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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics logoLink to Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
. 2000 Jan;17(1):60–66. doi: 10.1023/A:1009406231811

Chromomycin A3 Staining as a Useful Tool for Evaluation of Male Fertility

Farhad Golshan Iranpour 1, Mohammad Hosein Nasr-Esfahani 2,3, Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi 4,5, Taki Mohammad Taki Al-Taraihi 1
PMCID: PMC3455193  PMID: 10754785

Abstract

Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate the associationbetween percentage chromomycin A3 (CMA3) positivity ofspermatozoa with some sperm parameters and in vitrofertilization rate.

Methods: Spermatozoa were collected from 139 men,washed in PBS, fixed in methanol/glacial acetic acid (3:1),and then spread on slides. CMA3 positivity is expressed asthe percentage in 200 spermatozoa.

Results: Percentage of CMA3 positivity showed not only anegative correlation with fertilization rate but also asignificant difference between fertilizing and nonfertilizingpatients. Moreover, percentage of CMA3-positivespermatozoa showed a negative correlation with count and percentagemotility and a positive correlation with percentage ofabnormal morphology. Percentage of CMA3 positivity also had apositive correlation with some abnormalities of head such asamorphous and macrocephaly. Ultrastructural study showedchromatin unpackaging in high CMA3-positive semensamples in comparison with low CMA3-positive semen samples.

Conclusion: There is a close relationship among fertilizationrate, sperm parameters, and CMA3 positivity and CMA3could be considered as a useful tool for evaluation of malefertility prior to infertility treatment.

Keywords: chromomycin A3, fertilization, IVF, spermatozoa

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