The Use Of Immunofluorescence In Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Also Included In: Fertility
Article Date: 07 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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ORLANDO, FL (UroToday.com) - Various techniques have been described to increase the success of retrieving sperm from testicular tissue in men with Non obstructive azoospermia.

The authors describe a novel approach utilizing immunoflurescent labelled antibodies (fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated mouse anti-Human acrosomal IgM antibody (HS-14)). This antibody was injected into exposed seminiferous tubules of an animals. Following injection with the antibody, the testes were then examined under a Bio-Rad Multiphoton microscope to locate sperm through visualization of fluorescence. In the fertile mouse group, sperm were identified in 14 of 16 testes either by morphological appearance or by their motility, which was obvious under direct visualization. There was strong binding of the antibody to both the sperm head and tail. No sperm were visualized in the sterile mouse group.

Editorial Comment:This is an interesting attempt to improve the "recovery rate" of testicular sperm acquisition techniques. Obviously this is a very preliminary investigation. One would have to demonstrate the safety of these stains as well as any potential impact on sperm function.

Presented by Jason R Greenhalgh, MD, Thomas S Griffith, PhD, and Moshe Wald, MD, at the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) - May 17 - 22, 2008. Orange County Convention Center - Orlando, Florida, USA.

Reported by UroToday.com Contributing Editor Harris M. Nagler, MD

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