Effect of antisperm antibodies present in human follicular fluid upon the acrosome reaction and sperm-zona pellucida interaction.

Problem: To determine the ability of IgGs isolated from follicular fluids (hFFIgGs) to induce the acrosome reaction (AR) in human spermatozoa and to inhibit sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) interaction.

Method Of Study: Incubation of capacitated spermatozoa with hFFIgGs (n = 40) and assessment of their effect on the AR or hemizona (HZ) assay in a condition that allows sperm-ZP interaction, avoiding acrosomal exocytosis.

Results: hFFIgGs from different women varied in their ability of inducing the AR.

Identification of human sperm proteins involved in the interaction with homologous zona pellucida.

Objective: To identify human sperm proteins involved in homologous zona pellucida (ZP) interaction.

Design: Prospective study.

Settings: Basic research laboratory.

Calcium requirements for human sperm function in vitro.

Objective: To determine extracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) requirements for the maintenance of human sperm function in vitro.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Basic research laboratory.

Effect of incubating human sperm at room temperature on capacitation-related events.

Objective: To determine the effect of human sperm incubation at room temperature (20 degrees C) upon capacitation-related events.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Basic research laboratory.