Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Mechanisms and Analysis of Sperm Migration Through Cervical Mucus

  • Chapter
Mucus in Health and Disease—II

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 144))

Abstract

The migration of spermatozoa through cervical mucus has been studied extensively by physiologists and clinicians. Yet our understanding of this biological phenomenon remains superficial. This has been due at least in part to a lack of scientific objectivity in the experimental procedures employed, as well as a tendency to rely upon phenomenological thinking rather than fundamental principles of chemistry and physics. In this chapter our attention will be directed initially to the biophysical context within which the mechanisms of sperm transport in cervical mucus should be considered. Our current knowledge of those mechanisms will be summarized, and some of the applicable experimental techniques and mathematical models of analysis will be discussed. Finally, some new strategies for future investigation will be suggested. We will bring the reader’s attention to a number of scientifically sound and biologically relevent studies, but we will not attempt a comprehensive survey of the research in this area. For this information the reader is referred to a number of recent reviews on sperm transport1 and cervical mucus.2,3,4,5 In beginning this chapter it should be emphasized that among mammals it is primarily the ruminants and primates which produce substantial amounts of cervical mucus, and it is to these species that our comments will apply. The human is by far the best studied of these species and most of the specifics of our discussion will refer to human sperm-cervical mucus interaction.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. J. W. Overstreet and D. F. Katz, Sperm Transport and Selection in the Female Genital Tract, in: “Development in Mammals II,” M. Johnson, ed., North Holland Publishing Company, New York (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  2. V. Davajan, R. M. Nakamura, K. Kharma, Spermatozoan transport in Cervical Mucus, Obstet. Gynec. Survey 25: 1 (1970).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. R. J. Blandau, and K. Moghissi, “The Biology of the Cervix,” University of Chicago Press, Chicago (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  4. M. Elstein, K. Moghissi, and R. Berth, “Cervical Mucus in Human Reproduction,” Scriptor, Copenhagen (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  5. V. Insler and G. Bettendorf, “The Uterine Cervix in Reproduction,” Geo. Thieme Publ., Stuttgart (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  6. A. Hoglund and E. Odeblad, Sperm Penetration in Cervical Mucus, a Biophysical and Group-Theoretical Approach, in: “The Uterine Cervix in Reproduction,” V. Insler and G. Bettendorf, eds., Geo. Thieme Publ., Stuttgart (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  7. D. F. Katz, and S. Paveri Fontana, A Stochastic Model of Transcervical Sperm Migration, (submitted for publication) (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  8. A. J. Sobrero and J. MacLeod, The Immediate Postcoital Test, Fert. Ster. 13: 184 (1962).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. W. H. Masters and V. E. Johnson, The Physiology of Vaginal Reproductive Function, West. J. Surg. Obstet Gynec. 69: 105 (1961).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. D. R. Tredway, D.S. Fordney Settlage, R. M. Nakamura, M. Motoshima, C. U. Umezaki, and D. R. Mishell, Significance of Timing for the Postcoital Evaluation of Cervical Mucus, Amer. J. Obstet. Gynec. 121: 387 (1975).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. J. W. Overstreet, and G. W. Cooper, Sperm Transport in the Reproductive Tract of the Female Rabbit. I. The Rapid Transit Phase of Transport, Biol. Reprod. 19: 101 (1978).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. R. A. Gibbons and R. A. Sellwood, The Macromolecular Biochemistry of Cervical Secretions, in “The Biology of the Cervix,” R. J. Blandau and K. S. Moghissi, eds., Univ. Chicago Press, Chicago (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  13. D. F. Katz and S. A. Berger, Flagellar Propulsion of Human Sperm in Cervical Mucus, Biorheology 17: 169 (1980).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. P. Y. Tam, D. F. Katz, S. A. Berger, and G. F. Sensabaugh, Flow Permeation Analysis of Bovine Cervical Mucus, Biophys. J. (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  15. S. W. Hwang, M. Litt and W. C. Forsman, Rheological Properties of Mucus, Rheolog. Acta. 8: 438 (1969).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. N. Eliezer, Viscoelastic Properties of Mucus, Biorheol. 11: 61 (1974).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. D. P. Wolf, L. Blasco, M. A. Khan and M. Litt, Human Cervical Mucus. I. Rheological Characteristics, Fert. Ster. 28: 41 (1977).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. P. Y. Tam, D. F. Katz and S. A. Berger, Non-linear Visco-elastic Properties of Cervical Mucus, Biorheology (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  19. P. E. Mattner, Formation and Retention of the Spermatozoan Reservoir in the Cervix of the Ruminant, Nature, Lond. 212: 1479 (1966).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. R. A. Gibbons, and P. E. Mattner, The Chemical and Physical Characteristics of the Cervical Secretion and Its Role in Reproductive Physiology, in: “Pathways to Conception”, A. I. Sherman, ed., Charles C. Thomas, Publ., Springfield, Ill., (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  21. J. W. Overstreet, G. W. Cooper and D. F. Katz, Sperm Transport in the Reproductive Tract of the Female Rabbit. II. The Sustained Phase of Transport, Biol. Reprod. 19: 115 (1978).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. G. N. Cooper, J. W. Overstreet and D. F. Katz, Sperm Transport in the Reproductive Tract of the Female Rabbit. Sperm Motility and Patterns of Movement at Different Levels of the Tract, Gamete Res. (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  23. R. D. Dresdner and D. F. Katz, Relationships of Mammalian Sperm Motility and Morphology to Hydrodynamic Aspects of Cell Function, Biol. Reprod. Suppl 1, 73A (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  24. E. Odeblad, The Functional Structure of Human Cervical Mucus, Acta. Obstet. Gynec. Scand. (Suppl. 1) 47: 59 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  25. E. Odeblad and C. Rudolfsson, Types of Cervical Secretions: Biophysical Characteristics, in: “The Biology of the Cervix,” R. J. Blandau and K. Moghissi, eds., Univ. Chicago Press (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  26. D. F. Katz and J. W. Overstreet, Mammalian Sperm Movement in the Secretions of the Male and Female Genital Tracts, in: “Testicular Development, Structure, and Function,” E. Steinberger, and A. Steinberger, eds., Raven Press, New York, (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  27. D. F. Katz, T. Bloom, and R. BonDurant, The Movement of Bull Spermatozoa in Cervical Mucus, (Submitted for publication) (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  28. D. F. Katz, B. T. Brofeldt, J. W. Overstreet and F. W. Hanson, Vanguard Spermatozoa Alter the Properties of Cervical Mucus, (Submitted for publication) (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  29. B. Fredricsson and G. Bjork, Morphology of Postcoital Spermatozoa in the Cervical Secretion and Its Clinical Significance, Fert. Ster. 28: 841 (1977).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. G. Perry, M. Glezerman, and M. Insler, Selective Filtration of Abnormal Spermatozoa by the Cervical Mucus in Vitro, in: “The Uterine Cervix in Reproduction,” V. Insler and G. Bettendorf, eds., Geo. Thieme, Publ., Stuttgart (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  31. F. W. Hanson and J. W. Overstreet, The Interaction of Human Spermatozoa with Cervical Mucus In Vivo, Amer. J. Obstet. Gynec. (In press) (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  32. J. W. Overstreet, M. J. Price, W. F. Blazak, E. L. Lewis and D. F. Katz, Simultaneous Assessment of Human Sperm Motility and Morphology by Videomicrography, J. Urol. (In press) (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  33. D. F. Katz, L. Diehl and J. W. Overstreet, Differences in the Movement of Morphologically Normal and Abnormal Human Seminal Spermatozoa, Fert. Ster. 35: 256 (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  34. K. S. Moghissi and F. N. Syner, The Effect of Seminal Protease on Sperm Migration Through Cervical Mucus, Int. J. Fert. 15: 43 (1970).