Effects of Percoll discontinuous density gradients vs SpermPrep II vs Sephadex G-50 gel infiltration on semen parameters.

There are various methods of separating sperm from seminal plasma for subsequent intrauterine insemination. Some of these same techniques have been employed for female sex selection. The purpose of the present study was to assess and compare semen parameters following Sephadex, Percoll, and SpermPrepII separation techniques. The SpermPrepII is also a Sephadex preparation but uses a different bead size, less Sephadex, and is a slightly quicker method. The specimens (n = 16) were initially evaluated for count, (C; x 10(6)/mL), percent motility (MO), grade of motility (GR; percent) and hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test scores. Each specimen was then divided into three equal aliquots and prepared as follows: (1) layered onto a modified Percoll discontinuous density gradient column; (2) processed using SpermPrepII; and (3) filtered through a Sephadex gel filtration column (G-50). The results show all three treatments yielded lower (P < 0.01) counts as compared to control values, but no differences were noted among them. Percoll SpermPrepII increased MO (P < 0.01) whereas Sephadex reduced it (P = NS). Percoll and SpermPrepII improved the percentage of better quality sperm but not Sephadex; SpermPrepII was slightly higher than Percoll, but the difference was not significant. There were increases (P < 0.05) in HOS values in all experimental treatments, with SpermPrepII having the highest scores. However, this study did not show as many males with HOS scores below 50% as noted in other studies. Percoll and SpermPrepII seem to be equally effective methods for producing high-quality sperm for intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.