Seminal plasma and male factor signalling in the female reproductive tract

2005 ◽  
Vol 322 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Male Factor

scholarly journals Spermatozoa Obtained From Alpaca vas deferens. Effects of Seminal Plasma Added at Post-thawing

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo G. Aisen ◽  
Wilfredo Huanca López ◽  
Manuel G. Pérez Durand ◽  
Edita Torres Mamani ◽  
Juan C. Villanueva Mori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Vas Deferens ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
South American Camelids ◽  
Thawing Process

The viscous seminal plasma (SP) is currently a major impediment to the handling of ejaculate and the development of some biotechnologies in South American camelids. The vas deferens-collected spermatozoa of alpacas is a useful technique to avoid this problem. On the other hand, SP contains a large protein component that has been implicated in the function of spermatozoa within the female reproductive tract. In this sense, the low fertility achieved using transcervical insemination with frozen-thawed spermatozoa in alpacas could be improved by adding SP. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the whole SP on some in vitro parameters of alpaca spermatozoa after the freezing-thawing-process and the fertility after artificial insemination. It would contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between thawed sperm cells and SP. Spermatozoa were obtained by surgically diverted vas deferens. The samples were diluted with a Tris-based extender, packaged in straws, and frozen. At thawing, each straw was divided into two post-thawing conditions: with the addition of 10% of PBS (control) or with 10% SP (treatment). The sperm cells were evaluated using dynamic parameters, sperm cell morphology, and morphometry. Fertility was assessed by an artificial insemination trial. All in vitro parameters were analyzed by ANOVA. A heterogeneity test was scheduled for the fertility trial. After the freezing-thawing process, motility and plasma membrane functionality was improved when SP was added. No differences were found for post-thaw viability between the control and treatment samples. The percentage of normal cells was higher with SP at post-thawing, and a decrease of the presence of bent tailed spermatozoa with a droplet in the SP group was observed. The length of the head spermatozoa was 3.4% higher in the samples with PBS compared to those in which SP was added. Females pregnant at day 25 post-insemination were 0/12 (with SP inside the straw) and 1/10 (without SP inside the straw). In conclusion, the presence of 10% SP at post-thawing improves sperm cells' motility, functionality, and morphology, indicating that it would be beneficial to improve the frozen-thawed alpaca's physiology spermatozoa. More fertility trials must be developed to increase this knowledge.

scholarly journals Heparin- and Zn2+-binding proteins from boar seminal plasma.

1999 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 935-939 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Hołody ◽  
J Strzezek
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Affinity Chromatography ◽  
Molecular Mass ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Heparin Binding ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Protein Components

Low molecular mass, heparin-binding proteins from seminal plasma play an important role in gametes interaction whereas plasmatic Zn2+-binding proteins stabilize chromatin and plasmalemma structures and protect spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract. By means of affinity chromatography the heparin- and Zn2+-binding proteins were isolated from boar seminal plasma and both preparations were analyzed by reverse HPLC. Most of the proteins bound to heparine and Zn2+-ions were classified as spermadhesins. Three fractions binding exclusively Zn2+ were isolated. They differ in amino-acid composition, content of glucosamine and content of protein components revealed by SDS/PAGE.

scholarly journals Seminal Plasma Triggers the Differential Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor (NR3C1/GR) in the Rabbit Reproductive Tract

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2158
Author(s):  
Mateo Ruiz-Conca ◽  
Jaume Gardela ◽  
Amaia Jauregi-Miguel ◽  
Cristina A. Martinez ◽  
Heriberto Rodríguez-Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Expression ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
Morula Stage ◽  
Embryo Transport

Rabbits are interesting as research animal models for reproduction, due to their condition of species of induced ovulation, with the release of endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) due to coitus. Glucocorticoid (GC) signaling, crucial for physiological homeostasis, is mediated through a yet unclear mechanism, by the GC receptor (NR3C1/GR). After mating, the female reproductive tract undergoes dynamic modifications, triggered by gene transcription, a pre-amble for fertilization and pregnancy. This study tested the hypothesis that when ovulation is induced, the expression of NR3C1 is influenced by sperm-free seminal plasma (SP), similarly to after mating (whole semen), along the different segments of the internal reproductive tract of female rabbits. Semen (mating) was compared to vaginal infusion of sperm-free SP (Experiment 1), and changes over time were also evaluated, i.e., 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating, corresponding to specific stages, i.e., ovulation, fertilization, and the interval of early embryo development up to the morula stage (Experiment 2). All does were treated with GnRH to induce ovulation. Samples were retrieved from seven segments of the reproductive tract (from the cervix to infundibulum), at 20 h post-mating or sperm-free SP infusion (Experiment 1) or at 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating (Experiment 2). Gene expression of NR3C1 was analyzed by qPCR. Results showed an increase in NR3C1 expression in the infundibulum compared to the other anatomical regions in the absence of spermatozoa when sperm-free SP infusion was performed (Experiment 1). Moreover, during the embryo transport through the oviduct, the distal isthmus was time-course upregulated, especially at 72 h, when morulae are retained in this anatomical region, while it was downregulated in the distal uterus at 68 h (Experiment 2). The overall results suggest that NR3C1, the GC receptor gene, assessed in the reproductive tract of does for the first time, shows differential expression changes during the interval of oviductal and uterine embryo transport that may imply a relevant role of the GC action, not only close to the site of ovulation and fertilization, but also in the endometrium.

scholarly journals The Vehicle Determines the Destination: The Significance of Seminal Plasma Factors for Male Fertility

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 8499
Author(s):  
Fengli Wang ◽  
Weina Yang ◽  
Sijin Ouyang ◽  
Shuiqiao Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Biological Fluid ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Plasma Factors

Of all human infertility cases, up to 50% show contributing factors leading to defects in the male reproductive physiology. Seminal plasma (SP) is the biological fluid derived from the male accessory sex gland which carries spermatozoa passing throughout the male and female reproductive tract during ejaculation. It contains a complicated set of heterogeneous molecular structures, including proteins, cell-free nucleic acid (DNA, microRNA and LncRNA), and small-molecule metabolites as well as inorganic chemicals (ions). For a long time, the substantial significance of seminal plasma factors’ functions has been underestimated, which is restricted to spermatozoa transport and protection. Notably, significant advancements have been made in dissecting seminal plasma components, revealing new insights into multiple aspects of sperm function, as well as fertilization and pregnancy outcomes in recent years. In this review, we summarize the state-of-art discoveries regarding SP compositions and their implications in male fertility, particularly describing the novel understanding of seminal plasma components and related modifications using “omics” approaches and mainly focusing on proteome and RNA-seq data in the latest decade. Meanwhile, we highlighted the proposed mechanism of the regulation of SP molecules on immunomodulation in the female reproductive tract. Moreover, we also discussed the proteins investigated as non-invasive diagnosis biomarkers for male infertility in the clinic.

scholarly journals 261.Probiotic Lactobacillus in seminal plasma

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 261 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Sivaramakrishnan ◽  
M. J. Jasper ◽  
S. O'Leary ◽  
S. A. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Culture Techniques

Commensal bacteria of the Lactobacillus genus are implicated in beneficial 'probiotic' roles in the gut and other mucosal tissues. Their presence reduces the incidence of pathogenic infections, both passively and via production of antimicrobial substances, and through Toll-like receptor-mediated activation of cytokine expression in host tissues. Lactobacilli are present in the female reproductive tract but have not been examined in the male. This study aimed to investigate, by selective culture techniques and real-time quantitative PCR, the prevalence in boar seminal plasma of Lactobacilli compared with other pathogenic bacteria. Using acidified Rogosa Agar, Lactobacilli were cultured from 3/3 fresh semen samples and were found to be most prevalent in the first fraction of the ejaculate. For PCR, DNA was extracted from reference bacterial cultures and archived seminal plasma samples from 40 healthy boars. Bacterial species-specific primers targeting Lactobacillus 16s and 16s-23s rDNA sequences, and Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus-specific Sau3AI, oprL, and 16s rDNA genes respectively, were used in real-time PCR assays employing SYBRgreen (Applied Biosystems) technology. Lactobacilli were detected in 22/40 (55%) of seminal plasma samples, while pathogenic bacteria were detected in <10% of samples (Staphylococcus aureus, 1/40; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 2/40; and Bacillus, 3/40). The Lactobacillus content of individual boars ranged from 1.5 to 15 × 106 cells/mL, and within boars, content varied within 30% of the mean value in successive samples over a 6-month period. We conclude that Lactobacilli are present in abundance in boar seminal plasma compared to other potentially pathogenic bacteria. These bacteria may protect the male tract from pathogen infection, and after ejaculation, may influence the female immune response to male antigens. Ongoing studies will investigate whether Lactobacilli abundance in seminal plasma correlates with boar fertility, and examine the potential value of improving reproductive performance in pigs and other species by administration of probiotic agents.

scholarly journals Biochemical and mass spectrometric characterization of soluble ecto-5'-nucleotidase from bull seminal plasma

2003 ◽  
Vol 372 (2) ◽  
pp. 443-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo FINI ◽  
Fabio TALAMO ◽  
Silvia CHERRI ◽  
Marcello COLI ◽  
Ardesio FLORIDI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Attachment Site ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Disease States ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
Mammalian Tissues ◽  
Molecular Modelling Studies ◽  
Modelling Studies ◽  
Membrane Bound

Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (ecto-5′-NT) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane-bound protein that is ubiquitous in mammalian tissues. It is a target for a number of therapeutic drugs since increased levels of the enzyme correlate with various disease states. In this investigation, we describe the properties of a soluble ecto-5′-NT derived from bull seminal plasma. The protein was highly heterogeneous as demonstrated by chromatofocusing and two-dimensional PAGE. Sequencing analyses revealed a truncated polypeptide lacking the glycosylphospatidylinositol attachment site, suggesting that it is produced post-translationally by cleavage at Gln547 and/or Phe548. Heterogeneity was largely due to differential glycosylation, especially in the oligosaccharides linked to Asn403. Significant differences in substrate specificity were observed between isoforms and, on the basis of molecular-modelling studies, were interpreted in terms of variable glycosylation causing steric hindrance of the substrate-binding site. Thus the soluble forms of ecto-5′-NT found in bull seminal plasma are unique both biochemically and structurally, and have a putative role in signalling interactions with spermatozoa following ejaculation and capacitation in the female reproductive tract.

Transforming growth factor-? (TGF?) in porcine seminal plasma

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean O'Leary ◽  
David T. Armstrong ◽  
Sarah A. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Interferon Γ ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Active Constituent ◽  
Sperm Density

Bioactive factors in seminal plasma induce cellular and molecular changes in the female reproductive tract after coitus. An active constituent of seminal plasma in mice and humans is the potent immune-modulating cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). To investigate whether TGFβ is present in boar seminal plasma, TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 were measured by immunoassay. High levels of TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 were detected in 100% of seminal fluid samples from 73 boars. Both were predominantly in the active, not latent form. Interferon-γ (IFNγ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), agents that interact with TGFβ signalling, were detectable in 5% and 100% of samples, respectively. TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 concentrations varied widely between boars, but correlated with each other and with sperm density, and remained relatively constant within individual boars over a 6-month period. Frequent semen collection substantially diminished the concentration of both TGFβ isoforms. Using retrospective breeding data for 44 boars, no correlation between TGFβ content and boar reproductive performance by artificial insemination (AI) with diluted semen was found. It is concluded that TGFβ is abundant in boar seminal plasma, leading to the speculation that, in pigs, TGFβ may be a male–female signalling agent involved in immune changes in the female reproductive tract elicited by seminal fluid.

PARTICIPATION OF SEMINAL PLASMA DURING THE PASSAGE OF SPERMATOZOA IN THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF THE PIG AND HORSE

1956 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. MANN ◽  
C. POLGE ◽  
L. E. A. ROWSON
Keyword(s):  
Citric Acid ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Fallopian Tubes ◽  
Chemical Methods ◽  
Quantitative Manner

SUMMARY Chemical methods for the analysis of three characteristic constituents of seminal plasma, namely, fructose, citric acid and ergothioneine, were applied in an attempt to evaluate in a quantitative manner the participation of seminal plasma in the passage of sperm along the female reproductive tract of two species, the pig and the horse. At specified intervals after mating, the reproductive tract of the gilt and the mare, respectively, was exposed, the uterine horns and Fallopian tubes clamped into several segments and the contents of the isolated portions withdrawn for analysis. In the gilt, about 40 min after mating, the uterine horns were found to be filled with semen containing spermatozoa, as well as fructose, ergothioneine and citric acid, but 6 hr after mating the bulk of sperm and seminal plasma had disappeared. In the mare, 50 min after mating, spermatozoa, ergothioneine and citric acid were recovered from both uterine horns, in proportions resembling those found in fresh stallion semen.

scholarly journals Ram seminal plasma and its functional proteomic assessment

Reproduction ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 157 (6) ◽  
pp. R243-R256 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Leahy ◽  
J P Rickard ◽  
N C Bernecic ◽  
X Druart ◽  
S P de Graaf
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Plasma Proteins ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Function ◽  
Seminal Plasma Proteins ◽  
Ram Sperm

Ejaculation results in the confluence of epididymal spermatozoa with secretions of the accessory sex glands. This interaction is not a prerequisite for fertilisation success, but seminal factors do play a crucial role in prolonging the survival of spermatozoa bothin vitroandin vivoby affording protection from handling induced stress and some selective mechanisms of the female reproductive tract. Reproductive biologists have long sought to identify specific factors in seminal plasma that influence sperm function and fertility in these contexts. Many seminal plasma proteins have been identified as diagnostic predictors of sperm function and have been isolated and appliedin vitroto prevent sperm damage associated with the application of artificial reproductive technologies. Proteomic assessment of the spermatozoon, and its surroundings, has provided considerable advances towards these goals and allowed for greater understanding of their physiological function. In this review, the importance of seminal plasma will be examined through a proteomic lens to provide comprehensive analysis of the ram seminal proteome and detail the use of proteomic studies that correlate seminal plasma proteins with ram sperm function and preservation ability.

scholarly journals Antioxidants Present in Reproductive Tract Fluids and Their Relevance for Fertility

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1441
Author(s):  
João C. Ribeiro ◽  
Patrícia C. Braga ◽  
Ana D. Martins ◽  
Branca M. Silva ◽  
Marco G. Alves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Fertility Status ◽  
Total Antioxidant ◽  
Crucial Information ◽  
The Individual

Nowadays, infertility is classified as a disease of the reproductive system. Although it does not compromise the life of the individual, it can have detrimental effects on the physiological and psychological health of the couple. Male fertility evaluation is mainly focused on the analysis of sperm parameters. However, the ejaculated fluid is also composed of seminal plasma, and the study of this fluid can provide crucial information to help in the assessment of male fertility status. Total antioxidant capacity of the seminal plasma has been positively correlated with the fertility of men. Moreover, evidence highlights to a similar importance as that of female reproductive tract fluid antioxidant capabilities and female fertility. Herein, we describe the functions of seminal plasma and female reproductive tract fluids, as well as their main antioxidant components and their relationships with fertility outcomes. Additionally, this review contains the most up to date information regarding the mechanisms of the interaction between the male and the female reproductive fluids and the importance of proper antioxidant capacity for fertilization.

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