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PubMed1998

Doppler ultrasound of the testis in azoospermic subjects as a parameter of testicular function.

Azoospermia frequently represents the end-point of different pathological conditions that cause important quantitative and qualitative alterations of both spermatogenesis and testicular structure, including intratesticular blood vessels. In this study we performed colour Doppler ultrasound of the testis in 12 azoospermic subjects affected by primary testicular pathology (four bilateral post-orchitis, four postradiotheraphy for cancer, four post-traumatic) aged 28.2+/-3.3 (mean+/-SD) years, in six subjects affected by obstructive azoospermia aged 29.7+/-2.4 years and in 20 age-matched fertile subjects (aged 28.6+/-2.5 years). The analysis of intratesticular vessels per organ was quantified using a semiquantitative score: category 0, no vessels visible; category 1, between one and three intratesticular vessels visible; and category 2, more than three vessels visible. In obstructive azoospermic patients and in fertile subjects there were always more than three intratesticular vessels. No intratesticular vessels were detected in eight testes (33.3%) and fewer than three vessels in 16 testes (66.6%) in subjects affected by primary testicular pathology. In azoospermic subjects the testicular structure of the testis was evaluated by diagnostic fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) performed in the middle portion of the testis. In non-obstructive azoospermic patients this procedure showed the presence of only Sertoli cells in all cases. When detectable vessels were present, a new aspiration was performed in these areas. In 12 out of 16 cases, spermatogenetic cells including mature spermatozoa, were found when the FNAC was performed in testicular regions showing the presence of blood vessels. These results indicate that colour Doppler sonography of the testis may be useful in the differential diagnosis of azoospermia and suggest the evaluation of the intratesticular blood vessel distribution before performing any method to retrieve intratesticular spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Penile vibratory stimulation and electroejaculation before anticancer therapy in two pubertal boys.

PURPOSE: Because more than 70% of children with cancer become long-term survivors, more emphasis is put on reducing late effects. Cryopreservation of semen and the intracytoplasmic sperm injection technique makes it possible to obtain pregnancy with very poor sperm quality. Two new semen retrieval methods are described that are applicable in pubertal boys with a fertility potential, although not psychologically ready to produce a semen sample, who are likely to become infertile because of anticancer therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two pubertal boys (aged 14 and 15 years) had a late testicular relapse of pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Hodgkin disease, stage II, respectively. In patient 1, penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) was tried under general anesthesia without success and electroejaculation (EEJ) was performed. Before alkylating chemotherapy and testicular irradiation, PVS was performed with success in patient 2. RESULTS: An antegrade ejaculate of 0.7 ml with 1% motile spermatozoa and an retrograde ejaculate with 1.6 x 10(6)/ml spermatozoa (5% with fair motility) was obtained from patient 1. An antegrade ejaculate of 1.5 ml with 2.5 x 10(6)/ml spermatozoa (29% with fair motility) was obtained from patient 2. CONCLUSIONS: PVS should be the first choice of treatment because it is noninvasive, simple, and easily applied. Because EEJ requires general anesthesia, it should be used as a second option.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

In-vitro fertilization treatment for severe male factor: the fertilization potential of immotile spermatozoa obtained by testicular extraction.

A retrospective analysis in 50 couples of 53 cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with immotile spermatozoa from testicular-retrieved spermatozoa was performed to evaluate whether total immotile spermatozoa achieved after testicular sperm extraction could fertilize ova and result in pregnancies. We assessed the efficacy of ICSI with totally immotile testicular spermatozoa extracted from the testes of azoospermic patients with severe spermatogenic failure (group 1) and compared these results with those from spermatozoa which were recovered after several hours of incubation and were motile (group 2) at the time of injection. In 19 cycles, only totally immotile spermatozoa were injected at the time of ICSI. For the remaining 34 cycles, at least one motile spermatozoon was found for injection. The oocyte fertilization rates were 51% for group 1 and 62% for group 2 (P < 0.02). Eighteen of 19 cycles in group 1 (90%) and all 34 (100%) cycles in group 2 had embryos for replacement. The mean number of embryos per cycle was 5.2 +/- 0.8 and 7.5 +/- 0.9 in groups 1 and 2 respectively; this and the embryo quality (cumulative embryo scoring = 40 +/- 8 for group 1 and 50 +/- 7 for group 2), and clinical pregnancy rates (15.8% per oocyte retrieval in group 1 and 23.5% in group 2) were not significantly different between groups. Fertilization, cleavage and pregnancy can be achieved with intracytoplasmic testicular sperm injection from patients with immotile spermatozoa, at levels comparable with those of ICSI using motile spermatozoa.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Cytogenetic analysis of sperm nucleous components of iranian normal and sub-fertile individuals using zona free hamster oocytes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether infertility is affected by sperm chromatin and cytogenetic abnormalities. To this purpose, the frequency of sperm premature chromosome condensation (PCC) induction and numerical chromosome abnormalities in the sperm of normal and sub-fertile men were analyzed. PCC rate was studied for evaluating the role of sperm chromatin abnormalities in the process of nuclear decondensation. DESIGN: Controlled prospective study. SETTING: Infertility Genetics Department, Royan Institute. PATIENT: Sub-fertile males who were referred for infertility treatment and sperm cytogenetical studies. METHODS: Hamster oocytes were retrieved after super ovulation by PMSG and HCG injection. Following treatment with Hyaloronidase, zona was removed by trypsin digestion. Sperms were classified according to the morphology, movement and counts and then processed by swim up method. After capacitation, zona-free oocytes were incubated with sperms, and then transferred to fresh media containing colcemid. Slides were prepared using Tarkowskie's standard air-drying technique. Oocytes were analyzed using x 1000 microscope after staining in 5% of Giemsa. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The incidence of sperm aneuploidy, PCC and penetration rate in three groups were determined. RESULTS: Regarding the PCC rate, a significantly higher frequency was found in infertile patients. (P < 0.001). The frequency of PCC in oligosperm samples was 36% compared to 19.37% in normal group. A higher frequency of numerical chromosome abnormalities was found in infertile patients. The rate of these abnormalities was 5.6% in normal group and 18.5% in oligospermic samples. Despite the considerable difference between those frequencies, this difference is not significant. (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: From the results it can be concluded that, formation of sperm PCC is a major cause of failed fertilization in individuals with sperm abnormalities. PCC may form due to chromatin abnormalities, improper DNA packing, chromosomal abnormalities and penetration delay of sperm. Also this may be involved in the etiology of some cases of idiopathic infertility. About numerical chromosome abnormalities although the differences are not significant, there is an association between sperm numerical chromosome abnormalities and male infertility. These abnormalities can be originated from meiotic process in spermatogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Predictive value of the number of oocytes retrieved at ultrasound-directed follicular aspiration with regard to fertilization rates and pregnancy outcome in intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment cycles.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of oocytes sufficient for satisfactory fertilization and pregnancy rates in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. SETTING: A private assisted conception unit. PATIENT(S): Women in whom at least one oocyte was retrieved in consecutive ultrasound-directed follicular aspirations between June 1999 and June 2001. INTERVENTION(S): Standard protocol for pituitary down-regulation and ovarian stimulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number of oocytes retrieved, embryos transferred, fertilization, and pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): The numbers of oocytes obtained per cycle were classified into groups A, B, C, and D, consisting of 110, 124, 96, and 122 cycles, with 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, >15 oocytes retrieved from each patient in each group, respectively. The chance of not obtaining a viable oocyte for injection was highest in group A (5.5%). Most fertilization failures occurred in group A (11.8%). Total cleavage failure occurred in the greatest percentage of cycles in group A (3.6%) with a significantly lower mean number of embryos (1.9 +/- 1.7) being transferred. The clinical pregnancy rate was also lowest in group A (7.1%) compared with groups B (25.8%), C (20.8%), and D (23.8%). CONCLUSION(S): Retrieval of between 6 and 10 oocytes per patient and transfer of a maximum of three cleavage-stage embryos results in high pregnancy rates.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Assisted ejaculation and in-vitro fertilization in the treatment of infertile spinal cord-injured men: the role of intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

