The effect of human fallopian tube epithelium on human sperm velocity motility and binding.

PURPOSE: A prospective, controlled in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the effects of human fallopian tube epithelium on the motility, velocity, and binding of human spermatozoa.

METHODS

Eleven fallopian tubes from six women undergoing hysterectomy and semen samples from 14 male partners of women undergoing in vitro fertilization were collected. Human spermatozoa were cultured with monolayer of human fallopian tube epithelial cells. The motility and velocity were analyzed subsequently at 0, 2, 6, 24, and 48 hr of incubation. The sperm binding capacity was analyzed after 48 hr in the hemizona assay (HZA).

RESULTS

The presence of the human fallopian tube epithelial cells did not have any beneficial effects on sperm motility and velocity. On the other hand, significant promoting effect was observed in the ability of the sperm to bind to the zona pellucida.

CONCLUSIONS

The interaction of human spermatozoa with fallopian tube epithelial cells significantly increases sperm binding in the HZA.