Effects of inhalation anesthetics on human sperm motility and capacitation in vitro

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of inhalation anesthetics on human sperm motility and capacitation in vitro. Methods Sperm samples were obtained from normal adults and prepared with discontinuous percoll gradient centrifugation technique. The samples were incubated for 5 h in an airtight glass container filledwith 5% CO2-95% air at 37 ℃ with or without sevoflurane (SEV 2%, 4% ) or isoflurane (ISO 1.1%, 2.2% ).Then human sperm motility was examined in vitro at 37℃ and analyzed by the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), including sperm motility (a + b)%, curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL), averagepath velocity (VAP) and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH). The capacitation effect was assessed by using the chlortetracycline (CTC) staining and phase-contract microscopy. Results 2% and 4% SEV significantly reduced (a + b)% , VCL, VSL and VAP in a dose-dependent manner, while only 4% SEV significantly decreased ALH and the capacitation ability of the sperm compared with control group. 2.2% ISO significantly decreased ( a + b)%, VCL, VSL and VAP compared with control and 1.1% ISO group. The capacitation ability of the sperm was significantly decreased by 1.1% and 2.2% ISO as compared with control group. Conclusion Sevoflurane and isoflurane have significant inhibitory effects on human sperm motility and capacitation in a dose-dependent manner. Sevoflurane has stronger inhibitory effect than isoflurane. Key words: Anesthetics, inhalation; Sperm motility; Sperm capacitation