Follicular fluid and human granulosa cell cultures: influence on sperm kinetic parameters, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of human granulosa cell (GC) cultures and follicular fluid (FF) on sperm kinetic parameters, hyperactivation, and the acrosome reaction compared with the influence of human tubal fluid (HTF) and Ham's F-10 medium.

DESIGN

Sperm kinetic parameters, hyperactivation, and the acrosome reaction were evaluated after 6 hours of incubation in HTF, Ham's F-10 medium, FF, and GC cultures.

SETTING

Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization Centre, Reproductive Endocrinology Unit, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

PATIENT(S): Sixteen normal semen samples.

INTERVENTION(S): Sperm kinetic parameters and hyperactivation were analyzed using an automated videomicrography system, the acrosome reaction was performed using a triple-stain technique, and progesterone and 17OH-progesterone levels were measured with the use of commercially available kits.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Sperm kinetic parameters, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction.

RESULT(S): The percentage of motile sperm, the mean curvilinear velocity, and the mean of the maximum amplitude of lateral head movement were increased significantly after 6 hours of incubation in FF or GC cultures compared with incubation in HTF or Ham's F-10 medium, whereas the mean linearity was decreased significantly. Follicular fluid and GC cultures significantly increased hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction compared with the values obtained using HTF and Ham's F-10 medium. Progesterone and 17OH-progesterone levels were increased significantly after incubation in FF and GC cultures compared with HTF and Ham's F-10 medium.

CONCLUSION(S): Follicular fluid and GC cultures increase sperm motility parameters, hyperactivation, and the acrosome reaction. This effect may be related to GC detoxification of the microenvironement or GC secretion of peptides, glycoproteins, growth factors (insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2), or steroids (progesterone and 17OH-progesterone).