M. Shekarriz et al., POSITIVE MYELOPEROXIDASE STAINING (ENDTZ TEST) AS AN INDICATOR OF EXCESSIVE REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES FORMATION IN SEMEN, Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 12(2), 1995, pp. 70-74
Purpose: Although the significance of leukocytospermia in semen remain
s controversial, evidence exists that white blood cells (WBCs) may adv
ersely affect sperm function and act as a potential cofactor in male i
nfertility. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which leukocytes may alter
sperm function in vitro is unknown. Recent investigations suggest tha
t reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the polymorphonuclear (PM
N) granulocytes could adversely affect sperm function. The objective o
f this study was to investigate the relationship between the presence
of leukocytospermia as determined by the Endtz test and the excessive
formation of ROS. Methods: The WBC concentration and ROS formation in
human semen, obtained from men consulting for infertility, were assess
ed and compared to that of normal donors. ROS was measured by a chemil
uminescence assay using luminol and a Berthold luminometer. The WBC co
ncentration was determined with a myeloperoxidase staining technique (
Endtz test). Specimens were obtained from 94 subjects (20 donors, 74 p
atients). Results: Of the 20 donors, 2 were Endtz positive and ROS pos
itive; 18 were Endtz negative with 2 (11%) ROS positive. In the patien
t group (n = 74), 26 (35%) were ROS positive, and 17 were Endtz positi
ve and found to be ROS positive. Of the 57 Endtz-negative patients, 9
(15%) were ROS positive. The positive Endtz rest results correlated st
rongly with positive ROS formation in patients and donors (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Our results indicate that the simple, cost-efficient End
tz test could be used as an indicator of excessive ROS formation in se
men.