Seminal lead concentrations negatively affect outcomes of artificial insemination.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationships among seminal lead levels, acrosome status, and artificial insemination cycle fecundity (AI f) in semen donors.


METHODS
Longitudinal analysis of seminal lead levels, sperm function testing, and fecundity.


METHODS
University medical center andrology and research laboratories.


METHODS
Semen donors (n = 15) participating in a therapeutic donor insemination program.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Seminal plasma lead levels, acrosome sensitivity to progesterone (P) and voltage-gated potassium channel inhibitors (e.g., charybdotoxin [CBTx]), and AI f.


RESULTS
Seminal plasma lead levels and AI f were strongly negatively correlated. Semen donors were divided into three groups by acrosome response to P: normal (CBTx sensitive [Rs] or CBTx resistant [Rr]: responders) and reduced (nonresponders [NR]) (Rs > Rr >> NR). Seminal lead differed among the three groups (NR > Rr > Rs). Comparison of 330 artificial insemination cycles from four Rs, four Rr, and two NR demonstrated that cycle AI f also differed significantly between groups (Rs >Rr >>NR).


CONCLUSIONS
Measurements of seminal plasma lead, P-stimulated acrosome loss, and sensitivity to CBTx may provide prognostic information on the fertility status of potential donors as well as male infertility patients. Such evaluations may assist in donor acceptance, or in the case of patients, in selection of the appropriate treatment regimen.
Benoff
Susan
S
Fertility Research Laboratories, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Research Institute, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Shore University Hospital-New York University School of Medicine, Manhasset, New York, USA. sbenhoff@nshs,edu
Hurley
Ian R
IR
Millan
Colleen
C
Napolitano
Barbara
B
Centola
Grace M
GM
D020101:Acrosome Reaction / Q000187:drug effects; D000328:Adult; D018999:Charybdotoxin / Q000494:pharmacology; D005298:Fertility; D005306:Fertilization; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000503:physiopathology; D007316:Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology; D014019:Tissue Donors
D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; D018999:Charybdotoxin; D007854:Lead; D011374:Progesterone