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Foutouhi A, Hesser A, de la Fuente A, Bulkeley E, Dini P, Meyers S. Sperm parameters in the Great Dane: Influence of age on semen quality. Theriogenology 2023; 197:267-274. [PMID: 36527863 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Not all sires have sperm suitable for chilled or frozen storage, and success in artificial insemination (AI) varies highly among individual dogs and breeds. Fertilizing potential is further complicated as sperm quality declines with the aging process. Due to the rapidity of aging and senescence in large breed dogs, associated health and fertility changes may be observed over a shorter period, though this period remains undefined for any breed. Working with a population of purebred Great Danes (GD), our aims were (1) to characterize the distribution of a series of sperm parameters, (2) to distinguish sources of variation in sperm quality within this rapidly aging breed, and (3) to identify changes in sperm quality that may accompany aging. Ejaculates collected from young, middle-aged, and senior Great Dane dogs (n = 50) were evaluated for semen volume, total sperm number and viability, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), in addition to sperm morphology and kinematic parameters. Total testicular volume was also determined using ultrasonography. Testicular volume was not a predictor of sperm production in the GD, however, significant differences between coat colors were identified. Age was negatively associated with total motility, progressive motility, and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) (p < .05). We identified significant relationships between GD male age and TM, PM, and immotility with -9.9%, -9.0%, and +8.3% change per year of age, respectively, which support the anecdotal reports of decline of the fertility with the advance of age in this breed. Sperm of younger GD dogs aged 12 ≤ x < 24 months had significantly higher TM, PM, ALH, and nonlinear motility (p < .05) than older dogs (x ≥ 48 months). High ROS levels were positively associated with TM and PM, average pathway distance (DAP) and straight line distance (DSL), average pathway velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), and the presence of hairpin tails (p < .05). While age and ROS have significant influences on sperm parameters in the GD, the influence of selection for breed specific phenotypes could help explain the functional significance of the diversity among GD males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azarene Foutouhi
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, Davis, 95616, USA
| | | | | | - Evelyn Bulkeley
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, Davis, 95616, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA
| | - Stuart Meyers
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, Davis, 95616, USA.
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Burkitt M, Walker D, Romano DM, Fazeli A. Using computational modeling to investigate sperm navigation and behavior in the female reproductive tract. Theriogenology 2012; 77:703-16. [PMID: 22217574 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The processes by which individual sperm cells navigate the length and complexity of the female reproductive tract and then reach and fertilize the oocyte is fascinating. Numerous complex processes potentially influence the transport of spermatozoa within the tract, resulting in a regulated supply of spermatozoa to the oocytes at the site of fertilization. Despite significant differences between species, breeds, and individuals, these processes converge to ensure that a sufficient number of high quality spermatozoa reach the oocytes, resulting in successful fertilization without a significant risk of polyspermy. Different factors, such as the physical complexity of the oviductal environment, changing swimming patterns, capacitation, chemotactic and thermotactic attraction, attachment and detachment from the oviductal epithelium, interactions with local oviductal secretions, individual variations in spermatozoa and subpopulations, peristaltic contractions, and the movement of fluid have all been theorized to influence the transport of spermatozoa to the site of fertilization. However, the predominance of each factor is not fully understood. Computational modeling provides a useful method for combining knowledge about the individual processes in complex systems to help understand the relative significance of each factor. The process of constructing and validating an agent-based computational model of sperm movement and transport within the oviductal environment is described in this report. Spermatozoa are modeled as individual cells with a set of behavioral rules defining how they interact with their local environment and regulate their internal state. The inclusion or potential exclusion of each factor is discussed, along with problems identifying parameters and defining behavioral rules from available literature. Finally, the benefits and limitations of the model are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Burkitt
- Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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3
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KO YJ, MAENG JH, LEE BC, LEE S, HWANG SY, AHN Y. Separation of Progressive Motile Sperm from Mouse Semen Using On-chip Chemotaxis. ANAL SCI 2012; 28:27-32. [DOI: 10.2116/analsci.28.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jun KO
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School, Hanyang University
| | - Joon-Ho MAENG
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School, Hanyang University
| | - Byung-Chul LEE
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School, Hanyang University
| | - Seungwoo LEE
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School, Hanyang University
| | - Seung Yong HWANG
- Division of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University and GenoCheck Co. Ltd
| | - Yoomin AHN
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University
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4
