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Sperm Morphology (sperm + morphology)
Kinds of Sperm Morphology Selected AbstractsSPERM MORPHOLOGY AND VELOCITY ARE GENETICALLY CODETERMINED IN THE ZEBRA FINCHEVOLUTION, Issue 10 2009Jim Mossman Sperm morphology (size and shape) and sperm velocity are both positively associated with fertilization success, and are expected to be under strong selection. Until recently, evidence for a link between sperm morphology and velocity was lacking, but recent comparative studies have shown that species with high levels of sperm competition have evolved long and fast sperm. It is therefore surprising that evidence for a phenotypic or genetic relationship between length and velocity within species is equivocal, even though sperm competition is played out in the intraspecific arena. Here, we first show that sperm velocity is positively phenotypically correlated with measures of sperm length in the zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata. Second, by using the quantitative genetic "animal model" on a dataset from a multigenerational-pedigreed population, we show that sperm velocity is heritable, and positively genetically correlated to a number of heritable components of sperm length. Therefore, selection for faster sperm will simultaneously lead to the evolution of longer sperm (and vice versa). Our results provide, for the first time, a clear phenotypic and genetic link between sperm length and velocity, which has broad implications for understanding how recently described macroevolutionary patterns in sperm traits have evolved. [source] Sperm morphology in the black coral Cirrhipathes sp. (Anthozoa, Antipatharia)INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Elda Gaino Abstract. Male polyps of the antipatharian Cirrhipathes sp., collected along the coral reef of Siladen Island (Sulawesi, Indonesia), were studied in order to gain an insight into the reproductive biology. Spermatocysts (maximum size 120 ,m) are located within the primary gametogenic mesenteries and are separated by mesenteric cell cytoplasmic extensions. Sperm, maturing along radial rows, have a fairly round shape and contain a series of electron-dense vesicles in the apical nuclear region. A single mitochondrion flanks the nucleus. A peculiar cup-like electron-dense body, edged with regularly spaced electron-dense granules, is interposed between the nucleus and the tail, and delimits a central region that includes two centrioles. Cross-sections of the cup-like body reveal that the distal centriole has a pericentriolar system, consisting of nine arms arranged in a radial pattern. Each arm branches into three processes that are connected to the electron-dense granules. Indirect evidence of spawning is derived from the accumulation of sperm in the gastric cavity. This process takes place through the lysis of the cells bordering the mesenteries. Intact cells of this bordering layer appear to be involved in the phagocytosis of non-expelled gametes. [source] Sperm ultrastructure of the hydrothermal vent octopod Vulcanoctopus hydrothermalisJOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 8 2010A. Roura Abstract Sperm ultrastructure of the deep-sea hydrothermal vent octopod Vulcanoctopus hydrothermalis has been carried out by transmission electron microscopy. Spermatozoa of this species have the shortest head observed so far in octopodids. The acrosome possesses a helix with six gyres. The rod-shaped nucleus is short and wide in relation with other octopodids. Noteworthy features along the nucleus are the regularly disposed dense bands of cytoplasm, which have not been observed before in octopodids. The nuclear fossa is very short and wavy. Mitochondrial sheath has 10 elongated mitochondria running parallel to the axoneme-coarse fibers complex. Sperm morphology of V. hydrothermalis resembles that of Enteroctopus dofleini, suggesting a close phylogenetic relationship. J. Morphol. 271:932,936, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sperm morphology of the eurasian beaver, Castor fiber: An example of a species of rodent with highly derived and pleiomorphic sperm populationsJOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 8 2007Joanna B. Bierla Abstract The structural organization of the spermatozoon from the Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber (Family: Castoridae), was determined and compared to that of other sciuromorph rodents. The beaver spermatozoon has a head, which is variable in form but usually paddle-shaped, with a small nucleus and very large acrosome, and a tail that is relatively short compared to that of most other rodents. Transmission electron microscopy indicates that in most testicular spermatozoa the acrosome projects apically, although in a few it becomes partly flexed. During the final stages of maturation, however, the acrosome becomes highly folded so that the apical segment comes to lie alongside part of the acrosome that occurs lateral to the nucleus, with, in some cases, fusion taking place between the outer acrosomal membranes. The sperm nucleus is wedge-shaped, being broader basally and narrowing apically with an occasional large nuclear vacuole occurring. This spermatozoon structure is markedly different from that found in the other species of Geomyoidea, which is the sister group of the Castoridae. The findings thus emphasize the highly divergent nature of the beaver spermatozoon and demonstrate that, within the proposed Infraorder Castorimorpha, very large differences in sperm structure have evolved. J. Morphol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Alterations in the testis of hormone sensitive lipase-deficient mice is associated with decreased sperm counts, sperm motility, and fertilityMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 4 2008Louis Hermo Abstract Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL, Lipe, E.C.3.1.1.3) functions as a triglyceride and cholesteryl esterase, supplying fatty acids, and cholesterol to cells. Gene-targeted HSL-deficient (HSL,/,) mice reveal abnormal spermatids and are infertile at 24 weeks after birth. The purpose of this study was to follow the evolution of spermatid abnormalities as HSL,/, mice age, characterize sperm motility in older HSL,/, mice, and determine if mice expressing a human testicular HSL transgene (HSL,/,ttg) produce normal motile sperm. In situ hybridization indicated that HSL is expressed exclusively in steps 5,16 spermatids, but not in Sertoli cells. In HSL,/, mice, abnormalities were evident in step 16 spermatids at 5 weeks after birth, with defects progressively increasing in spermatids with age. The defects included multinucleation of spermatids, abnormal shapes and a reduction of elongating spermatids. In older HSL,/, mice, sperm counts appeared reduced by 42%, but this value was lower because samples were compromised by the presence of small degenerating germ cells in addition to sperm, both of which appeared of similar size and density. Sperm motility was dramatically reduced with only 11% classified as motile in HSL,/, mice compared to 76,78% of sperm in wild-type and HSL,/,ttg mice. Sperm morphology, counts, and motility were normal in HSL,/,ttg mice, as was their fertility. Collectively, the data indicate that HSL deficiency results in abnormal spermatid development with defects arising at 5 weeks of age and progressively increasing at later ages. HSL,/, mice also show a dramatic reduction in sperm counts and motility and are infertile. