The functionality of mitochondria differentiates human spermatozoa with high and low fertilizing capability

Fertil Steril. 2006 Nov;86(5):1526-30. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.03.055. Epub 2006 Sep 25.

Abstract

By using flow-cytometric sorting, we compared some of the major factors related to fertility in sperm subpopulations with high and low mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)). Results demonstrate that DeltaPsi(m)(high) spermatozoa represents a subpopulation of sperm with high fertility performance because they have normal morphology, high motility values, and calcium ionophore-induced acrosome reaction, suggesting the importance of mitochondrial functionality for fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male / pathology*
  • Infertility, Male / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial*
  • Mitochondria / pathology*
  • Spermatozoa / pathology*