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Platelet activating factor treatment of spermatozoa enhances rabbit oocyte fertilization following subzonal sperm
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA.
Purpose:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of spermatozoal platelet activating factor (PAF) treatment on fertilization rates employing subzonal sperm insertion in the rabbit.
Study Design:
Oocytes (n = 130) with distinct first polar bodies were injected with three to seven motile spermatozoa. Half (n = 65) of the oocytes were injected with PAF-treated sperm, whereas the other half (n = 65) served as controls and were injected with nontreated sperm. Fertilization rates were assessed by the formation of two pronuclei followed by cleavage to the two-cell stage.
Results:
In the group of oocytes injected with PAF-treated sperm, we noted a significant (P < 0.001) improvement in fertilization rates, 61.5% (40/65), vs. control nontreated sperm, 20.0% (13/65). Subsequent cleavage to the two-cell stage was noted for 95% (38/40) in the treated vs 92.3% (12/13) in the nontreated fertilized zygotes.
Conclusion:
We conclude that PAF treatment of rabbit spermatozoa prior to subzonal insertion improves fertilization rates and may be of clinical significance in assisted reproductive programs.