Effect of Human Sperm MTT Viability Test on Outcome of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of human sperm MTT viability assay on outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. MTT is a tetrazolium salt, routinely used for cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assays. Materials and Methods: 50?l of processed semen was treated with MTT solution, while the remaining used as the control. Meanwhile, 109 donated human oocytes (metaphase II) obtained from 12 patients were divided into two groups. Fifty five oocytes were injected using MTT positive sperms, while 54 oocytes were injected with sperms from the control group. Then the injected oocytes were cultured and observed at 18, 42, 66, 90, and 114 hours pos- ICSI. Finally, the fertilization and embryo development rates were compared in both groups. Results: No significant differences were observed between fertilization and embryo development rates in the MTT and control groups. Conclusion: In future studies after approving that the MTT has not cytotoxic or teratogenic effects, then sperm MTT viability assay might be useful for ICSI in patients with absolute or severe asthenospermia or in patients with highly deformed sperm tails.