A "miniacrosome" sperm defect causing infertility in two brothers

J Androl. 1991 Mar-Apr;12(2):104-11.

Abstract

A sperm defect causing infertility in two brothers is described. The malformation, named the "miniacrosome sperm defect," occurs in the total sperm population. It involves both the nuclei, which have a roundish apex, and the acrosomes, which are small, located in an apical position on the top of the nucleus, and sometimes ring-shaped. The midpiece and tail segments are normal, and the sperm are perfectly motile but fail to fertilize zona-free hamster ova in vitro. In spermatids, the absence of a microtubular manchette and reduction of the Golgi complex are evident.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrosome / physiology
  • Acrosome / ultrastructure*
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure
  • Cricetinae
  • Female
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Infertility, Male / genetics
  • Infertility, Male / pathology*
  • Infertility, Male / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Sperm Motility
  • Sperm-Ovum Interactions