Biotesting of spermatozoa function for the use in in-vitro-systems

Three different but complementary test systems were reaction used to evalua te the possibility of assessing spermatozoa function for in-vitro systems t o predict their ability for sperm - oocyte - interaction. As the acrosomal (AR) is triggerd by elevation of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+](i)) and stim ulated by G(i/o) subfamily proteins. This phenomenon was studied by using w asp venom mastoparan and inhibitation by PTX pertussis toxine. Further inve stigations with the acrosomal proteolytic activity (APA) by using native an d N-2 stored sperm and evaluating their lytic activity on substrate film sl ides. Each influence of Heparin was tested. Finally a zona pellucida bindin g system (ZPB) was used to examine the influence of Heparin and PTX on sper matozoa - oocyte jinteraction. All systems used gave specific additional in formation on spermatozoa function and new information on the use of additiv es for sperm - oocyte interaction and incubation additives.