The hypoosmotic swelling test as a useful adjunct to the semen analysis to predict fertility potential

For the diagnosis and evaluation of the therapy for male infertility and for predicting the outcome of AIH and IVF-ET, technically simple, replicable tests that can be performed virtually anywhere and that have definite reliability are required. The results of the HOS test correlate well with the functions of the sperm cell membrane, indicating such aspects as motility, and it is thought to be a particularly effective test of human sperm fertility. Because the HOS test reflects the functions and integrity of the sperm cell membrane, it should be possible to use it to predict the potential for fertilization of frozen sperm.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hypoosmotic Swelling Test of Sperm

Takahashi

Uchida

Kitao

1990

“…Impairment of the functional integrity of the sperm membrane as manifested by subnormal HOS scores [8] and possibly the defect determined by an abnormal stress test [1], remain unique for sperm resulting in embryo implantation defects. To date, embryo implantation defects with the smaller numbers of sperm attaching to the zona pellucida under normal in vivo conditions have been demonstrated only with sperm with HOS scores less than 50% [2]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Increasing Sperm Concentration to Adjust for Subnormal Sperm Morphology Did Not Adversely Affect Implantation After Embryo Transfer

Check

Check²,

Lee³

et al. 2001

Some sperm specimens contribute to infertility not by impairing the fertilization process but by causing embryo implantation defects. One hypothesis is that a toxic factor attached to the sperm is transferred to the zona pellucida by the supernumerary sperm and then subsequently to the embryo membrane. One abnormality, as manifested by subnormal hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) scores, causes these problems even with the small number of sperm that attach to the zona pellucida under normal physiologic conditions. This study evaluated whether the technique used to increase the oocyte insemination concentration of sperm to adjust for subnormal morphology values using strict criteria may allow a higher concentration of this purported toxic factor to attach to the zona pellucida, thus resulting in the dissimilitude of normal fertilization rate but low implantation rate. A comparison of the pregnancy and implantation rate of embryos formed by insemination of this adjusted sperm concentration of £ 200,000 sperm vs. those inseminated with the normal concentration of 25,000 sperm failed to demonstrate any differences. Thus, the technique of increasing sperm concentration to adjust for low sperm morphology to improve fertilization rates does not seem to adversely affect implantation rates as long as the HOST scores are normal.

“…After complete liquification (within 15 to 30 minutes) each specimen was evaluated using aphase contrast microscope, according to standard procedures recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) [14]. Semen measures included volume, sperm count per milliliter (mL), percentage sperm motility, grade of sperm motility [ 151, sperm morphologic features, and the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test [3]. All seminal parameters were evaluated by the same technician.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Percoll Discontinuous Density Gradients vs Spermprep II vs Sephadex G-50 Gel Infiltration on Semen Parameters

Check

Zavos²,

Katsoff³

et al. 1993

There are various methods ofseparating sperm fiom seminal plasma for subsequent intrauterine insemination. Some of these same techniques have been employed for female sex selection. The purpose of the present study was to assess and compare semen parameters following Sephadex, Percoll, and SpermPrepTMII separation techniques. The SpermPrepTMII is also a Sephadex preparation but uses adifferent bead size, less Sephadex, and is a slightly quicker method. The specimens (n = 16) were initially evaluated for count, (C; xI06/rnL), percent motility (MO), grade of motility (GR; percent) and hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test scores. Each specimen was then divided into three equal aliquots and prepared as follows: (1) layered onto a modified Percoll discontinuous density gradient column; (2) processed using SpermPrepTMII; and (3) filtered throughaSephadexgel filtration column ((3-50). The resultsshow all three treatments yieldedlower (P < 0.01) counts as compared to control values, but no differences were noted among them. Percoll SpermPrepTMII increasedMO(P