Selection of morphologically abnormal sperm by human cervical mucus

Arch Androl. 1984:12 Suppl:95-107.

Abstract

The important role of cervical mucus from a reproduction standpoint is the transport and selection of spermatozoa. The study of the fertilizing ability of human spermatozoa by the use of zona-free hamster oocytes has shown that morphologically abnormal sperm can fuse with the zona-free hamster oocyte. The high proportion of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa present in human semen is significantly reduced after sperm migration through cervical mucus. The mucus, while a favorable environment for sperm survival, does not seem to contribute to the occurrence of sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cervix Mucus / physiology*
  • Cricetinae
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Oocytes / ultrastructure
  • Sperm Capacitation*
  • Sperm Head / ultrastructure
  • Sperm Transport
  • Sperm-Ovum Interactions
  • Spermatozoa / abnormalities*
  • Spermatozoa / ultrastructure