Electron microscopy in the investigation of asthenozoospermia

Asthenozoospermia, defined as low sperm motility, is a significant cause of subfertility in men. Its origins are diverse and in some instances cannot be ascertained. However, severely reduced motility can often be associated with abnormalities in the structure of the sperm tails, which can only be d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inBritish journal of biomedical science Vol. 67; no. 2; pp. 92 - 100
Main Author Mobberley, M. A.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England Taylor & Francis 01.01.2010
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Asthenozoospermia - etiology
electron
Genetic research
Humans
Infertility
Male
Microscopy
Microscopy, Electron - methods
Proteins
Semen Analysis
Sperm motility
Sperm Motility - physiology
Spermatozoa
Spermatozoa - ultrastructure
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Summary:Asthenozoospermia, defined as low sperm motility, is a significant cause of subfertility in men. Its origins are diverse and in some instances cannot be ascertained. However, severely reduced motility can often be associated with abnormalities in the structure of the sperm tails, which can only be detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In this respect, TEM is an important adjunct to the traditional methods of semen analysis. This review examines the development of the current state of knowledge of sperm tail abnormalities. These may be genetic in origin, or they may be acquired as a result of extrinsic factors. At present, consistent molecular markers are not available to characterise many of the genetic defects. However, TEM can distinguish specific defects of genetic origin and the non-specific structural anomalies that are typical of an acquired condition. It can also differentiate sperm structural anomalies from necrospermia, or sperm death, which is another significant cause of asthenozoospermia. In this modern era of assisted reproduction, it is possible in some instances to circumvent the problems of sperm immotility and to achieve fertilisation and pregnancy using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, because of the possible genetic origin of asthenozoospermia, many scientists working in the field of infertility believe that it is of the utmost importance to investigate the causes of asthenozoospermia. This review considers the continuing relevance of TEM to the evaluation of sperm tail abnormalities in the context of current reproductive techniques.
ISSN:0967-4845
2474-0896
DOI:10.1080/09674845.2010.11730302