The in vitro effect of benzo[a]pyrene on human sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the in vitro effect of benzo[a]pyrene on sperm hyperactivation and acrosome status in normozoospermic semen samples of nonsmokers analyzed by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA).


METHODS
Experimental in vitro study.


METHODS
Andrology laboratory.


METHODS
Thirteen proven fertile, normozoospermic, and nonsmoking men.


METHODS
Spermatozoa were washed free of seminal plasma and were treated with different concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene and compared with controls treated with medium alone. The benzo[a]pyrene concentrations were: 100, 50, 25, and 12.5 microg/mL.


METHODS
Effect of varying concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene on sperm hyperactivation and acrosomal reaction.


RESULTS
A statistically significant increase in sperm hyperactivation was observed in presence of benzo[a]pyrene at concentrations of >or=50 microg/mL. The result of the acrosome halo test showed that concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene >or=25 microg/mL statistically significantly decreased the percentage of halo formation, indicating an inappropriate (false) acrosome reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Benzo[a]pyrene statistically significantly affected sperm functional competence as evidenced by increased hyperactivation as well as premature acrosomal reaction.
Mukhopadhyay
Dyutiman
D
Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Calcutta, India.
Nandi
Parag
P
Varghese
Alex C
AC
Gutgutia
Rohit
R
Banerjee
Samir
S
Bhattacharyya
Asok K
AK