The objective of this research is to optimize the conditions for an indirect immunofluorescence assay. The ability to measure an acrosome reaction in human sperm may lead to new diagnoses and therapy for male infertility. A number of techniques using existing monoclonal antibodies, T6 and have been described, but none are routinely used MHS-10, to quantitate acrosome-reacted sperm. As in a clinical semen analysis. says will be developed for determining the acrosome status of a fresh ejaculate as well as for measuring the acrosome-inducible population in a semen specimen. The assay will be optimized for minimal day-to-day and donor-to-donor variability. The indirect immunofluorescence assay will also be evaluated using an acrosome induction technique that has been extensively correlated with in vitro fertilization and pregnancy rates. If an acrosome-reacted population can be consistently detected, the assay will be moved into clinical trials at Baylor College of Medicine to evaluate sperm from infertile patients.
Anticipated Results:If an assay that measures acrosome reaction can be used to identify a new category of male infertility, it will be commercialized as a new test to reference laboratories for semen analysis. It will also have potential application in in vitro fertilization clinics to evaluate sperm prior to fertilization procedures.National Institute Of Child Health And Human Development
