In vitro assessment of some sperm function following exposure to levonorgestrel in human fallopian tubes

Author(s)

Hermanny, Alexia ^[1] ; Bahamondes, M. Valeria ^[1] ; Fazano, Francisco ^[1] ; Marchi, Nadia M. ^[1] ; Ortiz, Maria Elena ^[2] ; Genghini, Maria Heloisa R. R. ^[1] ; Croxatto, Horacio B. ^[3] ; Bahamondes, Luis ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Sch Med, Dept Obstet & Gynecol, Human Reprod Unit, BR-13084971 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Inst Chileno Med Reprod ICMER, Santiago - Chile

^[3] Univ Santiago Chile, Fac Quim & Biol, Dept Biol, Santiago - Chile

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology; v. 10, JAN 30 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

Background: The mechanism of action of levonorgestrel (LNG) as emergency contraception (EC) remains a subject of debate and its effect on sperm function has been only partially explained. The aim of this study was to assess whether LNG at a similar dose to those found in serum following oral intake for EC could affect spermatozoa when exposed to human fallopian tubes in vitro. Methods: Fifteen mini-laparotomies were performed, the side on which ovulation occurred was recorded, and both tubes were removed and perfused with a suspension containing 1 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa, with or without LNG. Following 4-hour incubation, the tubes were sectioned to separate the isthmus and the ampulla. Each segment was flushed and the material was evaluated to quantify the number of motile sperm, the number of spermatozoa adhering to the oviductal epithelium and the acrosome reaction (AR) rate. Results: The addition of LNG did not significantly alter the number of recovered motile spermatozoa either at the isthmus or at the ampulla, nor did it have any effect on the number of recovered spermatozoa adhered to the human tubal epithelium. Furthermore, LNG did not affect the AR rate. No significant differences were found even when the side on which ovulation occurred was taken into account. Conclusions: In a similar dose to that observed in serum following oral intake for EC, LNG had no effect on the number of motile spermatozoa recovered from the human fallopian tubes in vitro, on their adhesion to the tubal epithelium, distribution or AR rate. The possible effect of LNG as EC on sperm function remains poorly understood. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/07866-2 - Effect of the levonorgestrel as emergency contraceptive on the number, motility and the acrossomal reaction rate of spermatozoa rate recovered from the uterine tuba
• Grantee: Alexia Hermanny
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate