Sperm Morphology Characteristics Research Articles

Reduced semen quality caused by chronic abacterial prostatitis: an enigma or reality?

To investigate whether there is an inter-relationship between chronic abacterial prostatitis and potential infertility. As part of the eligibility studies for hyperthermia treatment for chronic abacterial prostatitis patients, a large number of chronic prostatitis patients were referred to us from peripheral outpatient clinics. Sperm analysis was a routine portion of the eligibility studies. To exclude bacterial prostatitis, urine cultures, expressed prostatic secretion, and semen cultures were performed. The patient population was not differentiated on the basis of those suffering from either nonbacterial prostatitis or prostatodynia according to the commonly accepted classification. The control group was the laboratory normal standard group. Normal human volunteers in an academic and clinical research environment. The first group includes 86 patients suffering from long-standing (1 to 20 years) chronic abacterial prostatitis, according to the commonly accepted classification, with a mean age of 39.9 +/- 9.5 years. The second group includes 101 normal fertile men with a mean age of 31.4 +/- 5.5 years. The routine semen analysis performed included biochemical tests of seminal plasma, bacteriology, and light microscopy. The original hypothesis was based on a reduction in semen quality in these patients caused by chronic abacterial prostatitis. Measurements for sperm motility parameters, morphology characteristics, prostate markers, and white blood cells (WBC) were designed accordingly. Statistical comparisons of the two groups showed that several sperm motility parameters, morphology characteristics, prostate markers, and WBC are outside of the normal value ranges in the chronic abacterial prostatitis group. In addition, there is a correlation between the duration of the disease and two important sperm analysis variables: increased prostatic markers and appearance of sperm morphological defects. From the results obtained, the high incidence of secondary infertility in these patients may be explained.

Andrology: Effect of freezing method, thawing temperature and post-thaw dilution/washing on motility (CASA) and morphology characteristics of high-quality human sperm

Sixteen semen samples, 12 donor and four patient samples of high initial quality, were processed to compare the effect of two freezing methods, two thawing temperatures and the effect of dilution and washing on sperm motility and morphology characteristics. Sperm samples were divided in two equal parts and frozen either by fast vapour freezing or by slow computer-controlled freezing. For each freezing method, half of the straws were thawed at room temperature (22 degrees C), the other half were thawed at 37 degrees C. From each freeze-thawing treatment, one straw was evaluated immediately post-thawing; another straw was washed to remove the cryoprotectant solution. In this way, each semen sample was subjected to eight freeze-thawing treatments. No effect of the freezing method and thawing temperature was observed on motility characteristics evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis, nor on light-microscopical morphology parameters. Post-thaw dilution and washing, however, exerted a deleterious effect on sperm motility, by reducing percentage motility by 50% compared to unwashed thawed specimens. Linearity and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were obviously impaired, while percentage of abnormal tails and beat cross frequency increased significantly. In general, freeze-thawing was most successful when rapid vapour freezing was followed by 37 degrees C thawing, and when slower computer-controlled freezing was combined with 22 degrees C thawing, causing significant interactions between the freezing method and the thawing temperature. For semen samples of high initial quality, vapour and computer-controlled freezing were equally effective in terms of recovery of morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa.

Semen Characteristics, Testicular Size, and Reproductive Hormone Concentrations in Mature Duroc, Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu Boars1

Chinese breeds of swine are known for their reproductive prolificacy and are noted for large litter size. The current investigation evaluated reproductive components of three breeds of Chinese boars in comparison to a contemporary site breed common in the U.S. Semen from postpubertal Duroc, Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu boars was collected during four seasons of the year. After each semen collection and evaluation period, boars were weighted and placed in a restraining chute for testicular measurements and blood sampling for measurement of FSH, testosterone, and inhibin. Although Duroc boars were 2 mo younger than Chinese boars, initial and final body weight and paired testis volume in Durocs were greater (p < 0.05) than in Chinese boars. Total spermatozoa per ejaculate was similar for Duroc and Minzhu boars, but was lower (p < 0.05) in Fengjing and Meishan boars. Progressive motility and sperm morphological characteristics were not affected by breed of boar. Serum FSH concentrations were markedly higher (p < 0.01) in Meishan and Fengjing boars than in other breeds, and concentrations were nearly 8-fold higher in Meishan than in Duroc boars. Breed differences in serum inhibin were essentially the inverse of those observed for FSH, with Durocs exhibiting the highest inhibin concentrations and Meishans exhibiting the lowest. Testosterone values were not different between breeds. However, testosterone concentrations fluctuated with season, and serum testosterone was highest during the fall of the year in all breeds. These results indicated that some reproductive characteristics differ dramatically between Duroc and Chinese breeds of boars. Breed differences existed in body size, testis size, sperm per ejaculate, ejaculate volume, and serum FSH and inhibin concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparative ultrastructural studies on scleractinian spermatozoa (Cnidaria, Anthozoa)

