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Ribeiro JC, Nogueira-Ferreira R, Amado F, Alves MG, Ferreira R, Oliveira PF. Exploring the Role of Oxidative Stress in Sperm Motility: A Proteomic Network Approach. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:501-520. [PMID: 34847748 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Infertility is a major global health problem, with nearly half of the cases being associated with male factors. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial for sperm cell normal physiological processes, an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidants can lead to oxidative stress that can impair sperm function. Indeed, high semen ROS levels are reported in 30%-80% of infertile men. Recent Advances: Male oxidative stress infertility is an uprising classification for idiopathic infertility. Proteomic approaches, including quantitative mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, are being utilized to explore the molecular mechanisms associated with oxidative stress in male infertility. Critical Issues: In this review, proteome data were collected from articles available on PubMed centered on MS-based proteomic studies, performed in seminal plasma and sperm cell samples, and enrolling men with impaired semen parameters. The bioinformatic analysis of proteome data with Cytoscape (ClueGO+CluePedia) and STRING tools allowed the identification of the biological processes more prevalent in asthenozoospermia, with focus on the ones related to oxidative stress. Future Directions: The identification of the antioxidant proteins in seminal plasma and sperm cells that can protect sperm cells from oxidative stress is crucial not only for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with male infertility but specially to guide new therapeutic possibilities. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 501-520.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C Ribeiro
- Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Nogueira-Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Amado
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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2
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Piroozmanesh H, Jannatifar R, Ebrahimi SM, Fazaeli H, Naserpoor L, Dimitriadis E, Nejatbakhsh R. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analog and phosphodiesterase inhibitor (IBMX) ameliorate human sperm capacitation and motility. Rev Int Androl 2022; 20 Suppl 1:S24-S30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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3
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Ali MA, Wang Y, Qin Z, Yuan X, Zhang Y, Zeng C. Odorant and Taste Receptors in Sperm Chemotaxis and Cryopreservation: Roles and Implications in Sperm Capacitation, Motility and Fertility. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040488. [PMID: 33801624 PMCID: PMC8065900 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm chemotaxis, which guide sperm toward oocyte, is tightly associated with sperm capacitation, motility, and fertility. However, the molecular mechanism of sperm chemotaxis is not known. Reproductive odorant and taste receptors, belong to G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) super-family, cause an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration which is pre-requisite for sperm capacitation and acrosomal reaction, and result in sperm hyperpolarization and increase motility through activation of Ca2+-dependent Cl¯ channels. Recently, odorant receptors (ORs) in olfactory transduction pathway were thought to be associated with post-thaw sperm motility, freeze tolerance or freezability and cryo-capacitation-like change during cryopreservation. Investigation of the roles of odorant and taste receptors (TRs) is important for our understanding of the freeze tolerance or freezability mechanism and improve the motility and fertility of post-thaw sperm. Here, we reviewed the roles, mode of action, impact of odorant and taste receptors on sperm chemotaxis and post-thaw sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Ahsan Ali
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Theriogenology, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore 54000, Punjab, Pakistan;
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Yihan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ziyue Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xiang Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Changjun Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-28-86291010
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4
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Roldan ERS, Teves ME. Understanding sperm physiology: Proximate and evolutionary explanations of sperm diversity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110980. [PMID: 32853744 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Much can be gained from the comprehensive study of a biological system. Based on what is known as Mayr's proximate-ultimate causation and the subsequent expansion to Tinbergen's four questions, biological traits can be understood by taking into account different approximations that try to explain mechanisms, development, adaptive significance or phylogeny. These, in principle, separate areas, can be integrated crossing boundaries, but bearing in mind that answers to one question would not explain a different query. Studies of sperm biology have, until now, not benefited much from this framework and potential integration. Proximate causes (particularly mechanisms) have been the subject of interest for reproductive biologists, and evolutionary explanations have been the domain of behavioural ecologists with interest in adaptive significance of traits in the context of post-copulatory sexual selection. This review will summarize opportunities for research in the different areas, focusing on sperm preparation for fertilization and suggesting possible integration within and between proximate and evolutionary studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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5
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Umezu K, Kurata S, Takamori H, Numabe T, Hiradate Y, Hara K, Tanemura K. Characteristics and Possible Role of Bovine Sperm Head-to-Head Agglutination. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081865. [PMID: 32784858 PMCID: PMC7463926 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although sperm head-to-head agglutination has been reported in many mammalian species, the biological significance of this unique sperm–sperm interaction remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to examine the functional characteristics of agglutinated bovine sperm to determine the possible role of sperm agglutination in the fertilization process. We initially examined temporal changes to the degree of head-to-head agglutination in culture, and found that bovine sperm agglutinated despite the lack of sperm agglutination inducers in medium. Sperm viability and motility were evaluated by SYBR14/PI and JC-1 staining, respectively, to identify the relationship between sperm agglutination and fertilizing ability. Agglutinated sperm had increased motility, viability, and intact mitochondrial function compared with unagglutinated sperm. Furthermore, we found that heparin significantly increased the percentage of unagglutinated sperm, but did not affect viability of both agglutinated and unagglutinated sperm, suggesting that sperm agglutination dictated the viability. In conclusion, agglutinated bovine sperm maintained viability and motility for a longer time than unagglutinated sperm. Thus, we propose that the head-to-head agglutination is a crucial sperm–sperm interaction to ensure the fertilizing ability of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Umezu
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
- Correspondence: (K.U.); (K.T.); Tel.: +81-22-757-4307 (K.U.); +81-22-757-4305 (K.T.)
| | - Shouhei Kurata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
| | - Hironori Takamori
- Miyagi Prefectural Livestock Experimental Station, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6445, Japan;
| | - Takashi Numabe
- Miyagi Agricultural Development Corporation, Sendai, Miyagi 981-0914, Japan;
| | - Yuuki Hiradate
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
| | - Kenshiro Hara
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
| | - Kentaro Tanemura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
- Correspondence: (K.U.); (K.T.); Tel.: +81-22-757-4307 (K.U.); +81-22-757-4305 (K.T.)
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6
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Stromal cell-derived factor 1 regulates in vitro sperm migration towards the cumulus-oocyte complex in cattle. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232536. [PMID: 32353075 PMCID: PMC7192438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm migration towards an oocyte in the female reproductive tract is an important step for successful fertilization. Although several sperm-chemotactic factors have been identified in mammals, it is unclear whether these chemoattractants contribute to sperm migration towards an oocyte that is the final destination for sperm. Furthermore, chemoattractants for bovine sperm are still undiscovered even though the follicular fluid attracts sperm in cattle. Here, we demonstrated that a single bovine cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) had the ability to attract sperm, suggesting that the COC secreted sperm chemoattractants. We identified stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1), which was expressed in COCs, and its receptor CXCR4 in sperm, as a candidate. Our results showed that bovine sperm preferentially migrated to the area with a high SDF1 concentration and occasionally showed turn movements by asymmetric flagellar bends during the migration. We also demonstrated that increasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration via Ca2+ channels was related to SDF1-induced sperm chemotaxis. Finally, a CXCR4 inhibitor significantly suppressed the in vitro bovine sperm migration towards a COC. Taken together, we propose that SDF1 is a chemotactic factor for bovine sperm to regulate their migration towards an oocyte via the CXCR4 receptor.
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7
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Tsirulnikov E, Huta Y, Breitbart H. PKA and PI3K activities during capacitation protect sperm from undergoing spontaneous acrosome reaction. Theriogenology 2019; 128:54-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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8
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Bellezza I, Minelli A. Adenosine in sperm physiology. Mol Aspects Med 2017; 55:102-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Fernández S, Córdoba M. A membrane-associated adenylate cyclase modulates lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activities required for bull sperm capacitation induced by hyaluronic acid. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 179:80-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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10
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Belenky M, Breitbart H. Role and regulation of Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta in bovine spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 84:8-18. [PMID: 27864906 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a master switch that regulates a multitude of cellular pathways, including the acrosome reaction in sperm. In epididymal sperm cells, for example, GSK-3 activity correlates with inhibition of motility-yet no direct pathways connecting GSK-3 activation with loss of motility have been described. Indeed, the details of how GSK-3 is regulated during sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction remains obscure. To this end, we addressed the involvement of the GSK-3 beta isoform in several known pathways that contribute to motility and the acrosome reaction. We established that Protein kinase A (PKA) is the main regulator of GSK-3β in sperm, as pre-treatment of cells with a GSK-3 inhibitor prior to addition of H89, an inhibitor of PKA, attenuated the motility loss induced by blocking PKA activity. Both induced and spontaneous acrosome reactions also occurred less frequently in sperm treated with GSK-3 inhibitors. Finally, we observed a slow decline in phosphorylation of GSK-3β on Ser 9, which represents an inhibited state, during sperm capacitation; this phenotype is reversed during the induced acrosome reaction, in parallel to activation of Protein phosphatase 1. These results suggest that maintenance of sperm motility and acrosome reaction timing are mediated by PKA through the regulation of GSK-3 beta activity. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 8-18, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Belenky
- The Mina Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Haim Breitbart
- The Mina Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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11
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Bergeron A, Hébert A, Guillemette C, Laroche A, Poulin MP, Aragon JP, Leclerc P, Sullivan R, Blondin P, Vigneault C, Richard FJ. Papaverine-sensitive phosphodiesterase activity is measured in bovine spermatozoa. Andrology 2016; 5:169-179. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Bergeron
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - A. Hébert
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - C. Guillemette
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - A. Laroche
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - M.-P. Poulin
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - J. P. Aragon
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - P. Leclerc
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction; Faculté de Médecine; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - R. Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction; Faculté de Médecine; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | | | | | - F. J. Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
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12
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Bergeron A, Aragon JP, Guillemette C, Hébert A, Sullivan R, Blondin P, Richard FJ. Characterization of cAMP-phosphodiesterase activity in bovine seminal plasma. Andrology 2016; 4:1123-1130. [PMID: 27565610 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has a central role in sperm physiology. Extracellular cAMP can be sequentially degraded into 5'AMP and adenosine by ecto-phosphodiesterases (ecto-PDE) and ecto-nucleotidases, a phenomenon called extracellular cAMP-adenosine pathway. As cAMP-adenosine pathway is involved in sperm capacitation, we hypothesize that extracellular PDEs are functionally present in seminal plasma. Exclusively measuring cAMP-PDE activity, total activity in bovine seminal plasma was 10.1 ± 1.5 fmoles/min/μg. Using different family-specific PDE inhibitors, we showed that in seminal plasma, the major cAMP-PDE activity was papaverine sensitive (47.5%). These data support the presence of PDE10 in bovine seminal plasma and was further confirmed by western blot. In epididymal fluid, total cAMP-PDE activity was 48.2 ± 14.8 fmoles/min/μg and we showed that the major cAMP-PDE activity was 3-isobutyl-methylxanthine insensitive and thus ascribed to PDE8 family. PDE10A mRNAs were found in the testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicles. cAMP-PDE activity is present in bovine seminal plasma and epididymal fluid. The results suggest a role for ecto-PDEs present in those fluids in the signaling pathways involved in sperm functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bergeron
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - J P Aragon
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - C Guillemette
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - A Hébert
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - R Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - P Blondin
- Boviteq, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - F J Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Umezu K, Hiradate Y, Oikawa T, Ishiguro H, Numabe T, Hara K, Tanemura K. Exogenous neurotensin modulates sperm function in Japanese Black cattle. J Reprod Dev 2016; 62:409-14. [PMID: 27210588 PMCID: PMC5004797 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2016-055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the conception rates after artificial insemination have been pointed out
to decline continuously. To overcome this problem, the control of frozen and thawed
sperm quality is required. However, the mechanism of bovine sperm functional
regulation is still largely unknown. In mammals, the ejaculated sperm are capable of
showing fertilizing ability during migration in the female reproductive organs. It is
well known that these female organs secrete several factors contributing to sperm
capacitation. We previously reported that neurotensin (NT) secreted from the oviduct
and cumulus cells enhanced sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction in mice. In this
study, we confirmed the expression of the NT receptor (NTR1) in the bovine sperm neck
region and the secretion of NT in the bovine uterus and oviduct. The similar
expression patterns of NT and NTR1 suggests a conserved mechanism of sperm functional
regulation between mouse and cattle. Thus, we examined the effects of exogenous NT on
the bovine sperm functions. First, we showed that NT induced sperm protein tyrosine
phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that NT enhances sperm
capacitation. Second, we showed that NT induced acrosome reactions of capacitated
sperm in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that NT facilitates acrosome reaction.
Finally, we used a computer-aided sperm analysis system to show that NT did not have
a great effect on sperm motility. These results suggest that NT acts as a facilitator
of sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction in the female reproductive tracts in
cattle, highlighting the importance of NT-mediated signaling to regulate sperm
functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Umezu
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi 981-8555, Japan
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Mohey-Elsaeed O, Marei WFA, Fouladi-Nashta AA, El-Saba AAA. Histochemical structure and immunolocalisation of the hyaluronan system in the dromedary oviduct. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:936-947. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the local modulation of some histochemical properties of oviducts of the dromedary (Camelus dromedarius), focusing on the immnolocalisation of hyaluronic acid (HA) synthases (HAS2 and HAS3), hyaluronidases (HYAL2 and HYAL1) and the HA receptor CD44 in the ampulla and isthmus. Abundant acidic mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) were detected by Alcian blue staining along the luminal surface of both ciliated and non-ciliated epithelial cells (LE). Staining for HAS2 was higher in the primary epithelial folds of the ampulla compared with the isthmus, especially in secretory cells, adluminal epithelial surface and supranuclear cell domain. HAS3 staining was stronger in the LE of the isthmus than ampulla. HYAL2 was detected in the LE in the ampulla and isthmus and was more intense in the adluminal projections of secretory cells. HYAL1 was weakly detected in the LE with no difference between the ampulla and isthmus. Strong CD44 immunostaining was present in the LE of the ampulla and isthmus. CD44 staining was higher in secretory cells than in ciliated epithelial cells and was higher in the supranuclear region than the basal region of the cytoplasm. In conclusion, we provide evidence that HA synthesis and turnover occur in the camel oviduct. Differences in HAS2 and HAS3 expression suggest regional differences in the molecular size of HA secreted in oviductal fluid that may influence oviduct–gamete interaction in the camel.
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Ferré LB, Bogliotti Y, Chitwood JL, Fresno C, Ortega HH, Kjelland ME, Ross PJ. Comparison of different fertilisation media for an in vitro maturation?fertilisation?culture system using flow-cytometrically sorted X chromosome-bearing spermatozoa for bovine embryo production. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD15019. [PMID: 25966894 DOI: 10.1071/rd15019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
High demand exists among commercial cattle producers for in vitro-derived bovine embryos fertilised with female sex-sorted spermatozoa from high-value breeding stock. The aim of this study was to evaluate three fertilisation media, namely M199, synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) and Tyrode's albumin-lactate-pyruvate (TALP), on IVF performance using female sex-sorted spermatozoa. In all, 1143, 1220 and 1041 cumulus-oocyte complexes were fertilised in M199, SOF and TALP, respectively. There were significant differences among fertilisation media (P < 0.05) in cleavage rate (M199 = 57%, SOF = 71% and TALP = 72%), blastocyst formation (M199 = 9%, SOF = 20% and TALP = 19%), proportion of Grade 1 blastocysts (M199 = 15%, SOF = 52% and TALP = 51%), proportion of Grade 3 blastocysts (M199 = 58%, SOF = 21% and TALP = 20%) and hatching rates (M199 = 29%, SOF = 60% and TALP = 65%). The inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) cells of Day 7 blastocysts were also affected by the fertilisation medium. Embryos derived from SOF and TALP fertilisation media had higher numbers of ICM, TE and total cells than those fertilised in M199. In conclusion, fertilisation media affected cleavage rate, as well as subsequent embryo development, quality and hatching ability. SOF and TALP fertilisation media produced significantly more embryos of higher quality than M199.
