The effect of single-density bovine serum albumin columns on sperm concentration, motility, and morphology

Experiments were conducted to determine whether single-density albumin columns could be used to improve sperm motility and morphology. Semen samples from 92 men seen at a fertility evaluation clinic were analyzed for count, motility, and morphology and centrifuged. An aliquot of the resuspended sample was then layered on top of 1 ml of a 7.5% solution of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Another aliquot was layered on top of a 10% BSA column. After 60 minutes, the sperm penetrating the bottom two thirds of the albumin layer were isolated and analyzed for count, motility, and morphology. The sperm count after exposure to both 7.5% and 10% BSA columns decreased to approximately 60% of the preisolation counts. Sperm motility was not altered by column separation at either albumin concentration, but sperm morphology significantly improved with both columns. The single-density albumin separation technique therefore improved morphology and had no effect on motility, and a reasonable number of sperm were retained after separation. Albumin separation techniques could be utilized to improve samples with morphology defects before use with artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. It is uncertain whether this procedure would result in a higher pregnancy rate.