The effect of α-amylase on the acrosomal membrane of human sperm

Sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction are prerequisites to accomplishing fertilization. The object of this research was to induce capacitation and the acrosome reaction of human sperm, comparing the acrosome status of fertile and infertile men, using alpha-amylase. Acrosome status was measured using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF; monoclonal antibody GB24, Thèramex), hemizona assay (HZA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Acrosome-reacted sperm without alpha-amylase treatment was significantly more abundant in the fertile versus the infertile group utilizing IIF, HZA, and TEM. alpha-Amylase-treated spermatozoa from the fertile and infertile groups showed a significant increase in the number of sperm bound to the hemizona (P < 0.05). The percentage of acrosome-reacted sperm in the infertile group was significantly enhanced by alpha-amylase, utilizing IIF and TEM.