Optimized Methods to Maintain Motility and Viability in Normozoospermic Males

You, Young Ah; Mohamed, E A; Oh, Shin Ae; Pang, Myung Geol

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To determinate the optimal culture condition to maintain lifespan in human sperm, we evaluated the effect of different temperature on sperm motility and viability up to 5 days in normal specimens.
METHODS
Ejaculated semen samples with normal semen parameters were gently washed in HEPES buffered Tyrod's-AlbuminLactate-Pyruvate (HTALP) media. Each 5 ml of HTALP + 0.3% albumin with 1x10(6) sperm/ml was incubated for 5 days in 37degrees C, 22degrees C, and 4degrees C. The sperm motility and kinematics were analyzed using computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA), membrane integrity was assessed by hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST), and capacitation status was evaluated by chlorotetracycline (CTC) fluorescence pattern. Each parameter was measured on day 1, 3, and 5, respectively.
RESULTS
The motility, viability and live/uncapacitated pattern were demonstrated significantly in temperature- and time-dependent difference (p<0.05). While the sperm cultured for 1 day in each temperature was not significantly different, the sperm cell kept in 22degrees C after 3 days were preserved sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity, and F pattern better than in other culture temperatures.
CONCLUSIONS
HTALP can be used a basic medium for culture and longevity preservation, and sperm cell kept at 22degrees C is beneficial for assisted reproductive techniques.