Several chemicals viz., hyamine, Ca⁺² ionophore, high ionic strength (HIS) media, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC), lipids, chondroitin sulphate, heparin sulphate, caffiene, oviductal fluid, follicular fluid etc. have been reported to induce in vitro capacitation of spermatozoa. Off late, a new potent vasoactive phospholipid named Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) has been reported to have multifold involvement in a wide spectrum of reproductive activities in both the sexes. Though the exact role of PAF on sperm function is not very clear yet it has been observed that it plays a significant role in sperm motility, acrosome reaction and the fertilization process. A special attribute of this source of capacitation is that it requires very little time for acrosome reaction and the motility of spermatozoa is maintained at a reasonable level.  The results of work done in our laboratory indicated that PAF treatment of spermatozoa caused a significant increase in acrosome reaction, which is an indirect yardstick of capacitation and the motility decrement was much within the permissible limits. Despite increment, all the sperm abnormalities were pretty much within the permissible limits. The stress indicator enzymes viz. seminal GOT and GPT were not affected with PAF treatment of spermatozoa and the proteolytic enzyme- hyaluronidase had a significant increase. Based on these precepts, PAF can be recommended as an ideal substance to induce capacitation and improve fertilizing ability of spermatozoa for in vitro fertilization (IVF).