Human Reproduction, Vol. 14, No. suppl_1, pp. 47-70, 1999
© 1999 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Fertilization potential of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology
Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Medical University Lübeck Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
Correspondence: 1To whom correspondence should be addressed
One of the best discriminators for the fertilization potential of human spermatozoa is sperm morphology. The problem in the assessment of the sperm morphological characteristics is their pleiomorphism. Examination of spermatozoa with the light microscope can provide only limited information on their internal structure. More detailed examination of sperm structure using electron microscopy can reveal major, often unsuspected ultrastructural abnormalities. Results and cut-off values for sperm analysis depend on the criteria for normal morphology. World Health Organization recommendations provide a classification suitable for clinical practice. Clinically reliable cut-off limits for normal sperm morphology according to strict Tygerberg criteria were suggested to be 4% in in-vitro fertilization procedures. Patients with severe sperm head abnormalities have a lower chance of establishing successful pregnancies, even though fertilization may be achieved. The outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection is not related to any of the standard semen parameters or to sperm morphology. Sperm decondensation defects and DNA anomalies may be underlying factors for the unrecognized derangements of the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa, regardless of sperm morphology. Centrosome dysfunction may also represent a class of sperm defects that cannot be overcome simply by the insertion of a spermatozoon into the ooplasm. In this article an overview on the composition and ultrastructure of spermatozoa is presented, while emphasizing sperm ultrastructural and sperm DNA anomalies and their effects on fertilization.
Key words: abnormal/fertilization/morphology/spermatozoa
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  N Anahi Franchi, C. Avendano, R. I Molina, A. D Tissera, C. A Maldonado, S. Oehninger, and C. E Coronel {beta}-Microseminoprotein in human spermatozoa and its potential role in male fertility Reproduction, August 1, 2008; 136(2): 157 - 166. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 J. H. Check, A. Bollendorf, C. Wilson, D. Summers-Chase, D. Horwath, and W. Yuan A Retrospective Comparison of Pregnancy Outcome Following Conventional Oocyte Insemination vs Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection for Isolated Abnormalities in Sperm Morphology Using Strict Criteria J Androl, July 1, 2007; 28(4): 607 - 612. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|