Improved accuracy of sperm motility assessment using a modified Micro-Cell sperm counting chamber.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of modifications made in the Micro-Cell sperm counting chamber on the motility of washed human spermatozoa.


METHODS
In a 2 x 2 experimental design, human sperm samples were washed with or without protein supplementation, loaded into modified or unmodified Micro-Cell chambers, and assessed by automated semen analysis for changes associated with sperm adhesion to the glass chamber surfaces.


METHODS
Twenty-one men who were undergoing semen analysis and presented with > or = 50% motile sperm, or normal donors.


METHODS
Reduced motility and elevated lateral head displacement associated with sperm adhesion to glass surfaces were compared using a doubly repeated measures analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Addition of protein to the sperm washing solution partially reversed the adhesion of spermatozoa to the glass of unmodified Micro-Cell chambers. Chambers manufactured to reduce cell adhesion to glass surfaces yielded the highest motility and lowest lateral head displacement, whether the sperm were washed in a solution supplemented with or without protein.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that, as in raw semen, kinematics of washed sperm can be measured reliably in the modified Micro-Cell chamber.
Armant
D R
DR
C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
Ellis
M A
MA
D002448:Cell Adhesion; D003584:Cytological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility