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Mendoza-Sánchez JE, Rodríguez-Tobón A, Arenas-Ríos E, Orta-Salazar GJ, León-Galván MA, Treviño Santa Cruz CL, Chávez JC. Sperm calcium flux and membrane potential hyperpolarization observed in the Mexican big-eared bat Corynorhinus mexicanus. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:286150. [PMID: 36541225 PMCID: PMC10086540 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm capacitation involves biochemical and physiological changes, such as an increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i), hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane potential and sperm hyperactivation, among others. These changes provide sperm with the ability to fertilize. In the bat Corynorhinus mexicanus, there is an asynchrony between spermatogenesis and sperm storage in the male with the receptivity of the female. For instance, in C. mexicanus, spermatogenesis occurs before the reproductive season. During the reproductive period, sperm are stored in the epididymis for a few months and the testis undergoes a regression, indicating low or almost null sperm production. Therefore, it is unclear whether the elements necessary for sperm fertilization success undergo maturation or preparation during epididymis storage. Here, we characterized pH-sensitive motility hyperactivation and Ca2+ influx in sperm, regulated by alkalinization and progesterone. In addition, by electrophysiological recordings, we registered currents that were stimulated by alkalinization and inhibited by RU1968 (a CatSper-specific inhibitor), strongly suggesting that these currents were evoked via CatSper, a sperm Ca2+-specific channel indispensable for mammalian fertilization. We also found hyperpolarization of the membrane potential, such as in other mammalian species, which increased according to the month of capture, reaching the biggest hyperpolarization during the mating season. In conclusion, our results suggest that C. mexicanus sperm have functional CatSper and undergo a capacitation-like process such as in other mammals, particularly Ca2+ influx and membrane potential hyperpolarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Edwin Mendoza-Sánchez
- Doctorado en Biología Experimental, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ahiezer Rodríguez-Tobón
- Laboratorio de Biología y Ecología de Mamíferos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Edith Arenas-Ríos
- Laboratorio de Morfofisiología y Bioquímica del Espermatozoide, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gerardo J Orta-Salazar
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Miguel A León-Galván
- Laboratorio de Biología y Ecología de Mamíferos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Claudia L Treviño Santa Cruz
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Julio C Chávez
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
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Hernández-Silva G, López-Torres AS, Maldonado-Rosas I, Mata-Martínez E, Larrea F, Torres-Flores V, Treviño CL, Chirinos M. Effects of Semen Processing on Sperm Function: Differences between Swim-Up and Density Gradient Centrifugation. World J Mens Health 2021; 39:740-749. [PMID: 33474848 PMCID: PMC8443982 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Andrology research has evolved notoriously in the latest years, particularly since male factor contribution to couple infertility has been undoubtedly demonstrated. However, sperm function investigations results are sometimes contradictory, probably as a result of the use of different sperm processing techniques. In this work, we underwent a systematic functional comparison of human sperm samples simultaneously processed by swim-up and density gradient centrifugation, which are the preferred sperm processing methods used in basic and clinical laboratories. Materials and Methods To compare functional characteristics of sperm isolated by swim-up and density gradient centrifugation followed by incubation at different times under capacitating conditions. Results Semen samples processed in parallel by these two procedures resulted in sperm preparations with significant differences in redox state, spontaneous intracellular calcium oscillations, hyperactivation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and acrosome reaction responsivity to calcium ionophore. Such differences showed time-dependent specific patterns for spontaneous intracellular calcium oscillations, hyperactivation and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Sperm retrieved by density gradient centrifugation showed more hyperactivation and tyrosine phosphorylation than swim-up sperm, suggesting a higher degree of capacitation. Conclusions Our results account for functional differences observed in spermatozoa processed with these two methods and therefore may contribute to a better interpretation of outcomes obtained in different laboratories as well as to improve experimental designs aimed to study sperm physiology and fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Hernández-Silva
- Department of Reproductive Biology Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aideé S López-Torres
- Department of Reproductive Biology Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Esperanza Mata-Martínez
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Fernando Larrea
- Department of Reproductive Biology Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Víctor Torres-Flores
- Laboratory of Biomembranes, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Mayel Chirinos
