The male reproductive organ of rainbow trout and chum salmon consists of a pair of testes and sperm ducts. Spermatozoa in the distal portion of the sperm ducts exhibit full motility in the K+-free medium. However, spermatozoa from the testis were almost immotile in this medium. This suggests that the spermatozoa acquire a capacity for movement during their passage from the testis along the sperm duct. In chum salmon migrating into a bay, the sperm duct was almost empty. However, after the fish have travelled upstream for 1 km to their spawning ground in the river, the spermatozoa have left the testis, moved into the sperm duct and are capable of becoming motile. Thus it is probable that the process of acquiring the ability to move occurs within a relatively short period in this simple reproductive organ. Additionally, testicular spermatozoa demembranated with Triton X-100 exhibited motility, although the motility was less than that of demembranated spermatozoa from the sperm duct, suggesting that the acquisition of motility may correspond with the development of some function of the plasma membrane.

Axokinin phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase is sufficient for activation of sperm flagellar motility.

Abstract: Using a selective inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, N-[2(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H-8), the requirement for cAMP-dependent phosphoproteins in the initiation of dog sperm flagellar motility was examined. H-8 inhibited motility of live as well as reactivated sperm in a dose-dependent manner. The half-maximal inhibition of reactivated motility (32 microM) paralleled the inhibition of pure catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (50 microM) measured under the same conditions. H-8 inhibited protein phosphorylation both in whole models and in isolated Nonidet P-40 (NP-40) extracts of sperm. Axokinin, the heat-stable NP-40-soluble protein whose phosphorylation is required for flagellar reactivation, represented 97% of the de novo phosphate incorporation in the NP-40 extract after stimulation by cAMP. 500 microM H-8 inhibited axokinin phosphorylation by 87%. When sperm were reactivated in the presence of up to 5 mM H-8 with NP-40 extract that had been prephosphorylated with cAMP-dependent protein kinase, then neither cAMP nor cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity was required for full flagellar reactivation. If sperm were rendered completely immotile by pretreatment with H-8, then the resulting model remained immotile in the continued presence of H-8 unless prephosphorylated axokinin was added. These results suggest that phosphorylated axokinin is not only required for flagellar reactivation but is sufficient as well.

Acrosomal status in fresh and capacitated human ejaculated sperm.

Abstract: The acrosomal status of human sperm was evaluated by immunofluorescence utilizing a specific monoclonal antibody that recognizes target antigen(s) localized in the acrosomal cap region. Spontaneous acrosomal loss was first examined in sperm preparations used for successful in vitro fertilization of human eggs. In these sperm populations, less than 20% of the sperm underwent degenerative or spontaneous acrosomal loss following 24 h of incubation. The correlation of acrosomal loss with changes in motility and viability suggested that sperm senescence was not necessarily coupled to acrosomal loss. Chemical induction of acrosomal loss by calcium ionophore A23187 and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) was characterized. Maximal ionophore induction (10 microM A23187 in media containing calcium) was observed in cells exposed to capacitating conditions in vitro; sperm exposed to noncapacitating conditions did not readily acquire the ability to respond to ionophore. The reaction induced by ionophore was slow (60 min), and at least 30% of the cells were always resistant to induction. In contrast, LPC induced rapid, synchronous acrosomal loss in either freshly ejaculated or capacitated sperm in the presence or absence of extracellular calcium, suggesting that this loss was not a physiologic reaction. These studies may provide a basis for evaluating capacitation and ultimately fertility potential in the human male.

The effect of doxycycline in infertile couples with male accessory gland infection: a double blind prospective study.

Abstract: Male accessory gland infection (MAGI, epididymo-prostato-vesiculitis) with abnormal semen quality was rarely the only abnormality in infertile couples since it occurred in no more than 1.6% of 2871 couples evaluated in 7 centres during a 3-year period. Both partners of 33 infertile couples with no other demonstrable abnormality than abnormal semen and MAGI consented to participate in a double blind trial and were treated with either doxycycline, 100 mg/day for 1 month (20 couples) or placebo (13 couples). Follow-up during a total of 175 couple-months included semen analysis and the recording of pregnancy. Pregnancy occurred in 2 of the doxycycline-treated couples (10%) and in 1 of the placebo treated couples (8%), corresponding with conception rates per month of 1.9% and 1.5%, respectively. Sperm motility and, to a lesser extent, morphology showed improvement in both groups. Evidence of infection, namely increased numbers of white blood cells and positive sperm culture, disappeared in both the doxycycline-treated and placebo group. It is concluded that features of MAGI in semen may regress spontaneously and are not influenced by the doxycycline treatment. The concomitant improvement of sperm motility and morphology still does not seem to enhance the probability of conception.

