In vitro fertilization and embryonic development of oocytes fertilized by sperm treated with 2-deoxyadenosine.

OBJECTIVE

To test the effect in an assisted pregnancy program of an agent known to enhance sperm motility and oocyte penetration ability.

DESIGN

Prospective with internal control.

SETTING

Hospital clinic.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS

Forty-two oocytes obtained from women undergoing IVF were inseminated with their husband's sperm washed, incubated, and capacitated in Earle's medium supplemented with 1 mM, 2.5 mM, or 5 mM 2-deoxyadenosine (2-DXA). The outcome of insemination was compared with those of 234 control oocytes from the same women that were inseminated with husband's sperm washed in 2-DXA-free medium. 15, 14, and 13 oocytes were inseminated with sperm washed in 1 mM, 2.5 mM, and 5 mM 2-DXA, respectively.

RESULTS

Fertilization rates in the respective groups were 93%, 85.7%, and 85.5%. These were higher than the 70.1% fertilization rate in the control group, but only statistically higher (P < .002) in the 1 mM 2-DXA group. Embryonic development in all three 2-DXA groups was comparable to the controls.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that the value of sperm motility enhancing agents requires further evaluation in assisted pregnancy programs.