Use of the multiple exposure photography (MEP) method to describe shaking movement of human spermatozoa.
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Cell Movement↗
Biomedical subjects
A Makler
Publications and source records attributed to A Makler.
Effects of shaking and centrifugation on human sperm motility.
Fresh seminal specimens from 48 normospermic donors were subjected to shaking and centrifugation at various intensities and durations, and their effect on sperm motility was determined objectively by the multiple exposure photography (MEP) method. Shaking for 15 sec by mechanical vibrator did not induce any drop in serum percentage of motility, while shaking for 30 to 180 sec was followed by immediate drop of this parameter. Sperm velocity increased for a short duration in all shaken specimens, after which it dropped considerably in most cases. Following centrifugation below 330 g for 10-20 min, sperm motility was almost unaffected. However, there was a significant drop in sperm motility after specimens were subjected to rates above 580 g for the same time duration. Intensive shaking and centrifugation significantly increased the percentage of dead spermatozoa, as confirmed from the combined supravital staining and MEP technique.
Centrifugation↗
Autosomal translocation in an apparently normospermic male as a cause of habitual abortion.
A 22;22 Robertsonian translocation was diagnosed in a husband whose wife had had six consecutive early spontaneous abortions and no normal progeny. With the new multiple-exposure photography (MEP) technique, an accurate, objective and documentary sperm analysis was performed. No abnormality of the essentially defective, genetically unbalanced sperms could be detected in regard to sperm count, motility, velocity and morphology. The only similar translocation previously reported in a male was associated with azoospermia. Recent literature correlating chromosomal aberrations and reproductive failure in the male is discussed in relation to the reported case. The importance of including the male partner in the cytogenetic investigation of couples with habitual abortion is stressed.
Abortion, Habitual↗
The effect of copper on spermatozoal motility and viability evaluated objectively with the aid of the multiple-exposure photography method.
The antispermatozoal effect of the copper intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) was investigated in an attempt to explain one aspect of its contraceptive mechanism. For this purpose, 42 specimens of normal semen were incubated in vitro with the metallic portion of two types of copper IUDs for 24 hours. Periodic determinations of sperm velocity and percentage of motility and viability were performed objectively with the aid of the multiple-exposure photography (MEP) method. No significant effect concerning these parameters was found when specimens were incubated continuously with either type of these IUDs at 23 degrees C. On the contrary, sperm velocity and percentage of motility dropped markedly, and the number of dead spermatozoa increased reciprocally when specimens were incubated with those IUDs at 37 degrees C for 4 hours. However, motility was almost unaffected in specimens that were incubated at 37 degrees C with amounts of copper that exist usually within uterine cavities bearing this sort of IUD. The conclusion was that a copper IUD does not seem to exert its contraceptive effect by inhibiting spermatozoal activity.
Copper↗
Use of the elaborated multiple exposure photography (MEP) method in routine sperm motility analyses and for research purposes.
Elaboration of the three basic components incorporated in the recently developed multiple exposure photography (MEP) method for objective sperm motility determination is described. This includes an improved version of the 10-micrometers counting chamber, modified procedures of photography, and a system for easier calculation of the results. During the last 2 years several thousands of sperm motility analyses were performed with the elaborated technique. In our institute this method has totally replaced motility evaluation by subjective estimation and has become the sole method for semen assessment performed during routine clinical work-up and research studies. This method is compared with other still-camera photographic techniques, and data about duration of performance, details of the relatively low cost of analysis, and specifications of some of its components are presented as well.
Humans↗
The improved ten-micrometer chamber for rapid sperm count and motility evaluation.
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Male↗
Factors affecting sperm motility. III. Influence of visible light and other electromagnetic radiations on human sperm velocity and survival.
Specimens of semen from fertile and infertile patients were exposed to different electromagnetic radiations, including visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, x-rays, and high-frequency radio waves. Sperm motility was analyzed before, during, and after irradiation by the multiple exposure photography (MEP) method. No significant difference was found between controls and specimens exposed to various doses of visible and UV light and x-rays either immediately or several hours after exposure. In contrast to spermatozoa of other species that were reported to be adversely affected by visible and UV light and x-rays, human spermatozoa seem to be highly resistant to similar doses of these radiations. A deleterious influence was observed when high-frequency radio waves were applied to human spermatozoa. This may be attributed to an intracellular diathermic effect. The informative value of this study in relation to routine semen analyses and experimental studies in the physiology and comparative anatomy of spermatozoa is discussed.
Cell Survival↗
Use of a microcomputer in combination with the multiple exposure photography technique for human sperm motility determination.
An inexpensive microcomputer system that serves as an accessory part of the multiple exposure photography technique for determination of sperm motility is described. With this system the percentage of motile spermatozoa, the average velocity, the frequency distribution of the velocities and the sperm concentration can be computed easily from 200 to 400 images of photographed spermatozoa and within 5 to 8 minutes. In this way the multiple exposure photography technique can be used widely in those centers that are interested in an objective and accurate method for determination of sperm motility in routine semen analysis and for research purposes.
