Penetration of hamster oocytes by human sperm in an in vitro fertilization microchamber after insemination with unprocessed semen.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if unprocessed human spermatozoa could capacitate in an IVF microchamber.


METHODS
Semen was loaded into an IVF microchamber with zona-free hamster oocytes, and a hamster penetration test was performed.


METHODS
Medical School basic research laboratory.


METHODS
Men who provided sperm for other laboratory tests.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Penetration of zona-free hamster oocytes by human sperm.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Gordon
J W
JW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
Chen
H L
HL
D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions