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Cryopreservation of single human spermatozoa
J Cohen1, G J Garrisi, T A Congedo-Ferrara
1The Gamete and Embryo Research Laboratory, The Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science of Saint Barnabas, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|May 1, 1997
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for cryopreserving single human spermatozoa within zona pellucida, enabling efficient recovery and fertilization. This technique offers a promising solution for sperm cryopreservation and assisted reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cryobiology
- Assisted Reproductive Technology
Background:
- Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is crucial for assisted reproduction.
- Current methods face challenges with low recovery rates for single sperm cells.
- Efficient cryopreservation of individual sperm is needed for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel cryopreservation technique for single human spermatozoa.
- To assess the post-thaw recovery and fertilizing capacity of cryopreserved spermatozoa.
- To determine the efficacy of using zona pellucida as a vehicle for sperm cryopreservation.
Main Methods:
- Spermatozoa were injected into cell-free zonae pellucidae (human, mouse, or hamster) prior to cryoprotectant addition.
- Cryopreservation involved micromanipulation and glycerol-mediated cryoprotection.
- Zonae were tracked using air bubbles in straws; post-thaw assessment included recovery rates and fertilization potential via intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Main Results:
- Over 75% of spermatozoa cryopreserved using this method were recovered and prepared for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
- Cryopreservation of 15 single spermatozoa resulted in 14 recoveries, with 8 successful fertilizations after injection into spare eggs.
- Spermatozoa recovered from human zonae demonstrated fertilization rates comparable to fresh fertile sperm; those from animal zonae showed high recovery (87%) and fertilization (78%) rates.
Conclusions:
- The zona pellucida serves as an effective sterile vehicle for cryopreserving single human spermatozoa.
- This micromanipulation and cryoprotection technique ensures high recovery and fertilizing ability of cryopreserved sperm.
- The method holds significant potential for improving sperm banking and assisted reproductive procedures.