Computers↗
Distribution of normal and abnormal forms among motile, non-motile, live and dead human spermatozoa.
The distribution of normal and abnormal forms among motile, non-motile live, and dead spermatozoa was investigated . For this purpose samples from each specimen of 100 fertile and infertile patients was photographed twice: once with the aid of the multiple exposure photography (MEP) technique and again by an ordinary high-speed phase-contrast photomicrography. From enlarged projected photographed images, percentage of abnormal forms in both, non motile fraction and in the while sperm population were determined. By using a simple formula the percentage of abnormal forms among motile spermatozoa has been easily calculated. An average of 42% abnormal forms among all 100 analyzed specimens was found. However, this rate was not distributed equally among the two sperm populations: only 22% abnormal forms were among motile spermatozoa, contrary to 59% among non-motile spermatozoa. In 30 specimens that have been further analyzed by the combined supravital staining and the MEP method, percentage of abnormal forms among non-motile-live spermatozoa was found to be 32, and 67 among the fraction of dead spermatozoa. The importance of studying the distribution of normal forms among motile spermatozoa, and the question of any relationship of this parameter to the fertilization capacity of the semen, is discussed.
Humans↗
Optimum measurement time for human sperm velocity determination.
The optimal time-duration required by spermatozoa to travel distances from which their average velocity can be accurately determined was investigated. For this purpose, 180 motile spermatozoa, from 12 seminal specimens, were photographed while being illuminated by six light pulses, given at 1-sec intervals. From these photographs, distances traveled by each spermatozoon were measured over identical time periods. Most individual spermatozoa showed slight deviation of their velocity when measured sequentially for 5 sec. Nevertheless, when mean sperm velocity of grouped spermatozoa were determined from 1- or 5-sec measurement time, the results were almost identical. This was attributed to a pure statistical law, that is, the mean deviation decreases as the number of spermatozoa in the sample increases. It was concluded that the sperm velocity of a certain specimen can be determined properly using a 1-sec measurement time. An extended period of time does not seem to contribute to the accuracy of sperm velocity determination.
Humans↗
Sperm semi-autoanalysis by a combination of multiple exposure photography (MEP) and computer techniques.
A semiautomatic method for sperm analysis is described. The method combines a previously developed multiple exposure photography system with a digitizer connected to a computer. An undiluted specimen is inserted into a 10-mic chamber and the sperms are microscopically photographed for 1 second while illuminated by six short light pulses. On the developed film nonmotile sperms appear very bright, while motile sperms are seen as six-ringed chains. In addition, high magnification photographs of immobilized preheated sperms are taken for morphology analysis. The photographed images are projected onto sheets of paper where the traces of the nonmotile and motile sperms as well as the normal and abnormal forms are marked by a pen. For motility determination, sheets containing the sperm tracks are placed on the digitizer tablet. By means of a sonic pen the coordinates of the ends of the tracks are automatically recorded and the number of motile and nonmotile sperms are counted. Then the percent of abnormal forms are entered at the keyboard. Within a few seconds the computer supplies a printout of the results, including sperm concentration, percent of motile sperms, average velocity and frequency distribution of velocities of moving sperms, percent of abnormal forms, and total number of analyzed sperms.
Autoanalysis↗
A simplification of a new scoring system for rapid testicular biopsy evaluation.
A simplification of an existing new scoring technique for testicular biopsy evaluation is described. In this technique, the specimen is searched microscopically and thereby scored between 0 and 5 for each one of the following parameter qualities: diameter of the tubules, thickness of the basal membrane of the tubules, cellular population within tubules, and degree of spermatogenesis within the tubules. The sum of the individual scorings of these four parameters is the final scoring of the specimen. Scoring of 15 testicular biopsies evaluated by this technique was compared with those obtained by the original technique. In the latter, scoring is evaluated by calculating the average score after each one of 100 tubuli is scored separately. Only minor differences were found between scores of these two techniques. This easily performed and reliable technique can describe some of the azoospermic syndromes by figures and enables us to compare various biopsies for clinical and research purposes. It can also help in the prognosis of the oligospermic patient who has undergone testicular biopsy before being treated.
Basement Membrane↗
Factors affecting sperm motility. IV. Incubation of human semen with caffeine, kallikrein, and other metabolically active compounds.