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16
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Fernández S, Córdoba M. Hyaluronic Acid as Capacitation Inductor: Metabolic Changes and Membrane-Associated Adenylate Cyclase Regulation. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49:941-6. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Fernández
- Cátedra de Química Biológica; Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - M Córdoba
- Cátedra de Química Biológica; Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
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17
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Kim EY, Noh EH, Noh EJ, Park MJ, Park HY, Lee DS, Riu KZ, Park SP. Effect of Glycosaminoglycans on In vitro Fertilizing Ability and In vitro Developmental Potential of Bovine Embryos. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2014; 26:178-88. [PMID: 25049774 PMCID: PMC4093159 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2012.12406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) present in the female reproductive tract promote sperm capacitation. When bovine sperm were exposed to 10 μg/ml of one of four GAGs (Chondroitin sulfate, CS; Dermatan sulfate, DS; Hyaluronic acid, HA; Heparin, HP) for 5 h, the total motility (TM), straight-line velocity (VSL), and curvilinear velocity (VCL) were higher in the HP- or HA-treated sperm, relative to control and CS- or DS-treated sperm. HP and HA treatments increased the levels of capacitated and acrosome-reacted sperm over time, compared to other treatment groups (p<0.05). In addition, sperm exposed to HP or HA for 1 h before IVF exhibited significantly improved fertilizing ability, as assessed by 2 pronucleus (PN) formation and cleavage rates at d 2. Exposure to these GAGs also enhanced in vitro embryo development rates and embryo quality, and increased the ICM and total blastocyst cell numbers at d 8 after IVF (p<0.05). A real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of pluripotency (Oct 4), cell growth (Glut 5), and anti-apoptosis (Bax inhibitor) genes were significantly higher in embryos derived from HA- or HP-treated sperm than in control or other treatment groups, while pro-apoptotic gene expression (caspase-3) was significantly lower in all GAG treatment groups (p<0.05). These results demonstrated that exposure of bovine sperm to HP or HA positively correlates with in vitro fertilizing ability, in vitro embryo developmental potential, and embryonic gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Young Kim
- Mirae Biotech/Jeju National University Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul 143-193, Korea
| | - Eun Hyung Noh
- Mirae Biotech/Jeju National University Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul 143-193, Korea
| | - Eun Ji Noh
- Mirae Biotech/Jeju National University Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul 143-193, Korea
| | - Min Jee Park
- Mirae Biotech/Jeju National University Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul 143-193, Korea
| | - Hyo Young Park
- Mirae Biotech/Jeju National University Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul 143-193, Korea
| | - Dong Sun Lee
- Mirae Biotech/Jeju National University Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul 143-193, Korea
| | - Key Zung Riu
- Mirae Biotech/Jeju National University Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul 143-193, Korea
| | - Se Pill Park
- Mirae Biotech/Jeju National University Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul 143-193, Korea
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18
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Ricart MC, Breininger E, Rodriguez PC, Beconi MT. Participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase in heparin-induced capacitation in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Andrologia 2014; 47:30-6. [PMID: 24387203 DOI: 10.1111/and.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study the participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase in heparin-induced capacitation in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Sperm suspensions were incubated in Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate medium in the presence of heparin (10 IU ml(-1) ) or forskolin (1-75 μm), a well-known membrane adenylyl cyclase activator. The participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase was confirmed using a specific inhibitor, 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (6-25 μm). Spermatozoa capacitated with forskolin (25 μm) were incubated with bovine follicular fluid to evaluate their ability to undergo acrosome reaction. Capacitation percentages were determined by the fluorescence technique with chlortetracycline, and true acrosome reaction was determined by trypan blue and differential interferential contrast. The forskolin concentrations employed had no effect on progressive motility or sperm viability. Capacitation values induced by 25-μm forskolin treatment (27.80 ± 2.59%) were significantly higher respect to the control (4.80 ± 1.30%). The inhibitor 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine prevented forskolin-induced capacitation and significantly diminished capacitation induced by heparin. Follicular fluid induced physiological acrosome reaction in spermatozoa previously capacitated with 25-μm forskolin (P < 0.05). Forskolin acts as a capacitation inducer and involves the participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase as part of the intracellular mechanisms that lead to capacitation in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Ricart
- Biological Chemistry, INITRA, School of Veterinary Science, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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19
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Parrish JJ. Bovine in vitro fertilization: in vitro oocyte maturation and sperm capacitation with heparin. Theriogenology 2014; 81:67-73. [PMID: 24274411 PMCID: PMC3886814 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
As a result of research in the 1980s on in vitro maturation, sperm capacitation, and in vitro fertilization, the bovine is now one of the important models for development. Further, the current production of bovine embryos in vitro rivals that of in vivo embryo production for commercial applications. Researchers of today may be unaware of why decisions were made in the procedures. This review addresses the state of the art at the time of the work by Parrish et al. (Bovine in vitro fertilization with frozen thawed semen. Theriogenology 1986;25:591-600), and how later work would explain success or failure of competing procedures. Important was the use of frozen semen and heparin capacitation, because this allowed future researchers/practitioners to change sperm numbers and capacitation conditions to adjust for variations among bulls. The large numbers of citation of the original work stand the testament of time in the repeatability and success of the procedures. The work was done within the environment of the N.L. First laboratory and the unique interactions with a large number of talented graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and technicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Parrish
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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20
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Fernández S, Sestelo A, Rivolta M, Córdoba M. Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction Induction on Thawed Dama damaDeer Spermatozoa: Glycine Effect as Cryopreservation Diluent Supplement. Zoolog Sci 2013; 30:1110-6. [DOI: 10.2108/zsj.30.1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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21
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Flowers WL. Triennial Reproduction Symposium: sperm characteristics that limit success of fertilization. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:3022-9. [PMID: 23307855 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current industry estimates of reproductive performance for cattle, sheep, and swine operations indicate that males contribute significantly to fertility failures. This appears to be due to the use of subfertile individuals and emphasizes the need for additional research in identifying characteristics of sperm that compromise fertilization. In theory, sperm characteristics, such as motility or the percentage of normal sperm, form a positive relationship with fertility that reaches a certain maximal fertility (i.e., an asymptotic relationship). It is clear that variation exists among males in terms of how fertility responds to increasing sperm dosage or numbers of normal sperm, both in the slope of the curve and the point at which the fertility reaches a maximum. Variations along the linear portion of fertility curves are due to compensable traits that are involved with the ability of sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida. It appears that most fertility curves reach their plateau when 70% of sperm possess a given compensable trait. The level of fertility at which the plateau occurs is determined by noncompensable traits that are associated with binding of sperm to the oolemma, syngamy, and subsequent development of the zygote. Several studies have shown differences in fertility among males that have similar levels of compensable traits but differed in their noncompensable characteristics. Compensable and noncompensable traits can estimate either individual or functional characteristics of sperm. Intuitively, functional traits such as in vitro penetration should provide a better indication of fertilization than individual ones such as motility. However, correlations of both types with fertility are very similar. Reasons for this may be related to how characteristics of sperm cells are influenced by the female reproductive tract after insemination. Sperm capacitation is a functional trait in boars that is quite different in vitro versus in vivo. If this relationship holds true for other traits, then development of tests that account for this variation are critical for further elucidation of sperm characteristics that limit fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- W L Flowers
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7621, USA.
