Anatomy and Histology

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Browsing Anatomy and Histology by browse.metadata.advisor "Franken, D. R."

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    Physiological factors influencing the human acrosome reaction
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1998) Bastiaan, Hadley Saville; Franken, D. R.; Wranz, P. A. B.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Biomedical Sciences: Anatomy and Histology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Chapter one presents comprehensive background information regarding physiological conditions important during the acrosome reaction. Acrosomal exocytosis is possible only if spermatozoa have undergone membrane modifications in the course of capacitation. The physiological inducers have been identified as follicular steroids and glycoproteins of the zona pellucida. The molecular mechanisms have been partially characterized and involved several transduction pathways, i.e., tyrosine kinases and G proteins. Numerous tests were developed and used in order to assess the functional capability of human spermatozoa. Attention has now been shifted to assays measuring the fertilising ability of human spermatozoa. Evaluation of the vitally important sperm functions of capacitation, acrosome reaction, zona binding and zona penetration provide information which reflects the functional capability of spermatozoa. Assays that were discussed are: (i) computer-assisted semen analysis; (ii) acrosome reaction testing, and (iii) sperm-zona pellucida binding tests. Although sperm morphology cannot be classified as a sperm functional test for assessing fertilizing ability, it is the most important dynamic assessment of a semen analysis.