The ultrastructural comparison of spermatozoa from eight scleractinian coral species shows a cytological diversity similar to the one known for the entire Anthozoa. Scleractinian spermatozoa are of compact shape with no strong demarcation between the sperm head and the middle piece. A comparison of the nuclear shape, as well as of the anterior structures of the proximal centriole, allow the description of different types of sperms in this group. Sperms with a spherical, pentagonally shaped or a conical and hereof derived nucleus can be distinguished. While correlations between sperm morphology and sexual characteristics can be seen, with one exception, in gonochoristic corals with a single reproductive cycle per year, no common sperm morphology can be described for hermaphroditic corals with a yearly reproductive cycle. Besides the centriolar complex which seems to be similar in all Scleractinia, a taxon-specific morphology of spermatozoa was only observed at the specific and generic level. As far as phylogenetic aspects are concerned, the almost identical arrangement of the centrioles and the intercentriolar connective strand in all examined Scleractina and Corrallimorpharia underscores the sister-group relationship of these two groups. Spermatozoa with a conical nucleus, a single basal indentation and a basal plate are considered to characterize the stem species of the Madreporaria.

Evaluation of Stallion Semen

This article outlines a basic method for conducting a stallion semen evaluation. After the removal of the gel fraction of the ejaculate, semen gel-free volume is determined, and any abnormality in appearance is noted. Concentration of sperm cells in semen can be determined with the use of either a hemacytometer or spectrophotometer after appropriate dilution of raw semen. The percentage of progressively motile sperm is evaluated promptly after collection of semen with the use of a phase-contrast microscope. The total numbers of sperm and progressively motile sperm in the ejaculate are calculated. The determination of seminal pH and the classification of sperm morphologic features are additional seminal characteristics evaluated during a semen evaluation. Sperm motion characteristics can be further evaluated with the use of computerized sperm image analysis systems and may add additional information concerning the quality of ejaculated sperm. Unfortunately, no single seminal characteristic has in itself been shown to be highly correlated with fertility, although various seminal characteristics are known to affect fertility. Therefore, to properly interpret the fertility of a semen sample, a complete and thorough semen evaluation must be performed.

Reappraisal of the hypo-osmotic swelling test to improve assessment of seminal fertility status.

The hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test has been proposed as a useful assay for evaluation of the functional competence of the human sperm membranes. To assess this further, the HOS-test was evaluated in 187 semen samples collected from fertile men and from male patients consulting for infertility. These samples were classified as normal, oligo-, astheno- or oligoasthenozoospermic on the basis of their standard semen variables. The percentage of total sperm tail swelling and of sperm exhibiting different tail swelling patterns was recorded. In the fertile men and in the group of patients with normal semen variables, significantly more (P less than 0.001) HOS-reactive sperm were observed after hypo-osmotic treatment in comparison with those groups exhibiting abnormal semen parameters. Swelling of the sperm in a hypo-osmotic medium was highly correlated with both progressive motility (r = 0.62, P less than 0.001) and sperm viability (r = 0.65, P less than 0.001). A weak positive correlation was also observed between sperm swelling and sperm morphological features (r = 0.31, P less than 0.005) and between sperm swelling and sperm concentration (r = 0.31, P less than 0.005). No significant correlation was observed between sperm swelling and in-vitro sperm fertilizing capacity as assessed by the zona-free hamster oocyte penetration assay. However the majority of the semen samples (87.3%) showing a normal penetration rate (greater than or equal to 10%) also exhibited a 60% (or higher) reaction in the HOS-test.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fertility Parameters in Men Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

The effect of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection on semen parameters that assess fertility was investigated in 50 semen specimens from 21 asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic HIV-seropositive men and 3 specimens from 3 men with AIDS. HIV was isolated from 15 (30%) of 50 specimens from asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic persons and from 1 of 3 specimens from patients with AIDS. The men with AIDS all had pyosemia and grossly abnormal sperm. In contrast, semen specimens from other seropositive men did not differ significantly from semen specimens from healthy seronegative semen donors. No abnormality in sperm count, morphology, numbers or types of leukocytes in semen, or other seminal parameters was associated with HIV shedding in semen. Zidovudine therapy did not affect sperm morphology or seminal characteristics. Thus, although patients with AIDS had abnormal semen, the laboratory parameters that assess fertility were not affected by shedding of HIV in semen or concomitant therapy with zidovudine.

