Normal Range and Variation of the Zona Pellucida-induced Acrosome Reaction in Fertile Men

Objective: To investigate the normal range of the zona pellucida (ZP)-induced acrosome reaction (AR) in fertile men.

Design: A study of normative data.

Setting: Academic research and teaching tertiary hospital.None.Fertile men (n = 111) who had children or whose female partner was currently pregnant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE (S): Semen analysis, sperm-ZP binding, and the ZP-induced AR.

Result(s): There was wide range for the ZP-induced AR: 20%-98% with a mean of 48%. The ZP-induced AR was significantly correlated with sperm concentration and normal morphology. The ZP-induced AR was significantly lower in men with sperm concentration <or=60 x 10(6)/mL than those with sperm concentration >60 x 10(6)/mL. Similarly, men with normal sperm morphology >or=15% had significantly higher ZP-induced AR than men with normal morphology <15%.

Conclusion(s): There is a wide range of the ZP-induced AR in fertile men that is correlated with sperm concentration and normal morphology.