scholarly journals Oocyte-sperm interactions in the fertilization of birds

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (01) ◽  
pp. 6181-2019
Author(s):  
ALEKSANDRA KRAWCZYK ◽  
JADWIGA JAWORSKA-ADAMU
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Abdominal Cavity ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Transgenic Animals ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
Single Male ◽  
Male Pronucleus ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Female Pronucleus

A thorough understanding of the mechanisms leading to the interaction between the sperm and the ovum in the process of fertilization in birds can facilitate more effective programming and control of the reproduction of these animals in breeding farms. In addition, it may allow the introduction of extracorporeal fertilization techniques, which may be important in the creation of transgenic animals and the reproduction of endangered species. In birds, the process of fertilization is not well known. It is conditioned by a series of interactions between mature reproductive cells. Oocytes are formed in the ovarian follicles of the left ovary. After ovulation, an ovum in the metaphase of the second meiotic division enters the oviduct along with the inner perivitelline layer (IPVL). It gets fertilized in this infundibulum. Male gametes are formed in paired testes located in the abdominal cavity. Sperm cells in the female reproductive tract do not require capacitation and are already fully capable of fertilization. As a result of internal insemination, male reproductive cells enter the oviduct. In this organ, they are selected and stored in the primary and secondary sperm storage tubules of the mucous membrane. They are released in batches shortly before ovulation. After reaching the oocyte, the sperm binds to the IPVL. This induces an acrosomal reaction that allows the male reproductive cells to penetrate to the surface of the oocyte, especially at the germinal pole. Next, as a result of physiological polyspermy, many sperm cells reach the ooplasm where they form haploid male pronucleus. This phenomenon is necessary to activate an polylecithal egg and produce a haploid female pronucleus. In the final stage, the female pronucleus merges with the single male pronucleus, which leads to the formation of a diploid zygote. The excess male pronuclei present in ooplasm are broken down by endonucleases (DNases). Understanding the mechanisms leading to the interaction between sperm and oocyte in birds may allow for more accurate programming and breeding of these animals in poultry farms and the introduction of extracorporeal fertilization techniques. In addition, it could be useful for the reproduction of endangered bird species

scholarly journals Two Loci Contribute Epistastically to Heterospecific Pollen Rejection, a Postmating Isolating Barrier Between Species

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 2151-2159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennafer A P Hamlin ◽  
Natasha A Sherman ◽  
Leonie C Moyle
Keyword(s):  
Female Choice ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Interspecific Cross ◽  
Solanum Species ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Solanum Pennellii ◽  
Heterospecific Pollen ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Pollen Rejection

Abstract Recognition and rejection of heterospecific male gametes occurs in a broad range of taxa, although the complexity of mechanisms underlying these components of postmating cryptic female choice is poorly understood. In plants, the arena for postmating interactions is the female reproductive tract (pistil), within which heterospecific pollen tube growth can be arrested via active molecular recognition and rejection. Unilateral incompatibility (UI) is one such postmating barrier in which pollen arrest occurs in only one direction of an interspecific cross. We investigated the genetic basis of pistil-side UI between Solanum species, with the specific goal of understanding the role and magnitude of epistasis between UI QTL. Using heterospecific introgression lines (ILs) between Solanum pennellii and S. lycopersicum, we assessed the individual and pairwise effects of three chromosomal regions (ui1.1, ui3.1, and ui12.1) previously associated with interspecific UI among Solanum species. Specifically, we generated double introgression (‘pyramided’) genotypes that combined ui12.1 with each of ui1.1 and ui3.1, and assessed the strength of UI pollen rejection in the pyramided lines, compared to single introgression genotypes. We found that none of the three QTL individually showed UI rejection phenotypes, but lines combining ui3.1 and ui12.1 showed significant pistil-side pollen rejection. Furthermore, double ILs (DILs) that combined different chromosomal regions overlapping ui3.1 differed significantly in their rate of UI, consistent with at least two genetic factors on chromosome three contributing quantitatively to interspecific pollen rejection. Together, our data indicate that loci on both chromosomes 3 and 12 are jointly required for the expression of UI between S. pennellii and S. lycopersicum, suggesting that coordinated molecular interactions among a relatively few loci underlie the expression of this postmating prezygotic barrier. In addition, in conjunction with previous data, at least one of these loci appears to also contribute to conspecific self-incompatibility (SI), consistent with a partially shared genetic basis between inter- and intraspecific mechanisms of postmating prezygotic female choice.

