Platelet-activating factor treatment of human spermatozoa enhances fertilization potential.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of platelet-activating factor treatment on human spermatozoa fertilizing capability, as assessed by the zona-free hamster penetration assay.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-three semen specimens were divided into two groups on the basis of initial motile sperm count greater or less than 20 x 10(6)/ml. Each sample served as its own treatment control. Twice-washed spermatozoa were treated with 1 x 10(-7) mol/L of platelet-activating factor before performing the sperm penetration assay. For the two groups the percent penetrations and penetration index were compared with the paired t test, and an independent t test was used to compare parameters between groups.

RESULTS

Significant enhancement of both percent penetrations (p < 0.0001) and penetration index (p < 0.005) were noted on platelet-activating factor treatment in both groups. Enhancement of both indices were noted to be independent of initial motile sperm counts.

CONCLUSION

Platelet-activating factor treatment of human spermatozoa may be of potential therapeutic value in certain cases of asthenospermia or fertilization failure in human in vitro fertilization.