Immunohistochemical detection of estrogen and progesterone receptors in spermatozoa of infertile men.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical implication of sex steroidal actions on human spermatozoa.

Patients And Methods: Human spermatozoa were obtained from 20 males. Immunohistochemical staining for estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) was conducted by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method.

Results: Positive immunohistochemical staining of ER and PR was observed in all 8 cases of fertile couples. From infertile couples, ER were detected in 8/12 cases, including 3 with normozoospermia, 2 with oligozoospermia, 1 with asthenozoospermia, and 2 with teratozoospermia, but not in 4/12 cases, 1 with normozoospermia, 1 with asthenozoospermia, and 2 with oligoasthenozoospermia. PR were undetectable in all cases of negative ER and in 1 case (normozoospermial) of positive ER.

Conclusion: Negative ER and/or PR in spermatozoa from infertile couples might be involved in cases of male infertility.