Increase in progressive motility and improved morphology of human spermatozoa following their migration through Percoll gradients

Abstract: Human spermatozoa were separated on the basis of their motility in a discontinuous Percoll-gradient made up in tissue culture medium containing 10% (v/v) human serum (TCMS). Portions of ejaculates were placed on top of the gradients. After 3 h at 37 degrees C the bottom 1.5 ml was collected and the sperm washed free of the Percoll solution by centrifugation at 240 X g after dilution in TCMS. In this way the spermatozoa were separated from seminal fluid by means of the swimming rate of the sperm. When semen samples from normal men were used, total recovery of sperm after separated on a Percoll gradient was 21 +/- 2.3%. The progressive motility index increased by a factor of 15 +/- 1 when comparing separated samples with the same unseparated ejaculate, and the frequency of sperm with normal morphology increased from 60 to 85%. The improvements in these semen samples was attributable to the Percoll separation as the washing procedure itself was without effect. Using this method sperm of relatively unifirm motility and morphology can be collected. These may then be used for further biochemical and physiological studies. Improved sperm quality was also obtained when samples from patients with abnormal semen profiles were separated in this way, although the degree of improvement was much more variable than that obtained with semen from normal fertile men. This indicates that this method can be used in clinical practice in selected cases for the preparation of sperm for insemination or for in-vitro fertilization.

Correlation of the fertilising ability of semen from individual male fowls with sperm motility and ATP content.

Abstract: Individual fertility results were obtained by artificially inseminating semen from 24 cockerels. The fertility thus obtained was shown to be strongly correlated with sperm motility, as measured by an objective spectrophotometric technique (r = 0.82); with sperm ATP concentrations (r = 0.76); and with the morphological integrity of spermatozoa, as judged by light microscopy (r = 0.67).

Effect of dilauroylphosphatidylcholine on the acrosome reaction and subsequent penetration of bull spermatozoa into zona-free hamster eggs.

Abstract: Incubation of bull sperm with liposomes made with phosphatidylcholine (PC) containing fatty acyl chains of either 10 (PC10) or 12 (PC12) carbons resulted in greater than 90% of the sperm exhibiting an acrosome reaction (AR) within 15 min. Liposomes of PC10 rapidly destroyed sperm motility while PC12 acrosome-reacted sperm remained motile for several h. Liposomes of PC with greater than or equal to 14-carbon fatty acyl chains had no effect on the AR or motility of sperm. The AR was not induced by lysophospholipids, because lysophospholipids were not detected in the PC liposomes, and the AR did not occur when lysophospholipids were tested at the same concentration as PC12. The concentration of PC12 necessary to induce maximal numbers of acrosome-reacted sperm varied with the concentration of sperm. The effect of PC12 on sperm also varied with the ratio of live to dead sperm in a sample. When 3 X 10(6) bull sperm/ml were treated with 0, 10, 20, and 30 microM PC12 for 7 min prior to addition to zona-free hamster eggs, 6, 6, 98, and 77% of the eggs were penetrated, respectively. Lipid concentrations of 0 microM and 10 microM did not affect the AR, whereas higher levels induced the AR in sperm. This procedure can quickly provide acrosome-reacted bull sperm for use with various in vitro fertilization procedures and for assessment of male fertility.

Creatine kinase isoenzymes in spermatozoa.

Abstract: Two isoforms of creatine kinase (CK, E.C. 2.7.3.2), the brain type BB-CK and the mitochondrial-bound MiMi-CK, as well as adenylate kinase (myokinase, E.C. 2.7.4.3) were identified in washed spermatozoa from chicken and man by cellulose polyacetate electrophoresis and immunoblots. BB-CK was localized by indirect immunofluorescence staining within the sperm tail but not in the head portion. MiMi-CK is confined to the midpiece region rich in mitochondria and has been localized directly by immunogold staining within the mitochondria. In contrast to chicken, seminal plasma from man was also found to contain considerable amounts of BB-CK. Total creatine content of spermatozoa (8–15mm) and seminal plasma (3.8±0.4m) as well as preliminary experiments with metabolic blockers indicate a dependence of sperm motility on CK and phosphoryl creatine (CP). The presence of two CK isoforms located in different ‘compartments’ of spermatozoa suggests a CP-shuttle in sperm similar to that described for cross-striated muscle.

Structure and function of the epididymis.

Abstract: Testicular spermatozoa are functionally immature in that they cannot fertilize ova. It was first demonstrated by Young that spermatozoa undergo certain changes as they migrate through the epididymis. He proposed that spermatozoa ripen during epididymal transit. It is now known that specific maturational changes occur in spermatozoa during epididymal transit which result in their developing the ability to fertilize ova. Concomitant with this functional maturity are changes in spermatozoal morphology, motility, chemistry, permeability, density and metabolism. It is apparent that in some way not understood these changes are necessary for sperm to achieve the ability to complete the fertilization process. When these mechanisms are understood, we may be able to effectively treat conditions such as necrospermia or abnormally low sperm motility. Furthermore, with the development of the hamster-egg penetration test a "new" type of male infertility has become evident in recent years; the inability of otherwise normal sperm to penetrate an ovum. It is during epididymal transit that this ability is normally acquired. Thus, any insight into how sperm attain the capacity to penetrate an ovum could lead to an effective treatment of patients whose sperm do not have this ability. In addition, the epididymis holds significant promise as the site of action for a male contraceptive. Thus, it is the purpose of this review to describe the structure and function of the mammalian epididymis with particular emphasis on the factors regulating sperm maturation.

Paradoxical stimulation of human sperm motility by 2-deoxyadenosine.

