A Cure for Male Infertility?

by Dr. Susan Daniel

Scientists at Kyoto University in Japan have just announced that they have been able to use mouse embryonic stem cells to make primordial germ cells. When these cells were transplanted to the testes of sterile mice, normal sperm were produced. The sperm were then used to inseminate mouse eggs in the laboratory. The embryos were transferred to female mice who became pregnant and delivered healthy male and female pups. The pups were bred and have had litters of their own without the use of laboratory-grown sperm.

It has been suggested that this research might eventually be extended to the human male. It may be possible someday to take cells from an azoospermic man, reprogram them to develop into sperm cells, and restore fertility.

Kraft, S. “Male infertility may be cured by reprogramming skin cells”. 4 Aug 2011. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232285.php