Progesterone decrease plasma membrane in human sperm with subnormal hypoosmotic swelling test scores

Abstract

Background<br />Progesterone (P4) is known as a female hormone affecting oocyte maturation and developing uterine wall. A proteomic study identified several receptors including P4 receptors on human sperm. The role of P4 in human sperm cells remains unknown as to whether P4 has non-genomic effects on human sperm. The present study aims to determine the effect of progesterone (P4) on the hyperactivated motility and membrane integrity of human sperm cells.<br /><br />Methods<br />Semen from normal individuals was obtained from donors. The semen was washed by gradient density centrifugation. P4 was added to each semen sample to final concentrations of 0 (control), 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ng/mL. After the sample treatment was completed, the sperm membrane integrity was assessed with the hypoosmotic swelling test (sodium citrate dihydrate and D-fructose) and the hyperactivated sperm motility parameter was determined with the Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer [CASA] (Hamilton Thorne, IVOS II, USA). The percentage was then compared between the treatment groups and the control group. The percentage differences were analyzed with the Sigmastat version 2.0 statistical program.<br /><br />Results<br />Administration of P4 increased sperm hyperactivated motility when compared with the control group at a concentration of 500 ng/mL, but the increase was statistically not signicant (p>0.05). In contrast, P4 decreased sperm membrane integrity significantly (p=0.042). And the mean of plasma membrane integrity in all groups was subnormal hypoosmotic swelling test score. <br /><br />Conclusion<br />Progesterone administration tends to increase sperm hyperactivated motility. The integrity of plasma sperm membrane was affected by progesterone.