The objective of the present longitudinal descriptive study was to extend previous observations on the benefit of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in cases of anejaculatory infertility due to spinal cord injuries (SCI) and to report results achieved by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The study was performed in a national referral unit for SCI, Spinalis SCI Research Unit, the Karolinska Institute. The patient material consisted of couples with SCI men seeking treatment for their infertility. The inclusion criteria were: stable relationship, motile spermatozoa in a diagnostic sample and no female contraindications. Spermatozoa were retrieved through electroejaculation or vibratory stimulation. If the sperm quality was judged to be sufficient, standard IVF was performed. ICSI was employed if the semen quality was extremely poor. We have treated 25 couples in 52 cycles, leading to 81 ovum retrievals and 47 embryo transfers. Total sperm counts were very variable (0.01-978 x 10(6)). Before the introduction of ICSI the fertilization rate was 30%. ICSI increased the fertilization rate to 88%. There was no association between the pregnancy rate and the sperm count, level of injury or fertilization technique. A total of 16 clinical pregnancies was established, leading to 11 deliveries. This gives a cumulative pregnancy rate per couple of 56%.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Factors affecting the incidence of polyploidy in a human in vitro fertilization program.

OBJECTIVE: To study the factors affecting the incidence of polyploidy in an assisted reproduction program. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: University-based subfertility clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Subfertile patients were treated in 163 treatment cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or pronuclear stage tubal transfer (PROST). The relationship between the incidence of polyspermy and the indication of subfertility, the stimulation protocol, the oocyte, and the semen parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-nine of the 1,149 oocytes were polyploid (7.8%). The incidence of polyploidy was not affected by the indication for IVF, the age of the patients, the stimulation protocol, the maturity of oocytes as assessed by the appearance of the cumulus, the sperm concentration, the number of sperm inseminated, the serum estradiol level, and the number of oocytes retrieved. The incidence was increased when: (1) the serum estradiol fell before the administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin; (2) the oocyte retrieval-insemination interval was 6 hours or more; (3) the sperm motility was 70% or more; (4) the percentage of sperm with normal morphology was 50% or more. CONCLUSION: The incidence of polyploidy was affected by the serum estradiol pattern, the preinsemination interval, sperm motility, and percentage of morphologically normal sperm.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The effect of human menopausal gonadotrophin and highly purified, urine-derived follicle stimulating hormone on the outcome of in-vitro fertilization in down-regulated normogonadotrophic women.

It has been suggested that the luteinizing hormone (LH) activity of human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) preparations used for ovarian stimulation in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may have adverse effects on reproductive outcome. In the present prospective, randomized trial of 218 infertile couples this notion was investigated. A total of 114 women were treated with Pergonal (HMG group) and 104 with Fertinorm HP (HP-FSH group). The two groups were comparable with regard to duration of infertility, cause of infertility, age and number of previous IVF attempts and all had normal basal gonadotrophin concentrations before treatment was started. A standard hormonal treatment consisting of pituitary down-regulation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) for 14 days starting on cycle day 21, followed by either HMG or highly purified follicle stimulating hormone (HP-FSH), three ampoules (225 IU) per day for 7 days, was used in all cases. The daily hormone dose was thereafter individualized according to the ovarian response. A maximum of two pre-embryos were transferred after 3 days of culture. Luteal support with progesterone (300 mg per day intravaginally) was used in all cases. Serum concentrations of oestradiol, FSH and LH were measured on days 1 and 8 of stimulation and on the day of oocyte retrieval. The mean number of days of stimulation, mean number of ampoules of HMG or HP-FSH used, mean total motile sperm count on the day of oocyte retrieval and mean numbers of oocytes retrieved (13.4 versus 13.7) or pre-embryos transferred (1.8 versus 1.8) were similar for both groups. Significantly (P < 0.05) more cycles in the HP-FSH group (17 = 16%) were cancelled due to complete failure of fertilization than in the HMG group (7 = 6%). The mean fertilization rate was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the HMG group (56%) than in the HP-FSH group (50%), and significantly more transferable pre-embryos were obtained in the HMG than in the HP-FSH group (mean: 4.0 versus 3.2; P < 0.01). Serum hormone concentrations were similar to the two groups on stimulation day 1, but differed significantly with regard to FSH, LH and oestradiol on stimulation day 8. The clinical outcome was similar in the two groups, with an ongoing pregnancy rate (> 12 weeks of gestation) per started cycle of 33% in the HMG group and 29% in the HP-FSH group. The clinical abortion rates were similar (10 and 14%), and the implantation rate was 30% in each group. In conclusion, no detrimental effect of the LH activity of HMG on the clinical outcome of IVF in GnRHa down-regulated normogonadotrophic women was found. To the contrary, some beneficial effects of HMG on fertilization rates and pre-embryo development as compared with HP-FSH were demonstrated. These effects, as well as the differences in serum hormone concentrations during ovarian stimulation, may be caused by differences in LH content and/or in the composition of FSH isoforms of the HMG and HP-FSH preparations.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Factors affecting outcome after ICSI with spermatozoa retrieved from cryopreserved testicular tissue in non-obstructive azoospermia.

