Computer-assisted assessment of sperm morphology: comparison with conventional techniques.

The aim of the present study was to compare conventional and computer-assisted morphology assessment of spermatozoa. Sixty-two semen samples from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and 40 samples from patients undergoing an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were studied using both techniques. The percentage of normal spermatozoa found was closely correlated between the techniques (r=0.

Randomized comparison of three media used for embryo culture after intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Since the metabolic requirements of fertilization and early embryonic development are very different, we have tested a new culture medium (EllioStep2, Ellios Bio-Media, Paris, France) specially designed for the first cleavages and compared it with two conventional media: BM1 (Ellios Bio-Media, Paris, France) and IVF50 (Scandinavian IVF Science, Gothenburg, Sweden). In order to avoid any interference with fertilization, the test was performed as part of an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) study. A total of 416 ICSI attempts were randomly performed using one or other of the media.

Use of a medium devoid of any human or animal compound (SMART2) for embryo culture in intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Purpose: Our purpose was to evaluate the efficiency of a medium, devoid of any human or animal compound and specially designed for early embryo development (from the zygote to the eight-cell stage), SMART2, in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and to compare it with a medium containing human serum albumin (EllioStep2).

Methods: Oocytes from 50 ICSI attempts were randomly placed, after sperm injection, into either SMART2 or EllioStep2. After a 48-hr incubation, the embryos were examined for quality scoring before transfer or freezing.

Human sperm capacitation and in-vitro fertilization in a chemically defined and protein-free medium SMART1.

Media for sperm capacitation and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are supplemented by proteins (albumin, globulins) extracted from human or animal sera, which raises the problem of potential contamination by pathogens. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a protein-free medium (SMART1, Bio-Media, Boussens, France) and to compare it with a human serum albumin (HSA) containing medium (FertiCult, FertiPro NV, Aalter, Belgium). In the first part of the study, media were compared for their ability to support human sperm functions.

Use of a plant enzyme preparation (Coronase) instead of hyaluronidase for cumulus cell removal before intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of a plant enzyme preparation (Coronase) with animal extracted hyaluronidase to remove cumulus cells before intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The first part of the study was performed on mouse oocytes and embryos. Coronase displayed a similar efficiency to that of hyaluronidase for removing cumulus cells and the same percentage of activated oocytes was obtained with both techniques.

Enhancement of motility by treating spermatozoa with an antioxidant solution (Sperm-Fit) following ejaculation.

Oxygen radical generation is known to be detrimental to sperm function, especially motility, through the lipid peroxidation of the membranes. Generation of reactive oxygen species can be induced by leukocyte contamination, sperm centrifugation and the presence of abnormal spermatozoa with excess residual cytoplasm. This study aims to evaluate the effect on sperm motility of incubation in an antioxidant-containing solution, during liquefaction and centrifugation.

[Evaluation of fertilizing ability of sperm in vitro].

For the study of 145 semen samples in an IVF program, a discriminant analysis allowed to calculate a score, including 8 parameters, able to predict up to 83% of IVF results.

Relationships between motility parameters, morphology and acrosomal status of human spermatozoa.

A total of 130 semen samples were examined for motility (by computer-assisted sperm analysis), morphology and acrosomal status. A high positive correlation was found between percentages of normal forms and progressive motility in the whole semen (r = 0.539, P < 0.

Are the characteristics of spermatozoa in the insemination medium useful for predicting in-vitro fertilization results?

To determine whether the characteristics of Percoll-selected spermatozoa are more predictive of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) results than are those of native semen, 118 semen samples from patients undergoing an IVF attempt were studied. Motility, using computer-assisted sperm analysis, and morphology were recorded before and after sperm selection on a Percoll gradient. Percoll selection increased the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (58.

Validation of a scoring method predicting the in-vitro fertilizing ability of human spermatozoa.

The fertilizing ability of human spermatozoa depends upon numerous functions such as motility, normal morphology, ability to bind to the zona pellucida and to undergo the acrosome reaction. Hence a lot of tests have been developed to try and predict IVF results. In a previous study we had established a scoring method, based on parameters such as sperm morphology, vitality, motility and the acrosome reaction, which was able to predict up to 83% of in-vitro fertilization results.

Variations in spontaneous and induced acrosome reaction: correlations with semen parameters and in-vitro fertilization results.

To determine whether variations in spontaneous and induced acrosome reactions are correlated with semen quality, and to identify the inducers of clinical interest, the acrosome reaction, sperm concentration, motility and morphology were recorded in 117 semen samples from patients undergoing an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) attempt. The spontaneous acrosome loss after 24 h incubation in Ménézo B2 medium and after induction by calcium ionophore A23187, progesterone, human follicular fluid, cyclic adenosine 3'-5'-phosphate (cAMP) analogue and phorbol ester (TPA) were measured using the fluorescein isothiocyanate-GB24 antibody. The mean (range) spontaneous acrosome reaction was 3.

Relevance of acrosome function in the evaluation of semen in vitro fertilizing ability.

Objectives: To determine whether or not acrosome evaluation can enhance the prediction of IVF results when associated to conventional semen parameters.

Design: Acrosome reaction, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were recorded in 131 semen samples from patients undergoing an IVF attempt.

Main Outcome Measures: Spontaneous acrosome loss after a 24-hour incubation in B2 medium and after induction by calcium ionophore A23187 and phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate 4-O-methyl ether (TPA).

Selection and micro-injection of acrosome-reacted human spermatozoa.

A method of selection of acrosome-reacted human spermatozoa is described. Petri dishes were coated with GB24 antibody, specific to the inner acrosomal membrane. The acrosome-reacted spermatozoa were fixed on the antibody and could be removed by aspiration with a micro-pipette.

Effect of sperm pre-treatments on the results of sub-zonal insemination (SUZI).

Follicular fluid and progesterone, which are present in the natural environment of oocytes, have been reported to induce the acrosome reaction and we compared their use in pretreatment of spermatozoa for human sub-zonal insemination (SUZI). Pre-treatment with follicular fluid (20% v/v) was associated with a higher fertilization rate than pre-incubation with progesterone (1 mmol/l) as assessed by both the embryos/injected oocytes rate (31.7 +/- 6.

Influence of sperm parameters on embryo quality.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of sperm defects on embryo quality.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: In vitro fertilization center.

Comparison between fluorescent peanut agglutinin lectin and GB24 antibody techniques for the assessment of acrosomal status.

In order to compare fluorescent peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agglutinin lectin and GB24 antibody (specific for the inner acrosomal membrane) techniques for the assessment of acrosome reaction, both methods were applied on semen specimens obtained from patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The acrosome status was evaluated after a 4 h incubation in B2 medium with and without calcium ionophore A23187. Results obtained with both techniques were compared and studied as a function of IVF outcome.

[Effects of hypergravity on Paramecium tetraurelia].

Previous space experiments carried out in Paramecium tetraurelia have shown that exposure to microgravity results in an enhancement of cell multiplication. An opposite effect occurs when paramecia are exposed to hypergravity. Changes in cell growth rate observed in hypergravity cannot be ascribed to the bacteria present in the culture medium, the same effect being observed when paramecia grow in sterile medium.

Theoretical and experimental investigations on the fast rotating clinostat.

We have investigated both theoretically and experimentally the validity of the fast rotating clinostat to simulate microgravity for a free swimming single-cell organism such as the paramecium. Computer simulations show that cells on suspension move as cells cultivated in space. However, rotated paramecia are still affected by gravity, as shown by the variations in the rate of paramecium rotation on their axis.

Effects of angular speed in responses of Paramecium tetraurelia to hypergravity.

The paper shows the results of investigations carried out in a single cell organism. Paramecium tetraurelia exposed to different gravitational levels. Hypergravity resulted in a decrease in cell growth rate.

Effects of microgravity and hypergravity on the cell: investigations on Paramecium tetraurelia.

Previous space CYTOS experiments have shown that space flights resulted in an increase in growth of Paramecia cultures. Microgravity is the major factor responsible of this response: indeed the stimulatory effect disappeared in inflight cultures placed on a 1 g centrifuge aboard the Spacelab. On the other hand, exposure to different levels of hypergravity on Earth resulted in an opposite response, i.

Influence on cell proliferation of background radiation or exposure to very low, chronic gamma radiation.

Investigations carried out on the protozoan Paramecium tetraurelia and the cyanobacteria Synechococcus lividus, which were shielded against background radiation or exposed to very low doses of gamma radiation, demonstrated that radiation can stimulate the proliferation of these two single-cell organisms. Radiation hormesis depends on internal factors (age of starting cells) and external factors (lighting conditions). The stimulatory effect occurred only in a limited range of doses and disappeared for dose rates higher than 50 mGy/y.

Antibiotic activity in space.

Environmental factors in space exert an influence on the behaviour of bacteria, particularly on their sensitivity to antibiotics. Thus, G. Taylor and S.