title: Automated sperm head morphology analyzer for open-source software.
abstract: Sperm head morphology has been identified as a characteristic that can be used to predict a male's semen quality. In the present study, we have developed an automated sperm head morphology analysis (ASMA) plug-in for open-source ImageJ software (http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/). We describe the plug-in's functionality, and confirm its validity for sperm head morphology analysis using fish sperm. Sperm head morphological measurements (length and width) made with the ASMA plug-in did not differ from manual measurements. Using the plug-in to measure sperm head-shaped objects of known size, the associated plug-in error rate was < 0.5%. Brightness and contrast ratios influenced sperm head measurements, suggesting the need for standardized protocols. This plug-in was effective at measuring elliptical (i.e., Atlantic cod) as well as slightly irregular (i.e., Chinook salmon) shaped sperm heads. In conclusion, our ASMA plug-in represents a versatile alternative to costly sperm morphology software.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada. iana.e.butts@gmail.com
authors.forename: I A E
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Butts
authors.forename: M A R
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Litvak
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Pitcher
authors.forename: S M H
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Alavi
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Trippel
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Rideout
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D048389:Gadus morhua; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D012474:Salmon; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000648:ultrastructure*