Bioscreen Assay
AcroScreen®
Photometric Enzyme Method for Detecting Acrosin Activity in Spermatozoa
Acrosin is a sperm acrosomal protease that has an essential role in the fertilization process.
Acrosin is released during the acrosome reaction. It has been shown to be involved in the
subsequent binding of spermatozoa to the egg's zona pellucida and/or the penetration of
spermatozoa through the zona pellucida. Low levels of acrosin appear to be associated with
subfertility and infertility. Studies have further shown that total acrosin activity positively
correlates with in vitro fertilization rates and a low acrosin activity in an otherwise normal
ejaculate is associated with an impaired hamster egg penetration.
The acrosin activity of human ejaculates varies independently from the standard semen parameters
such as sperm concentration, percent motility, sperm motion characteristics and morphology.
Thus the enzyme may be an additional marker for human semen quality. Return to Top CitricScreen®
Photometric Method for Detecting Citric Acid in Seminal Plasma
Citric acid is produced by the prostate gland and is found in seminal plasma.
The determination of citric acid concentration in seminal fluid therefore provides
information about the secretory function of the prostate. Low levels of citric
acid have been found in men with genital tract inflammation.
The evaluation of prostatic function may reveal instances of subclinical prostatitis
which may decrease male fertility as well as expose the female partner to infection. Return to Top FructoScreen
Photometric Method for Detecting Fructose in Seminal Plasma
Fructose is the major energy source for ejaculated spermatozoa. It is produced
almost entirely in the seminal vesicles and is found in seminal plasma. The
determination of fructose concentration in seminal plasma therefore can provide
information about the secretory function of the seminal vesicles. It is especially
important to test for fructose if there are no sperm present, that is, if the semen
is azoospermic. The seminal vesicles are responsive to levels of circulating testosterone.
Seminal fructose is low in patients with low androgen levels and/or with congenital
absence of the vas deferens and/or seminal vesicles or possible blockage of the vas deferens.
Return to Top
I mmunoSpheres® Anti-IgA, Anti-IgG, Anti-IgM, Anti Ig(H&L)
Bead Method for the Detection of Sperm-Reactive IgA, IgG, IgM and Ig (Heavy
and Light Chains) Antibodies
There is considerable evidence that antibodies directed against sperm surface antigens
exert a fertility-reducing effect. When antisperm antibodies are present, they bind to the
surface of the sperm. Such sperm-bound antibodies may impair sperm movement,
penetration of the cumulus and/or zona pellucida, the acrosome reaction, interaction of
sperm and egg as well as identify the sperm for destruction by the immune system. It
has also been suggested that sperm antibodies may exert an embryotoxic effect.
Finally, there is evidence that antibody concentration is correlated directly with the severity
of sperm functional impairment and inversely with potential fertilizability.
For these reasons, many reproductive specialists screen sperm and/or serum for anti-sperm antibodies
before choosing an appropriate Assisted Reproductive Technology. Return to Top LeucoScreen™
Cytochemical Stain For Detecting Granulocytes in Semen
High white blood cell concentrations in semen, referred to as leucocytospermia, have been associated with genital tract infection and poor semen quality. The predominant white blood cell type is the polymorphonuclear granulocyte, normally comprising 50 - 80% of total seminal white blood cells. This subpopulation can be detected using a peroxidase test which visualizes the enzyme peroxidase in cells.
The WHO Manual classifies the detection of white blood cells in semen as a standard, rather than an optional, method for the examination of human semen. Return to Top MarScreen® IgA, IgG and IgM
Bead Method for the Detection of Sperm-Reactive IgA, IgG, and IgM Antibodies
There is considerable evidence that antibodies directed against sperm surface antigens exert a
fertility-reducing effect. When antisperm antibodies are present, they bind to the surface of the
sperm. Such sperm-bound antibodies may impair sperm movement, penetration of the cumulus
and/or zona pellucida, the acrosome reaction, interaction of sperm and egg as well as identify the
sperm for destruction by the immune system. It has also been suggested that sperm antibodies
may exert an embryotoxic effect. Finally, there is evidence that antibody concentration is correlated
directly with the severity of sperm functional impairment and inversely with potential fertilizability.
For these reasons, many reproductive specialists screen sperm and/or serum for anti-sperm antibodies
before choosing an appropriate Assisted Reproductive Technology. Return to Top Sperm Antibody(IgG) and (IgA/IgG) Controls
Sperm Antibody (IgA/IgG) Controls Positive Serum containing antisperm antibodies
of the IgA and IgG subclasses and Negative Serum with no detectable antisperm antibodies.
Sperm Antibody (IgG) Controls Positive Serum containing antisperm antibodies of the IgG
subclass and Negative Serum with no detectable antisperm antibodies Return to Top
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