MORPHOLOGICAL-STUDIES ON SPERMATOZOA IN MOTILITY DISORDERS

  • 1 July 1987
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 19  (4) , 433-447
Abstract
On the basis of microscopical examination and further differentiation by special stain techniques, a new classification of defects of midpieces and tails of spermatozoa will be presented: First degree disorders i.e. abnormalities of the staining behaviour and minor structural defects, second degree disorders revealing brakes and coiling of spermatozoa tail, and finally severe third degree disorders only exhibiting a rudimentary anlage of the temrinal segment of spermatozoa. The staining abnormalities of the first degree disorders are characterized by nonreactivity to the Polychrome stain of the Papanicolaou technique as well as to scarlet red stain of the Shorr technique. Although the majority of these spermatozoa do not exhibit morphological aberrations, they have to be regarded completely immotile. Considering this classification, we have observed a highly significant correlation between morphological findings of midpieces and tails and the total motility as well as the progressive motility of spermatozoa. For further evaluation of these disorders the use of the ratio of the percentage of spermatozoa with normal structure and staining behaviour of the terminal segment and the percentage of spermatozoa total motility has been recently introduced. Ratios > 1 indicate interferences and/or impairments of spermatozoa motility, which have to be considered and are presented in further detail. Based upon these findings for clinical and therapeutic studies, it is obvious that for the assessment of spermatozoa motility the morphological parameters have to be included.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: