OBJECTIVESTo observe ultrastructural changes of spermatozoa after incubate with reactive oxygen species (ROS).

METHODSSpermatozoa of normal physiological functions selected from semen samples by Percoll gradient centrifugation technique were regarded as normal sperm models in present study. Ultrastructural changes of spermatozoa observed by transmission electron microscope after model spermatozoa were incubated with ROS generated by hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase under aerobic environment.

RESULTSAfter model spermatozoa were incubated with ROS, impairment of various extent in membrane and acrosome of spermatozoa and abnormality in mitochondria of spermatozoa were found.

CONCLUSIONSExcessive ROS may cause ultrastructural change in membrane, acrosome and mitochondria of spermatozoa and impair function of spermatozoa.