Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

Effect of vapor phase cryopreservation on acrosome of spermatozoa in fertile and subfertile men

Authors
Tahmineh Peirouvi 1
Maerefat Ghaffari 2
Jafar Soleimanirad 3
Laeya Farzadi 4
1 Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
2 Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
3 Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences University, Tabriz, Iran
4 Department of Obstet . and Gynecol . of Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Acrosome is a cap-like structure which contains several hydrolytic enzymes necessary for acrosome reaction. Generally, acrosome reaction would be important if it occured on the zona pellueida, other wise; the spermatozoa could not penetrate through this layer. On the other hand, freezing- thawing process can damage acrosome membrane and reduce the sperm fertilizing potential. There is little information about the effects of vapor phase cryopreservation on acrosome. The aim of the persent study is to evaluate the effect of vapor phase cryopreservation on acrosome of spermatozoa of subfertile and fertile men. Materials and Methods: In this study, semen samples were collected from subfertile (n=20) and fertile men (n=10) after 48 h abstinence of intercourse. After semen analysis by Semen Analyzer Quality according to WHO criteria, each semen sample was divided into two portions (100 µl each). The first portion was stained with triple staining to show the quality of acrosome and the second portion was stained after vapor phase cryopreservation and thawing. Results were analyzed by paired t-test. Results: Before vapor phase cryopreservation, mean percentage of live spermatozoa with intact acrosome in subfertile men and fertile men were 26±3.64 and 33.37±4.07, respectively, but it decreased following vapor phase cryopreservation-thawing to 11.6±1.82 in subfertile and 9.87±2.97 in fertile men. Conclusion: It is concluded that vapor phase cryopreservation, impairs acrosome structure and causes destruction of acrosome and extrudes acrosomal enzymes in absence of oocyte. Therefore cause reduction of fertility of spermatozoa in fertile and subfertile men.
Keywords
Acrosome
Assisted Reproductive Techniques
Fertility
Infertility
Sperm
Vapor phase cryopreservation
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Journal of Reproduction & Infertility
Volume 5, Issue 3
Summer 2004
Pages 208-216