Application of a trans-membrane migration method in the study of human sperm motility: a review
Hong, C.Y.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 48(3): 163-170
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0578-1337 PMID: 1657332 Document Number: 327304
The transmembrane migration method (TMM) is a bioassay specifically designed to study drug effects on human sperm motility. Sperm motility was determined by counting the number of sperm that swim through Nuclopore membrane. It was first used in the study of sperm immobilizing agents which has a membrane stabilizing effect including lysophospholipid, propranolol, and lithium . Vaginal administration of propranolol was found to have a strong contraceptive effect. The oral administration of lithium to males and the effect of suppressing sperm mobility. The TMM was also used to investigate the relationship between calcium ion and sperm motility. It was found that calcium ion had both stimulative and suppressive effects on sperm motility at different stage of sperm development. Low concentration cyclic AMP could stimulate sperm, while its high concentration solution could suppress sperm motility. Herbal cannabis and gossypol were also studies for their suppressive effects. Besides calcium, caffeine, and other biological or pharmacological agents are also found to have stimulative effects on sperm motility, which may help increase the probability of success of artificial insemination. In recent years, TMM has been modified for the study of porcine sperm motility. Computer assisted semen analysis showed that this method is most suitable for studying drug effects on rapid and straight-forward motility of sperm. Different types of membranes were tested, and the original standard types was found the most reliable. For water-soluble drugs, alcohol or chloroform was used to dissolve the drug before testing sperm motility. As the force of drugs and the duration of mixture of semen with drugs differ, the immediate and long-term effect soft drugs on sperm motility should be distinguished.