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Human Reproduction, Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 599-606, 1995
© 1995 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

research-article

Pregnancy following discontinuation of a calcium channel blocker in the male partner

Avner Hershlag1, George W. Cooper and Susan Benoff

Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Shore University Hospital, Cornell University Medical College 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, USA

Correspondence: 1To whom correspondence should be addressed

The fertility potential of human sperm populations can be assessed by the presence of head-directed mannose ligand receptors (mannose-specific lectin) and the occurrence of spontaneous acrosome reactions after incubation under capacitating conditions in vitro. We have reported previously on the interaction between anti-hypertensive medications and their effects on these parameters of male fertility potential. In this report we document the effects of cessation of calcium ion channel blocker medication on male fertility. Motile spermatozoa from a 30 year old infertile patient on a calcium ion channel blocker as anti-hypertensive treatment had subnormal expression of mannose-specific lectin and did not exhibit spontaneous acrosome reactions. Three months following discontinuation of the medications, complete recovery of both the expression of head-directed mannose ligand receptors and the acrosome reaction was documented, though sperm motility and morphology remained unchanged. The couple had 2 years of infertility and previously failed to conceive through seven cycles of Pergonal/intra-uterine insemination. Conception occurred on the second Pergonal/intra-uterine insemination cycle after the husband discontinued calcium ion channel blocker medication. Calcium ion channel blockers may adversely affect sperm fertilizing potential. Discontinuation of such medications enhances the chances for conception.

Key words: calcium ion channel blocker/fertilization/human spermatozoa/mannose ligands/neoglycoprotein probes


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