A new method for evaluation of the acrosome reaction in viable human spermatozoa

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Abstract
Summary. The acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa was induced by changes of temperature. Spermatozoa were collected from fertile donors and a patient group, and selected by the “swim‐up” method. The spermatozoa were treated in two different ways: Protocol I: 24 hours at room temperature followed by additional incubation at 37 °C for 3 hours (control), and protocol II: 24 hours at 4 °C followed by additional incubation at 37 °C for 3 hours. The acrosome reaction of the viable spermatozoa was evaluated by a new method utilizing indirect immunofluorescence with anti‐outer acrosomal membrane antibodies and exposure to a hypo‐osmotic medium. In fertile donors as well as in the patient group, significant induction of the acrosome reaction (20%) was evident after exposure to low temperature (4°C). The spontaneous rate of acrosome reaction in the control group was below 7%.