Total immunoreactive alpha-inhibin in human seminal plasma, sperm quality, and in vitro fertilization rates.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between the concentrations of total immunoreactive alpha-inhibin in human seminal plasma, sperm quality, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates.


METHODS
Medical school hospital.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
72 consecutive couples undergoing IVF with husband's sperm in which at least 4 oocytes were obtained.


METHODS
Alpha-inhibin determination by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, sperm analysis for density and motility, IVF rates.


RESULTS
Total immunoreactive alpha-inhibin levels were not correlated with IVF rates. Nor were there any differences in fertilization rates in the different groups. Lower inhibin levels were found in oligozoospermic cases. Lower sperm counts were found in cases with inhibin values below the median value, and also with respect to various other cutoffs. No correlation was found between inhibin levels and any of the sperm variables measured.


CONCLUSIONS
Total immunoreactive alpha-inhibin is not a prognostic factor in IVF cycles. However, an association was found between inhibin and sperm concentration, suggesting that alpha-inhibin in the human seminal fluid could be a marker for some aspects of spermatogenesis.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de Cruces, Pais Vasco University, Baracaldo, Vizcaya, Spain.
R
R
Matorras
J
J
Genollá
R
R
Mendoza
J
J
Urueña
B
B
Corcóstegui
J C
JC
Fombellida
J L
JL
Neyro
F J
FJ
Rodriguez-Escudero
D000328:Adult; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D007265:Inhibins