Absence of Fas protein detection by flow cytometry in human spermatozoa.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of Fas protein on the surface of ejaculated spermatozoa of normozoospermic and nonnormozoospermic men.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University infertility clinic.


METHODS
Twenty-three volunteer normozoospermic men (controls) and 43 men undergoing infertility evaluation (cases).


METHODS
Analysis of ejaculated spermatozoa by indirect immunofluorescence of Fas protein by flow cytometry.


METHODS
Comparison of flow cytometric analysis of autofluorescence, control tests (secondary antibody and isotype control), and experimental tests (anti-Fas monoclonal antibody) in the spermatozoa of ejaculated samples.


RESULTS
No expression of Fas protein was found on the surface of ejaculated spermatozoa of controls and cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The Fas molecules are not present in substantial amounts in the ejaculated spermatozoa of normozoospermic and nonnormozoospermic men. Therefore, our results do not support the "abortive apoptosis" theory.
Castro
Andrea
A
Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, San Borja-Arriarán Clinical Hospital, Santiago, Chile.
Parodi
Daniela
D
Morales
Ignacio
I
Madariaga
Marcia
M
Rios
Rafael
R
Smith
Rosita
R
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004542:Ejaculation; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005453:Fluorescence; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000737:chemistry*; D014019:Tissue Donors; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000032:analysis*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D019014:fas Receptor