Human serum and follicular fluid stimulate hyperactivation of human spermatozoa after preincubation.
OBJECTIVE
To test the effects of steroid-containing media such as follicular fluid (FF) and serum and of steroid-free but human protein-rich medium on hyperactivation (HA) of human spermatozoa with and without a preincubation period.


METHODS
Analysis of HA using a computer-aided sperm analysis system.


METHODS
Academic hospital and andrologic laboratory.


METHODS
Twenty-six sperm samples were obtained from 26 different IVF patients.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
After a preincubation period of 3 hours, FF and serum enhanced the HA after 1 hour. A human plasma protein-rich solution did not. Without preincubation, no stimulation of HA was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Steroids may be involved in HA, and a preincubation period may be required for an appropriate FF-induced HA.
Kulin
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Bastiaans
B A
BA
Hollanders
H M
HM
Janssen
H J
HJ
Goverde
H J
HJ
D001790:Blood Physiological Phenomena; D003470:Culture Media; D005260:Female; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*
D003470:Culture Media