Penetration of hamster oocytes by human sperm in an in vitro fertilization microchamber after insemination with unprocessed semen

Abstract

To determine if unprocessed human spermatozoa could capacitate in an IVF microchamber. Semen was loaded into an IVF microchamber with zona-free hamster oocytes, and a hamster penetration test was performed. Medical School basic research laboratory. Men who provided sperm for other laboratory tests. None. Penetration of zona-free hamster oocytes by human sperm. In 12 of 19 sperm samples, hamster egg penetration was detected. In most negative cases other measures of sperm function suggested that the SPA might be compromised. Positive hamster oocyte penetration after loading of unprocessed semen into an IVF microchamber indicates that the chamber supports sperm capacitation. Use of such microchambers thus might reduce or eliminate many steps in sperm processing.