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Biofluid mechanics of the human reproductive process: modelling of the complex interaction and pathway to the oocytes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 November 2008

Jong Yong Abdiel Foo  and
Chu Sing Lim
Jong Yong Abdiel Foo*
Affiliation:
Division of Research, Singapore General Hospital, 31 Hospital Avenue, Bowyer Block A Level 3, Outram Road, Singapore169608. Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Engineering Cluster, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Drive, Research Techno Plaza, 6th Storey, Xfrontiers Block, Singapore637553. Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A* STAR), Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, 30 Medical Drive, Singapore117609.
Chu Sing Lim
Affiliation:
Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A* STAR), Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, 30 Medical Drive, Singapore117609. School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore639798.
*
All correspondence to: Jong Foo. Division of Research, Singapore General Hospital, 31 Hospital Avenue, Bowyer Block A Level 3, Outram Road, Singapore169608. Tel: +65 6326 5295. Fax: +65 6326 5612. e-mail: foo.jong.yong@sgh.com.sg
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Summary

Recent revelations in the human reproductive process have fuelled much interest in this field of study. In particular, the once prevailing view of large numbers of ejaculated sperms racing towards the egg has been refuted recently. This is opposed to the current views derived from numerous clinical findings that state that only a very small number of sperms will ever enter the oviduct. It is believed that these few sperms must have been guided to make the long, tedious and obstructed journey to the egg. For a mature spermatozoon, its hyperactivated swimming motility upon capacitation plays an important role in the fertilization of a mature egg. Likewise, the female genital tract also provides guiding mechanisms to complement the survival of normal hydrodynamic profile sperms and thus promotes an eventual sperm–egg interaction. Understanding these mechanisms can be essential for the derivation of assisted conception techniques especially those in vitro. With the aid of computational models and simulation, suitability and effectiveness of novel assisted conception methodology can be assessed, particularly for those yet to be ready for clinical trials. This review discusses the possible bioengineering models and the mechanisms by which human spermatozoa are guided to the egg.

Keywords

CapacitationChemotaxisFemale genital tractMuscular contractionsSperm motilityThermotaxis
Type
Research Article
Information
Zygote , Volume 16 , Issue 4 , November 2008 , pp. 343 - 354
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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