The value of subcellular elemental analysis in the assessment of human spermatozoa

The conventional sperm parameters of concentration, motility and morphology are descriptive and have proved of little value in predicting the fertilization potential of semen. New complementary tests of sperm function are required. Previous studies evaluating the subcellular elemental composition of spermatozoa using X-ray microanalysis with electron microscopy suggested that this technique may have the potential to confirm spermatozoal intracellular normality. This study compares the semen from 18 men of subfertile relationships and from 10 men of proven fertility with reference to concentration, motility, morphology and the elemental composition of spermatozoa. The elements phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chlorine and sulphur were detected and there were large intra- and intersample variations in the concentrations of these elements. There was no statistically significant difference in the elemental composition between the two groups. This study suggests that the spermatozoa of fertile and subfertile men are similar in subcellular elemental composition and in the maintenance of an ionic gradient. This test is therefore not a useful predictor of sperm function.