NUCLEAR MICROSCOPY OF SPERM CELL ELEMENTAL STRUCTURE

Theories suggest there is a link between protamine concentrations in i ndividual sperm and male fertility. Previously, biochemical analyses h ave used pooled samples containing millions of sperm to determine prot amine concentrations. These methods have not been able to determine wh at percentage of morphologically normal sperm are biochemically defect ive and potentially infertile. Nuclear microscopy has been utilized to measure elemental profiles at the single sperm level. By measuring th e amount of phosphorus and sulfur, the total DNA and protamine content in individual sperm from fertile bull and mouse semen have been deter mined. These values agree with results obtained from other biochemical analyses. Nuclear microscopy shows promise for measuring elemental pr ofiles in the chromatin of individual sperm. The technique may be able to resolve theories regarding the importance of protamines to male fe rtility and identify biochemical defects responsible for certain types of male infertility.