Thesis (MScMedSc (Biomedical Sciences. Medical Physiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / For spermatozoa to gain access to the oocyte for fertilization, lytic enzymes need to
be released during the acrosome reaction. These enzymes, which are stored and
transported within an organelle termed the acrosome, make it possible for
spermatozoa to collectively penetrate the layers of cells and glycoproteins that
surround and protect an oocyte. Acrosomes may thus be viewed as essential for
fertilization and their shape, size and volume were examined morphometrically by
utilizing automated morphometric analysis equipment.
In addition to the acrosome being necessary for normal unassisted fertilization,
spermatozoa also need the ability to migrate to the oocyte. Following zona pellucida
binding, sperm tail thrust movement initiates zona penetration into the space created
by the digestive action of the acrosomal enzymes. Therefore the motion
characteristics of spermatozoa were also quantified in terms of kinematic properties.
In the treatment of male sub fertility, assisted reproductive techniques are applied. In
the application of such techniques, a motile sub-population of spermatozoa was
obtained by employing a procedure (swim-up selection) that selects cells on the
basis of their kinematic ability.
This study presents an analysis of the morphometric and kinematic qualities of
spermatozoa populations that are subjected to swim-up selection and investigates
the relationship of these morphometrical and kinematic qualities. Computer-assisted semen analysis, swim-up selection and automated sperm
morphology analysis tests were all used to evaluate spermatozoa populations.
Results indicated that, irrespective of acrosome size, higher kinematic parameter
measurements were observed post-swim-up. A significant inverse relationship
between the population’s average acrosome size and a number of kinematic
parameters was observed.
Our results indicated that for a post-swim-up population of spermatozoa an increase
in the average acrosome size was significantly related to a decrease in the kinematic
parameters VAP, VCL and the VSL within the same population.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/2663 |
| Date | 03 1900 |
| Creators | Murray, George M. |
| Contributors | Du Plessis, S. S., Franken, D. R., University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Biomedical Sciences. Medical Physiology. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Stellenbosch |
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