Korean J Fertil Steril.  2001 Dec;28(4):295-300.

The Effects on Sperm Parameters and Membrane after Treatment with Progesteroneand/or Acetyl-L-Carnitine; Cryopreservation-Thawing

• Jung BJ
• Kim YJ
• Choi HM
• Jun MK
• Lee ES
• Nah OS

Abstract

OBJETIVE: To assess the effects of progesterone and acetyl-L-carnitine used after treated with IsolateR gradient before semen cryopreservation-thawing on sperm parameters and membrane integrity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From April 2001 to July 2001, ten normal male partner of couples who were visited in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics. the semens were treated with IsolateR gradient before cryopreservation, spermatozoa was incubated with progesterone (1, 5 and 10 micrometer), acetyl-L-carnitine (2.5, 5 and 10 micrometer), or both (progesterone, 1 micrometer; and acetyl-L-carnitine, 5 micrometer) for 30 min.
RESULTS
There were no differences in sperm parameters and vital stain among isolate only treated group, progesterone (1, 5 and 10 micrometer), acetyl-L-carnitine (2.5, 5 and 10 micrometer) and both (progesterone, 1 micrometer; and acetyl-L-carnitine, 5 micrometer). But, in high concentration of acetyl-L-carnitine (10 micrometer) treated group, sperm parameters and vital stain were decreased. The statistical method was used ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis test) and p value was <0.01.
CONCLUSIONS
Neither progesterone nor acetyl-L-carnitine show to be protective effect on the cryodamage assessed by sperm parameters and vital stain (eosin-Y stain) in normal sperm. High concentration of acetyl-L-carnitine (10 micrometer), however, was harmful effect on cryoprevention.

Keyword

Progesterone; Acetyl-L-carnitine; Sperm parameters; Cyropreservation

MeSH Terms

Acetylcarnitine*
Cryopreservation
Family Characteristics
Fertilization in Vitro
Humans
Male
Membranes*
Progesterone
Semen
Spermatozoa*
Acetylcarnitine
Progesterone