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 The Concept of Male Reproductive Anatomy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oyovwi Mega Obukohwo ◽  
Nwangwa Eze Kingsley ◽  
Rotu Arientare Rume ◽  
Emojevwe Victor
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Prostate Gland ◽  
Ejaculatory Duct ◽  
Seminal Vesicles ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Male Reproductive System ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
Reproductive Anatomy

The human reproductive system is made up of the primary and secondary organs, which helps to enhances reproduction. The male reproductive system is designed to produce male gametes and convey them to the female reproductive tract through the use of supportive fluids and testosterone synthesis. The paired testis (site of testosterone and sperm generation), scrotum (compartment for testis localisation), epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, ejaculatory duct, urethra, and penis are the parts of the male reproductive system. The auxiliary organs aid in the maturation and transportation of sperm. Semen is made up of sperm and the secretions of the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands (the ejaculate). Ejaculate is delivered to the female reproduc¬tive tract by the penis and urethra. The anatomy, embryology and functions of the male reproductive system are discussed in this chapter.

scholarly journals Sperm Selection for ICSI: Do We Have a Winner?

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 3566
Author(s):  
Domenico Baldini ◽  
Daniele Ferri ◽  
Giorgio Maria Baldini ◽  
Dario Lot ◽  
Assunta Catino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
Cell Selection ◽  
Sperm Selection ◽  
Gold Standard Method ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Selection Processes ◽  
Sperm Membrane ◽  
Selection For

In assisted reproductive technology (ART), the aim of sperm cells’ preparation is to select competent spermatozoa with the highest fertilization potential and in this context, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) represents the most applied technique for fertilization. This makes the process of identifying the perfect spermatozoa extremely important. A number of methods have now been developed to mimic some of the natural selection processes that exist in the female reproductive tract. Although many studies have been conducted to identify the election technique, many doubts and disagreements still remain. In this review, we will discuss all the sperm cell selection techniques currently available for ICSI, starting from the most basic methodologies and continuing with those techniques suitable for sperm cells with reduced motility. Furthermore, different techniques that exploit some sperm membrane characteristics and the most advanced strategy for sperm selection based on microfluidics, will be examined. Finally, a new sperm selection method based on a micro swim-up directly on the ICSI dish will be analyzed. Eventually, advantages and disadvantages of each technique will be debated, trying to draw reasonable conclusions on their efficacy in order to establish the gold standard method.

scholarly journals Kisspeptin modulates fertilization capacity of mouse spermatozoa

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 147 (6) ◽  
pp. 835-845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng-Chieh Hsu ◽  
Jyun-Yuan Wang ◽  
Yue-Jia Lee ◽  
De-Shien Jong ◽  
Kuan-Hao Tsui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Immunofluorescent Staining ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Reproductive Tissues ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Regulatory Systems ◽  
Fertilization Capacity

Kisspeptin acts as an upstream regulator of the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis, which is one of the main regulatory systems for mammalian reproduction.Kiss1and its receptorKiss1r(also known as G protein-coupled receptor 54 (Gpr54)) are expressed in various organs, but their functions are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression profiles and functions of kisspeptin and KISS1R in the reproductive tissues of imprinting control region mice. To identify the expression pattern and location of kisspeptin and KISS1R in gonads, testes and ovarian tissues were examined by immunohistochemical or immunofluorescent staining. Kisspeptin and KISS1R were expressed primarily in Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules respectively. KISS1R was specifically localized in the acrosomal region of spermatids and mature spermatozoa. Kisspeptin, but not KISS1R, was expressed in the cumulus–oocyte complex and oviductal epithelium of ovarian and oviductal tissues. The sperm intracellular calcium concentrations significantly increased in response to treatment with kisspeptin 10 in Fluo-4-loaded sperm. The IVF rates decreased after treatment of sperm with the kisspeptin antagonist peptide 234. These results suggest that kisspeptin and KISS1R might be involved in the fertilization process in the female reproductive tract. In summary, this study indicates that kisspeptin and KISS1R are expressed in female and male gametes, respectively, and in mouse reproductive tissues. These data strongly suggest that the kisspeptin system could regulate mammalian fertilization and reproduction.

scholarly journals Two loci contribute epistastically to heterospecific pollen rejection, a postmating isolating barrier between species

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennafer A. P. Hamlin ◽  
Natasha A. Sherman ◽  
Leonie C. Moyle
Keyword(s):  
Female Choice ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Interspecific Cross ◽  
Introgression Lines ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Solanum Pennellii ◽  
Heterospecific Pollen ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Pollen Rejection

ABSTRACTRecognition and rejection of heterospecific male gametes occurs in a broad range of taxa, although the complexity and redundancy of mechanisms underlying this postmating cryptic female choice is poorly understood. In plants, the arena for these interactions is the female reproductive tract (pistil), within which heterospecific pollen tube growth can be arrested via active molecular recognition. Unilateral incompatibility (UI) is one such pistil-mediated barrier in which pollen rejection occurs in only one direction of an interspecific cross. We investigated the genetic basis of pistil-side UI between Solanum species, with the specific goal of understanding the role and magnitude of epistasis between UI QTL. Using heterospecific introgression lines (ILs) between Solanum pennellii and S. lycopersicum, we assessed the individual and pairwise effects of three chromosomal regions (ui1.1, ui3.1, and ui12.1) previously associated with interspecific UI among Solanum species. Specifically, we pyramided ui12.1 with each of ui1.1 and ui3.1, and assessed the strength of UI pollen rejection in pyramided (double introgression) lines, compared to single introgression genotypes. We found that none of the three QTL individually showed UI rejection phenotypes, but lines combining ui3.1 and ui12.1 showed significant pistil-side pollen rejection. Furthermore, double introgression lines that combined different chromosomal regions overlapping ui3.1 differed significantly in their rate of UI, consistent with at least two genetic factors on chromosome three contributing quantitatively to interspecific pollen rejection. Together, our data indicate that loci on both chromosomes 3 and 12 are jointly required for the expression of UI between S. pennellii and S. lycopersicum suggesting that coordinated molecular interactions among a relatively few loci underlying the expression of this postmating prezygotic barrier. In addition, in conjunction with previous data, at least one of these loci appears to also contribute to conspecific self-incompatibility, consistent with a partially shared genetic basis between inter- and intraspecific mechanisms of postmating prezygotic female choice.

scholarly journals Effect of flagellar beating pattern on sperm rheotaxis and boundary-dependent navigation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meisam Zaferani ◽  
Farhad Javi ◽  
Amir Mokhtare ◽  
Alireza Abbaspourrad
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Microfluidic System ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Circular Motion ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Mammalian Sperm ◽  
Correct Path

AbstractThe study of navigational mechanisms used by mammalian sperm inside a microenvironment yields better understanding of sperm locomotion during the insemination process, which aids in the design of tools for overcoming infertility. Near- and far-field hydrodynamic interactions with nearby boundaries and rheotaxis are known to be some of the steering strategies that keep sperm on the correct path toward the egg. However, it is not known how the beating patterns of sperm may influence these navigational strategies. In this study, we investigate the effect of flagellar beating pattern on navigation of sperm cells both theoretically and experimentally using a two-step approach. We first isolate bovine sperm based on their rheotactic behavior in a zone with quiescent medium using a microfluidic system. This step ensures that the swimmers are able to navigate upstream and have motilities higher than a selected value, even though they feature various flagellar beating patterns. We then explore the flagellar beating pattern of these isolated sperm and their subsequent influence on boundary-dependent navigation. Our findings indicate that rheotaxis enables sperm to navigate upstream even in the presence of circular motion in their motility, whereas boundary-dependent navigation is more sensitive to the circular motion and selects for progressive motility. This finding may explain the clinical importance of progressive motility in semen samples for fertility, as the flow of mucus may not be sufficiently strong to orient the sperm cells throughout the process of insemination.SignificanceFinding the egg and moving toward it while traversing the complex structure of the female reproductive tract is necessary for mammalian sperm. Previous studies have shown how sperm use navigational steering mechanisms that are based on swimming upstream (i.e. rheotaxis) and along the boundaries of the female reproductive tract. We demonstrate that the performance of theses navigational mechanisms is associated with the primary characteristics of sperm motility. In fact, sperm rheotaxis is more sensitive to the motility and thus average velocity of sperm while navigation via rigid boundaries is more sensitive to the flagellar beating pattern and selects for symmetric beating. Our results can be expanded to other autonomous microswimmers and their subsequent navigation mechanisms.

scholarly journals Activation of sperm in the female reproductive tract in mammals

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (09) ◽  
pp. 6445-2020
Author(s):  
ALEKSANDRA KRAWCZYK ◽  
JADWIGA JAWORSKA-ADAMU
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Acrosome Reaction ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Perivitelline Space ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Activation Mechanisms ◽  
Sperm Plasma Membrane ◽  
Controlled Reproduction ◽  
Two Stages

The formation of a new diploidal organism is preceded by a series of mutual interactions of haploidal gametes. This process is very complicated and requires the prior activation of reproductive cells. Male gametes eventually mature in the female reproductive tract, acquiring mobility and fertilization. This process takes place in two stages. Sperms are first capacitated. This phenomenon is reversible and leads to structural, cytophysiological and biochemical changes in the sperm plasma membrane as well as to the sperm hyperactivation. Then, due to the contact with the zona pellucida of the oocyte, the irreversible acrosome reaction occurs. This process involves the fusion of the sperm plasma membrane with the outer membrane of the acrosome, the release of enzymes and exposure of the inner acrosome membrane. This enables sperm to penetrate towards the perivitelline space and oolemma. Contact with the oocyte initiates a series of interactions leading to egg activation and the fusion of gametes. Each of these stages involves many different factors that result in the recognition, attraction and adhesion of reproductive cells. Knowledge about the activation mechanisms can improve the effectiveness of supported and controlled reproduction techniques.

scholarly journals Structure and Function of Caltrin (Calcium Transport Inhibitor) Proteins

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 117862641774582
Author(s):  
Ernesto Javier Grasso ◽  
Carlos Enrique Coronel
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Calcium Transport ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
Transport Inhibitor ◽  
Acrosomal Exocytosis ◽  
And Function

Caltrin (calcium transport inhibitor) is a family of small and basic proteins of the mammalian seminal plasma which bind to sperm cells during ejaculation and inhibit the extracellular Ca2+ uptake, preventing the premature acrosomal exocytosis and hyperactivation when sperm cells ascend through the female reproductive tract. The binding of caltrin proteins to specific areas of the sperm surface suggests the existence of caltrin receptors, or precise protein-phospholipid arrangements in the sperm membrane, distributed in the regions where Ca2+ influx may take place. However, the molecular mechanisms of recognition and interaction between caltrin and spermatozoa have not been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this article is to describe in depth the known structural features and functional properties of caltrin proteins, to find out how they may possibly interact with the sperm membranes to control the intracellular signaling that trigger physiological events required for fertilization.

scholarly journals The Role of Taste Receptor mTAS1R3 in Chemical Communication of Gametes

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 2651
Author(s):  
Michaela Frolikova ◽  
Tereza Otcenaskova ◽  
Eliska Valasková ◽  
Pavla Postlerova ◽  
Romana Stopkova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Communication ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Taste Receptor ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Mouse Taste ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy

Fertilization is a multiple step process leading to the fusion of female and male gametes and the formation of a zygote. Besides direct gamete membrane interaction via binding receptors localized on both oocyte and sperm surface, fertilization also involves gamete communication via chemical molecules triggering various signaling pathways. This work focuses on a mouse taste receptor, mTAS1R3, encoded by the Tas1r3 gene, as a potential receptor mediating chemical communication between gametes using the C57BL/6J lab mouse strain. In order to specify the role of mTAS1R3, we aimed to characterize its precise localization in testis and sperm using super resolution microscopy. The testis cryo-section, acrosome-intact sperm released from cauda epididymis and sperm which underwent the acrosome reaction (AR) were evaluated. The mTAS1R3 receptor was detected in late spermatids where the acrosome was being formed and in the acrosomal cap of acrosome intact sperm. AR is triggered in mice during sperm maturation in the female reproductive tract and by passing through the egg surroundings such as cumulus oophorus cells. This AR onset is independent of the extracellular matrix of the oocyte called zona pellucida. After AR, the relocation of mTAS1R3 to the equatorial segment was observed and the receptor remained exposed to the outer surroundings of the female reproductive tract, where its physiological ligand, the amino acid L-glutamate, naturally occurs. Therefore, we targeted the possible interaction in vitro between the mTAS1R3 and L-glutamate as a part of chemical communication between sperm and egg and used an anti-mTAS1R3-specific antibody to block it. We detected that the acrosome reacted spermatozoa showed a chemotactic response in the presence of L-glutamate during and after the AR, and it is likely that mTAS1R3 acted as its mediator.

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