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. J. W. Overstreet, C. Coats, D. F. Katz and F. W. Hanson, The Importance of Seminal Plasma for Human Sperm Penetration of Cervical Mucus, Fert. Ster. 34: 569 (1980).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. C. A. Fox, H. S. Wolff and J. A. Baker, Measurement of Intra-Vaginal and Intra-Uterine Pressures During Human Coitus by Radio-Telemetry, J. Reprod Fert. 22: 243 (1970).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. G. E. Egli and M. Newton, The Transport of Carbon Particles in the Human Female Reproductive System, Fert Ster. 12: 151 (1961).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. P. E. Mattner, and A. W. H. Braden, Comparison of the Distribution of Motile and Immotile Spermatozoa in the Ovine Cervix, Aust. J. Biol. Sci. 22: 1069 (1969).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. N. H. Masters and V. E. Johnson, “Human Sexual Response,” Little Brown and Company, Boston (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  40. A. J. Sobrero, Sperm Migration in the Human Female, In: “Proc. 5th World Congr. Fert. Ster.” B. Weston and N. Wiquist, eds., No. 133 Exerpta Medica, Amsterdam (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  41. K. S. Moghissi, Sperm Migration Through the Human Cervix, in: “The Uterine Cervix in Reproduction,” V. Insler and G. Bettendorf, eds., Geo. Thieme Publ., Stuttgart (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  42. J. Kremer, A Simple Sperm Penetration Test, Int. J. Fert. 10: 209 (1965).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. M. Ulstein, Evaluation of a Capillary Tube Sperm Penetration Method for Fertility Investigations, Acta Obstet. Gynec. Scand. 51: 287 (1972).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. R. N. Mills, D.F. Katz, A Flat Capillary Tube System for Assessment of Sperm Movement in Cervical Mucus, Fert. Ster. 29: 43 (1978).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. D. F. Katz, J. W. Overstreet and F. W. Hanson, A New Quantitative Test for Sperm Penetration into Cervical Mucus, Fert. Ster. 33: 179 (1980).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. D. F. Katz and H. M. Dott, Methods of Measuring Swimming Speed of Spermatozoa, J. Reprod. Fert. 45: 263 (1975).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. P. Jouannet, B. Volochine, P. Deguent, C. Series and G. David, Light Scattering Determination of Various Characteristic Parameters of Spermatozoa Motility in a Serie of Human Sperm, Andrologia 9: 36 (1977).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. R. A. Gibbons and F. A. Glover, The Flow Birefringence of Purified Bovine Cervical Mucoid, in: “Flow Properties of Blood and Other Biological Systems,” A. L. Copley and G. Stainsby, eds., Pergamon Press, New York (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  49. D. F. Katz and J. R. Singer, Water Mobility in Bovine Cervical Mucus, Biol. Reprod. 17: 843 (1978).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. W. I. Lee, P. Verdugo, R. J. Blandau and P. Gaddum-Rosse, Molecular Arrangement of Cervical Mucus: A Reevaluation Based on Laser Light-Scattering Spectroscopy, Gynecol. Invest. 8: 254 (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA

    David F. Katz & James W. Overstreet

  2. Human Anatomy School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA

    James W. Overstreet

Authors
  1. David F. Katz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. James W. Overstreet
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, England

    Eric N. Chantler  & Max Elstein  & 

  2. University of Department of Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, England

    James B. Elder

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1982 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Katz, D.F., Overstreet, J.W. (1982). The Mechanisms and Analysis of Sperm Migration Through Cervical Mucus. In: Chantler, E.N., Elder, J.B., Elstein, M. (eds) Mucus in Health and Disease—II. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 144. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-9254-9_51

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-9254-9_51

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4615-9256-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-9254-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation