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Cryopreservation and density-gradient washing (DGW) are routinely used in infertility treatment. This study used quantitative immunofluorescence analysis to report how these techniques affect concentrations of the oocyte activation factor, phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) in spermatozoa from fertile men. DGW significantly elevated the proportion of spermatozoa in which PLCζ could be detected (by 25–81%; P < 0.0001). In contrast, in four donors, cryopreservation significantly reduced PLCζ concentrations (by 20–56%; P < 0.0001). These findings indicate that while DGW positively selects spermatozoa with detectable PLCζ, cryopreservation has significant detrimental effects upon PLCζ concentrations. Since reduced PLCζ concentrations have been implicated in deficient oocyte activation and infertility, further study is highly warranted.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.04.006

Type

Journal article

Journal

Reprod Biomed Online

Publication Date

08/2011

Volume

23

Pages

263 - 267

Keywords

Cryopreservation, Gene Expression Regulation, Humans, Infertility, Male, Microscopy, Fluorescence, Reproductive Techniques, Assisted, Specimen Handling, Spermatozoa, Type C Phospholipases