Selectivity of the human sperm-zona pellucida binding process to sperm head morphometry.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain quantitative measures of morphometric selectivity of the human spermzona pellucida binding process as determined by light microscopy.


METHODS
Fully automated sperm head morphometric based on a 32-dimensional parameterization of images of Shorr-stained sperm. Zona pellucida selected sperm removed from reinseminated oocytes that previously failed IVF.


METHODS
Academic research group associated with a tertiary infertility service.


METHODS
Semen samples from 51 infertile patients.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Differences in morphometric parameter means observed before and after swim-up and binding to zonae pellucidae.


RESULTS
Significant differences between insemination and bound sperm were observed in 17 parameter means and 21 standard deviations. The sperm-zona pellucida binding process preferentially selects sperm heads with a large anterior region with relatively low optical density, as well as high axial symmetry and minimal neck anomalies. Bias against sperm with pyriform morphology was not observed.


CONCLUSIONS
A causal link has been established between sperm head morphometry, particularly within the acrosomal region, and the ability of sperm to bind to the human zona pellucida. As sperm-zona binding is necessary for fertility, it is possible to derive a physiologically based assessment for clinical diagnosis of male infertility using the "zona-preferred" morphometry results.
Garrett
C
C
University of Melbourne, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Victoria, Australia.
Liu
D Y
DY
Baker
H W
HW
D000177:Acrosome / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D037102:Lectins; D008297:Male; D037121:Plant Lectins; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D015044:Zona Pellucida / Q000502:physiology*
D037102:Lectins; D037121:Plant Lectins; C036292:pea lectin