Is spermatozoan acrosin a predictor of fertilization and embryo quality in the human?
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether acrosin is a more reliable criterion than conventional parameters for assessing semen samples.


METHODS
Total acrosin was estimated biochemically in semen samples obtained for routine screening for infertility and for IVF-ET procedures.


METHODS
Assisted Conception Unit, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom.


METHODS
Four hundred sixty-three couples being investigated for causes of infertility, and 132 couples undergoing IVF-ET for any indication except antisperm antibodies between 1990 and 1991 were included in the study.


METHODS
Semen samples were collected as part of routine investigation. Samples from men with consistently high viscosity were collected in alpha-chymotrypsin.


METHODS
Total spermatozoan acrosin in motile spermatozoa and motile spermatozoan density in couples being assessed for IVF-ET and fertilization and embryo quality in those receiving treatment are considered.


RESULTS
Total acrosin levels were less variable (within subject) than either total or motile spermatozoan concentration at ejaculation. Although severely oligozoospermic ejaculates had the lowest levels of total acrosin, overall, there was no significant correlation of spermatozoan concentration between total acrosin levels and percentage fertilization.


CONCLUSIONS
Total spermatozoan acrosin activity correlates positively with fertilization rates but not with spermatozoan count. Motile spermatozoan density for insemination may be adjusted to achieve > 7.5 microIU acrosin per oocyte, without compromising fertilization or further embryo development to blastocysts in vitro.
Sharma
R
R
Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Hogg
J
J
Bromham
D R
DR
D000176:Acrosin / Q000032:analysis*; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods; D002499:Centrifugation, Density Gradient / Q000379:methods; D004542:Ejaculation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000502:physiology*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility; D008297:Male; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology*
D015415:Biomarkers; D000176:Acrosin