Comparison between sperm treated with pentoxifylline and 2-deoxyadenosine using hypo-osmotic swelling test.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the percentage of sperm tail membrane swelling under hypo-osmotic conditions between sperm treated with pentoxifylline and 2-deoxyadenosine.


METHODS
Experimental in vitro study.


METHODS
Thirty normal semen samples from male partners of infertile couples were collected. After sperm preparation by two-layer Percoll gradient method, each sperm sample was divided into three specimens. Pentoxifylline and 2-deoxyadenosine were separately added into two specimens, while the third specimen was used as a control. Hypo-osmotic swelling test was performed in all specimens. Percentage of swollen spermatozoa in each specimen was evaluated.


RESULTS
The mean percentage of swollen spermatozoa in the semen samples supplemented with pentoxifylline and 2-deoxyadenosine were both significantly higher than those in the control (82.8 +/- 7.7 and 83.0 +/- 9.5 vs 70.8 +/- 12.7; p < 0.001). There was no significant differences of swollen spermatozoa between pentoxifylline and 2-deoxyadenosine (p = 0.898).


CONCLUSIONS
Addition of pentoxifylline and 2-deoxyadenosine to the sperm prepared by the two-layer Percoll gradient method can almost equally enhance the sperm membrane integrity. Therefore, it may be beneficial to add these compounds to sperm preparation for use in assisted reproduction.
Laokirkkiat
Pitak
P
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
Kunathikom
Somboon
S
Choavaratana
Roungsin
R
Petyim
Somsin
S
Prechapanich
Japarath
J
D003839:Deoxyadenosines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007248:Infertility, Male; D008297:Male; D009153:Mutagens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000494:pharmacology*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects*
D003839:Deoxyadenosines; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009153:Mutagens; C058118:2'-deoxyadenosine; D010431:Pentoxifylline