Platelet-activating factor content in human spermatozoa and pregnancy outcome

Objective: To determine whether platelet-activating factor (PAF) content in human spermatozoa from an isolated population is related to fertilization and pregnancy outcome. Design: Prospective analysis of PAF content in human spermatozoa after a Pe rcoll gradient wash and its relation to fertilization and pregnancy outcome . Setting: University-based reproductive genetics laboratory. Subject(s): Couples undergoing assisted reproduction. Intervention(s): Lipids extracted from Percoll gradient spermatozoa were qu antitated for PAF content by a specific radioimmunoassay. Main Outcome Measure(s): The relation between spermatozoa-derived PAF level s and motility, concentration, morphology, and fertilization and pregnancy rates were determined by using regression analysis and the Student t-test. Result(s): Radioimmunoassay and regression analysis showed a significant an d positive relation between PAF content in human spermatozoa and concentrat ion and motility indices and implantation rate. Patients who became pregnan t had a significantly higher PAF content in the spermatozoa used (7.285 pmo l/10(6) cells) than did patients who did not become pregnant (2.990 pmol/10 (6) cells). Conclusion(s): The PAF content in human spermatozoa has a significant and p ositive relation with motility and concentration indices and implantation r ate. Pregnancy rates but not fertilization rates may be predicted by measur ing PAF levels in an isolated subpopulation of human spermatozoa. (C) 2000 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.