Enrichment of X-Spermatozoa and In Vitro Penetration Through Cervical Mucus*

Abstract

Using the Sephadex Gel-filtration method (Steeno - 1975) we carried out a review of the data on the possibility of enriching X-spermatozoa. The testing procedure followed consisted of determining Y-chromatin positive spermatozoa after staining with quinacrine-mustard. We were able to confirm the data recorded by Steeno, according to which an enrichment of about 80-90% can be achieved after penetration through the Sephadex Gel filter. In addition to these investigations we also carried out tests with the enriched X-spermatozoa material to determine in vitro penetration through cervical mucus. No decline in the progressive motility of the spermatozoa was observed. After the Gel-filtration sufficient numbers of these were still able to cover penetration distances of 60 mm/hour. The enrichment effect of the X-spermatozoa declined at the beginning of in vitro penetration, but there was no further change in the subsequent course of penetration.