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Updated: Jul 22, 2026
07:42
Chromosome Preparation From Cultured Cells
Published on: January 28, 2014
Do morphological anomalies reflect chromosomal aneuploidies?: case report.
S Viville1, R Mollard, M L Bach
1Service de Biologie de la Reproduction SIHCUS-CMCO, 19, rue Louis Pasteur BP120, 67303 Schiltigheim, France. viville@igbmc.u-strasbg.fr
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|December 1, 2000
Summary
Severe teratozoospermia (100% abnormal sperm) requires advanced analysis beyond morphology. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) revealed normal chromosomal status in most cases, supporting intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) candidacy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Human Genetics
- Andrology
Background:
- Current morphological assessment of severe teratozoospermia is inadequate for selecting spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
- Severe teratozoospermia, characterized by 100% abnormal sperm morphology, presents diagnostic challenges for assisted reproductive technologies.
Observation:
- Four patients with 100% teratozoospermia (shortened flagella, globozoospermia, irregular acrosomes, macrocephaly with multiple flagella) underwent three-colour fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH).
- FISH analysis assessed the chromosomal status (X, Y, and chromosome 1) of individual spermatozoa.
Findings:
- Patients with shortened flagella, globozoospermia, or irregular acrosomes showed normal chromosomal status (aneuploidy/diploidy rates) comparable to controls.
- Macrocephalic spermatozoa with multiple flagella were associated with significantly elevated aneuploidy rates and altered sex chromosome ratios.
- FISH analysis demonstrated no correlation between chromosomal status and phenotype in globozoospermia, shortened flagella syndrome, or abnormal acrosomal spermatozoa.
Implications:
- FISH analysis is crucial for accurately assessing sperm chromosomal integrity in severe teratozoospermia.
- Patients with globozoospermia, shortened flagella syndrome, or abnormal acrosomal morphology may be suitable candidates for ICSI due to normal chromosomal status.
- Macrocephalic spermatozoa with multiple flagella indicate a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, necessitating careful consideration for ICSI.
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