The effect of six metabolically active compounds, namely caffeine, kallikrein, cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate, prostaglandin E, triiodothyronine, and insulin on spermatozoal motility was investigated. Hypokinetic and normokinetic semen specimens from fertile and infertile patients were incubated with various concentrations of these compounds. Spermatozoal velocity and percentage of motility were determined periodically with the objective multiple exposure photography (MEP) method before and during the following 4 to 8 hours. No significant differences was found between experimental and control specimens as to these parameters under the influence of the tested compounds, with the exception of caffeine. Caffeine immediately increased the percentage of motile spermatozoa by 30% to 50% of initial values in approximately two-thirds of cases. No influence on sperm velocity was detected during this period. By using the combined MEP and supravital staining techniques it was found that nonmotile live spermatozoa were activated by caffeine without any effect on the percentage of dead sperm. Some practical implications of these findings, the difference between our results and those reported by others, and the mechanism of action of these compounds are reviewed and discussed.
Caffeine↗
[New trends in male sterility].
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Humans↗
A community program for the control of cardiovascular risk factors: a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of the CHAD program in Jerusalem.
A community program for the control of cardiovascular risk factors, the CHAD program, was instituted in a family practice in western Jerusalem in 1971. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by comparing the findings of community surveys conducted in 1970 and 1975 and by comparing the changes with those observed in an adjacent control neighborhood. This paper reports the findings among men aged 35 years and above. In the community exposed to the program there was a decrease in mean systolic and disatolic pressures, in the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, and in the prevalence of cigarette smoking. The changes in blood pressures and smoking habits were significantly greater than those observed in the control population. In the control population (only) there was a small increase in mean body weight and a decrease in reported physical activity. The findings suggest that it is possible for a program that operates and through primary health care to have an appreciable influence upon cardiovascular risk factors in the community.
Adult↗
Factors affecting sperm motility. I. In vitro change in motility with time after ejaculation.
Semen specimens from 33 donors were analyzed intermittently between 1 and 24 hours after ejaculation. Motility was determined objectively by analyzing still-camera photomicrographs taken with the aid of the new multiple exposure photography (MEP) technique, from which the following information was obtained: the percentage of motile spermatozoa, the average velocity and frequency distribution of spermatozoal velocities, and index of motility as well as sperm concentration. From curves drawn for each of the 33 analyzed specimens, these conclusions were drawn: 1. The percentage of motile spermatozoa decreases progressively, beginning 1 hour after ejaculation, at a rate of about 5% to 10%/hour. 2. In the majority of cases, sperm velocity increases for the first 4 hours and then decreases gradually. 3. There is no unique pattern of sperm motility and velocity with time for all specimens, especially during the first 4 hours. However, three typical curves of motility change were found during the first 4 hours: increase in motility, moderate decline in motility, and rapid loss of motility. 4. The frequency distribution of velocities of motile spermatozoa revealed typical normal curves at all times, but these curves became flatter as time elapsed. An explanation for these divergent patterns and the possible role of these findings in some physiologic and clinical problems are discussed.
Ejaculation↗
Sperm velocity and percentage of motility in 100 normospermic specimens analyzed by the multiple exposure photography (MEP) method.
Specimens from 100 fertile or potentially fertile men with sperm counts above 20 million/ml were analyzed objectively by the new multiple exposure photography method (MEP). The following results (means and standard deviations) were obtained: sperm concentration, 66 million/ml +/- 47; percentage of motile spermatozoa, 45% +/- 18; speed of motile spermatozoa, 30.3 micrometer/second +/- 5.5; abnormal forms, 29% +/- 10.2; average motility index (product of sperm speed and fraction of motile spermatozoa), 14 +/- 7.5. Low correlations were found between sperm concentration, percentage of motility, and spermatozoal velocity. Moderate correlations were found between percentage of motility and spermatozoal velocity. Negative moderate correlations were found between abnormal forms and spermatozoal velocity as well as between abnormal forms and percentage of motility. The differences between some of our results and those obtained by others are discussed.
Adult↗
Factors affecting sperm motility. II. Human sperm velocity and percentage of motility as influenced by semen dilution.
Spermatozoal velocity and percentage of motility were analyzed objectively with the multiple exposure photography method before and after specimens from fertile and infertile men were diluted in their own seminal plasma or normal saline. No significant change in percentage of motility was found in samples diluted up to 1:6 in both kinds of diluents. However, a significant relative increase (up to 25% of the original velocity) was found when a specimen was diluted with its own seminal plasma, and an even greater increase (up to 37% of the original velocity) was found when it was diluted with saline. Compared with undiluted specimens, there was no delayed effect on spermatozoal motility when semen was diluted with saline after up to 4 hours' incubation time. Contrary to the findings in animal and human semen described by others, there was no deleterious effect on sperm motility with this kind and rate of dilution and duration of time. The assumption that the increase in sperm velocity caused by dilution is not excitatory but is due only to a decrease of seminal fluid viscosity and a reduced number of spermatozoa which interfere with sperm free movement is discussed. We recommend evaluation of spermatozoal motility in diluted specimens in addition to evaluation of the original specimen in any routine semen analysis in order to determine true spermatozoal motility potential under optimal conditions.
Culture Media↗