Acrobeads test: a new diagnostic test for assessment of the fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of the Acrobeads test for predicting the outcome of IVF.


METHODS
Human spermatozoa express the CD46 molecule (membrane cofactor protein) on their heads after the acrosome reaction. CD46-positive spermatozoa formed a sperm-bead complex with immunobeads coated with anti-CD46 monoclonal antibody. In the Acrobeads test, fertilizing capacity was determined by assessing sperm-bead agglutination.


METHODS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Hospital.


METHODS
Thirty-seven donors of proven fertility and 88 male partners of infertile couples.


METHODS
We carried out the Acrobeads test and a sperm penetration assay (SPA) using zona-free hamster oocytes within 3 months before IVF and we then analyzed the results in relation to IVF outcome.


RESULTS
The sensitivity of the Acrobeads test and SPA was 100% and 88%, respectively, whereas the specificity was 43% and 52%, respectively. The negative predictive value of the Acro-beads test was 100%, whereas that of the SPA was 73%. These results indicate that there was no significant difference between these two tests in terms of predicting IVF outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggested that the Acrobeads test be used to evaluate the fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa because we should avoid using the SPA to prevent cruelty to animals.
Ohashi
K
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Medical School, Yamada-oka, Japan.
Saji
F
F
Kato
M
M
Tsutsui
T
T
Tomiyama
T
T
Tanizawa
O
O
D000372:Agglutination Tests; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D006224:Cricetinae; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D051916:Membrane Cofactor Protein; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000502:physiology; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD; C497857:CD46 protein, human; D051916:Membrane Cofactor Protein; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins