A prospective controlled evaluation of TEST-yolk buffer in the preparation of sperm for human in vitro fertilization in suspected cases of male infertility.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate sperm preincubation in tes and tris (TEST)-yolk buffer as a potential enhancing agent of fertilizing capacity of sperm during human in vitro fertilization (IVF).


METHODS
Oocytes obtained during IVF were divided into two groups: one group fertilized with TEST-yolk buffer-treated sperm and the other group with standard-prepared sperm.


METHODS
The University of Southern California IVF Program.


METHODS
Thirty-nine couples with suspected male factor infertility undergoing IVF.


METHODS
Preinsemination incubation of sperm in TEST-yolk buffer for 24 hours.


METHODS
Fertilization rates in vitro.


RESULTS
TEST-yolk buffer-treated sperm fertilized 140 of 241 oocytes (58%), whereas control sperm fertilized 108 of 251 oocytes (43%). Of four couples who had previously failed to fertilize during IVF, one fertilized with both specimens and three fertilized with TEST-yolk buffer-treated sperm only.


CONCLUSIONS
TEST-yolk buffer pretreatment of sperm for 24 hours results in higher fertilization rates during IVF among suspected male factor patients.
Paulson
R J
RJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Sauer
M V
MV
Francis
M M
MM
Macaso
T M
TM
Lobo
R A
RA
D004530:Egg Yolk; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D014325:Tromethamine
D014325:Tromethamine