Time-Lapse Flow Cytometry: A Robust Tool to Assess Physiological Parameters Related to the Fertilizing Capability of Human Sperm

• DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010093
• Publication Date: 2020-12-24T14:02:44Z
• Authors: Arturo Matamoros-...; Valeria Castillo-...; Paulina Torres-Ro...; Marcela B. Treviño; Claudia L. Treviño
• Keywords: Capacitation; Hyperpolarization

Plasma membrane (PM) hyperpolarization, increased intracellular pH (pHi), and changes in calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) are physiological events that occur during human sperm capacitation. These parameters potential predictors of successful outcomes for men undergoing artificial reproduction techniques (ARTs), but methods currently available their determination pose various technical challenges limitations. Here, we developed a novel strategy employing time-lapse flow cytometry (TLFC) to determine capacitation-related (Em) pHi changes, progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Our results show TLFC is robust method measure absolute Em values qualitatively evaluate changes. To support the usefulness our methodology, used from two types normozoospermic donors: known paternity (subjects with self-reported paternity) no-known without no fertility problems). We found relevant differences between them. The incidences alkalinization, were consistently high among samples (100%, 100%, 86%, respectively), while they varied widely (44%, 17%, 45%, respectively). indicate powerful tool analyze key sperm, which pending clinical validation, could potentially be employed as predictors.