Sperm counts in enzymatically liquefied cervical mucus: quantitative validation using donor cervical mucus

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The post-coital test (PCT) assesses sperm-mucus penetration but lacks precision due to subjective measurements.
• Measuring sperm concentration in post-coital test samples after enzymatic liquefaction is a potential improvement, but its reliability is unestablished.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy and sensitivity of sperm quantification in enzymatically liquefied cervical mucus.
• To establish a reliable method for analyzing sperm concentration in post-coital test samples.

Main Methods:

• Donor cervical mucus was used as a model system.
• Enzymatic treatments, specifically a combination of bromelain and glycosidases, were employed to liquefy cervical mucus samples containing known sperm concentrations.
• Sperm recovery and concentration were assessed after liquefaction.

Main Results:

• Combined enzymatic treatment (bromelain and glycosidases) provided fast and reliable liquefaction of cervical mucus.
• The accuracy of sperm concentration measurements was 89 +/- 10%.
• Sensitivity limits for sperm detection were 1 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml for quantitative analysis and 0.2 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml for qualitative detection.

Conclusions:

• Enzymatic liquefaction of cervical mucus using combined proteases and glycosidases enables accurate and sensitive sperm concentration determination.
• This technique can significantly improve the reliability and data obtained from post-coital tests, aiding in fertility evaluations.