Sperm bound to zona pellucida in hemizona assay demonstrate acrosome reaction when stained with T-6 antibody.

A monoclonal antibody, T-6, useful for detecting acrosome-reacted sperm based on an immunofluorescent assay, was employed to evaluate acrosomal status of human sperm that were tightly bound to hemisected human zonae pellucidae (hemizona assay). Over 90% of the bound sperm evaluated exhibited immunofluorescent patterns indicative of acrosome reaction. This staining method for evaluating the acrosomal status of sperm bound to the zona pellucida may enable definition of a group of male infertility patients heretofore not recognized.