Platelet-activating factor content in human spermatozoa and pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether platelet-activating factor (PAF) content in human spermatozoa from an isolated population is related to fertilization and pregnancy outcome. DESIGN Prospective analysis of PAF content in human spermatozoa after a Percoll gradient wash and its relation to fertilization and pregnancy outcome. SETTING University-based reproductive genetics laboratory. SUBJECT(S) Couples undergoing assisted reproduction. INTERVENTION(S) Lipids extracted from Percoll gradient spermatozoa were quantitated for PAF content by a specific radioimmunoassay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The relation between spermatozoa-derived PAF levels and motility, concentration, morphology, and fertilization and pregnancy rates were determined by using regression analysis and the Student t-test. RESULT(S) Radioimmunoassay and regression analysis showed a significant and positive relation between PAF content in human spermatozoa and concentration and motility indices and implantation rate. Patients who became pregnant had a significantly higher PAF content in the spermatozoa used (7.285 pmol/10(6) cells) than did patients who did not become pregnant (2.990 pmol/10(6) cells). CONCLUSION(S) The PAF content in human spermatozoa has a significant and positive relation with motility and concentration indices and implantation rate. Pregnancy rates but not fertilization rates may be predicted by measuring PAF levels in an isolated subpopulation of human spermatozoa.