Effect of freezing on the relative escape force of sperm as measured by a laser optical trap.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the possible effect of freezing on sperm escape force as measured by laser trap.


METHODS
Controlled clinical study.


METHODS
Normal volunteers, academic setting.


METHODS
Normal, healthy volunteers.


METHODS
Sperm selection, freezing and thawing. Measurement of relative (sperm) escape force before and after freezing.


METHODS
Comparison of escape force as a measurement of freezing effects.


RESULTS
Wide individual variations noted, with some individuals showing significant increases or decreases. The relative escape force in fresh (76.1 +/- 31.1 mW) and in frozen-thawed samples (75.6 +/- 40.0 mW) were similar.


CONCLUSIONS
Freezing does not affect the relative escape force of normal sperm. Any possible detrimental effect of freezing on sperm may be related to other sperm functions.
Dantas
Z N
ZN
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine 92613-1491.
Araujo
E
E
Tadir
Y
Y
Berns
M W
MW
Schell
M J
MJ
Stone
S C
SC
D005615:Freezing; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D012016:Reference Values; D013081:Sperm Motility