Authors: Carole Marchetti¹; Nathalie Jouy²; Brigitte Leroy-Martin³; André Defossez³; Pierre Formstecher¹; Philippe Marchetti¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 19, Number 10, October 2004 , pp. 2267-2276(10)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Sperm motility evaluation is associated with fertility in IVF programmes. The visual estimation of sperm motility is extremely subjective. Hence, alternative methods are required. Among them, determination of mitochondrial membrane potential (<inf>m</inf>) changes of spermatozoa using potentiometric dyes may be a reliable test to determine sperm quality. However, the use of the potentiometric dyes in sperm samples has not been compared. METHODS: We have studied sperm samples from 28 infertile patients enrolled in an IVF programme in flow cytometry after staining of spermatozoa with four commonly used potentiometric dyes. Sperm motility was evaluated visually. RESULTS: As expected, JC-1 seems to detect specifically <inf>m</inf> changes, CMX-Ros, DiOC<inf>6</inf>(3) and TMRE fluorescence is easily analysed and the latter three fluorochromes are particularly suitable for multiparametric staining. Irrespective of the <inf>m</inf>-dependent fluorochromes used to stain spermatozoa, a positive correlation was found between the percentage of <inf>m</inf>^high cells and forward motility and also with high fertilization rates after IVF. CONCLUSION: The four fluorochromes may be useful for evaluation of sperm samples from infertile patients. The choice of the potentiometric dyes will depend on their fluorescence characteristics in order to use them in combination with other fluorescent markers.

Keywords: flow cytometry; IVF; mitochondria; spermatozoa

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh416

Affiliations: 1: INSERM U459, 2: IFR 114-IMPRT, Faculté de Médecine 1, Place Verdun, 59045 Lille Cedex and 3: Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, 59037 Lille Cedex, France

Publication date: 2004-10-01

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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