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22
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Yang D, McMillan A, Standley N, Shannon P, Xu Z. Extracellular calcium is involved in egg yolk-induced head-to-head agglutination of bull sperm. Theriogenology 2012; 78:1476-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Revised: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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23
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Clinician-induced (iatrogenic) damage incurred during human infertility treatment: Detrimental effects of sperm selection methods and cryopreservation upon the viability, DNA integrity, and function of human sperm. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s2305-0500(13)60052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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24
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Miah AG, Salma U, Sinha PB, Hölker M, Tesfaye D, Cinar MU, Tsujii H, Schellander K. Intracellular signaling cascades induced by relaxin in the stimulation of capacitation and acrosome reaction in fresh and frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2011; 125:30-41. [PMID: 21493019 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2011.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin is one of the 6-kDa peptide hormones, which acts as a pleiotropic endocrine and paracrine factor. Our previous studies revealed that sperm capacitating medium containing relaxin induced capacitation and acrosome reaction (AR) in fresh and frozen-thawed porcine or bovine spermatozoa. However, the intracellular signaling cascades involved with capacitation or AR induced by relaxin was unknown. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the intracellular signaling cascades involved with capacitation and AR induced by relaxin in fresh and frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. Spermatozoa were incubated in sperm Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate (Sp-TALP) medium supplemented with (40 ng ml(-1)) or without relaxin, and subjected to evaluation of chlortetracycline staining pattern, cholesterol efflux, Ca(2+)-influx, intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Capacitation and AR were increased (P<0.05) in both fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa incubated with relaxin. Cholesterol effluxes were greater in the fresh (P<0.01) and frozen-thawed (P<0.05) spermatozoa incubated with relaxin than the spermatozoa incubated without relaxin. Ca(2+)-influxes were also significantly stimulated by relaxin in the fresh (P<0.01) and frozen-thawed (P<0.05) spermatozoa. The Sp-TALP medium containing relaxin influenced the generation of intracellular cAMP in the fresh (P<0.01) and frozen-thawed (P<0.05) spermatozoa, and exhibited higher exposure of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in both sperm types than the medium devoid of relaxin. Therefore, the results postulate that relaxin exerts the intracellular signaling cascades involved with capacitation and AR through accelerating the cholesterol efflux, Ca(2+)-influx, intracellular cAMP and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in fresh and frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Miah
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, Bonn 53115, Germany.
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25
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Identification of capacitation associated tyrosine phosphoproteins in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2011; 123:40-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Revised: 10/28/2010] [Accepted: 11/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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26
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Breininger E, Cetica P, Beconi M. Capacitation inducers act through diverse intracellular mechanisms in cryopreserved bovine sperm. Theriogenology 2010; 74:1036-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2009] [Revised: 04/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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27
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28
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Chatterjee M, Nandi P, Ghosh S, Sen PC. Regulation of tyrosine kinase activity during capacitation in goat sperm. Mol Cell Biochem 2009; 336:39-48. [PMID: 19802524 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-009-0261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a key event accompanying sperm capacitation. Although this signaling cascade generates an array of tyrosine-phosphorylated polypeptides, their molecular characterization is still limited. It is necessary to differentiate the localization of the tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in spermatozoa to understand the link between the different phosphorylated proteins and the corresponding regulated sperm function. cAMP plays a pivotal role in the regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation. The intracellular cAMP levels were raised in goat spermatozoa by the addition of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, IBMX in conjugation with caffeine. Tyrosine phosphorylation was significantly up-regulated following treatment with these two reagents. Treatment of caudal spermatozoa with IBMX and caffeine, time dependent up-regulated phosphorylation of the protein of molecular weights 50 and 200 kDa was observed. Increased phosphorylation was observed with a combination of IBMX and caffeine treatment. Tyrosine phosphorylation in caput spermatozoa was not affected significantly under these conditions. The expression level of tyrosine kinase in sperm was examined with specific inhibitors and with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. The indirect immunofluorescence staining was carried out on ethanol permeabilized sperm using anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. Western blot analysis was done using two separate PKA antibodies: anti-PKA catalytic and anti-PKA RIalpha. Almost no difference was found in the intracellular presence of the PKA RIalpha and RIIalpha subunits in caput and caudal epididymal spermatozoa. However, the catalytic subunit seemed to be present in higher amount in caudal spermatozoa. The results show that caprine sperm displays an enhancement of phosphorylation in the tyrosine residues of specific proteins under in vitro capacitation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhumouli Chatterjee
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, C.I.T. Scheme, VII-M, Kolakata, 700054, India
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29
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Tollner TL, Vandevoort CA, Yudin AI, Treece CA, Overstreet JW, Cherr GN. Release of DEFB126 from macaque sperm and completion of capacitation are triggered by conditions that simulate periovulatory oviductal fluid. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:431-43. [PMID: 18937315 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Capacitation of macaque sperm in vitro has been achieved efficiently only with the addition of both cyclic nucleotides and methylxanthines. The use of these exogenous sperm activators clouds an understanding of the normal mechanisms underlying capacitation and may slow early embryo development following in vitro fertilization (IVF). We demonstrate that culture medium which simulates periovulatory oviductal fluid with respect to bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)) and glucose concentration induces capacitation in a high percentage of macaque sperm as determined by the ability of sperm to undergo both the release of coating protein DEFB126 and the zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction (AR). Few sperm were able to undergo the AR following 6 hr incubation in medium containing either 35 mM HCO(3)(-) (approximately 7.2 pH) or 90 mM HCO(3)(-) (approximately pH 7.8) with 5 mM glucose. When glucose concentration was lowered to 0.5 mM to match levels reported for women at midcycle, the AR rate increased significantly in sperm incubated in both levels of HCO(3)(-), indicating that glucose interferes with sperm responsiveness to increasing HCO(3)(-) concentration observed in the primate oviduct during ovulation. Even greater synchronization of capacitation could be achieved with nonphysiologic extremes of alkalinity or energy substrate deprivation. In the latter case, sperm achieved high rates of IVF. A shift in pH from 7.2 to 7.8 in a HEPES-buffered medium was sufficient to remove DEFB126 from the surface of most sperm after only 3 hr. The loss of DEFB126 from sperm under periovulaory fluid conditions has implications for the timing of release of sperm from the oviductal reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore L Tollner
- Center for Health and the Environment, Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California 94923, USA
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30
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Pons-Rejraji H, Bailey JL, Leclerc P. Cryopreservation affects bovine sperm intracellular parameters associated with capacitation and acrosome exocytosis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2009; 21:525-37. [PMID: 19383259 DOI: 10.1071/rd07170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2007] [Accepted: 12/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although semen cryopreservation is widely and commonly used in the bovine breeding industry, half the spermatozoa do not survive and most of those that do survive undergo numerous physiological changes that affect their fertilising ability. The aim of the present study was to determine how cryopreservation affects the intracellular events involved in sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. Immediately after thawing and washing, almost 50% of spermatozoa were capacitated and more than 20% had lost their acrosome. The sperm cAMP concentration was lower than that in freshly ejaculated spermatozoa, but the cytosolic pH (pHcyt) was in the expected range. The free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) was higher than in fresh spermatozoa and cryopreserved spermatozoa had internally stored Ca2+. Phenylarsine oxide increased pHcyt and both cytosolic and stored Ca2+ concentrations, whereas orthovanadate enhanced acrosome loss and protein tyrosine phosphorylation (P-Tyr). Heparin increased the percentage of spermatozoa expressing the B (capacitated) chlortetracycline binding pattern, pHcyt, P-Tyr and Ca2+ storage. Moreover, positive correlations exist between capacitation, cAMP, P-Tyr and stored Ca2+, whereas the acrosome reaction is positively correlated with pHcyt and [Ca2+]cyt. These results demonstrate that sperm regulatory mechanisms may be affected by the cryopreservation procedure, but frozen-thawed sperm can still regulate their capacitation and acrosome reaction signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanae Pons-Rejraji
- Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
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31
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Pons-Rejraji H, Bailey JL, Leclerc P. Modulation of bovine sperm signalling pathways: correlation between intracellular parameters and sperm capacitation and acrosome exocytosis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2009; 21:511-24. [PMID: 19383258 DOI: 10.1071/rd07169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2007] [Accepted: 12/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the viability, intracellular pH (pHi), cAMP ([cAMP]i), calcium concentration and protein phosphotyrosine content were evaluated in relation to the acrosomal and capacitation status of freshly ejaculated bull spermatozoa. These parameters were evaluated before and after incubation with the capacitation inducer heparin, the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), the phosphotyrosyl-protein phosphatase inhibitors phenylarsine oxide (PAO) and sodium orthovanadate, and hydrogen peroxide. The results obtained were integrated to address the physiological interactions between the different signalling events affecting sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. As expected, heparin promoted the expression of the 'B' pattern of chlortetracycline binding, increased pHi, [cAMP]i and the phosphotyrosine content of sperm proteins. The effects of heparin were enhanced by IBMX. Both PAO and sodium orthovanadate stimulated protein phosphotyrosine content and acrosomal exocytosis, although only PAO affected pH, Ca2+ and cAMP levels. Intracellular pH was increased while both Ca2+ and [cAMP]i were decreased. Physiological concentrations of H2O2 increased [cAMP]i and promoted acrosomal exocytosis. A significant positive correlation was found between sperm capacitation, protein phosphotyrosine content and stored Ca2+ concentration, whereas the acrosome reaction was correlated with pHi and Ca2+ concentration. This study presents the first global analysis of the major elements individually described during sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction signalling pathways, supported by statistical correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanae Pons-Rejraji
- Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
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32
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Effects of nonylphenol on motility and subcellular elements of epididymal rat sperm. Reprod Toxicol 2009; 28:542-9. [PMID: 19539023 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2008] [Revised: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 06/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Nonylphenol (NP) is an important environmental toxicant and potential endocrine disrupting chemical. The objective of these studies was to determine the effects of NP on epididymal rat sperm in vitro. Epididymal sperm samples from Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated in 1, 10, 100, 250, and 500 microg/ml NP for 1, 2, 3, or 4h. Computer-assisted sperm analysis was used to determine motility. Epifluorescent microscopy was used to determine acrosomal status and flow cytometry was used to determine mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and chromatin integrity. Exposure of epididymal rat sperm to 250 or 500 microg/ml NP was highly detrimental to motility (P<0.05), with complete loss of motility observed after exposure to 500 microg/ml NP (P<0.05). The acrosomal integrity of sperm was significantly reduced with the lowest concentration (1 microg/ml) of NP, and higher concentrations resulted in a dose-dependent induction of the acrosomal reaction (P<0.05). Similarly, the percentage of sperm with high MMP declined dramatically after exposure to 100, 250, and 500 microg/ml NP (P<0.05). Duration of NP exposure did not have any effect on motility or MMP and NP did not appear to have detrimental effects on chromatin integrity (P>0.05). These results indicate that major mechanism of action of NP on rat sperm is by adversely affecting their acrosomal integrity. However, NP-induced impaired sperm motility, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential also likely to play an important role in destruction of sperm function.
