Platelet activating factor treatment of spermatozoa enhances rabbit oocyte fertilization following subzonal sperm insertion.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of spermatozoal platelet activating factor (PAF) treatment on fertilization rates employing subzonal sperm insertion in the rabbit.

STUDY

DESIGN

Oocytes (n = 130) with distinct first polar bodies were injected with three to seven motile spermatozoa. Half (n = 65) of the oocytes were injected with PAF-treated sperm, whereas the other half (n = 65) served as controls and were injected with nontreated sperm. Fertilization rates were assessed by the formation of two pronuclei followed by cleavage to the two-cell stage.

RESULTS

In the group of oocytes injected with PAF-treated sperm, we noted a significant (P < 0.001) improvement in fertilization rates, 61.5% (40/65), vs. control nontreated sperm, 20.0% (13/65). Subsequent cleavage to the two-cell stage was noted for 95% (38/40) in the treated vs 92.3% (12/13) in the nontreated fertilized zygotes.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that PAF treatment of rabbit spermatozoa prior to subzonal insertion improves fertilization rates and may be of clinical significance in assisted reproductive programs.