Characteristics of Human Spermatozoa Harvested in Culture Media with and without Serum Proteins

This study was aimed to determine the efficiency of synthetic protein-free media in spermatozoa washing, preparation and retention of the activity of washed spermatozoa over short periods in vitro. Normozoospermic semen samples (n=71) were equally apportioned and washed using synthetic protein-free medium (PFM), minimum essential medium+HSA (MEM) or commercial protein-containing medium (CPC). Washed spermatozoa were cultured in vitro using PFM, MEM or CPC media and held for 24 hrs at 4 o C, 15 o C, 22 o C or 37 o C. Spermatozoa activity was evaluated at 0 hr, 4 to 7 hrs and 24 hrs post-wash. The effects of PFM on spermatozoa motility, vitality, membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation level were not significantly different from that of MEM and CPC media at 0 hr, 4 to 7 hrs and 24 hrs post-wash in vitro. Synthetic PFM, MEM and CPC retained spermatozoa activity highest when specimen were held at 22 o C and it was significantly higher (pl0.05) than that at 37 o C after 24 hrs incubation in vitro. However, no significant changes (pg0.05) were noted in spermatozoa DNA fragmentation (SDF) levels when specimen were held at 22 o C or 37 o C at 4 to 7 hrs and also after 24 hrs post-wash in vitro in all media. The use of synthetic PFM as an alternative to the commercial protein-containing media in human spermatozoa washing and preparation procedure for an efficient and safer (Assisted Reproduction Technology) ART outcome. Spermatozoa activity can be successfully retained at room temperature post-wash over short periods; spermatozoa may lose viability rapidly if held for long hours at 37 o C in all media.