There is a lack of data regarding variables affecting the treatment outcome for non-obstructive azoospermia when spermatozoa from cryopreserved testicular specimens are utilized for ICSI. The objective of the present retrospective analysis was to investigate the effect of various parameters on treatment outcome in such cases. One hundred and sixty-five couples with non-obstructive azoospermic males undergoing a total of 297 cycles were included. In all cases the testicular tissue retrieved by multiple open-biopsy testicular sperm extraction was stored in liquid nitrogen and, after thawing, only mature spermatozoa were used for ICSI. When no motile spermatozoa were recovered, immotile spermatozoa were used. In 159 cycles, motile spermatozoa were utilized for ICSI, while in 138 cycles immotile spermatozoa were utilized. Higher normal fertilization rate (60.4 +/- 3.1 versus 51.3 +/- 1.6%, P < 0.05), number of embryos transferred (2.8 +/- 0.06 versus 2.6 +/- 0.04, P < 0.05), modified cumulative embryo score (31.2 +/- 1.6 versus 23.9 +/- 0.8, P < 0.001), and proportion of motile spermatozoa injected (67.8 versus 49.8%, P < 0.05) were observed in cycles that resulted in clinical pregnancies. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that sperm motility (odds ratio 2.06, 95% CI 1.1-3.9, P < 0.05), but not woman's age, number of treatment cycle, type of GnRH-analogue used for pituitary suppression, number of oocytes retrieved or number of embryos transferred was a significant determinant of the likelihood of clinical pregnancy. In conclusion, sperm motility after freeze/thawing of testicular tissue is the major determinant of the success of ICSI in non-obstructive azoospermia.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Efficacy of intracytoplasmic sperm injection using intentionally cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa.

Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration was a great advance in the therapy of patients with non-reconstructable, obstructive azoospermia, most notably congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens. Using conventional in-vitro fertilization, pregnancies were rarely achieved because the rate of oocyte fertilization was extremely poor. However, the use of retrieved spermatozoa in conjunction with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has dramatically increased the likelihood of embryo formation. Typically, sperm and oocyte harvesting are performed simultaneously. We have investigated whether frozen-thawed spermatozoa work as well as fresh spermatozoa. When we had concluded from our own population of patients (groups I and II) that they did, we adopted a policy of aspirating spermatozoa, primarily cryopreserving them and using them for ICSI at a later date. We found the fertilization rates of this latter cohort of patients (group III) to be excellent (37% per oocyte), and the ongoing pregnancy rate is quite satisfactory (40% per couple, 29% per cycle). We offer this approach as an alternative to the traditional scheme because it markedly eases the burden of partner scheduling on both the couple and the clinicians involved. In addition, assurance of the availability of male partner spermatozoa can be attained prior to beginning ovulation induction.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Fast and simple DNA extraction from saliva and sperm cells obtained from the skin or isolated from swabs.

The forensic scientist often has to cope with problematic samples from the crime scene due to their minute size and thus the low amount of extractable DNA. The retrieval of DNA from swabs taken from the surface of the skin, for example, in cases of strangulation, can be especially difficult. We systematically investigated swabs taken from the skin (to obtain a genetic profile from the victim and also from a possible offender) and from sperm cell containing swabs using two extraction kits: the Invisorb forensic and the Invisorb spin swab kit (both Invitek, Germany). DNA quality and quantity were tested on ethidium bromide containing agarose gels and in a highly sensitive duplex-PCR, which amplifies fragments specific for mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Absolute quantification was done using real time PCR. Samples, which were positive in the duplex-PCR, were also employed to genetic fingerprinting using the Powerplex ES and the AmpFlSTRIdentifiler(TM) kits. Our study shows that the easy-to-use Invisorb spin swab kit is very suitable for DNA isolation from swabs taken from the skin and also from sperm cells. Retrieval of cells from the skin with swabs moistened in extraction buffer, not in distilled water, led to a significant higher DNA yield.

DNA↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sperm aneuploidy in infertile men.