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 565,577, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of Matrix Filtration of Low-Quality Boar Semen Doses on Sperm QualityREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 3 2009E Bussalleu Contents The aim of this work was to develop a method to enhance the sperm parameters of ejaculates with low sperm quality from Piétrain boars. Seminal doses were filtered through columns of DEAE Sephadex (length 2.5 ± 0.5 cm), CM Sephadex (length 5 ± 0.5 cm), glass wool (length 2 ± 0.5 cm) or glass bead (length 10 ± 0.5 cm), with an exit flow rate of 1 ml/40 s in all cases. For each male, 10 ml of the sperm cell-rich fraction diluted at 1 : 6 were filtered. Sperm quality was assessed before and after filtration. Sperm morphology, sperm motility and sperm concentration were determined using the computer program sca® 2002 Production, and sperm viability was evaluated by fluorescence multistaining. Osmotic resistance test and hyperosmotic resistance test were used to determine the osmotic resistance of spermatozoa, whereas l -lactate production estimated the metabolic activity. Results showed a decrease of sperm concentration and osmotic resistance of spermatozoa after filtration in the four matrixes. However, an increase in the frequency of viable spermatozoa with intact acrosome after filtration in glass bead columns and an increase of morphologically normal spermatozoa after filtration in Sephadex CM-50, glass wool and glass bead columns were observed. Despite the decrease in the frequency of progressive motile spermatozoa, l -lactate production and mitochondrial sheath integrity maintained constant after filtration. Our findings indicate that column filtration is an effective method to enhance the sperm quality by selecting viable and morphologically normal spermatozoa without altering DNA, plasma membrane, mitochondrial sheath integrity or inducing premature acrosome reaction. [source] Comparative Study on Five Different Commercial Extenders for Boar SemenREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 1 2004P Vyt Contents Increasing interest in a longer preservation of diluted boar sperm raises questions in the field concerning the choice of the extender. The aim of this study was to evaluate the longevity of boar sperm extended in currently used commercial semen extenders. Three long-term extenders and two short-term extenders were compared for different semen quality parameters that can be assessed under routine laboratory conditions. Sperm morphology, motility, pH and bacteriological contamination were investigated during a 7-day period. The number of dead spermatozoa did not differ significantly among the extenders (p > 0.05). Sperm motility was not only related with storage period but most of all with pH, especially in long-term extenders. Differences between the different extenders were prominent (p < 0.05); the sperm preserved in only one long-term extender showed good motility during the whole test period. In all cases, the pH of the extended semen increased by 0.3,0.5 in the first days of storage and was significantly correlated with a decrease in motility. Bacteriological quality had no significant influence on motility or pH of the semen. In conclusion, we can state that in both short-term extenders and in only one long-term extender, sperm longevity, as evaluated by the parameters used in this study, was sufficient during the preservation period. To preserve the quality of diluted boar semen during long-term storage, the choice of the long-term extender is important. In addition, the monitoring of the pH of extended boar semen in our study emphasizes the importance of the buffering capacity of semen extenders. [source] TEM and FISH studies in sperm from men of couples with recurrent pregnancy lossANDROLOGIA, Issue 6 2009G. Collodel Summary The role of the male partner in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is not clear. In this study, semen characteristics of 22 men whose partners had experienced RPL were examined by light microscopy. Sperm morphology was analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the data were mathematically elaborated to obtain numerical indices expressing the status of an ejaculate: the fertility index and the percentage of apoptosis, necrosis and immaturity. Sperm apoptosis and necrosis were also evaluated by annexin V/propidium iodide assay. To explore the status of meiotic segregation, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with probes for chromosomes 18, X and Y, was applied directly on sperm nuclei. Sperm characteristics from a group of men of proven fertility were used as controls. Among the considered sperm characteristics, apoptosis (P < 0.01), 1818YY diploidy (P < 0.05) and 18YY disomy (P < 0.01) scores were significantly higher in men with RPL compared with controls. Our study showed that some patients with normal semen parameters can present a slight increase in aneuploidy compared with controls, indicating a possible involvement of sperm in some cases of RPL. Chromosomal FISH analysis and chromatin tests of sperm could be included in RPL work-ups when no other cause has been detected. [source] Sperm morphology and aneuploidies: defects of supposed genetic originANDROLOGIA, Issue 6 2006G. Collodel Summary As individuals with genetic sperm defects are intracytoplasmic sperm injection candidates, the study of the chromosomal constitution of their spermatozoa is of great interest. This study is a review of the current literature concerning fluorescence in situ hybridisation studies in spermatozoa with genetic sperm defect as ,round head', ,dysplasia of fibrous sheath' (DFS), ,primary ciliary dyskinesia' (PCD), the ,detached tail' and the ,absence of fibrous sheath'. Regarding sperm head defects, elevated XY disomy and diplodies were detected. Genetic defects affecting the sperm tail seemed to have a different correlation with chromosome meiotic segregation. Only chromosome 18, among the autosomes, was studied and the percentage of frequency of disomy was generally within the normal range. In the more frequently studied defect, DFS, the alterations in gonosome disomy and diploidy were recorded by different groups. Regarding PCD defects, elevated frequencies of disomy of sex chromosomes and diploidy were observed, whereas the absence of the fibrous sheath and the detached tail did not show any meiotic disturbance. The problem of genetic sperm defects should be seriously considered when these sperm are used for assisted reproduction, owing to the high risk of transmission of chromosomal imbalance and of mutations that could cause genetic sperm defects in offspring. [source] Cryopreservation of Black Bengal buck semen: Effects of diluents and freezing on sperm motility and morphologyANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2008Sadia AFROZ ABSTRACT Semen from Black Bengal bucks was collected to establish a cooling protocol (to ,196°C) for buck semen preservation, and to study the effect of freezing on sperm motility and morphology. Semen was diluted with diluents (Triladyl & Tris) and cryoprotectants, filled into straws, sealed, cooled (to 5°C) and equilibrated. After dilution, motility ranged from 75.00% to 76.67% and from 73.33% to 80.00% in Triladyl and Tris diluents, respectively. Motility of sperm after cooling to 5°C in Triladyl and Tris diluents ranged from 65.00% to 66.67% and from 63.33% to 70.00%, respectively. After equilibration in straws, the semen was subjected to a freezing protocol in a computer-controlled biofreezer CL-3000 (cooling at 10°C per minute, from 5°C to ,80°C) and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Sperm motility of re-thawed semen varied from 38.33% to 43.33% and from 6.00% to,6.67% in Triladyl and Tris diluents, respectively. Sperm morphology of re-thawed semen was studied and head damage or cryoinjury was found in 2,3% of sperm in Triladyl diluents and 3,6% in Tris diluents. Whether the differences of sperm motility and head damage reflect fertility after artificial insemination is yet unknown and needs to be studied further. [source] The spermatozoon of the Old Endemic Australo-Papuan and Philippine rodents , its morphological diversity and evolutionACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010William G. Breed Abstract Breed, W.G. and Leigh, C.M. 2010. The spermatozoon of the Old Endemic Australo-Papuan and Philippine rodents , its morphological diversity and evolution.,Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 279,294 The spermatozoon of most murine rodents contains a head in which there is a characteristic apical hook, whereas most old endemic Australian murines, which are part of a broader group of species that also occur in New Guinea and the Philippines, have a far more complex sperm form with two additional ventral processes. Here we ask the question: what is the sperm morphology of the New Guinea and Philippines species and what are the trends in evolutionary changes of sperm form within this group? The results show that, within New Guinea, most species have a highly complex sperm morphology like the Australian rodents, but within the Pogonomys Division some species have a simpler sperm morphology with no ventral processes. Amongst the Philippines species, many have a sperm head with a single apical hook, but in three Apomys species the sperm head contains two additional small ventral processes, with two others having cockle-shaped sperm heads. When these findings are plotted on a molecular phylogeny, the results suggest that independent and convergent evolution of highly complex sperm heads containing two ventral processes has evolved in several separate lineages. These accessory structures may support the sperm head apical hook during egg coat penetration. [source] The ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of Boa constrictor occidentalis, with considerations on its mating system and sperm competition theoriesACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 1 2006M. Tourmente Abstract Sperm ultrastructure has been described for several families of Squamata in which it has been considered a valuable character source for phylogenetic studies. However, sperm competition and mating systems have been demonstrated to influence variations in the sperm morphology and dynamics. The mating system of Boa constrictor occidentalis is likely to have a high degree of sperm competition. We investigated, for the first time, the ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of B. c. occidentalis and, thus, of the family Boidae. Active mating groups were captured from the field, and the spermatozoa of the males was collected by ejaculation and processed to obtain transmission electron micrographs and fluorescence micrographs. The spermatozoa are filiform and their morphology fits the general model described for snakes, and several synapomorphies belonging to the squamates can be identified in these cells. Nevertheless, the head is 25% longer and the midpiece presents a lower frequency of mitochondrial transformations than that of other snakes. We propose that this last trait, along with the extraordinary elongation of the midpiece and the system of multilaminar membranes covering this section (both synapomorphies of the snake spermatozoa), are adaptive responses to processes of sperm competition and sperm storage. [source] SPERM MORPHOLOGY AND VELOCITY ARE GENETICALLY CODETERMINED IN THE ZEBRA FINCHEVOLUTION, Issue 10 2009Jim Mossman Sperm morphology (size and shape) and sperm velocity are both positively associated with fertilization success, and are expected to be under strong selection. Until recently, evidence for a link between sperm morphology and velocity was lacking, but recent comparative studies have shown that species with high levels of sperm competition have evolved long and fast sperm. It is therefore surprising that evidence for a phenotypic or genetic relationship between length and velocity within species is equivocal, even though sperm competition is played out in the intraspecific arena. Here, we first show that sperm velocity is positively phenotypically correlated with measures of sperm length in the zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata. Second, by using the quantitative genetic "animal model" on a dataset from a multigenerational-pedigreed population, we show that sperm velocity is heritable, and positively genetically correlated to a number of heritable components of sperm length. Therefore, selection for faster sperm will simultaneously lead to the evolution of longer sperm (and vice versa). Our results provide, for the first time, a clear phenotypic and genetic link between sperm length and velocity, which has broad implications for understanding how recently described macroevolutionary patterns in sperm traits have evolved. [source] Varicocelectomy: semen parameters and protamine deficiencyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 2 2009M. H. Nasr-Esfahani Summary Different methods have been used to evaluate the beneficial effect of varicocelectomy; these include semen parameters and pregnancy rate. Because of high biological variability of semen parameters, sperm functional tests have been considered as an efficient end point in assessment of fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of varicocelectomy on semen parameters and sperm protamine deficiency in 192 patients. The results of the present study show that all the three semen parameters and percentage of sperms with normal protamine content have improved post-surgery. The cumulative pregnancy rate was 34.6%. Comparing the results of the semen parameters and protamine content between patients whose partner became pregnant to those who did not benefit from varicocelectomy before and 6 months after surgery, show that patients may benefit from varicocelectomy that had higher initial semen density and better sperm morphology prior to surgery. Detailed analyses of sperm morphology, along with aforementioned results reveal that the factors which account for pregnancy difference are: (i) improvement in early events of spermatogenesis, possibly during spermatocytogensis and reduction division; and (ii) late spermiogenesis events. Thus, it can be suggested that patients with low initial sperm count may benefit more from assisted reproductive techniques or varicocelectomy followed by assisted reproduction. [source] Flow cytometric technique for determination of prostasomal quantity, size and expression of CD10, CD13, CD26 and CD59 in human seminal plasmaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 2 2006LENA CARLSSON Summary Prostasomes are prostate-derived organelles in seminal plasma exhibiting pluripotent properties to facilitate the fertilization process. Seminal prostasome concentration, size distribution and expression of the prostasomal surface antigens CD10, CD13, CD26 and CD59 were examined by flow cytometry. The study group consisted of 79 men with involuntary infertility. Very strong correlations existed between the prostasome expressions of the different CD markers. Significant correlations between prostasome concentration and CD molecules were weak or lacking. Further, no or weak relationships were observed between the prostasomal CD markers and sperm morphology, seminal fructose, neutral , -glucosidase activity, zinc and tumour necrosis factor , concentrations. Flow cytometry is a practical way to study prostasomes in seminal fluid without prior separation. This is a new technique for evaluation of the role of prostasomes and their functions in male reproductive physiology. [source] Semen quality in fertile US men in relation to geographical area and pesticide exposureINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 1 2006Shanna H. Swan Summary We conducted the first US study to compare semen quality among study centres using standardized methods and strict quality control. We present data on semen quality in partners of 493 pregnant women recruited through prenatal clinics in four US cities during 1999,2001. Sperm concentration, semen volume and motility were determined at the centres and morphology was assessed at a central laboratory. While between-centre differences in sperm morphology and sample volume were small, sperm concentration and motility were significantly reduced in Columbia, MO (MO) relative to men in New York, NY, Minneapolis, MN and Los Angeles, CA; total number of motile sperm was 113 × 106 in MO and 162, 201 and 196 × 106 in CA, MN and NY respectively. Differences among centres remained significant in multivariate models that controlled for abstinence time, semen analysis time, age, race, smoking, history of sexually transmitted disease and recent fever (all p -values <0.01). We hypothesized that poorer sperm concentration and motility in MO men relative to other centres might be related to agricultural pesticides that are commonly used in the mid-west. We investigated this hypothesis by conducting a nested case,control study within the MO cohort. We selected 25 men in this cohort for whom all semen parameters (concentration, % normal morphology and % motile) were low as cases and an equal number of men for whom all semen parameters were within normal limits as controls. We measured metabolites of eight non-persistent, current-use pesticides in urine samples the men had provided at the time of semen collection. Pesticide metabolite levels were elevated in cases compared with controls for the herbicides alachlor and atrazine, and for the insecticide diazinon (2-isopropoxy-4-methyl-pyrimidinol) (p -values for Wilcoxon rank test = 0.0007, 0.012, and 0.0004 for alachlor, atrazine and diazinon respectively). Men with higher levels of alachlor or diazinon were significantly more likely to be cases than men with low levels [odds ratios (OR) = 30.0, 16.7 for alachlor and diazinon respectively], as were men with atrazine over the limit of detection (OR = 11.3). These associations between current-use pesticides and reduced semen quality suggest that agricultural chemicals may have contributed to the reduced semen quality seen in fertile men from mid-Missouri. [source] Use of the Sperm-Class Analyser® for objective assessment of human sperm morphologyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 5 2003C. Soler Summary The Sperm-Class Analyser® was validated for assessing morphometric parameters of the head and midpiece of unwashed and washed human ejaculated spermatozoa from volunteers providing a wide range of semen quality. A higher proportion of sperm could be assessed (86% fresh semen and 75% washed sperm) if Hemacolor staining was used rather than DiffQuik (80 and 73%) or Papanicolaou (78 and 68%). Different stains employed different fixatives and the area, length, width and perimeter of the sperm head was significantly larger for washed sperm stained by Hemacolor and DiffQuik. Acrosomal area ranged from 48 to 51% of the sperm head area and this percentage was larger for washed sperm stained with DiffQuik. Sperm at the end of the slide, distant from the initial semen droplet, were larger in area and perimeter than those at that site or in the middle. The