Ultrastructural evaluation of semen to assess effects of exposure to toxicants

Abstract

Conventional light microscopic evaluation of a semen ejaculate does not fully utilize potential indicators of functional impairment in sperm organelles. The technique described here facilitates critical evaluation of morphological features of spermatozoal organelles at an ultrastructural level and helps identify vulnerable targets. Compared with a battery of sperm function assays employed in andrology clinics, this relatively less expensive technique efficiently uses semen as biopsy material and thus serves as a comprehensive means to assess the impact of toxicants on the male reproductive system.