Clinical importance of a micro-assay for the evaluation of sperm acrosome reaction using homologous zona pellucida

Citation
Ad. Esterhuizen et al., Clinical importance of a micro-assay for the evaluation of sperm acrosome reaction using homologous zona pellucida, ANDROLOGIA, 33(2), 2001, pp. 87-93
Citations number
30
Categorie Soggetti
da verificare
Journal title
ANDROLOGIA
ISSN journal
03034569 → ACNP
Volume
33
Issue
2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
87 - 93
Database
ISI
SICI code
0303-4569(200103)33:2<87:CIOAMF>2.0.ZU;2-I
Abstract
This study aimed to develop an acrosome reaction assay using microvolumes o f solubilized human zonae pellucidae among 35 couples attending an in vitro fertilization programme. The sperm morphology of the men was classified as g-pattern (5-14% normal forms) and/or normal pattern (> 14% normal forms). All the couples had a history of repeated poor or failed in vitro fertiliz ation rates from previous attempts. A zona-induced acrosome reaction test w as performed using homologous 0.25 zona pellucida mul(-1) incubated with sp ermatozoa to induce the acrosome reaction. Acrosome reactions were measured with FITC-PSA staining, and expressed as the difference between zona-induc ed and spontaneous acrosome reaction spermatozoa. The results indicated tha t microvolumes of solubilized human zona pellucida could successfully be us ed to determine the acrosome reaction status of spermatozoa. The results we re compared with in vitro fertilization rates of metaphase II oocytes, and analysed with the receiver operating characteristics curve. Receiver operat ing characteristics analyses divided the patients into two groups: i.e. zon a-induced acrosome reaction < 15% and > 15%. The sensitivity and specificit y for zona-induced acrosome reaction results versus fertilization were 93% and 100%, respectively. The correlation coefficient between zona-induced ac rosome reaction and in vitro fertilization was r=0.94 (P <0.0001). Zona-ind uced acrosome reaction data can be used as an indictor for fertilization fa ilure, thus helping clinicians to refine the therapeutic approach for infer tile couples prior to the onset of the treatment.