A recent line of research has shown that infertile male patients produce cytogenetically abnormal spermatozoa, despite a normal somatic karyotype, as a result of an altered intra-testicular environment that affects negatively the mechanisms controlling chromosome segregation during cell division. The rate of aneuploid spermatozoa production is significantly higher in patients with abnormal sperm parameters compared with those of normozoospermic subjects or infertile patients with normal sperm parameters. All chromosomes are subject to aneuploidy, although at a different rate; the heterochromosomes are more often altered than are the autosomes. A negative correlation has been reported to exist between aneuploidy and the main sperm parameters, suggesting that greater testicular damage is associated with a greater chance of chromosome malsegregation events. Abnormally-shaped spermatozoa are more likely to have chromosome abnormalities, particularly those with an enlarged head. More studies are necessary, however, to evaluate whether other types of sperm head abnormalities are also associated with an abnormal sperm chromosome complement. The possibility of retrieving testicular or epididymal spermatozoa in patients with azoospermia and using them in assisted reproduction techniques has prompted the evaluation of their chromosomal status. Studies have shown that testicular and epididymal spermatozoa have a greater rate of aneuploidy compared with that of ejaculated spermatozoa. Some authors have also shown that patients with non-obstructive azoospermia have a significantly higher sperm aneuploidy rate compared with that of patients with obstructive azoospermia. Sperm aneuploidy seems to have a negative impact on assisted reproduction technique outcome. Although it does not affect the fertilization rate, an elevated sperm aneuploidy rate is associated with a greater rate of pregnancy failure. Nevertheless, some patients with elevated sperm aneuploidy rate can still achieve a pregnancy, but with an increased risk of generating an aneuploid offspring. Thus, sperm aneuploidy evaluation is recommended in infertile patients with abnormal semen parameters, particularly if they undergo IVF programmes.

Aneuploidy↗
PubMed2001

Outcome of ICSI using fresh and cryopreserved-thawed testicular spermatozoa in patients with non-mosaic Klinefelter's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Recently, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of testicular spermatozoa retrieved surgically from patients with non-mosaic Klinefelter's syndrome resulted in several deliveries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of ICSI using fresh and cryopreserved-thawed testicular spermatozoa in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Following informed consent regarding the genetic risks of their potential offspring, mature testicular spermatozoa were found in five out of 12 (42%) patients who underwent testicular sperm extraction, and ICSI was performed while excess tissue was cryopreserved. The mean age of the patients was 28.7 +/- 3.6 (range 23-36 years). Their baseline FSH was elevated (mean 38.3 +/- 11.4; range 22-58 mIU/ml). All patients had small testicles of 2-4 ml in volume. The outcome of ICSI using fresh or cryopreserved-thawed testicular spermatozoa during five cycles in each group, was compared. No statistical significant difference was found in the two pronuclear fertilization rate (66 versus 58%), embryo cleavage rate (98 versus 90%) and embryo implantation rate (33.3 versus 21.4%) for fresh or cryopreserved sperm accordingly. The clinical outcome after using fresh testicular sperm included two singleton pregnancies (one delivered and one ongoing) and a triplet pregnancy resulting in a twin delivery (after reduction of an 47,XXY embryo). After using cryopreserved-thawed testicular spermatozoa, two pregnancies were obtained resulting in one delivery of twins and one early spontaneous abortion. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome of ICSI using cryopreserved-thawed testicular spermatozoa of patients with non-mosaic Klinefelter's syndrome is comparable with that following the use of fresh spermatozoa. The genetic implications for the future offspring should be explained to the patients.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The scheduled ovarian hyperstimulation method makes it easy to perform ICSI with fresh testicular sperm (ICSI/TESE).

The authors evaluated whether scheduled ovarian stimulation makes it easy to perform ICSI with fresh testicular sperm. Scheduled ovarian hyperstimulation was applied for testicular sperm extraction and ICSI with fresh testicular spermatozoa. Fifteen cycles in 10 couples were included in the present study; all couples were azoospermic, 5 were obstructive, and the remaining 5 were nonobstructive. No cycles were canceled, and all oocyte retrievals were performed on the scheduled day. Testicular sperm were obtained in 14 treatment cycles (93%). The mean numbers of retrieved and injected oocytes were 9.4 and 6.4, respectively. The fertilization and cleavage rates were 47 and 91%, respectively. Embryo transfers were performed in 12 cycles except 2 cycles that had no embryos. The number of transferred embryos was 2.3. Two clinical pregnancies were obtained. This scheduled ovarian hyperstimulation was applicable for ICSI with fresh testicular sperm.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Comet assay of cumulus cell DNA status and the relationship to oocyte fertilization via intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

This paper postulates that in the ovary, the close association between the cumulus cells and the oocytes permits the fertilizing ability of the oocytes to be determined indirectly through cumulus cell DNA status. The objective was to use a modified comet assay to analyse cumulus cell DNA and relate the data to oocyte fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures. Oocytes were retrieved (n = 15 cases) and free-floating cumulus cells were pooled and smeared on clear glass slides to dry. Meanwhile, the denuded oocytes were injected with spermatozoa and fertilization was assessed, followed by embryo transfer. The fixed cumulus cells were stained in acridine orange, coated with a mini-gel agarose layer, lysed in alkaline buffer and electrophoresis performed. Analyses of fluorescent cell images (n = 449) showed that the tail moment was positively correlated to the percentage of fertilization after ICSI (r = 0.567, P < 0.05). In contrast, there was no correlation between tail moment and number of oocytes retrieved, total ampoules used, endometrial thickness and age of patient. The results suggested that the competence of the oocytes was associated with the cumulus cell DNA status. A unique feature here was the comet assay for archived material with obvious advantages.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration in psychogenic anejaculation during IVF. A report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Psychogenic anejaculation on the day of oocyte retrieval is uncommon in in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs. Before the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), either the cycle had to be canceled or a sperm donor recruited. CASES: Two couples were enrolled for IVF. On the day of oocyte retrieval, the male partners developed psychogenic anejaculation. CONCLUSION: In cases of psychogenic anejaculation during IVF, percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration can be utilized to obtain sperm for ICSI.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Horn quality and postmortem sperm parameters in Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica).

The horns are secondary sexual characteristics used by males of many ungulate species for intra-sexual fights during the rut. Thus, the dominant males with most developed horns are naturally selected for reproduction. Several studies have suggested that the quality of the horn, in many wild ruminants, may be correlated with semen quality. The aim of the present study was to determine whether inter-individual differences in levels of horn asymmetry and horn size are related to differences in sperm quality in a wild population of Spanish ibex by the assay of epididymal spermatozoa collected postmortem. In order to test this hypothesis we collected morphometric horns data from a total of 59 mature males (9-15 years of age) that were legally hunted during rutting season. The testicles were recovered, and the collection of epididymal spermatozoa was done at different times after death (2-60 h). The percentage of motile spermatozoa, motility rate, plasma membrane integrity, sperm viability, sperm morphology, and acrosome integrity were evaluated. Our findings showed that viable epididymal spermatozoa may be retrieved from dead animals many hours after death. However, sperm parameters were affected by the elapsed time between the death of the animal and spermatozoa collection. The study revealed that the horn quality was firstly associated with sperm motility.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

[In vitro fertilization at our department. A decade's work in figures and facts (1994-2003)].

UNLABELLED: We report here on the first decade of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments performed at a newly established clinical infertility and assisted reproductive unit. OBJECTIVE: We present the number of treatment cycles, the distribution of treatment modalities ("classical" IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, ICSI) and success rates, and relate them to national and international data. METHODS: During the last decade, ICSI was introduced gradually and is now used routinely at our department. In certain cases of azoospermia, testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is used to retrieve male gametes for ICSI. Embryo cryopreservation, which is also part of the routine, provides the chance to establish pregnancy in subsequent cycles without the need to repeat hormonal stimulation. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis helps us to avoid transferring embryos carrying certain hereditary diseases. RESULTS: 1517 IVF cycles were started in the past ten years. Oocyte pickup and IVF were performed in 1423 cases. In the end of the described period, ICSI was used in more than two thirds of treatment cycles. Pregnancy rates were 39.0% per embryo transfer (ET), 36.3% per oocyte pickup, and 34.0% per started cycle. Clinical pregnancy was achieved in 34.2% per ET, and the delivery rate was 27.9% per ET. These success rates have exceeded the national average every year since 1996. Pregnancy rates in frozen-thawed ET cycles and in cryo-TESE-ICSI cycles are in the range of international data. CONCLUSIONS: We attribute the gradual and continuous improvement in our success rates to rigorous and well-coordinated clinical and laboratory work and to judicious adoption of the latest assisted reproductive techniques.

Female↗