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33
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Colás C, Grasa P, Casao A, Gallego M, Abecia JA, Forcada F, Cebrián-Pérez JA, Muiño-Blanco T. Changes in calmodulin immunocytochemical localization associated with capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis of ram spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2008; 71:789-800. [PMID: 19081128 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2008] [Revised: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 10/14/2008] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the localization of calmodulin (CaM) in ram sperm and the possible changes during in vitro capacitation (CA) and the ionophore-induced acrosome reaction (AR). Likewise, changes in intracellular calcium levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) were also analysed by using flow cytometry. CA was induced in vitro in a medium containing BSA, CaCl(2), NaHCO(3), and AR by the addition of the calcium ionophore A23187. The acrosomal status was assessed by the chlortetracycline-fluorescence (CTC) assay. Flow cytometry (FC) analyses were performed by loading samples with Fluo-3 AM, that emits fluorescence at a high [Ca(2+)](i), combined with propidium iodide (PI) that allowed us to discriminate sperm with/without an integral plasma membrane both with high/low [Ca(2+)](i). Immunocytochemistry localized CaM to the flagellum, and some sperm also contained CaM in the head (equatorial and post-acrosomal regions). CA and AR resulted in a slight increase in the post-acrosomal labelling. The treatment of sperm with increasing concentrations of two CaM antagonists, W7 and calmidazolium (CZ), accounted for an increase in capacitated and acrosome-reacted CTC-sperm patterns. CZ induced a significant reduction in the content of three protein tyrosine-phosphorylated bands of approximately of 30, 40 and 45kDa. However, W7 showed no significant effect at any of the studied concentrations. Neither of them significantly influenced protein serine and threonine phosphorylation. FC analysis revealed that the main subpopulation in the control samples contained 70% of the total sperm with integral plasma membrane and a medium [Ca(2+)](i). After CA, 67.1% of the sperm preserved an integral membrane with a higher [Ca(2+)](i). After AR, only 7.2% of the total sperm preserved intact membranes with a very high [Ca(2+)](i). These results imply that CaM appears to be involved in ram sperm capacitation, and both treatments increased its localization in the post-acrosomal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Colás
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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Ignotz GG, Cho MY, Suarez SS. Annexins Are Candidate Oviductal Receptors for Bovine Sperm Surface Proteins and Thus May Serve to Hold Bovine Sperm in the Oviductal Reservoir1. Biol Reprod 2007; 77:906-13. [PMID: 17715429 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.062505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm of eutherian mammals are held in a storage reservoir in the caudal segment of the oviduct by binding to the mucosal epithelium. The reservoir serves to maintain the fertility of sperm during storage and to reduce the incidence of polyspermic fertilization. Bovine sperm bind to the epithelium via seminal vesicle secretory proteins in the bovine seminal plasma protein (BSP) family, namely, PDC109 (BSPA1/A2), BSPA3, and BSP30K, which coat the sperm head. Our objective was to identify the receptors for bull sperm on the oviductal epithelium. Proteins extracted from apical plasma membrane preparations of bovine oviductal epithelium were subjected to affinity purification using purified BSPs bound to corresponding antibodies conjugated to Protein A agarose beads. Oviductal protein bands of approximately 34 and 36 kDa were eluted by EGTA from the beads and identified by tandem mass spectrometry as annexins (ANXAs) 1, 2, 4, and 5. Subsequently, antibodies to each of the ANXAs were found to inhibit sperm binding to explants of oviductal epithelium. Anti-ANXA antibodies labeled the apical surfaces and cilia of the mucosal epithelium in sections of bovine oviduct. Western blots confirmed the presence of ANXAs in apical plasma membranes. Because fucose had been determined to be a critical component of the oviductal receptor, the ANXAs were immunoprecipitated from solubilized apical plasma membranes and were probed with Lotus tetragonolobus lectin to verify the presence of fucose. Thus, these ANXAs are strong candidates for the sperm receptors on bovine oviductal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- George G Ignotz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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Vadnais ML, Galantino-Homer HL, Althouse GC. Current concepts of molecular events during bovine and porcine spermatozoa capacitation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 53:109-23. [PMID: 17612869 DOI: 10.1080/01485010701329386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are required to undergo the processes of capacitation before they obtain fertilizing ability. The molecular changes of capacitation are still not fully understood. However, it is accepted that capacitation is a sequential process involving numerous physiological changes including destabilization of the plasma membrane, alterations of intracellular ion concentrations and membrane potential, and protein phosphorylation. There are no known morphological changes that occur to the spermatozoon during capacitation. The purpose of this review is to summarize current evidence on the molecular aspects of capacitation both in vivo and in vitro in bovine and porcine spermatozoa. For the purpose of this review, the process of sperm capacitation will encompass maturational events that occur following ejaculation up to binding to the zona pellucida, that triggers acrosomal exocytosis and initiates fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Vadnais
- Department of Urologic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Grasa P, Cebrián-Pérez JA, Muiño-Blanco T. Signal transduction mechanisms involved in in vitro ram sperm capacitation. Reproduction 2007; 132:721-32. [PMID: 17071773 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We validate the chlortetracycline (CTC) technique for the evaluation of capacitation and acrosome reaction-like changes in ram sperm, carrying out a double estimation of the acrosome status after treatment with lysophosphatidylcholine, using fluorescein isocyanate (FITC)-RCA/ethidium homodimer 1 (EthD-1) and CTC/EthD-1. Highly consistent results and a positive correlation between the results of acrosome-reacted sperm evaluated with both techniques were obtained. In this study, we evaluate the effects of ram sperm capacitation of BSA, Ca(2+), NaHCO(3) and cAMP agonists and their influence on the associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation. We found a time-dependent increase in capacitation related to protein tyrosine phosphorylation, either in the absence or the presence of BSA. The addition of an increasing concentration of cholesterol to samples containing BSA did not influence results. The effect of bicarbonate was concentration-dependent, with a significantly lowered value of non-capacitated sperm in the presence 18 and 25 mM. The addition of extracellular calcium did not significantly increase either the proportion of capacitated sperm or the protein tyrosine phosphorylation signalling, although a significantly higher value of acrosome-reacted sperm was found in samples containing 4 mM Ca(2+). cAMP agonists increased capacitated sperm and protein tyrosine phosphorylation signalling. The inhibition of protein kinase A by H-89 caused a decrease in sperm capacitation. Addition of a calcium-entry blocker (Verapamil; Sigma) did not influence results, which suggests that the calcium entry blocker was unable to inhibit the calcium influx associated with capacitation in ram sperm. Our findings might benefit our understanding of the biochemical mechanisms involved in mammalian sperm capacitation and ultimately, fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Grasa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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Mor V, Das T, Bhattacharjee M, Chatterjee T. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation of a heparin-binding sperm membrane mitogen (HBSM) is associated with capacitation and acrosome reaction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 352:404-9. [PMID: 17126299 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2006] [Accepted: 11/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphorylation in spermatozoa is associated with epididymal maturation and though to be central for attainment of a capacitated state and expression of hyperactivated motility. Heparin, the most highly sulfated glycosaminoglycans, was also the most potent at stimulating the acrosomal reaction in bovine epididymal spermatozoa. Studies using radiolabeled inorganic phosphate showed 11-fold increase (32)Pi incorporation in heparin-binding sperm membrane protein (HBSM) during spermatozoal capacitation, and the phosphorylation occurs at the tyrosine residue. Epididymal spermatozoa were induced to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction by 70% when the cells were incubated in BWW medium supplemented with heparin. The spermatozoa pre-treated with anti-HBSM antibody showed 46% reduction in the hyperactivated motility and lowers the acrosome reaction. This was confirms by measuring the hydrolysis of benzoyl-l-arginine ethyl ether (BAEE) by the acrosomal enzyme; acrosin. The preliminary finding suggests that HBSM may play an important role in the sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Visesato Mor
- Gamete Immunology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, W.B., India
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Tabish M, Clegg RA, Turner PC, Jonczy J, Rees HH, Fisher MJ. Molecular characterisation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PK-A) catalytic subunit isoforms in the male tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2006; 150:330-9. [PMID: 17049629 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2006.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2006] [Revised: 09/11/2006] [Accepted: 09/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A, PK-A) plays a central role in the regulation of diverse aspects of cellular activity. Specifically, PK-A appears to play a key controlling role in the maturation of spermatids. Using a PCR-based approach, with degenerate primers from the highly conserved regions of the PK-A catalytic (C) subunit in combination with 5' and 3' RACE, we have cloned three cDNAs for the PK-A C-subunit of the male tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. The three cDNAs have open reading frames of 1059, 1275 and 1404bp which encode proteins of 40.6, 48.2 and 52.5kDa, respectively. These transcripts appear to arise from 5' alternative splicing of RNA derived from a single gene for the PK-A C-subunit. One isoform (AH-PK-A C1), in common with PK-A C-subunits from a range of species, contains a consensus sequence for N-myristoylation. RT-PCR and Western blot experiments suggest that the three splice variants are expressed ubiquitously; however, expression of the myristoylatable AH-PK-A C1 isoform is predominant in all investigated tissues (accessory gland, midgut, Malpighian tubules, salivary gland, testis and immature spermatids). There is no evidence for a sperm-specific PK-A C-subunit (Cs) in tick sperm; however, tyrosine protein phosphorylation, previously shown to be modulated by PK-A activity during mammalian sperm maturation, was observed in tick sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Tabish
- Cellular Regulation and Signalling Group, School of Biological Sciences, Biosciences Building, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
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Bergqvist AS, Ballester J, Johannisson A, Hernandez M, Lundeheim N, Rodríguez-Martínez H. In vitrocapacitation of bull spermatozoa by oviductal fluid and its components. ZYGOTE 2006; 14:259-73. [PMID: 16822337 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199406003777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Accepted: 03/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummarySperm capacitation is crucial for fertilization. However, debate continues on exactly how, where and when capacitation is elicited in the bovine female genital tract. In this study we used merocyanine-540 and the chlortetracycline (CTC) assay to test how capacitation of bull spermatozoa is affectedin vitroby exposure to oviductal fluid (ODF) collectedin vivo, various glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or bicarbonate. Following different durations of exposure, spermatozoa were stained with CTC or merocyanine-540, and evaluated with epifluorescent light microscopy or flow cytometry, respectively. Incubation time did not significantly affect capacitation. Exposure (30–120 min) to ODF capacitated (p< 0.05) bull spermatozoa as measured by either merocyanine-540 or CTC. Hyaluronan was the only GAG that induced a significant increase in B-pattern spermatozoa (capacitated;p= 0.012) compared with controls. Dermatan sulphate also induced capacitation (merocyanine-540 high fluorescence;p= 0.035). Exposure to bicarbonate-enriched media also yielded an increase in merocyanine-540 high fluorescence (p< 0.0001). When bicarbonate was added to the other treatments (ODF or GAGs) an equal increase in merocyanine-540 high fluorescence was noted (p< 0.0001), compared with before addition of bicarbonate and independent of the treatment before exposure. There was no significant difference in the number of B-pattern spermatozoa when bicarbonate was added, but an significant increase in spermatozoa with an acrosome-reacted (AR)-pattern (p< 0.0001) was observed. Exposure of spermatozoa to solubilized zonae pellucidae significantly increased the AR-pattern spermatozoa (p= 0.016). In conclusion, ODF was more potent in inducing capacitation of bull spermatozoa than the individual GAGs. Our results also indicate that bicarbonate is an effector of bull sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofi Bergqvist
- Division of Comparative Reproduction, Obstetrics and Udder Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
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Bergqvist AS, Rodríguez-Martínez H. Sulphated glycosaminoglycans (S-GAGs) and syndecans in the bovine oviduct. Anim Reprod Sci 2006; 93:46-60. [PMID: 16098694 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2005] [Revised: 06/09/2005] [Accepted: 06/23/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In vivo, bull sperm capacitation seems to occur mainly in the oviduct. Capacitation of bull spermatozoa can be triggered in vitro by exposure to heparin, a heavily sulphated glycosaminoglycan (S-GAG). We determined the concentration of S-GAGs in oviductal fluid from dairy heifers, collected over the course of several oestrous cycles via surgically implanted intraluminal catheters. We also investigated the presence of syndecans, i.e. heparan sulphate proteoglycans, in the bovine oviductal epithelium of Swedish dairy cattle during standing oestrus and the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle, using immunohistochemistry for three different polyclonal antibodies raised against human syndecan-2 and rat syndecan-1 and syndecan-2, respectively. The concentration of S-GAGs in oviductal fluid obtained from the ampullar segment of the oviduct was significantly higher (P=0.0026) than it was in fluid from the isthmic segment during the functional period, i.e. from prooestrus to metaoestrus (73.5+/-10.49 mg/L in ampullar ODF, compared to 43.2+/-10.74 mg/L in isthmic ODF); least square mean (L.S.M.)+/-standard error of the mean (S.E.M.). There was also a significantly higher concentration of S-GAGs in the fluid from the oviduct ipsilateral to the ovulation side 73.5+/-10.54 mg/L on the ovulation side, compared to 43.1+/-10.71 mg/L in the oviduct on the contralateral side (L.S.M.+/-S.E.M., P=0.0026) during this period. Both syndecan-1 and syndecan-2 were present in the epithelial cells lining all studied segments of the bovine oviduct, i.e. the UTJ, isthmus and ampulla, during both standing oestrus and dioestrus. The syndecans and S-GAGs found may influence the gametes, while they reside in the oviduct; the amounts of S-GAGs found in the bovine oviduct seem sufficient to act as capacitating factors in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofi Bergqvist
- Division of Comparative Reproduction, Obstetrics and Udder Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden.
