Related Experiment Videos
Fertilization and development of mouse oocytes injected with membrane-damaged spermatozoa
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of sperm plasma membrane on fertilization and development in a mouse model. The sperm plasma membrane was destroyed by exposure to Triton X-100 prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A single sperm curling (SSC) test was used to evaluate cell viability. The fertilization rates of oocytes obtained following ICSI of membrane-damaged sperm was not significantly higher than that of the control group (62.4 versus 59.6%). Rates of development to blastocyst were also not significantly different (51.7 and 50%). Inner cell mass (ICM) and total embryo cell numbers in the two groups were not statistically different (16 +/- 3.7 versus 14.73 +/- 3.35 and 45.8 +/- 12.5 versus 39.5 +/- 12 respectively). There were no differences in the implantation and live fetus rates between the two groups after transfer to pseudopregnant mice (61.5 and 35.9% respectively for the membrane-damaged group and 53.5 and 31.4% for the intact group). In conclusion, the present study clearly shows that destruction of the sperm plasma membrane does not affect fertilization and further development following injection of membrane-damaged spermatozoa into mouse oocytes. Fertilization and development can be achieved by dead spermatozoa at an early stage of necrosis when only the plasma membrane has been damaged.
Insights
Sperm plasma membrane damage does not impact fertilization or embryo development. Even with a damaged membrane, sperm can still lead to successful fertilization and live fetuses in mice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The sperm plasma membrane plays a crucial role in fertilization.
- Understanding its integrity's impact on assisted reproductive technologies is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sperm plasma membrane damage on fertilization and subsequent embryonic development in a mouse model.
- To determine if membrane-compromised spermatozoa can support successful oocyte fertilization and development.
Main Methods:
- Sperm plasma membranes were damaged using Triton X-100 exposure.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was performed with membrane-damaged sperm.
- Cell viability was assessed using a single sperm curling (SSC) test.
- Fertilization, blastocyst development, cell counts (ICM and total), implantation, and live fetus rates were compared to a control group with intact sperm.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in fertilization rates between membrane-damaged sperm (62.4%) and intact sperm (59.6%).
- Comparable rates of development to blastocyst (51.7% vs. 50%) and no significant differences in inner cell mass or total embryo cell numbers.
- Similar implantation (61.5% vs. 53.5%) and live fetus rates (35.9% vs. 31.4%) were observed after transfer to pseudopregnant mice.
Conclusions:
- Destruction of the sperm plasma membrane does not impede fertilization or embryonic development following ICSI in mice.
- Early necrotic spermatozoa with only plasma membrane damage can support fertilization and development.
- These findings suggest that sperm membrane integrity is not a critical factor for successful ICSI outcomes in this model.