Nitrocellulose and Polyvinyl Coatings Prevent Sperm Adhesion to Glass Without Affecting the Motility of Intact and Demembranated Human Spermatozoa

Abstract

The effectiveness of several glass coating agents in preventing sperm adherence to glass surfaces for both intact and demembranated human spermatozoa was investigated. These agents included bovine serum albumin (BSA), Sigmacote, poly glulys, Collodion and Formvar. The presence of at least 5% of seminal plasma in sperm suspensions prevented sperm adhesion to glass surfaces. On the other hand, 56% of washed spermatozoa resuspended in an isoosmotic buffer containing 1 mg/ml of BSA attached to glass. Collodion, Formvar and Sigmacote reduced sperm attachment to glass to 2, 5 and 7%, respectively. BSA was partially effective, with 20% sperm adherence to glass, and poly glu‐lys was totally ineffective. Whereas Sigmacote and BSA coatings lacked transparency, Collodion always achieved the best light transmission. Demembranated reactivated spermatozoa were all attached to glass within 90 seconds of contact. This adhesion was prevented by Collodion and Formvar. Other agents were less effective or interfered with motility. In contrast to intact spermatozoa, demembranated spermatozoa have a very low progressiveness ratio (vector speed/track speed), a wide beating amplitude and because of their whiplash flagellar movement, their motility resembles that of hamster capacitated spermatozoa. 1987 American Society of Andrology