Objective: Establishment of investigation of sterile male DNA in AZF region - choice of loci and primers for investigation, optimization of PCR conditions (polymerase chain reaction). Design: For practice. Setting: Department of Medical Genetics and Foetal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University and Faculty Hospital Olomouc. Methods: PCR amplification of DNA isolated from blood of sterile men and consequential electrophoresis of synthesized DNA fragments to appoint microdeletions in AZF. Results: From January to June 2000 were detected the microdeletions in AZF of 3 out of 79 sterile men (3,80 %) by means of the Experteam firm kit. From July to December 2000 were tested and optimized conditions of amplification of 10 AZF loci to substitute the kit and they were used for examination of the first 20 sterile men of our collection. Conclusion: In our laboratory was established routine examination male sterility related to microdeletions in AZF. With our collection of loci was substituted the original Experteam Firm kit and was widened spectrum of observed loci.

        Key words: AZF, PCR, male sterility, azoospermia, oligozoospermia