Acrosome function test

GELATIN FILM LYSIS TEST KIT

The sperm acrosome is located on the top of the sperm
head. During acrosome reaction, the outer acrosomal
membrane and the plasma membrane fuse and vesisculate
to discharge the acrosomal contents. Multiple enzymes are
present in the sperm acrosome including several acid
hydrolases commonly found in lysosomes. Acrosomal
enzymes help the sperm to penetrate the cumulus mass and
the zona pellucida
A sperm with defective acrosome may not have the
sufficient stock of these proteolytic enzymes and would
eventually fail to penetrate the zona, a prerequisite for
successful fertilization.
Sperm acrosome status and function may be assessed by
various methods including the measurement of direct
proteolytic activity present in the acrosome.
Gelatin film lysis is one such method which detects
acrosome proteolytic activity in terms of gelatin digestion
in the area surrounding the sperm head. The pre-coated
gelatin film on the glass slide is lysed coming in contact
with proteolytic enzymes leaching out of acrosome and

allow light to pass through creating a halo around the

sperm head which can be examined using a microscope.

Material included with the Kit

1.
2.

Incubation reagent.
Pre-coated Gelatin Film Slides.

Material not included with the Kit

1.
2.
3.
4.

Plastic vials
Pipettes
Incubator at 50oC.
Petri dish with moist filter paper

Storage and Stability :

Store at 2-8O C till expiry indicated on label.

5.

Examine halos around the sperm head under

microscope using high magnification ( x40).

Interpretation:
Under microscope halos will be seen around the sperm
heads. The sperm heads showing no halos are
considered negative for acrosomal status and function.

Sperm without halos

Sperm with halos

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Method
1.
2.

3.
4.

Pipette 0.5 ml of Incubation reagent in a plastic vial.

Add 100 l of well mixed semen sample. Shake a
little and incubate the mixture for 5 minutes at room
temperature.
Apply one small drop of mixture to the pre-coated
gelatin film slide and spread smoothly and evenly.
Allow the fluid to dry partially and then transfer to
a moistened petri dish (not touching the moistened
tissue) and incubate at 500 C for 30 minutes.

All human, organic material should be considered

potentially hazardous.
Handle all specimens as if capable of transmitting HIV or
hepatitis. Always wear protective clothing when handling
specimens.

Cryocell India Pvt Ltd

A-35, Nirman Vihar, New Delhi 110025 INDIA
Tel. No. : (+91 11) 22503735, 22543201