Mannose ligand receptor assay as a test to predict fertilization in vitro: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether mannose receptor assays can predict fertilization outcome in vitro.


METHODS
A prospective, double-blind study of the mannose receptor properties of spermatozoa.


METHODS
Assisted human reproduction program at a university hospital.


METHODS
Partners of 140 consecutive women undergoing their first in vitro fertilization cycle.


METHODS
Motile sperm populations were tested for surface receptors for mannose by measuring their ability to bind fluorescein-labeled mannosylated albumin and to undergo a free mannose-induced acrosome reaction as judged by Pisum, sativum agglutinin binding.


METHODS
Mannose receptor assay results were correlated with fertilization outcomes using several statistical tests, including the chi2 test, chi2 for proportions, t-tests, analysis of variance with Student-Newman-Keuls tests and correlational and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.


RESULTS
The fractional increment increase on incubation in the percent of sperm binding mannose ligand over an intact acrosome correlated with fertilization rates in vitro. Threshold values of mannose ligand binding and of mannose-induced acrosome reactions predictive of fertilization rates were identified by ROC curve analysis. Men were thus classified into one of four groups with differing fertilization rates in vitro.


CONCLUSIONS
The increment increase in sperm surface mannose ligand binding by acrosome-intact sperm correctly predicts high and low fertilization rates in vitro and identifies cases where conventional insemination can result in failed fertilization.
Hershlag
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Shore University Hospital-New York University Medical College, Manhasset 11030, USA.
Scholl
G M
GM
Jacob
A
A
Mandel
F S
FS
Guhring
P
P
Paine
T
T
Cooper
G W
GW
Benoff
S
S
D000328:Adult; D003593:Cytoplasm; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008297:Male; D000090323:Mannose Receptor; D037241:Mannose-Binding Lectins; D008845:Microinjections; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000032:analysis*; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D000090323:Mannose Receptor; D037241:Mannose-Binding Lectins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface