Changes in the Motility Pattern of Human Spermatozoa during In Vitro Incubation

HOSHI, K., YANAGIDA, K., AITA, T., YOSHIMATSU, N. and SATO, A. Changes in the Motility Pattern of Human Spermatozoa during In Vitro Incubation. Tohoku J. exp. Med., 1988, 154 (1), 47-56 - Suspensions of capacitating human spermatozoa were analyzed for movement characteristics using high-speed videomicrography. The status of the acrosome reaction was also assessed by the zona-free hamster ova penetration test. (1) Movement charracteristics of human spermatozoa were classified into 4 types (A, B, C, D). Type A: The movement was active, but its progressive orientation was irregular. Type B: The spermatozoa moved with a wide amplitude of the end of tail. Type C: The amplitude of the tail decreased, and the linear velocity of progression increased. Type D: The whole part of tail showed wavelike rhythmical movements, and the velocity more increased. (2) Movement characteristics of human spermatozoa in vitro gradually changed from Type A to B, C and D. As the spermatozoa classified Type D moved very powerfully and this motility pattern was obviously different from the other types, it was considered hyperactivation of human spermatozoa. The Type D was found from 2 or 3hr of incubation, and after 3 or 4hr most of the spermatozoa showed Type D. (3) The motility pattern of human spermatozoa changed to the Type D before the spermatozoa penetrate into zona-free hamster oocytes. It suggested that the hyperactivation occurred before the acrosome reaction takes place.