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The effect of peritoneal macrophage incubates on the spermatozoa assay
K J Chacho1, P J Andresen, A Scommegna
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
Abstract:
PFM have been implicated as a possible cause of infertility in endometriosis. Previous work from our laboratory has indicated that medium incubated with PFM caused a significant decrease in sperm penetration when added to the sperm penetration assay (SPA). To further delineate this finding, medium incubated with killed macrophages, heat-inactivated medium, and various concentrations of macrophage media were added to the SPA. Analysis of the data implied that there is a 1.536% decrease in penetration for every 1% increase in the concentration of PFM medium. Heat-inactivated medium and medium incubated with dead PFM both produced penetrations statistically different from the control. We conclude that medium incubated with PFM is capable of decreasing sperm penetration as measured in the SPA in a dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, the substance responsible for this decrease appears to be heat-stable and released from dead as well as live macrophages.
Insights
Peritoneal fluid macrophages (PFM) in endometriosis significantly reduce sperm penetration in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory substance is heat-stable and released by both live and dead macrophages.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Endocrinology
- Infertility research
Background:
- Peritoneal fluid macrophages (PFM) are increasingly implicated in endometriosis-associated infertility.
- Previous studies suggest PFM-conditioned medium impairs sperm function in the sperm penetration assay (SPA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the effect of PFM-conditioned medium on sperm penetration.
- To determine if the inhibitory factor is heat-stable and released by dead macrophages.
Main Methods:
- Sperm penetration assay (SPA) was used to assess sperm function.
- Various concentrations of PFM-conditioned medium, heat-inactivated medium, and medium incubated with killed macrophages were tested.
Main Results:
- A dose-dependent relationship was observed: a 1.536% decrease in penetration for every 1% increase in PFM medium concentration.
- Medium incubated with dead PFM and heat-inactivated medium significantly affected sperm penetration compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- PFM-conditioned medium inhibits sperm penetration in a dose-dependent manner.
- The inhibitory factor is heat-stable and released by both viable and non-viable PFM, suggesting a significant role in endometriosis-related infertility.