Predictive value of sperm morphology and movement characteristics in the outcome of in vitro fertilization of human oocytes.

One hundred fourteen semen samples from Chinese males were analyzed for routine semen parameters including the semen volume, sperm count, percentage motility, and percentage normal morphology. Of these 114 samples, 54 also had movement characteristics of seminal and swim-up sperm evaluated by the computer image analyzer system (Cellsoft; Cryo Resources Co., New York). All semen samples were subjected to the swim-up procedure to harvest the motile sperm before inseminations of human oocytes. Fertilization was considered to have occurred when at least one oocyte was observed with two or more pronuclei. Semen samples were classified as infertile (0% fertilization rate; N = 32) or fertile (greater than 0% fertilization rate; N = 82) before statistical analyses. There was a significant difference (P less than 0.005) in percentage normal morphology of seminal sperm between the fertile (mean +/- SE; 67.3 +/- 1.2%) and the infertile (59.3 +/- 2.2%) samples. The percentage normal morphology of seminal sperm correlated (r = 0.3049; P less than 0.002) with the fertilization rate and this parameter was selected by the multivariate stepwise discriminant analysis as the discriminator capable of predicting the fertilization rate with 57.9% accuracy. Statistical analyses of samples where sperm movement was also evaluated demonstrated that there was significant differences (P less than 0.01) between the fertile (N = 38) and the infertile (N = 16) samples in percentage normal morphology of seminal sperm (67.8 +/- 1.8% vs 56.2 +/- 2.6%) and curvilinear velocity of swim-up sperm (89.2 +/- 3.5 vs 68.2 +/- 7.2 microns/sec).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The concentration of pepsinogen C in human semen and the physiological activation of zymogen in the vagina.

The relationship between male infertility and the pepsinogen C content in semen has been investigated. The activation of the seminal pepsinogen C in the vagina has been studied under physiological conditions. Samples of semen from 48 vasectomized males and from 46 males of infertile couples were analyzed for pepsinogen C by radioimmunoassay. No correlation was found between the level of pepsinogen C and seminal characteristics, including sperm concentration, motility, and morphologic features. The mean concentration of pepsinogen C was 42.2 micrograms/ml; the first, second, and third quartile were 18.4, 29.6, and 57.6 micrograms/ml, respectively. No significant difference in the level of pepsinogen C was observed between semen of normal quality, semen of reduced quality, and semen with aspermia. Activation of pepsinogen C occurred within 3 h when semen was incubated at pH below 5.0 at 37 degrees C. Intravaginal activation was investigated in six experiments in which semen from two males was instilled in three females. In four experiments with two couples, post-coital activation was investigated. Pepsin C activity in vaginal fluid was detected an average of 3 h (range 2-5 h) and 5 h (4-7 h) after instillation or ejaculation, respectively. Vaginal pH had then been below 4.5 for approximately 1 h. Pepsin C activity was present in the vagina for more than 24 h thereafter. It is most likely that seminal pepsin C is without influence on the fertilizing spermatozoon. However, pepsin C may exert a local effect in the vagina by degrading seminal proteins, thus preventing an immunogenic response in females.

A comparison of sperm morphology and silver nitrate staining characteristics in the domestic ferret and the black‐footed ferret

Ejaculated sperm from the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) and the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) were compared for differences in morphological abnormalities and argentophilic protein distribution. Thawed domestic ferret sperm was also compared to fresh sperm to determine whether there were any effects on cell morphology due to cryopreservation. There were statistically significant differences between the two species of ferret in two of the categories scored. The domestic ferret had a higher frequency of cells that were bent in the midpiece and in the principal piece, and a higher frequency of headless and tailless cells when compared to the black-footed ferret. There were no statistically significant differences in cell morphology between the fresh and cryopreserved ejaculates of the domestic ferret employing a standard egg yolk cryoextender. Silver nitrate staining distribution was different between the two species in both the head and tail region.

Identification of andrologic patient groups by cluster analysis

To test the validity of the current andrologic classification system, we performed cluster analysis in 317 andrologic patients involuntarily barren for more than 1 year. For cluster analysis, the spermatologic parameters sperm density, motility, and morphologic features were used since only these parameters contributed significantly to group identification, as revealed by stepwise discriminant function analysis. The optimal number clusters determined by calculation of the variance criterion was five. The resulting five groups partly correspond to the prevailing descriptive classification system as far as the extreme groups of "high-grade oligoteratoasthenozoospermia" and "polyzoospermia" are concerned. Surprisingly, cluster analysis distinguished between two groups of normozoospermia that differed in their mean sperm density. Cluster analysis may prove to become a powerful tool for andrologic classification.

Comparison of gonadal function between fertile and infertile men with varicoceles

The high prevalence of men with varicoceles who by history are fertile has led some to question the suggested causal relationship between a varicocele and male infertility. However, testicular function in these fertile men has not previously been studied in detail. Fifty-five normal fertile men, 42 fertile men with varicoceles, and 24 infertile men with varicoceles and normal female partners were studied. Semen analyses were done, baseline serum testosterone and gonadotropin levels tested and the gonadotropin response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) measured. The infertile men with varicoceles exhibited lower sperm counts, abnormal sperm morphologic features, increased baseline serum gonadotropins, and increased gonadotropin responses to LH-RH, compared with the normal fertile men. The fertile men with varicoceles showed similar abnormalities, although this was not statistically significant in all cases. That semen and hormone abnormalities were observed in both the fertile and infertile men with varicoceles suggests that the presence of a varicocele is associated with some degree of primary testicular dysfunction, regardless of present fertility status.

Sperm morphologic features as a prognostic factor in in vitro fertilization

To determine whether there is a prognostic value in the percentage normal sperm morphologic features in a human in vitro fertilization (IVF) program, the authors conducted a prospective study in women with bilateral tubal damage. Based on the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, the patients were divided into four groups: group I, normal morphologic features between 0% and 14%; group II, 15% to 30%; group III, 31% to 45%; and group IV, 46% to 60%. One hundred ninety successful laparoscopic cycles were evaluated. In group I, 104 oocytes were obtained, of which 37% fertilized, but no pregnancy resulted; in group II, 81% of 324 oocytes were fertilized, with a pregnancy rate per embryo transfer (ET) of 22%; in group III, 82% of 309 oocytes were fertilized, with a 31% pregnancy rate; and in group IV, 91% of 69 oocytes were fertilized, with a pregnancy rate of 12%. Probability models indicated that there was a clear threshold in normal sperm morphologic features at 14%, with high fertilization and pregnancy rate in the groups with normal sperm morphologic features greater than 14%.

Comparison of gonadal function between fertile and infertile men with varicoceles

The high prevalence of men with varicoceles who by history are fertile has led some to question the suggested causal relationship between a varicocele and male infertility. However, testicular function in these fertile men has not previously been studied in detail. Fifty-five normal fertile men, 42 fertile men with varicoceles, and 24 infertile men with varicoceles and normal female partners were studied. Semen analyses were done, baseline serum testosterone and gonadotropin levels tested and the gonadotropin response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) measured. The infertile men with varicoceles exhibited lower sperm counts, abnormal sperm morphologic features, increased baseline serum gonadotropins, and increased gonadotropin responses to LH-RH, compared with the normal fertile men. The fertile men with varicoceles showed similar abnormalities, although this was not statistically significant in all cases. That semen and hormone abnormalities were observed in both the fertile and infertile men with varicoceles suggests that the presence of a varicocele is associated with some degree of primary testicular dysfunction, regardless of present fertility status.

Sperm quality of healthy smokers, ex-smokers, and never-smokers

The possible effects of cigarette smoking on sperm quality were investigated in a blind study of 333 healthy male volunteers 19 to 40 years of age. All subjects with clinically proven abnormalities, operations, or inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, exposure to radiation exceeding routine x-ray examination, or medication were excluded, and the data from 150 smokers, 37 ex-smokers, and 52 never-smokers were evaluated. There was a small but insignificant decrease in sperm density from never-smokers to ex-smokers and to smokers. Eight smokers (6%) had sperm counts less than 1 X 10(6)/ml, whereas none of the ex-smokers or never-smokers fell into this category. This difference, however, is not statistically significant (P = 0.084). No statistically significant effect of smoking habits on sperm density, motility, and morphologic features was detected. It is concluded that smoking does not affect the motility and morphologic features of sperm in healthy adult men. The diminished sperm density in heavy smokers may be related to factors associated with smoking.

The relationship between the human sperm hypoosmotic swelling test, routine semen analysis, and the human sperm zona-free hamster ovum penetration assay

The functional integrity of sperm membranes of 270 semen samples collected from fertile men and the male partners in couples with infertile marriages was assessed by the hypoosmotic swelling test and the results correlated with routine semen analysis and the human sperm zona-free hamster ovum penetration assay. Semen samples with abnormal semen parameters had lower values of percentage of swollen sperm after hypoosmotic treatment in comparison with those with normal semen parameters. A weak positive correlation was observed between sperm swelling and sperm morphologic features (r = 0.32, P less than 0.05) and between sperm swelling and sperm motility (r = 0.22, P less than 0.05). Insignificant correlation was observed between sperm swelling and in vitro sperm fertilizing capacity, as assessed by the zona-free hamster ovum penetration assay. The results indicate that the sperm swelling test and the zona-free hamster ovum penetration assay are evaluating different functional qualities of sperm that are apparently not associated with each other.

Correlation between the direct IgG MAR test (mixed antiglobulin reaction test) and seminal analysis in men from infertile couples

The direct IgG mixed antiglobulin reaction (IgG MAR) test was carried out in 395 male subjects from infertile couples, selected on the basis of their seminal characteristics (sperm concentration greater than 10 X 10(6)/ml, sperm motility greater than 10%); attempts were made to correlate results with the seminologic aspects of the ejaculate. A significant correlation was observed between a positive MAR test and spontaneous sperm autogglutination. No correlation was observed, however, between test positivity and concentration, motility and sperm morphologic features, the macroscopic aspects studied (viscosity, fluidification), or increased concentration of leukocytes.

Variation of semen measures within normal men

Variation in semen measures was assessed bimonthly in 15 healthy men over a 6-month period. Average within-subject coefficients of variation for sperm count, morphologic features, motility, and semen volume demonstrate considerable variation. Each day of abstinence increased the volume by an increment of 0.62 ml, the count by 17.6 X 10(6)/ml, and motility by 1.2%. Sperm count and semen volume correlated positively within subjects. Intraclass and serial correlations of semen measures provided an empirical clinical guide to the number and spacing of specimens. Three specimens spaced no more than 2 weeks apart established a reliable semen profile. Findings can be applied to basic research and clinical practice.

Tamoxifen and oligospermia.

Thirty normogonadotropic oligospermic males were administered Tamoxifen (20 mg/day) for 4 months. A complete evaluation of seminal parameters before and after treatment was performed. An increase of both mean sperm concentration and total sperm count was noted after treatment with Tamoxifen (p less than 0.05), whereas no variation was observed for semen volume, sperm morphologic characteristics, or sperm motility. Hormonal patterns of 5 of these subjects before, during, and after 3 months of treatment with Tamoxifen showed a progressive increase of gonadotropin (especially LH) and 17 beta E2 values; testosterone variations were minimal, and PRL showed a slight decrease.

Increased sperm count in 25 cases of idiopathic normogonadotropic oligospermia following treatment with tamoxifen

Twenty-five subfertile men, all presenting with idiopathic normogonadotropic oligospermia, were treated with tamoxifen (20 mg/day) for 4 to 12 months. Semen analysis was performed twice before treatment and at least twice after 3 to 12 months of treatment. In 14 patients, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and plasma testosterone (T) were assayed before treatment, then again after 2 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment. Semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm morphologic characteristics were not modified by tamoxifen. Conversely, a twofold increase of both the mean sperm concentration and the mean total sperm count per ejaculate was observed during treatment (P less than 0.001). Mean values of T, LH, and FSH increased during treatment, but the difference was only significant for T (P less than 0.001) and FSH (P less than 0.05). Ten pregnancies (40% of cases) were reported during the 161 months of treatment.