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Abstract
This review considers the role of the sperm in fertilization, addressing areas of misunderstanding and unfounded assumptions and taking particular advantage of the large body of data resulting from work with rodent species in vitro. Considerable attention is given to the appropriate use and interpretation of assays for capacitation, acrosomal exocytosis, hyperactivation, and sperm protein phosphorylation, as well as tests for sperm-zona and sperm-oocyte membrane interactions. The lack of general agreement on the means of sperm adhesion to and penetration of the zona pellucida is addressed, and the need for new approaches to this problem is pointed out. Some molecular advances in our understanding of specific steps in the process of fertilization are discussed in the context of intact cell-matrix and cell-cell interaction. This review should provide practical information for researchers just beginning the study of fertilization and interesting but not widely known observations to stimulate new ideas in experienced scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Olds-Clarke
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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5
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Young RJ, Bodt BA, Iturralde TG, Starke WC. Automated analysis of rabbit sperm motility and the effect of chemicals on sperm motion parameters. Mol Reprod Dev 1992; 33:347-56. [PMID: 1333242 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1080330317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate software settings and optimum procedures were determined for the measurement of the motion parameters of rabbit spermatozoa by the CellSoft (Cryo Resources Ltd., Montgomery, NY) computer-assisted digital image analysis system. The system was used to follow motion parameter changes occurring in spermatozoa incubated for 6 hr with or without exposure to chemicals. Mean amplitude of lateral head displacement (AALH) increased over the 6 hr period, while curvilinear velocity (Vc) first increased and then decreased. Values for linearity (Lin), or beat cross frequency (BCF), were unchanged. The majority of spermatozoa progressed linearly, with rapid rotation of the sperm head, but subpopulations of spermatozoa with different swimming patterns appeared after 1-3 hr of incubation. Percentage motile sperm and Vc were most sensitive to the action of the compounds (pyrogallol, hydroquinone, ammonium oxalate, triethyl phosphite, and pinocolyl alcohol), while BCF was least affected. The decline in percentage of motile sperm was dependent on duration of exposure and chemical concentration. Mean Vc of the sperm population decreased rapidly upon chemical exposure and remained at a low value until motility ceased. The initial decrease in Vc was dependent on the concentration of the added compound. Motion-based indices--motility concentration (MCI50), motility time (MTI50), and velocity (VI)--were defined and used as toxicological endpoints. The rank order of these indices, the end point of the neutral red in vitro assay for cytotoxicity, and LD50 values for the five compounds were the same, suggesting that chemical inhibition of sperm motility may be useful as a method for the in vitro assessment of chemical cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Young
- Toxicology Division, Chemical Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5423
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6
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Billups KL, Tillman SL, Chang TS. Reduction of epididymal sperm motility after ablation of the inferior mesenteric plexus in the rat*†*Presented at the 45th Annual Meeting of The American Fertility Society, San Francisco, California, November 13 to 16, 1989.†Supported by grant HD 22761 from the Department of Health and Human Services and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; and by grant DK 07552 from the Department of Health and Human Services and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland; and by grant H52 6071 from The Johns Hopkins Population Center, Baltimore, Maryland. Fertil Steril 1990. [DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)53589-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
In the present studies we have evaluated the optimal operating conditions for the Hamilton-Thorn HTM-2000 computerized semen analyzer (Hamilton-Thorn, Danvers, MA). The best reproducibility in measurement of sperm concentration was obtained using 20 frames acquired at 19 frames/s. The measurement of sperm concentration was not adversely affected by the number of fields analyzed. The intrasample and intersample coefficients of variation for sperm concentration were 9.5% and 25.5%; sperm motility, 18.4% and 28.9%; lateral head displacement, 16.5% and 19.9%; path velocity, 6.8% and 13.9%; progressive velocity, 4.5% and 9.9%; and linear index, 2.5% and 4.2%; respectively. These differences suggest that sampling error has a significant influence on the reliability of sperm evaluation. The precision and rapidity of the HTM-2000 compares favorably with data previously reported from other systems available for clinical semen analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Pedigo
- Kentucky Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536