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O'Flaherty C, Beorlegui N, Beconi MT. Heparin- and superoxide anion-dependent capacitation of cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa: requirement of dehydrogenases and protein kinases. Free Radic Res 2006; 40:427-32. [PMID: 16517508 DOI: 10.1080/10715760600577856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Capacitation is part of an oxidative process necessary for bovine spermatozoa to acquire fertilizing capacity. This process includes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the participation of protein kinases such as A (PKA), C (PKC) and tyrosine kinase (PTK). A redox status is required to support both sperm motility and capacitation. Our aim was to determine the requirement of lactate dehydrogenase C4 (LDH-C4) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-ICDH) and of protein kinases in cryopreserved bovine sperm capacitation. The presence of inhibitors of both LDH-C4 and NADP-ICDH prevented the heparin-induced capacitation. H89, GF109203X or genistein blocked capacitation triggered by heparin or the superoxide (O(-*)(2))generator system xanthine-xanthine oxidase-catalase (XXOC) suggesting the requirement of PKA, PKC and PTK in this process. Taken together these results suggest that LDH-C4 and NADP-ICDH contribute with the redox status to support bovine sperm capacitation and that PKA, PKC and PTK are involved in different mechanisms induced by different inducers that lead bovine spermatozoa to be capacitated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian O'Flaherty
- Area of Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Mor V, Das T, Ray K, Chatterjee T. A heparin-binding membrane protein from goat spermatozoa immobilizes spermatozoa in the presence of complement. Fertil Steril 2006; 85 Suppl 1:1142-9. [PMID: 16616086 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2004] [Revised: 09/02/2005] [Accepted: 09/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the major membrane protein of goat spermatozoa. DESIGN Basic research. SETTING Samples collected from local slaughterhouse and study conducted in an academic research environment. PATIENT(S) Goat epididymal tissue. INTERVENTION(S) Goat epididymal tissues were collected immediately after slaughter and the spermatozoa were isolated within 2 hours. Sperm immobilization test was performed with motile spermatozoa at 32 degrees C within 3-4 hours of collection and isolation of the cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The heparin-binding sperm membrane protein (HBSM) of goat is insensitive to trypsin and its antisera immobilize spermatozoa in presence of complement. RESULT(S) Forty-two percent of membrane protein could be extracted with 0.25% (wt/vol) 3-[(3-Cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) from the isolated sperm membrane. By heparin-affinity chromatography, 46% of the extracted protein was recovered. Positive hybridization with radiolabeled heparin on western transfer confirmed the heparin-binding property of the protein (HBSM). Heparin binding to HBSM is an ionic bondage and can be disrupted by 1 M NaCl, as revealed by 86% recovery of the radiolabeled heparin in trichloroacetic acid-precipitated supernatant of [(125)I] heparin-HBSM conjugate. Heparin-binding sperm membrane protein is localized at the anterior region of the spermatozoal head. No detectable proteolytic fragment of HBSM was detected after limited digestion by trypsin. Heparin-binding sperm membrane protein antisera (1:10,000 titer) developed from rabbit did not recognize the denatured protein. The antisera inhibited spermatozoal motility in a complement-dependent manner. CONCLUSION(S) We suggest that the heparin-binding motif of the spermatozoal membrane protein might be required in modulation of the spermatozoal motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Visesato Mor
- Gamete Immunology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, W.B., India
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Lalancette C, Bordeleau LJ, Faure RL, Leclerc P. Bull testicular haploid germ cells express a messenger encoding for a truncated form of the protein tyrosine kinase HCK. Mol Reprod Dev 2006; 73:520-30. [PMID: 16432821 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a process that has been studied worldwide during sperm capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis events. Although few capacitation-induced phosphotyrosine-containing proteins have been identified, little is known about the tyrosine kinases directly involved in this post-translational modification. Different studies from our and other groups using tyrosine kinase inhibitors suggest the involvement of members of the family of src-related tyrosine kinases in the sperm capacitation associated increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Using a molecular biology approach, we report for the first time messengers encoding for members from the src-related tyrosine kinase family in bovine spermatogenic cells. Degenerated primers were designed within a highly homologous region specific to the family of src tyrosine kinases, and RNAs coding for c-src, c-yes, lyn, lck, and hck were identified in bull testis and haploid germ cells by RT-PCR. We also report the presence of a messenger in haploid bull germ cells that could encode for a truncated isoform of the hck tyrosine kinase. This messenger was detected by screening of a haploid germ cells cDNA library using the RT-PCR product homologous to hck as a probe. The presence of this transcript in haploid germ cell RNA preparations was validated by RT-PCR, 3'RACE, 5'RACE as well as Northern blot. Such a truncated protein could function as an adaptor protein or as a competitive inhibitor in spermiogenesis or mature sperm functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lalancette
- Département d'Obstétrique/Gynécologie, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Université Laval and Endocrinologie de la Reproduction, Centre de recherche du CHUQ, Québec, Canada
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Kawakami E, Nishizono Y, Miyata C, Hirano T, Hori T, Tsutsui T. Effects of Hyaluronic Acid on Ca<sup>2+</sup> Influx, Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity, and Cyclic AMP Synthesis in Canine Ejaculated Sperm during <i>In Vitro</i> Capacitation. J Vet Med Sci 2006; 68:119-23. [PMID: 16520532 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.68.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of hyaluronic acid, which comprises the cumulus intercellular matrix, on Ca(2+) influx, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and cyclic AMP synthesis in canine sperm during capacitation was investigated. Ejaculated sperm were collected from 10 Beagle dogs and the sperm were incubated for 4 hr in Eagle's MEM containing 10 microg/ml of hyaluronic acid. The percentages of actively motile sperm, hyperactivated sperm (HA-sperm), acrosome-reacted sperm (AR-sperm), and sperm labeled with fluoresceinated Ca(2+) indicator (Ca(2+)-labeled sperm) were evaluated to assess Ca(2+) influx into the sperm. LDH activity and cAMP concentration were measured in homogenized sperm. The mean percentages of motile sperm, HA-sperm, and Ca(2+)-labeled sperm in the MEM containing hyaluronic acid were higher than in the control medium (P<0.05, 0.05, and 0.01, respectively), but there was no difference between the percentages of AR-sperm. Mean LDH activity and mean cAMP concentration were also significantly higher than the control values (P<0.05). The percentages of HA-sperm correlated with those of Ca(2+)-labeled sperm (r(2)=0.810). The results indicate that hyaluronic acid increases Ca(2+) influx, LDH activity, and cAMP synthesis in canine ejaculated sperm during capacitation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiichi Kawakami
- Department of Reproduction, Nippon Veterinary and Animal Science University, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
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Tardif S, Lefièvre L, Gagnon C, Bailey JL. Implication of cAMP during porcine sperm capacitation and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 69:428-35. [PMID: 15457543 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Second messengers are involved in sperm fertilizing potential, as both motility and the acrosome reaction are influenced by cAMP. Moreover, the activity of cyclic nucleotides is implicated in the appearance of tyrosine phosphorylated sperm proteins, which is associated with capacitation in the mammalian spermatozoa. Nevertheless, the involvement of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PK-A) pathway during pig sperm capacitation may be different from that observed in other mammals. The objective of the present study was to clarify the cAMP/PK-A pathway during the capacitation of porcine spermatozoa and to evaluate this impact on the p32 sperm tyrosine phosphoprotein appearance. The presence of p32 was assessed after incubating fresh pig sperm with IBMX/db-cAMP, H-89, a PK-A inhibitor or bistyrphostin, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in capacitating (CM) or non-capacitating conditions (NCM) by immunoblotting SDS-extracted and separated sperm proteins using an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. When pig spermatozoa were incubated in CM supplemented with H-89 (50 microM) or bistyrphostin (1.2 microM), capacitation decreased significantly (P < 0.001). The p32 sperm tyrosine phosphoprotein, previously shown to be associated with capacitation of porcine sperm though not necessarily an end point of this phenomenon, was not modulated by IBMX/db-cAMP (100 microM/1 mM), H-89 (50 microM) nor bistyrphostin (1.2 microM). Our results indicate, therefore, that pig sperm are regulated somewhat differently than as described for other mammals, because although the cAMP/PK-A and tyrosine kinase pathways are involved in capacitation, they do not influence the appearance of p32.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Tardif
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des sciences animales, Université Laval, Sainte-Foy, Québec, Canada
