Influence of progesterone and 17 alpha hydroxyprogesterone upon the BANA-hydrolytic activity of human sperm

Our knowledge about temporal relationships between reproductive processes and defined changes in the plasmatic concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol, Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone (P) is still incomplete. Is known that in periovulatory phase the chance of fertilization increases to its maximum. The results obtained using different concentration of P have shown that at high concentration a fast liberation or/and exposure of the BANA-hydrolytic (B-H) activity is present. However, with low concentrations of P the enzymatic activity keeps a relation with the exposure time. In similar experimental conditions and using 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone it has been no change in the B-H activity. The results obtained in the present study suggest that the P possibly acts upon the sperm stimulating its hydrolytic activity, allowing its penetration through the zona pellucida of the ovum.