PREGNANCY FOLLOWING DISCONTINUATION OF A CALCIUM-CHANNEL BLOCKER IN THE MALE PARTNER

The fertility potential of human sperm populations can be assessed by the presence of head-directed mannose ligand receptors (mannose-specif ic lectin) and the occurrence of spontaneous acrosome reactions after incubation under capacitating conditions ill vitro. We have reported p reviously on the interaction between anti-hypertensive medications and their effects on these parameters of male fertility potential, In thi s report we document the effects of cessation of calcium ion channel b locker medication on male fertility. Motile spermatozoa from a 30 year old infertile patient on a calcium ion channel blocker as anti-hypert ensive treatment had subnormal expression of mannose-specific lectin a nd did not exhibit spontaneous acrosome reactions. Three months follow ing discontinuation of the medications, complete recovery of both the expression of head-directed mannose ligand receptors and the acrosome reaction was documented, though sperm motility and morphology remained unchanged. The couple had 2 years of infertility and previously faile d to conceive through seven cycles of Pergonal/intra-uterine inseminat ion, Conception occurred on the second Pergonal/intra-uterine insemina tion cycle after the husband discontinued calcium ion channel blocker medication, Calcium ion channel blockers may adversely affect sperm fe rtilizing potential. Discontinuation of such medications enhances the chances for conception.