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Gualtieri R, Boni R, Tosti E, Zagami M, Talevi R. Intracellular calcium and protein tyrosine phosphorylation during the release of bovine sperm adhering to the fallopian tube epithelium in vitro. Reproduction 2005; 129:51-60. [PMID: 15615898 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, sperm adhesion to the epithelial cells lining the oviductal isthmus plays a key role in the maintenance of motility and in the selection of superior quality subpopulations. In the bovine species, heparin and other sulfated glycoconjugates powerfully induce the synchronous release of sperm adhering to tubal epitheliumin vitroand may represent the signal which triggers release at ovulationin vivo. Sperm detachment may be due either to surface remodeling or to hyperactivation brought about by capacitation. In this paper, the dynamics of intracellular free Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm during and after heparin-induced release fromin vitrocultured oviductal monolayers were assessed to determine whether this event is due to capacitation. Moreover, Ca2+-ionophore A23187, thapsigargin, thimerosal and caffeine were used to determine whether [Ca2+]iincrease and/or hyperactivation can induce sperm release. Results showed that: 1. heparin-released sperm have significantly higher [Ca2+]ithan adhering sperm; 2. heparin induces a [Ca2+]ielevation in the sperm head followed by detachment from the monolayers; 3. external Ca2+is not required for heparin-induced release; 4. [Ca2+]iincrease and/or hyperactivation are unable to release sperm; and 5. heparin-released sperm have an increased level of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins compared with adhering sperm. In conclusion, although heparin is considered a long-lasting capacitation agent, it quickly modulates the capacitation of bovine sperm adhering to the fallopian epithelium, probably leading to surface remodeling and therefore to the release of sperm selected and stored within the oviduct through adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gualtieri
- Dipartimento di Biologia Evolutiva e Comparata, Università di Napoli 'Federico II', Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
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Galantino-Homer HL, Florman HM, Storey BT, Dobrinski I, Kopf GS. Bovine sperm capacitation: assessment of phosphodiesterase activity and intracellular alkalinization on capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Mol Reprod Dev 2004; 67:487-500. [PMID: 14991741 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm capacitation is the obligatory maturational process leading to the development of the fertilization-competent state. Heparin is known to be a unique species-specific inducer of bovine sperm capacitation in vitro and glucose a unique inhibitor of this induction. Heparin-induced capacitation of bovine sperm has been shown to correlate with protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation driven by an increase in intracellular cAMP. This study examines the possible roles of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity and intracellular alkalinization on bovine sperm capacitation and the protein tyrosine phosphorylation associated with it. Measurement of whole cell PDE kinetics during capacitation reveals neither a substantial change with heparin nor one with glucose: PDE activity is effectively constitutive in maintaining intracellular cAMP levels during capacitation. In contrast to a transient increase in intracellular pH, a sustained increase in medium pH by switching from 5% CO(2)/95% air incubation to 1% CO(2)/99% air incubation over 4 hr in the absence of heparin resulted in an increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation and in the extent of induced acrosome reaction comparable to that observed following heparin-induced capacitation in 5% CO(2). These results suggest that increased bicarbonate-dependent adenylyl cyclase activity, driven by alkalinization, increases intracellular cAMP and so increases PKA activity mediating protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Quantitative analysis of the lactic acid production rate by bovine sperm glycolysis accounts fully for intracellular acidification sufficient to offset heparin-induced alkalinization, thus inhibiting capacitation. The mechanism by which heparin uniquely induces intracellular alkalinization in bovine sperm leading to capacitation remains obscure, inviting future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Galantino-Homer
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Herrick JR, Bartels P, Krisher RL. Postthaw Evaluation of In Vitro Function of Epididymal Spermatozoa from Four Species of Free-Ranging African Bovids1. Biol Reprod 2004; 71:948-58. [PMID: 15151928 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.026831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
An improved understanding of reproductive physiology in nondomestic bovids is necessary for the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for use in the conservation of endangered bovids. In this study, epididymal spermatozoa were recovered from blesbok (Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), and black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) following organized culls in South Africa. Our objectives were 1) to characterize the quality of epididymal spermatozoa, 2) evaluate the effectiveness of a cryopreservation protocol, and 3) compare postthaw sperm longevity (motility, viability, and acrosomal integrity) and functionality in two culture media with two capacitation reagents (caffeine and heparin). Following recovery, spermatozoa were diluted in EQ extender, slow-cooled, and frozen in the presence of 5% glycerol. Thawed spermatozoa were separated on a Percoll gradient and diluted in fertilization media (SOF for fertilization [SOFfert]; 0.6% BSA, 0.0 mM glucose, 25.0 mM NaHCO(3)) or modified SOFfert (1.2% BSA, 1.5 mM glucose, 37.0 mM NaHCO(3)) and either heparin or caffeine, and incubated for 6 h. Spermatozoa from these species maintained an average of 64% initial motility after thawing. Incubation medium and capacitation reagent had species-specific effects on the motility, viability, and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa, suggesting ART procedures need to be optimized for each species. Springbok spermatozoa were also shown to be competent for in vitro fertilization. Information from this study concerning sperm physiology in blesbok, African buffalo, springbok, and black wildebeest will be useful in the development of ART for the conservation of these and other species of bovids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Herrick
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Comparative Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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Purohit S, Brahmaraju M, Palta A, Shukla S, Laloraya M, Kumar PG. Impaired E-cadherin expression in human spermatozoa in a male factor infertility subset signifies E-cadherin-mediated adhesion mechanisms operative in sperm–oolemma interactions. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 316:903-9. [PMID: 15033487 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.02.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cadherins comprise a family of calcium-dependent glycoproteins that function in mediating cell-cell adhesion in virtually all solid tissues of multicellular organisms. We have examined the presence of a cadherin on spermatozoon and its possible involvement in sperm-oocyte interaction. Spermatozoa from fertile human subjects showed the presence of E-cadherin on its head domains, detectable only after permeabilization of the surface membranes. On the contrary, spermatozoa from oligozoospermic subjects did not possess E-cadherin on their principal acrosomal and equatorial domains. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot studies also showed the presence of E-cadherin in spermatozoa from fertile males and its absence in oligozoospermic males. Using RT-PCR, we detected E-cadherin message in the round cells of fertile males, which was absent in the cells from oligozoospermic males. The presence of anti-E-cadherin antibody brought about quantitative reduction in the sperm-oocyte binding in vitro. These observations indicate the possibility of the interplay of a cadherin-dependent homophilic and/or heterophilic adhesion interaction between spermatozoa and oocyte during fertilization. The absence of a key adhesion molecule in a human male infertility disorder points towards genetic defects causing failure in gamete interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharad Purohit
- Molecular Reproduction Unit, School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya University, Vigyan Bhawan, Khandwa Road, Indore 452 001, MP, India
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Bennetts L, Lin M, Aitken RJ. Cyclic AMP-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation in tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) spermatozoa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 301:118-30. [PMID: 14743511 DOI: 10.1002/jez.a.20020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite considerable advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating eutherian sperm function, there is a paucity of such knowledge for the Metatheria. In eutherian spermatozoa, the attainment of functional competence is associated with a redox-regulated, cAMP-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation cascade, activated during capacitation. In this report we investigate whether tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) spermatozoa possess a similar signal transduction pathway. Western blot analysis of phosphotyrosine expression in caudal and ejaculated populations of tammar spermatozoa revealed that elevation of intracellular cAMP levels, but not exposure to oxidants or NADPH, induced a dramatic increase in the overall level of tyrosine phosphorylation. Washed, ejaculated spermatozoa exhibited more pronounced increases in tyrosine phosphorylation than unwashed sperm populations. Localisation of tyrosine phosphorylation by immunocytochemistry showed that phosphotyrosine residues were principally located along the tammar sperm flagellum, and occasionally at a small region of the sperm head, adjacent to the acrosome. Associated with the tyrosine phosphorylation of tammar spermatozoa, was a change in sperm head conformation to a T-shaped orientation, further implying the importance of these pathways to normal tammar sperm function. Redox activity, as detected by lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence, was stimulated by NADPH in caudal sperm preparations but not ejaculated spermatozoa. However, neither sperm population responded to treatment with NADPH with changes in intracellular cAMP or tyrosine phosphorylation. In conclusion, tammar spermatozoa possess the same cAMP-mediated, tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signal transduction cascade that has been associated with capacitation in eutherian spermatozoa. However in Metatherian spermatozoa we could find no evidence that this pathway was redox regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liga Bennetts
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
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