high precision and reproducibility of the equipment required assessing only 50 sperm on the slide. Far greater variation was found in head width, relative acrosomal area and midpiece width between different slides prepared from the same ejaculate, highlighting the inherent variability within the ejaculate and smear preparation, and requiring more than one slide to be assessed. [source] Aneuploidy in spermatozoa of infertile men with teratozoospermiaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 4 2001Kati HÄrkönen Recent studies have shown that aneuploidy in spermatozoa of infertile men with poor semen quality is increased. The purpose of this study was to determine whether poor sperm morphology is associated with the incidence of spermatozoa with numerical chromosome abnormalities. Semen samples from 20 infertile teratozoospermic men were studied using multicolour fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Men were divided into four groups according to the proportion of normal sperm morphology: infertile men with <10% (group A, n=7), 10,19% (group B, n=6), and 20,29% (group C, n=7) of morphologically normal spermatozoa, and controls (group D, n=5) with ,30% normal forms. Two hybridizations were performed. All the samples were analysed using probes for chromosomes 1 and 7 and, in addition, in group A and in controls with normal semen parameters probes for chromosomes X, Y and 18 were also used. Ten thousand spermatozoa were scored per hybridization. Severely teratozoospermic men (<10% normal forms) had significantly higher frequency of disomy 7, 18, YY, XY and diploidy in their spermatozoa when compared with controls. The results suggest that poor sperm morphology is associated with numerical chromosome abnormalities of spermatozoa. Severely teratozoospermic men may be at an increased risk of producing aneuploid offspring. [source] Comparison between computerized slow-stage and static liquid nitrogen vapour freezing methods with respect to the deleterious effect on chromatin and morphology of spermatozoa from fertile and subfertile menINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 2 2001M. E. Hammadeh The purpose of this study was to determine the negative effects (cryodamage) on human spermatozoa after freeze-thawing and to determine whether freeze-thawing of spermatozoa with a programmed slow freezer is better than freezing with liquid nitrogen vapour (rapid freezing) with regard to alterations in sperm chromatin and morphology in semen from fertile (donor) and subfertile, IVF/ICSI, patients. Ninety-five semen samples were obtained either from patients attending our IVF unit for treatment (n=34) or from donors (n=25) with proven fertility and normal sperm quality according to WHO guidelines. Each semen sample was divided into two parts after liquefaction and addition of the cryoprotectant. The first part was frozen using a programmed biological freezer and the second part was frozen by means of liquid nitrogen vapour. Smears were made before the freezing and after the thawing procedure to assess morphology (strict criteria) and chromatin condensation (Acridine Orange test). The mean percentage of chromatin condensed spermatozoa in the samples from donors (control group) was 92.4 ± 8.4% before freezing and this decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) to 88.7 ± 11.2% after freeze-thawing with the computerized slow-stage freezer and to 87.2 ± 12.3% after using static liquid nitrogen vapour (p < 0.001). The corresponding values for semen obtained from patients was 78.9 ± 10.3% before freezing which decreased to 70.7 ± 10.8 and 68.5 ± 14.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the mean percentage of normal sperm morphology in the control group decreased from 26.3 ± 7.5% before freezing to 22.1 ± 6.4% (p < 0.0001) after thawing with the computerized slow-stage freezer and to 22.2 ± 6.6% (p < 0.0001) after the use of static liquid nitrogen vapour. In the patient group, the mean percentage of normal morphology decreased from 11.7 ± 6.1% after freezing with the biological freezer to 9.3 ± 5.6% and to 8.0 ± 4.9% after freezing with static liquid nitrogen vapour. This study demonstrates that chromatin packaging and morphology of human spermatozoa decrease significantly after the freeze-thawing procedure, not only after the use of static liquid nitrogen vapour but also after the use of a computerized slow-stage freezer. However, the chromatin of semen samples with normal semen parameters (donor sperm) withstand the freeze-thaw injury better than those with low quality semen samples. Therefore, the computerized slow stage freezer could be recommended for freezing of human spermatozoa, especially for subnormal semen samples, for example, ICSI and ICSI/TESE candidates and from patients with testicular tumours or Hodgkin's disease, in order to avoid further damage to the sperm chromatin structure. [source] Is varicocelectomy indicated in subfertile men with clinical varicoceles who have asthenospermia or teratospermia and normal sperm density?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 8 2007Linus Okeke Objective: Varicocele is the most common treatable cause of male infertility and is associated with progressive decline in testicular function. Varicocelectomy, a commonly performed operation, is indicated in infertile males with varicoceles who have oligospermia, asthenospermia, teratospermia or a combination of these factors. It is not clear if varicocelectomy is indicated if the patients have normal sperm density associated with asthenospermia or teratospermia. Methods: We reviewed 167 patients with varicocele-associated male infertility over a 7-year period (December 1999,November 2005). Pre- and post-varicocelectomy seminal fluid analyses, assessed using the World Health Organization criteria, were obtained at intervals of 4,6 months. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to evaluate for statistical significance and P , 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the patients and their spouses were 35 and 28 years, respectively. The mean duration of infertility was 3.2 years (range, 1.5,7.5). Oligospermia, teratospermia, asthenospermia, oligospermia, asthenospermia and teratospermia (OAT) syndrome and azoospermia were found preoperatively in 106 (63.5%), 58 (34.7%), 154 (92%), 118 (71%) and 15 (9%) patients, respectively. Overall, significant improvements in semen volume (P < 0.001), sperm density (P < 0.001), sperm motility (P < 0.001) and sperm vitality (P < 0.001) were obtained after varicocelectomy. There was, however, no significant improvement in sperm morphology after varicocelectomy (P = 0.220). When patients with preoperative oligospermia (sperm density, <20 million/mL) were considered separately, varicocelectomy led to significant improvement in all the semen parameters except the sperm morphology (P = 0.183). Conversely, when varicocele patients with a sperm density of ,20 million/mL (normospermia) associated with asthenospermia and/or teratospermia were considered separately, they did not show significant improvement in any of the semen parameters after varicocelectomy (P > 0.05). In addition, azoospermic patients did not show significant improvement in any of the semen parameters (P > 0.05) Conclusion: No significant improvement in semen parameters may be obtained in patients with clinical varicocele and preoperative normospermia. It is possible that only patients with preoperative oligospermia may benefit from varicocelectomy. Larger multi-institutional studies are needed to determine more definitively if asthenospermia or teratospermia in normospermic subfertile males with clinical varicoceles are in fact indications for varicocelectomy. [source] Ultrastructure of sperms in Acoela (Acoelomorpha) and its concordance with molecular systematicsINVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Anatoly Petrov Abstract. The sperms of the Acoela, a group of lower worms, are filiform cells with 2 flagella incorporated into the cell body. Their axonemes can variously have 9+2, 9+1, or 9+0 patterns of microtubules; and singlet microtubules in the cell body can be arranged in axial or cortical positions. An analysis of phylogenetic relationships of acoels based on molecular characters (18S rDNA sequence data) showed that these patterns of microtubules, where known, fell into discrete monophyletic groups. To test this hypothesis, we have expanded the database of sperm characters by examining the ultrastructure of a further 10 species representing 4 acoel families. As expected, the Convolutidae fell into 2 unrelated groups: "small-bodied convolutids"(Convoluta pulchra, Praeconvoluta tigrina, Pseudaphanostoma smithrii) having 9+2 axonemes and cortical microtubules, and "large-bodied convolutids" (including Wulguru cuspidata) having 9+0 axonemes and axial microtubules. Also, as expected, a member of the Mecynostomidae (Paedomecynostomum bruneum) has 9+1 axonemes and axial microtubules. Members of a family that appears intermediate by molecular characters, the Otocelididae, significantly have a variety of patterns: axonemes with both 9+2 and 9+0 patterns (Notocelis gullmarensis) or just 9+2 (the other species), and either axial (Philocelis brueggemanni), both axial and cortical (N. gullmarensis) microtubules, or microtubules that bend between axial and cortical positions along the length of the sperm (Otocelis sandara). Members of the Dakuidae (Daku woorimensis) also belong to this intermediate group, having 9+2 axonemes and axial microtubules, while in a fifth otocelidid (Stomatricha hochbergi), sperm characters are like those of the "large-bodied convolutids" (9+0 axonemes and axial microtubules). Characters of sperm morphology generally support the molecular hypothesis of relationships and confirm a suspected polyphyly of the families Convolutidae, Otocelididae, and Actinoposthiidae. [source] Sperm ultrastructure and spermiogenesis in two Exogone species (Polychaeta, Syllidae, Exogoninae)INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2002Adriana Giangrande The spermatozoa of Exogone naidina and E. dispar are characterized by a prominent bell-shaped acrosome, a spheroidal nucleus, and a conventional flagellum. During spermiogenesis, the acrosomal vesicle undergoes conspicuous modifications leading to its final bell shape with a posterior opening. The subacrosomal material initially shows radiating filaments but in mature sperms it appears as a meshwork of electron-opaque material. The acrosomal axis is oblique with respect to the main longitudinal sperm axis. The chromatin is arranged in electron-opaque strands in the early spermatids, then becomes amorphous, and is finally organized in filaments in mature sperms. Centrioles are orthogonally arranged beneath the nucleus and fibers radiate from the distal centriole to contact the plasma membrane and the single mitochondrion. The latter is located eccentrically on the side of the nucleus opposite the acrosome. A disk-shaped structure is evident beneath the distal centriole. The flagellar axoneme has a 9+2 microtubule pattern. A conspicuous glycocalyx surrounds the flagellar plasma membrane, and an electron-lucent space is present between these two structures at the distal tip of the flagellum. We compare the sperm morphology of these two species of Exogone with that described in other members of the subfamily Exogoninae. The fine structure of these two species supports the occurrence of an ent-aquasperm type within Exogoninae, in accordance with the brood strategy present within this subfamily. The mode of reproduction is of taxonomic importance for defining subfamilies within Syllidae, and is likely also of phylogenetic significance. Because epitoky is probably plesiomorphic, the ent-aquasperm type found in Exogoninae can be considered a derived feature within Syllidae. [source] Spermicide, cryptic female choice and the evolution of sperm form and functionJOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2006L. HOLMAN Abstract Sperm competition and cryptic female choice profoundly affect sperm morphology, producing diversity within both species and individuals. One type of within-individual sperm variation is sperm heteromorphism, in which each male produces two or more distinct types of sperm simultaneously, only one of which is typically fertile (the ,eusperm'). The adaptive significance of nonfertile ,parasperm' types is poorly understood, although numerous sperm-heteromorphic species are known from many disparate taxa. This paper examines in detail two female-centred hypotheses for the evolution and maintenance of this unconventional sperm production strategy. First, we use game theoretical models to establish that parasperm may function to protect eusperm from female-generated spermicide, and to elucidate the predictions of this idea. Second, we expand on the relatively undeveloped idea that parasperm are used by females as a criterion for cryptic female choice, and discuss the predictions generated by this idea compared to other hypotheses proposed to explain sperm heteromorphism. We critically evaluate both hypotheses, suggest ways in which they could be tested, and propose taxa in which they could be important. [source] Comparative sperm ultrastructure in NemerteaJOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 7 2010J. von