S. D. du Plessis, Paul S de Jongh, D. Franken
Apr 1, 2004
Citations
0
Influential Citations
55
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Fertility and sterility
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of acute in vivo sildenafil citrate (VIAGRA) and in vitro 8-Bromo-cGMP treatments on semen parameters and sperm function. DESIGN Prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, two-period clinical investigation. SETTING Healthy volunteers in an academic research environment. PATIENT(S) Twenty male volunteers with normal erectile function and normal electrocardiogram were recruited. INTERVENTION(S) In vivo: 50 mg of sildenafil citrate (VIAGRA) or placebo was administered p.o., and semen samples were collected 1 hour after administration of the test drug. In vitro: 8-Bromo-cGMP (20 microM; 60 minutes) was added to semen samples. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Macroscopic and microscopic seminal parameters were measured and motility studies performed. Various acrosome reaction studies and sperm-zona pellucida binding studies were also done. RESULT(S) Either sildenafil citrate (VIAGRA) or 8-Bromo-cGMP treatments had no effect on both macroscopic and microscopic seminal parameters as well as the acrosome reaction. Sperm-zona pellucida binding results were however increased to 148.75% and 134%, respectively, by these treatments. Various kinematical parameters increased after treatment with the most significant increase detected in the population of rapid cells. CONCLUSION(S) VIAGRA can be used successfully to enhance sperm motility and binding to the oocyte especially during fertility treatments.