The effects of lignocaine on human sperm motility.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the motility of human sperm incubated with various concentrations of lignocaine.

METHODS

Eleven semen samples with a sperm density greater than or equal to 20 x 10(6) ml and progressive motility greater than or equal to 40% were prepared using a swim-up technique. Aliquots from each sample were incubated for 4 hr under capacitating conditions with lignocaine concentrations of 100, 10, 1, and 0.1 microgram/ml and without additional lignocaine as a control. Digital computerized motion analysis was performed on all samples at 1, 2, and 4 hr after the addition of lignocaine.

RESULTS

After 2 hr of incubation a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in the percentage of sperm with a curvilinear velocity greater than 100 microns/sec was observed in those samples incubated with 100 micrograms/ml lignocaine. This stimulatory effect was no longer apparent after a further 2 hr of incubation. No other significant changes were identified in any of the motility parameters examined.

CONCLUSIONS

No adverse effects on human sperm motility were identified during incubation with low concentrations of lignocaine. A transient stimulatory effect was observed at a lignocaine concentration of 100 micrograms/ml.