Abstract: Exposure of cryostored human spermatozoa to 2-deoxyadenosine resulted in significant increases in percentage motility, the linear velocity of progression and the frequency of sperm head rotation, which were maximal at a dose of 2.5 mM. At the same dose both adenosine and caffeine significantly increased percentage motility, although neither compound influenced the quality of sperm movement as assessed by time-exposure photomicrography. 2-Deoxyadenosine was also significantly more effective than caffeine in sustaining the motility of cryostored spermatozoa as well as in enhancing the motility of fresh and washed preparations of human spermatozoa. The ability of caffeine and 2-deoxyadenosine to influence sperm motility was counteracted by the presence of calcium in the external medium although the latter was less susceptible to such inhibition and still enhanced motility in the presence of calcium levels (1.7 mM) typical of media used for in-vitro fertilization. The mechanism of action of 2-deoxyadenosine was associated with an increase of intracellular cAMP levels, which were sustained over a time course lasting from 5 to 180 min and exhibited significant dose dependency over the range 1-10 mM. The response to 2-deoxyadenosine did not involve any changes in the steady state levels of ATP and was augmented by the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors, IBMX and caffeine. We conclude that 2-deoxyadenosine is a powerful stimulator of human sperm motility and that this effect involves an increase of intracellular cAMP levels via mechanisms which do not involve the classical 'R'-site receptor mediated pathway.

Semen assessment, fertility and the selection of Hereford bulls for use in AI.

Abstract: Nineteen young Hereford bulls were used to study the relationship between semen characteristics and fertility in artificial insemination following 15 320 inseminations. Seven measures of sperm motility, morphological abnormalities, the release of hyaluronidase, ATP content and sperm head measurements were examined as predictors of fertility (49-day fixed-interval non-return rate). Two assessments of motility, three categories of abnormal spermatozoa, acrosomal changes and the release of hyaluronidase had predictive power. Multiple regression analysis showed that a combination of sperm motility after dilution in saline, motility after thawing and the proportion of coiled tails and proximal protoplasmic droplets provided the best prediction of fertility and allowed bulls to be ranked in order of observed non-return rate (%) with a Spearman correlation better than +0.80.

Measurement of epididymal sperm motility as a test variable in the rat.

Abstract: Several environmental contaminants, notably dibromochloropropane (Whorton et al. 1977) and kepone (Taylor et al. 1978; Cannon et al. 1978) have been implicated in sperm deficiencies among occupationally exposed males. These incidents emphasize the need for adequate testing of chemicals for effects on the male reproductive system. Although important in clinical diagnosis, the evaluation of sperm motility has not been used extensively as a tool in chemical toxicology, particularly in commonly used small laboratory species. Measurements of sperm motility parameters are complicated by several variables including sample manipulation, temperature, cell concentration, time factors and the method of quantitation. In the present study, a simple objective procedure to estimate the proportion of motile epididymal spermatozoa in the rat has been developed. Emphasis is given to details of handling the sperm sample to minimize intersample variation due to external factors. Quantitation of progressively motile spermatozoa is achieved simply by standard manual and electronic blood cell counting techniques. The difficulty in visual tracking of multiple motile spermatozoa is circumvented by counting only nonmotile cells. An index of motility is calculated from the difference in the nonmotile and total counts, each made on separate aliquots of a sperm suspension. The procedure described is an elaboration of a technique used by Mason and Thompson, 1977. The modified technique is demonstrated in rats given selected doses of dinoseb (2-sec___-butyl 4,6-dinitrophenol), a testicular toxicant in the rat (Linder et al. 1982) and ~-chlorohydrin (3-chloro-l,2-propanediol) whose antimotility effects have been documented in several species (Jones 1983).

Repair of experimental varicoceles in the rat. Long-term effects on testicular blood flow and temperature and cauda epididymidal sperm concentration and motility.

Abstract: The effects of varicocele and varicocele repair on testicular blood flow, temperature, sperm counts, and sperm motility were assessed in adult male rats. The duration of the experimental varicocele and the varicocele repair were three and two times as long, respectively, as that studied previously. Varicoceles were created by partial ligation of the left renal vein and repairs were accomplished by high ligation of the left spermatic vein. Testicular blood flow was determined by using the radiolabeled microsphere technique. Testicular temperature was taken via needle probe thermometer. Sperm samples were obtained by micropuncture of the cauda epididymidis, and were counted on a hemacytometer and observed for motility under the light microscope. Varicoceles were studied 100 days after their creation. Repairs were performed on varicoceles that had lasted 100 days and the animals were studied 60 days after repair. Mean testicular blood flow (ml/100 g tissue/min) was significantly increased (P less than 0.05) in animals with varicocele (left testis (LT) = 42.2 +/- 1.1, right testis (RT) = 39.1 +/- 1.2) when compared with normal controls (LT = 29.3 +/- 1.6, RT = 29.6 +/- 1.7), animals with varicocele repair (LT = 30.7 +/- 1.3, RT = 30.0 +/- 1.6), or sham-operated animals (LT = 29.7 +/- 1.4, RT = 31.1 +/- 1.4).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)