Test of canine sperm function in vitro using primary homologous oocytes with fluorescence and confocal microscopy

In vitro capacitated canine spermatozoa can interact with both mature and immature homologous oocytes in vitro, but it is difficult to determine whether spermatozoa have actually penetrated the oocyte or have simply bound to the zona pellucida. The aim of the first part of this study was to determine accurately the location of spermatozoa in relation to the oocyte by comparing observations made using confocal and fluorescence microscopy. The fluorescence technique had a sensitivity of 66%, and correctly identified 98% of the spermatozoa that had penetrated or bound oocytes and could discriminate between penetrated and bound spermatozoa with a sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 100%, respectively. This finding demonstrates that evaluation of the assay by fluorescence microscopy is reliable for detecting the presence and location of spermatozoa in relation to homologous oocytes. The aim of the second part of the study was to attempt to simplify the assay using fluorescence microscopy and immature oocytes. No significant difference was found between sperm interaction with mature and immature oocytes, which demonstrates that culturing oocytes before the assay has no benefit, and that the assay can be performed quickly and easily using non-cultured oocytes to provide rapid evidence of the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa.