Antibiotics: effect on cryopreserved-thawed human sperm motility in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the motility and fertilizing capacity of sperm treated with different antibiotics.


METHODS
Prospective comparative study.


METHODS
Clinical and academic research environment.


METHODS
Pooled cryopreserved donor sperm (n = 14).


METHODS
Sperm were washed with Percoll and resuspended in HEPES-buffered human tubal fluid medium containing either amoxicillin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, nitrofurantoin monohydrate, doxycycline hyclate, cefuroxime axetil, or control medium.


METHODS
Sperm kinematic and fertilizing parameters.


RESULTS
Sperm hyperactivation was decreased in physiologic concentrations of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and doxycycline hyclate over the course of 48 hours. At pharmacologic concentrations, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, cefuroxime axetil, and nitrofurantoin monohydrate adversely affected motility with decreased rapid progression. Cessation of motility occurred in cefuroxime axetil and nitrofurantoin monohydrate. Sperm hyperactivation was also absent. Cefuroxime axetil decreased the percentage of intact acrosomes. In contrast, physiologic doses of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride or ofloxacin enhanced sperm fertilizing capacity.


CONCLUSIONS
Ciprofloxacin affected hyperactivation by altering membrane properties, whereas doxycycline inhibited the capacitation process. Cessation of motility in cefuroxime axetil was linked to disrupted sperm head membranes. Sperm motility and fertilizing capacity were decreased in nitrofurantoin because of decreased metabolism. The positive effect of ofloxacin on fertilizing capacity did not involve changes in acrosome.
King
K
K
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California 92350, USA.
Chan
P J
PJ
Patton
W C
WC
King
A
A
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012662:Semen Preservation; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects*; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents