Further evaluation of a simple test for determining the integrity of spermatozoal membranes.

Abstract

A simple test of membrane function in spermatozoa has been evaluated by subjecting them to hypo-osmotic stress and determining their swelling characteristics. Correlations between the values from this test and other seminal parameters were poor (r less than 0.42), and after correction for the number of dead spermatozoa present, the relationships became weaker (r less than 0.23). Further investigations with respect to other functional tests of spermatozoal quality (e.g. penetration of homologous and heterologous ova) are warranted before the swelling test is adopted for general routine use.