Fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate-wheat germ agglutinin staining of human spermatozoa and fertilization in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the sensitivity and clinical significance of fluorescein isothiocyanate wheat germ agglutinin (FITC-WGA) staining of human spermatozoa.


METHODS
Percentage FITC-WGA staining was assessed in the different morphological zones of human spermatozoa and compared with fertilization rates of metaphase II oocytes in vitro.


METHODS
Spermatozoa and oocytes were obtained from normospermic (n = 12) and male factor patients (n = 15) attending the Tygerberg Hospital's IVF clinic.


METHODS
Aliquots of swim-up spermatozoa used in the IVF laboratory were examined for the presence and morphological localization of WGA receptors. Fertilization rates were expressed as the percentage of metaphase II oocytes with successful fertilization.


RESULTS
Human spermatozoa capacitated in vitro for use in an IVF program showed variations in the percent positive staining of the acrosomal region which correlated with IVF rates in both patient groups studied. Values of FITC-WGA acrosomal staining of < 35% corresponded with IVF rates of < 50% whereas > 35% WGA acrosomal staining corresponded with IVF rates > or = 50%. Significant differences between acrosomal and equatorial region staining from normozoospermic samples and male factor samples also were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate the practical use of the WGA assay for molecular assessment of male fertilizing capacity in conjunction with an assisted reproductive program.
Gabriel
L K
LK
University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
Franken
D R
DR
Van der Horst
G
G
Kruger
T F
TF
D000177:Acrosome / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005306:Fertilization; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008677:Metaphase; D009865:Oocytes; D011975:Receptors, Mitogen / Q000378:metabolism; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014909:Wheat Germ Agglutinins / Q000378:metabolism
D011975:Receptors, Mitogen; D014909:Wheat Germ Agglutinins; C047939:fluorescein isothiocyanate-wheat germ agglutinin; C027503:wheat germ agglutinin receptor; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate