Authors: A. Kamal¹; R. Mansour¹; I. Fahmy²; G. Serour; C. Rhodes¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 14, Number 11, November 1999 , pp. 2791-2795(5)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

We report the first 16 cases of a new sperm abnormality which we call `easily decapitated spermatozoa defect'. This was discovered during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in couples with unexplained infertility. Semen analysis was normal, but minimal micromanipulation for ICSI resulted in decapitation of the spermatozoon during immobilization. For some oocytes the head and tail were injected separately, in others the intact sperm was injected after minimal immobilization. A fertilization rate of 47.5% was obtained using ICSI. Conventional in-vitro fertilization (IVF) on sibling oocytes (three cases) or in a previous cycle (three cases) resulted in total failure of fertilization. All patients reached the embryo transfer stage and three pregnancies resulted. Findings on electron microscopy in four cases included spermatozoa with degeneration or absence of the basal plate, abnormalities of the proximal centriole and degeneration of the midpiece with a large cytoplasmic droplet. We conclude that an occult sperm abnormality presenting as easily decapitated spermatozoa during ICSI could be a cause of unexplained infertility, as it resulted in total failure of fertilization in conventional IVF. Further research is necessary to investigate this sperm abnormality.

Keywords: easily decapitated spermatozoa defect; ICSI; spermatozoa; unexplained infertility

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: The Egyptian IVF–ET Centre, 3 Street 161 Hadaek El-Maadi, Maadi, Cairo 11431 and 2: Cairo University, Egypt

Publication date: 1999-11-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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