Döhren Abstract Although the monophyly of Nemertea is strongly supported by unique morphological characters and results of molecular phylogenetic studies, their ingroup relationships are largely unresolved. To contribute solving this problem we studied sperm ultrastructure of 12 nemertean species that belong to different subtaxa representing the commonly recognized major monophyletic groups. The study yielded a set of 26 characters with an unexpected variation among species of the same genus (Tubulanus and Procephalothrix species), whereas other species varied in metric values or only one character state (Ramphogordius). In some species, the sperm nucleus has grooves (Zygonemertes virescens, Amphiporus imparispinosus) that may be twisted and give a spiral shape to the sperm head (Paranemertes peregrina, Emplectonema gracile). To make the characters from sperm ultrastructure accessible for further phylogenetic analyses, they were coded in a character matrix. Published data for eight species turned out to be sufficiently detailed to be included. Comparative evaluation of available information on the sperm ultrastructure suggests that subtaxa of Heteronemertea and Hoplonemertea are supported as monophyletic by sperm morphology. However, the data do not provide information on the existing contradictions regarding the internal relationships of "Palaeonemertea." Nevertheless, our study provides evidence that sperm ultrastructure yields numerous potentially informative characters that will be included in upcoming phylogenetic analyses. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Spermatozoal ultrastructure in three Atlantic solenocerid shrimps (Decapoda, Dendrobranchiata)JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Antonio Medina Abstract The spermatozoal ultrastructure in three solenocerid shrimps (Solenocera membranacea, S. africana, and Pleoticus muelleri) from different Atlantic locations was examined with the aim of increasing understanding of the phylogenetic relationships in the Dendrobranchiata. A considerable structural similarity between the sperm of these species and those of penaeid shrimps supports a close affinity between the Penaeidae and Solenoceridae. However, significant differences in the sperm morphology of the previously investigated sicyoniids (namely, a greater complexity of the acrosomal complex) suggest evolutionary separation of the Sicyoniidae from the assemblage Penaeidae-Solenoceridae. Two ultrastructural features distinguish the spermatozoa of the three studied solenocerids from penaeid sperm: 1) separation of the plasma and acrosome membranes at the base of the spike and anterior region of the cap, and 2) asymmetry of the acrosomal cap, which appears to be a synapomorphy of the group. No striking ultrastructural differences were found between the spermatozoa of the closely related species S. membranacea and S. africana, whereas a great number of morphological differences separate the spermatozoa of Pleoticus from those of Solenocera (e.g., shape of the acrosomal cap, structural arrangement of the contents of the whole acrosome vesicle, thickness and distribution of the cytoplasm, and external shape of the spike). J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Evolution of the spermatozoon in muroid rodentsJOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 3 2005William G. Breed Abstract In the rodent superfamily Muroidea, a model for the evolution of sperm form has been proposed in which it is suggested that a hook-shaped sperm head and long tail evolved from a more simple, nonhooked head and short tail in several different subfamilies. To test this model the shape of the sperm head, with particular emphasis on its apical region, and length of sperm tail were matched to a recent phylogeny based on the nucleotide sequence of several protein-coding nuclear genes from 3 families and 10 subfamilies of muroid rodents. Data from the two other myomorph superfamilies, the Dipodoidea and kangaroo rats in the Geomyoidea, were used for an outgroup comparison. In most species in all 10 muroid subfamilies, apart from in the Murinae, the sperm head has a long rostral hook largely composed of acrosomal material, although its length and cross-sectional shape vary across the various subfamilies. Nevertheless, in a few species of various lineages a very different sperm morphology occurs in which an apical hook is lacking. In the outgroups the three species of dipodid rodents have a sperm head that lacks a hook, whereas in the heteromyids an acrosome-containing apical hook is present. It is concluded that, as the hook-shaped sperm head and long sperm tail occur across the muroid subfamilies, as well as in the heteromyid rodents, it is likely to be the ancestral condition within each of the subfamilies with the various forms of nonhooked sperm heads, that are sometimes associated with short tails, being highly derived states. These findings thus argue against a repeated evolution in various muroid lineages of a complex, hook-shaped sperm head and long sperm tail from a more simple, nonhooked sperm head and short tail. An alternative proposal for the evolution of sperm form within the Muroidea is presented in the light of these data. J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley- Liss, Inc. [source] Sperm head morphology in 36 species of artiodactylans, perissodactylans, and cetaceans (Mammalia)JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 2 2005Amy Downing Meisner Abstract Detailed descriptions of mammalian sperm morphology across a range of closely related taxa are rare. Most contributions have been generalized descriptions of a few distantly related mammalian species. These studies have emphasized a generalized ungulate sperm morphology, but have not underscored several important morphological differences in ungulate sperm, such as head shape. The present study is the first to document descriptions of sperm head morphology using cold field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) for a large number of closely related mammalian species. In total, the sperm of 36 species in three orders: Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates), Cetacea (whales, porpoises, and dolphins), and Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates) were examined to gather new information relevant to the debate about the phylogenetic placement of cetaceans relative to terrestrial ungulates. In all species examined, the sperm heads were generally flattened and ovate in shape with a distinct apical ridge, although considerable variation in sperm head shape was detected, both within and between orders. In artiodactylans, the sperm head was