Human Reproduction, Vol 12, 1955-1968, Copyright © 1997 by Oxford University Press
B Baccetti, E Strehler, S Capitani, G Collodel, M De Santo, E Moretti, P Piomboni, R Wiedeman and K Sterzik
The effects of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment on the quality
of human spermatozoa were assessed by examining the ultrastructure and the
function of infertile human spermatozoa using a previously-defined formula.
Using the spermatozoa as an andrological monitor shows that the therapeutic
effect of FSH depends on the type of sperm defect. The response to FSH is,
in many cases, positive and can be evaluated by examining the state of the
ejaculated spermatozoa. From an initial group of 81 patients, 15 were
placebo-treated controls, and 19 were non-responders (mainly with
microbially infected semen). Out of 47 responders, after therapy nine
achieved improved sperm quality which approached the natural fertility
threshold. These responders all had spermatozoa affected by immaturity or
apoptosis (n = 27). The 20 microbially-infected responders also had
immature spermatozoa and never achieved the quality level of natural
fertility. Thus, a natural fertility level was only achieved by nine
responders out of 27 (three with immature spermatozoa, and six with
apoptotic spermatozoa). Using our method of sperm analysis, these patients'
spermatozoa were clearly categorized before treatment as either immature or
apoptotic. In consequence, the success of the therapy was predictable. The
response of individual organelles to therapy was examined. Certain
qualities of the acrosome, the chromatin, the mitochondria, and the axoneme
appear to be sensitive to FSH. Most of the previous conflicting results
reported in the literature may be due to a lack of relevant discrimination
between the different defects present in the spermatozoa of the patients,
without assessing the likelihood of their response.
ARTICLES
The effect of follicle stimulating hormone therapy on human sperm structure (Notulae seminologicae 11)
Institute of General Biology, University of Siena, and Center for the Study of Germinal Cells, C.N.R., Siena, Italy.
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