Developing a Probe for Detection of Sperm Capacitation

Currently, the diagnosis of male infertility is based on results of semen analysis, which includes the evaluation of sperm motility, morphology, and concentration. While based on the World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) normal sperm have concentration of ≥15 × 106/ml, total motility of ≥40%, and morphology as ≥4% normal forms, the functional tests for detection of normal sperm seem to need development. Among them, detection of sperm capacitation not only is important for determining the percentage of normal spermatozoa during semen analysis, but also it is important for determination of the suitable protocols during assisted reproductive technology (ART). In this study a probe for detection of sperm capacitation were developed using biochemical studies. The results indicated that the probe may provide a new diagnostic tool.

Keywords:

Sperm capacitation , Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) , World Health Organization (WHO) , Semen analysis