Hyaluronic acid as a medium for human sperm migration tests

Hyaluronic acid was used as a substitute for human cervical mucus as a medium for sperm migration since its viscosity, molecular weight and structure are similar to constituent glycoproteins of human cervical mucus. Parameters of sperm motility were comparable in human cervical mucus and hyaluronate as measured by a computerized sperm motion analysis system (Hamilton-Thorn 2030 and Str?mberg-Mika System). Sperm migration rates were also similar in human cervical mucus, bovine mucus and hyaluronic acid and the reproducibility was best in hyaluronic acid. Sperm survival for 24 h was maintained in human cervical mucus and hyaluronic acid but not in bovine mucus. The use of hyaluronic acid in sperm migration tests is recommended.