Fibroblast growth factor 2 ( FGF 2) is present in human spermatozoa and is related with sperm motility. The use of recombinant FGF 2 to improve motile sperm recovery

Fibroblast growth factors ( FGF s) and their receptors ( FGFR s) regulate several functions of somatic cells. In a previous work, we reported FGFR expression in human spermatozoa and their involvement in motility. This study aimed to evaluate the presence and localization of fibroblast growth factor 2 ( FGF 2) in human spermatozoa, to determine the relationship of FGF 2 levels with conventional semen parameters and to assess the effect of recombinant FGF 2 ( rFGF 2) on sperm recovery in a selection procedure. Western immunoblotting analysis using an antibody against FGF 2 revealed an 18‐ kD a band in sperm protein extracts. The protein was immunolocalized in the sperm flagellum and acrosomal region, as well as in all germ cells. Sperm FGF 2 levels, assessed by flow cytometry, showed a positive ( p