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Olds-Clarke P. Sperm from tw32/+ mice: capacitation is normal, but hyperactivation is premature and nonhyperactivated sperm are slow. Dev Biol 1989; 131:475-82. [PMID: 2912803 DOI: 10.1016/s0012-1606(89)80018-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The t complex in the mouse is a large group of linked genes that affect sperm function in fertilization. In t/+ males, sperm carrying the t complex (t sperm) have normal fertilizing ability, while sperm carrying the normal homolog (+t sperm) are dysfunctional (P. Olds-Clarke and B. Peitz, 1985, Genet. Res. 47, 49). The specific step in fertilization which is dysfunctional, however, is not known. Two characteristics of fertilizing sperm, capacitation (the process by which sperm become capable of undergoing the acrosome reaction) and hyperactivation (the change in swimming behavior concomitant with capacitation), were assayed by objective methods in epididymal sperm from tw32/+ males of two strains, and compared to sperm from +/+ males of the same strains. Capacitated and acrosome-reacted sperm were identified by a chlortetracycline assay (C.R. Ward and B.T. Storey, 1984, Dev. Biol. 104, 287). Hyperactivated sperm were identified by their path shape and swimming speed, using a computer-assisted motion-analysis system (J.M. Neill and P. Olds-Clarke, 1987, Gamete Res. 18, 121). Hyperactivation occurred significantly sooner among sperm from tw32/+ mice than among sperm from +/+ mice of the same strain, while the rates and maximal levels of capacitation and spontaneous acrosome reactions were normal. Of the nonhyperactivated motile sperm from tw32/+ mice, almost all were slower than sperm from +/+ mice of the same strain. While the effect of premature hyperactivation on fertilization is not clear, slow movements are likely to impair fertilizing ability. These results raise the possibility that the slow sperm are the dysfunctional +t sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Olds-Clarke
- Department of Anatomy, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140
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Davis RO, Katz DF. Computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA): image digitization and processing. BIOMATERIALS, ARTIFICIAL CELLS, AND ARTIFICIAL ORGANS 1989; 17:93-116. [PMID: 2775872 DOI: 10.3109/10731198909118272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The active undulations of a sperm flagellum are a basic expression of cell vitality. They reflect a number of intracellular processes, and also reveal the interaction between the sperm and its environment. The pattern of sperm-head motion during locomotion is a hydrodynamic consequence of the behavior of the flagellum. Hence, studies of sperm-head motion should provide insights into cellular function and membrane integrity. Because of its importance in fertility, considerable attention is devoted to the analysis of sperm-head motion at both a clinical and basic biological level. Historically, such work has been done by hand. Recently, new, computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) systems have become available to automate this process. These new systems promise to advance the study of cell behavior because they facilitate the objective collection of large amounts of data at relatively low cost. At present, however, few workers understand the relative strengths and limitations of such systems. There is a tendency to uncritically accept CASA results because they are computer generated. In this article, we describe how CASA systems work, and discuss several technological and methodological problems which can produce spurious results. We argue for the development of optical, machine, and specimen preparation standards which will facilitate inter-laboratory comparisons of CASA data.
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Affiliation(s)
- R O Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
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Neill JM, Olds-Clarke P. Incubation of mouse sperm with lactate delays capacitation and hyperactivation and lowers fertilization levels in vitro. GAMETE RESEARCH 1988; 20:459-73. [PMID: 3235053 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120200407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Mouse sperm were incubated in medium with or without 24 mM lactate and assessed for 1) motility characteristics including hyperactivation--a computer-assisted motion analysis system was used; 2) capacitation--a chlortetracycline fluorescent dye binding assay was used; and 3) ability to penetrate oocytes. Lactate affected all aspects of motility and delayed the rates of both hyperactivation and capacitation. When a concentration of 8 x 10(3) sperm/ml was used for insemination in vitro, sperm preincubated 60-90 minutes in medium with lactate prior to insemination in lactate-free medium fertilized fewer oocytes than did sperm preincubated in lactate-free medium. Use of a calcium-sensitive electrode demonstrated that lactate chelated appreciable amounts of calcium in the medium. Capacitation was assayed in sperm incubated 60 minutes in medium with various concentrations of lactate or CaCl2. When medium containing lactate was compared to medium without lactate but having a similar level of free calcium, the level of capacitation of sperm incubated with lactate was less than half that of sperm incubated without lactate. These results demonstrate that including 24 mM lactate in the medium can have detrimental effects on mouse sperm hyperactivation and capacitation. The detrimental effects on capacitation are partly but not completely due to the chelation of calcium by lactate.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Neill
- Department of Anatomy, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140
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Suarez SS. Hamster sperm motility transformation during development of hyperactivation in vitro and epididymal maturation. GAMETE RESEARCH 1988; 19:51-65. [PMID: 3198045 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120190106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The transformation of hamster sperm motility during capacitation in vitro and during maturation in the caudal epididymis was analyzed and compared using videomicrography. Sperm recovered from the distal portion of the caudal epididymis, as well as ejaculated sperm recovered from the uterus exhibited low amplitude, planar flagellar beating. By 3 hr of incubation under capacitating conditions, the caudal epididymal sperm were swimming in helical patterns apparently produced by significantly increased acuteness of flagellar bending and by torsion seen as abrupt, periodic turning of the head. By 4 hr, most sperm were hyperactivated, swimming in circles resulting from asymmetrical, planar flagellar bending that was significantly more acute than the preceding patterns. When motility parameters of fresh sperm were compared with those of sperm swimming in the transitional helical pattern and with hyperactivated sperm, transitional sperm had significantly higher net and average path velocities than the others, indicating that they covered space at the greatest rate. This suggests that the transitional phase plays an important role in sperm transport. Sperm recovered from the proximal region of the caudal epididymis, near the corpus, swam in either the helical or hyperactivated patterns, or a mixture of the two. The means of their flagellar curvature ratios and linear indices were intermediate between helical and hyperactivated mean values. Thus, sperm undergoing final maturation in the caudal epididymis reverse the pattern of development of hyperactivation. Also, the development of hyperactivated motility must therefore entail induction of a preexisting potential for flagellar movement, rather than a maturational process.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Suarez
- Department of Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
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Suarez SS, Vincenti L, Ceglia MW. Hyperactivated motility induced in mouse sperm by calcium ionophore A23187 is reversible. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1987; 244:331-6. [PMID: 3123593 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402440218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The reversibility of hyperactivated motility was tested in caudal epididymal mouse sperm by treating them with 1 microM calcium ionophore A23187 in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), followed 2 min later by the addition of medium containing high levels of bovine serum albumin (BSA) (final concentrations: 0.5 microM A23187, 22 mg/ml BSA). Controls received DMSO alone, followed by BSA. Immediately following treatment with A23187, motility was weak and vibratory. Two minutes after the addition of high levels of BSA, motility was hyperactivated, as determined by videotape analysis of linearity of trajectory and acuteness of flagellar bending. Ten minutes after the addition, the movement pattern returned to that of fresh, uncapacitated epididymal sperm. Control sperm retained the linear swimming pattern of fresh caudal epididymal sperm during the 10 min of observation. Ninety minutes later, however, both control and treated sperm became hyperactivated. The percentage of motile sperm was not affected by treatment or time. Thus, ionophore-induced hyperactivation is reversible and does not interfere with the normal development of hyperactivation during incubation under capacitating conditions in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Suarez
- Department of Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
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Neill JM, Olds-Clarke P. A computer-assisted assay for mouse sperm hyperactivation demonstrates that bicarbonate but not bovine serum albumin is required. GAMETE RESEARCH 1987; 18:121-40. [PMID: 3507366 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120180204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm hyperactivation (HA) is a change in motility that accompanies capacitation (CAP) and is dependent on calcium (Ca) (Yanagimachi and Usui, Exp Cell Res 89:161, 1974). HA may be important for transport through the female tract and/or for fertilization. To develop an objective and quantitative assay for HA in individual mouse sperm, a computer-assisted motion-analysis system was used to describe sperm translational movements. To determine which movements were characteristic of HA, Ca-dependent motility was identified. This was done by incubating sperm with or without calcium (Ca+ or Ca- sperm, respectively), and determining the range of values for each motility parameter that was present only among Ca+ sperm. To do this, we compared frequency distributions of motility parameter values at the time of maximal CAP (90 min). CAP was monitored by measuring the level of in vitro fertilization and by evaluating the pattern of chlortetracycline binding to individual sperm heads [Ward and Storey, Dev Biol 104:287, 1984]. Two Ca-dependent motility subgroups were apparent: 1) a "slow-speed" subgroup with a curvilinear velocity (Vc) less than 169 microns/sec that had none of the characteristics expected of HA sperm; and 2) a subgroup with higher speeds (Vc greater than 169 microns/sec) and wider-amplitude head movements as measured by curvilinear progressiveness ratio (PRc less than 0.56). The latter subgroup was selected as HA, since the frequencies and time course were similar to those for CAP in the same population. Two media components known to be important for CAP, bicarbonate and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were then tested to determine whether they were necessary for HA. Incubation of sperm without bicarbonate prevented HA, but omitting BSA did not affect HA during the first 3 hrs. These data suggest that HA is not tightly coupled with CAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Neill
- Department of Anatomy, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140
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Abstract
A new computerized methodology is described in which sperm movement characteristics are analyzed automatically. Video fields containing images of spermatozoa are electronically digitized, and the centroid position of each sperm head is determined. Over time, strings of centroids identify the swimming paths of individual spermatozoa. Details of path acquisition are described for human spermatozoa in semen, and include a discussion of how individual cells are identified and distinguished from each other. A diversified set of movement characteristics is computed for each spermatozoon, including two new measures of path shape based on the instantaneous turning angle. The traditional and the new measures of vigor and swimming pattern are evaluated and compared for consistency and redundancy. Analysis of data from human semen indicates that the new angular measures may be particularly useful in discriminating between spermatozoa exhibiting widely different patterns of motion.
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