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Review
. 2012 Nov 17:10:92.
doi: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-92.

An investigation of excess residual cytoplasm in human spermatozoa and its distinction from the cytoplasmic droplet

Anil K Rengan  1 , Ashok Agarwal, Michelle van der Linde, Stefan S du Plessis
Affiliations
Review

An investigation of excess residual cytoplasm in human spermatozoa and its distinction from the cytoplasmic droplet

Anil K Rengan et al. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. .

Abstract

Recent studies have shown cytoplasmic droplets to be normal morphological occurrences in human male spermatozoa. When the cytoplasm around the sperm midpiece is present in large amounts, however, pathological effects may transpire. The cytoplasmic droplet then becomes known as excess residual cytoplasm, which can impair overall sperm function and produce higher levels of reactive oxygen species, potentially leading to male infertility. Though the distinction between cytoplasmic droplets and excess residual cytoplasm has been made, some studies fail to recognize the difference and incorrectly label the latter as a cytoplasmic droplet. This review attempts to clarify excess residual cytoplasm's effect on fertility, examine the enzymes responsible, and suggest tests and possible treatment options for those affected by this defect.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CD vs. ERC Structure. Illustration comparing (A) spermatozoa with typical cytoplasmic droplets (CD) and (B) spermatozoa presenting with excess residual cytoplasm (ERC). Also listed are specific causes of spermiogenesis arrest that can lead to ERC.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Problems Associated with ERC. Illustration detailing the pathological effects of excess residual cytoplasm (ERC), including peroxidative damage to the sperm membrane, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired sperm function within the female reproductive tract.
Figure 3
Figure 3
CD and ERC under Microscope. True examples of cytoplasmic droplets (A, B) and excess residual cytoplasm (C, D) in human spermatozoa as examined by microscopy. This image was modified from Cooper and colleagues [9] with permission, © Oxford Journals.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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