Sperm morphogenesis, structure and function in humans over 70 years old.
Semen and testicular biopsy samples from different aged human donors have been examined for any age related changes in sperm morphogenesis, structure and function. Various abnormalities and defects, some being unique to spermatozoon of elderly men, were observed at the light and electron microscope levels. In spite of this, the best fractions of ejaculated spermatozoa population maintains his function, as demonstrated by some complete egg penetrations observed with the 'zona free' hamster egg test system.
D000177:Acrosome / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy; D006224:Cricetinae; D005260:Female; D005613:Freeze Etching; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009024:Morphogenesis; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development