No abstract

This study evaluates the clinical usefulness of one additional parameter for assessment of human sperm cell function in vitro--the hypoosmotic swelling test. The hypoosmotic swelling test evaluated the functional integrity of the sperm plasma membrane. The investigation included a comparison of the hypoosmotic swelling test in samples containing motile and immotile spermatozoa and their correlation with the intrauterine insemination outcome. Motile spermatozoa expressed better membrane characteristics, without any importance of the hypoosmotic conditions. Positive correlation exists between HOS results and the outcome of IUI. This test can be a useful addition to the standard battery of semen analyzing tests.

Adequate acrosome reaction is one of the essential events that has to occur in successful mammalian fertilization. The purpose of the present study was to assess the acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa by means of iodine-labelled lectins concanavalin A and peanut agglutinin ([125I]Con A and [125I]PNA). Six sperm samples in the control (fertile) group were compared with 24 samples obtained from infertile patients. The acrosome reaction in both groups was induced in vitro by adding follicular fluid. Iodine-labelled lectins were bound to the sperm surface, and alteration in the binding capacity for [125I]PNA and [125I]Con A after induced acrosomal reaction was the main parameter for the prediction of acrosome reaction and fertilizing ability. It is hoped that with the availability of this test, in-vivo data may be accumulated.

Spermatozoa membranes as well as occurrence of the acrosomal reaction were not affected by pentoxifylline.

Congenital absence of both vas deferens accounts for approximately 10% of cases of obstructive azoospermia. The purpose of the present study was to develop a treatment protocol for a group of azoospermic patients using surgical implantation of alloplastic spermatocoele to enable repeated sperm cell aspiration. Nine patients with congenital absence of both vas deferens, two with obstructed and one with destroyed vas, underwent surgery for the implantation of an alloplastic spermatocoele. In 10 of the 12 patients, vital spermatozoa were recovered from the aspirate and used for intrauterine insemination of their female partners with induced ovulation, some of whom then conceived.