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Effects of epidermal growth factor on human sperm cell function
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461.
Journal of Andrology
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Human recombinant epidermal growth factor (EGF) negatively impacts sperm fertilizing capacity at higher concentrations. Higher EGF levels inhibit sperm acrosome reaction and motility, suggesting a detrimental role in male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Sperm Physiology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is present in seminal plasma.
- Its role in human sperm function and male fertility is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of human recombinant EGF on human sperm fertilizing capacity.
- To determine the correlation between seminal plasma EGF levels and male fertility.
Main Methods:
- Sperm penetration assay (SPA) using zona-free hamster oocytes.
- Assessment of sperm motility characteristics and acrosome reaction.
- Radioimmunoassay and radioreceptor assay for EGF and TGF-alpha in seminal plasma.
Main Results:
- Higher EGF concentrations (≥25 nM) significantly reduced sperm penetration rates in SPA.
- EGF inhibited spontaneous and induced acrosome reactions and acrosin release.
- EGF negatively affected sperm motility characteristics, particularly velocity.
- No significant differences in seminal EGF levels were found between fertile and infertile men.
Conclusions:
- EGF exhibits an inhibitory or negative effect on human sperm capacitation and/or acrosome reaction, especially at concentrations above 25 nM.
- Seminal EGF levels do not correlate with male fertility status or sperm function parameters.