uniformly flat in lateral view, whereas perissodactylan and cetacean sperm heads showed a distinct posterior thickening. In both artiodactylans and perissodactylans, the mitochondria were elongate and wound in a tight helix around the midpiece, whereas in cetaceans the mitochondria were rounded and appeared to be randomly arranged around the midpiece. Additionally, prominent ridges running along the anterior,posterior axis were observed in the postacrosomal region of the sperm head in four species of cetaceans. These ridges were not observed in any of the terrestrial ungulates examined. Pits or fenestrations were detected in the postacrosomal region in most artiodactylan species examined; these structures were not detected in perissodactylans or cetaceans. The equatorial segment of the acrosome was detected in the artiodactylan species examined, tentatively identified in perissodactylans, but not found in cetaceans. Its shape and location are described for relevant taxa. The presence of a recently reported substructure within the equatorial segment (the equatorial subsegment; Ellis et al. [2002] J Struct Biol 138:187,198) was detected in artiodactylans, and its shape is described for the species examined. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Hypo-osmotic swelling test and unexplained repeat early pregnancy lossJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2010Sudhindra M. Bhattacharya Abstract Aim:, To study the relationship of various sperm characteristics and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS test) with repeat unexplained early pregnancy loss. Methods:, Semen samples from husbands of 74 couples with a history of repeat early pregnancy loss (group A) were analyzed according to World Health Organization criteria, and a HOS test was performed in each case. Semen samples from 65 husbands with proven fertility (group B) were also studied for comparison. Results:, No statistically significant differences were noted in the age of the husbands, sperm concentration, sperm morphology and percent motile sperm between groups A and B. The mean HOS test scores of the two groups were significantly different (group A: 60.4%; group B: 76.9%; P = 0.01 [normal value: >60%]). In group A, 33.8% of cases (25/74) and in group B, 12.3% of cases (8/65) showed low HOS test scores. Conclusion:, The sperm HOS test may be helpful to screen for any paternal factor associated with repeat embryonic or early fetal loss and in a resource-poor setting, and may be utilized in any clinical laboratory. [source] Mammalian sperm quality and aromatase expressionMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 8 2009Serge Carreau Abstract In most mammalian species the aromatase is encoded by a single gene (cyp19), which contains 18 exons, 9 of them being translated. In adult rats, together with Leydig cells germ cells represent an additional source of estrogens. The amount of P450arom transcript is threefold higher in pachytene spermatocytes compared to younger cells (spermatogonia-preleptotene spermatocyte) or round spermatids; conversely, aromatase activity is more intense in haploid cells. In man besides Leydig cells, we have shown the presence of a biologically active aromatase and of estrogen receptors (ER, and ERß) in immature germ cells and ejaculated spermatozoa. Concerning aromatase, a 30% decrease of the amount of mRNA is observed in immotile compared to motile sperm fraction from the same sample; moreover, the aromatase activity is diminished. We have amplified aromatase mRNA by RT-real time PCR in spermatozoa from asthenospermic, teratospermic, and asthenoteratospermic men and recorded respectively 44, 52, and 67% decreases of the amount of transcripts as compared to controls. Statistical analyses between the sperm morphology and the aromatase/GAPDH ratio have revealed a high degree of correlation (r = ,0.64) with the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa (especially microcephaly and acrosome malformations). Alterations of sperm number and motility have been described in men genetically deficient in aromatase, which together with our data, suggest a likely role for aromatase/estrogens in the acquisition of sperm motility. Therefore besides gonadotrophins and testosterone, estrogens produced locally should be considered as a physiologically relevant hormone involved in the regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of FSH receptor deletion on epididymal tubules and sperm morphology, numbers, and motilityMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2005Amit Grover Abstract Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) interacts with its cognate receptor (R) on Sertoli cells within the testis and plays an important role in the maintenance of spermatogenesis. Male FSH-R knockout (FORKO) mice show fewer Sertoli cells and many that are structurally abnormal and as a consequence fewer germ cells. Lower levels of serum testosterone (T) and androgen binding protein (ABP) also occur, along with reduced fertility. To assess the effects of FSH-R depletion as an outcome of testicular abnormalities, sperm from the cauda epididymidis were counted and examined ultrastructurally. As reduced fertility may also reflect changes to the epididymis, the secondary responses of the epididymis to lower T and ABP levels were also examined by comparing differences in sizes of epididymal tubules in various regions of FORKO and wild type (WT) mice. Sperm motility was evaluated in FORKO mice and compared to that of WT mice by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Quantitatively, the data revealed that epithelial areas of the caput and corpus epididymidis were significantly smaller in FORKO mice compared to WT mice. Cauda epididymal sperm counts in FORKO mice were also much lower than in WT mice. This resulted in changes to 9 out of 14 sperm motility parameters, related mostly to velocity measures, which were significantly lower in the FORKO mice. The greatest change was observed relative to the percent static sperm, which was elevated by 20% in FORKO mice compared to controls. EM analyses revealed major changes to the structure of the heads and tails of cauda luminal sperm in FORKO mice. Taken together these data suggest a key role for the FSH receptor in maintaining Sertoli cells to sustain normal sperm numbers and proper shapes of their heads and tails. In addition, the shrinkage in epididymal epithelial areas observed in FORKO mice likely reflect direct and/or indirect changes in the functions of these cells and their role in promoting sperm motility, which is noticeably altered in FORKO mice. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||