THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC-CURRENT ON NORMAL HUMAN SPERM

This in vitro study was conducted to determine the direct effects of e lectric current and associated increase in temperature on human sperm. Washed sperm samples from normal volunteers were subjected to an elec tric current (0 to 100 mA) in a small, customized Plexiglas chamber fo r up to 10 minutes. Resistive heating was monitored by a miniature tem perature probe. An aliquot (7 mu l) obtained from the exposed sample ( at 0, 3, 7, and 10 minute intervals) was evaluated for sperm motion pa rameters, viability, gross morphology, and electron microscopic analys es. As the current increased, there was a time-dependent decrease in t he percentages of motility, viability, and curvilinear velocity. Light and electron microscopic evaluations of the sperm showed no demonstra ble damage to the head, mid piece, or tail regions on electric stimula tion. A gradual time-dependent increase in the temperature of the medi um was observed with electric current. Separate evaluations in the abs ence of an electric current showed a significant increase in percent m otility and curvilinear velocity until 40 degrees C. These results sug gest that an electric current, independent of temperature (up to 40 de grees C), is detrimental to sperm motion and viability. Further studie s are indicated to evaluate whether electric current during electroeja culation may be in part responsible for poor sperm recovery in men wit h spinal cord injury.