- Department of Reproductive Biology Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Denisenko VY, Kuzmina TI. Intracytoplasmic Calcium Transduction in Bos taurus Spermatozoa during Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction. Russ J Dev Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360420040037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Zapata-Carmona H, Soriano-Úbeda C, París-Oller E, Matás C. Periovulatory oviductal fluid decreases sperm protein kinase A activity, tyrosine phosphorylation, and in vitro fertilization in pig. Andrology 2020; 8:756-768. [PMID: 31872543 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecules from the female reproductive tract modulate capacitation and function of sperm cells in vivo. These molecules vary in a quantitative and qualitative manner throughout the estrous cycle. OBJECTIVES This work evaluates the effect of using various female reproductive fluids on capacitation and fertilization of pig spermatozoa in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS The effects of culturing spermatozoa in different fluids on the levels of sperm protein kinase A (pPKA), tyrosine phosphorylation, acrosome reaction, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) were evaluated. The fluids tested were as follows: oviductal fluid (OF) from five phases of the estrous cycle, namely early and late follicular (OF-EF, OF-LF), early and late luteal (OF-EL, OF-LL) and periovulatory (pOF), follicular fluid from medium-sized follicles, and secretions of cumulus-oocyte complexes (conditioned medium). RESULTS The pPKAs and tyrosine phosphorylation were decreased by OF-EF, OF-LF, OF-EL, and pOF but not by follicular fluid and conditioned medium. OF-EF, OF-LF, and pOF also decreased the sperm acrosome reaction. Moreover, the effect of pOF on pPKAs and tyrosine phosphorylation was reversible. In in vitro fertilization, OF-EF, OF-LF, OF-EL, and pOF reduced the percentage of penetrated oocytes, the mean number of spermatozoa per penetrated oocyte, and increased monospermy. CONCLUSION OF from follicular, early luteal, and periovulatory phases of the estrous cycle modulates the sperm protein phosphorylation as well as the acrosome reaction involved in capacitation and increases monospermic fertilization in in vitro fertilization. Our findings suggest that fluids from the female reproductive tract could be used as additives in porcine IVF systems to modulate sperm-oocyte interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Zapata-Carmona
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Evelyne París-Oller
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Matás
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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Hernández-Silva G, Fabián López-Araiza JE, López-Torres AS, Larrea F, Torres-Flores V, Chirinos M. Proteomic characterization of human sperm plasma membrane-associated proteins and their role in capacitation. Andrology 2019; 8:171-180. [PMID: 31002753 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma membranes of ejaculated sperm are covered by epididymal and accessory glands secreted proteins that must be released from sperm surface during the female reproductive tract passage in order to capacitate and fertilize the oocyte. OBJECTIVES As human sperm plasma membrane-associated proteins (SMAP) have not yet been investigated, the aim of this study was to characterize the SMAP released during in vitro human capacitation and to study their possible role as decapacitation factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS SMAP were characterized by 2-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analysis. Besides, we explored SMAP effects on motility, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and calcium ionophore-induced acrosome reaction of spermatozoa either incubated for 6 h in capacitating medium ± SMAP or for 5 h in capacitating medium alone followed by incubation for 1 h ± SMAP. RESULTS Mass spectrometry analysis allowed the identification of 29 proteins, all of which have previously been identified in the human seminal fluid. Spermatozoa incubated for 6 h under capacitating conditions in the presence of the SMAP showed a significant decrease in the incidence of non-progressive motility, hyperactivation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and calcium ionophore-induced acrosome reaction. However, spermatozoa incubated for 5 h in capacitating medium and further incubated for 1 h with the SMAP showed a lower percentage of spermatozoa with non-progressive motility and hyperactivated cells but no effects on protein tyrosine phosphorylation were detected. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that SMAP inhibit the progress of human sperm capacitation, but only motility changes related to capacitation may be reversed by these proteins. The study of the identified proteins on sperm function and their mechanisms of action on this cell may contribute to the understanding of their role during capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Hernández-Silva
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México.,Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Aideé Saray López-Torres
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Fernando Larrea
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Víctor Torres-Flores
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Mayel Chirinos
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
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Chirinos M, Durand M, González-González ME, Hernández-Silva G, Maldonado-Rosas I, López P, Larrea F. Uterine flushings from women treated with levonorgestrel affect sperm functionality in vitro. Reproduction 2017; 154:607-614. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Levonorgestrel (LNG), a synthetic 19 nor-testosterone derivative, is widely used for emergency contraception. It is well known that LNG prevents ovulation only when given prior to the surge of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) during the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. This observation suggests that LNG, given its contraceptive efficacy, has additional effects other than those affecting ovulation. In this study, we have evaluated the effects on human sperm functionality of uterine flushings (UF) obtained from women at day LH + 1 of a control cycle (CTR-LH + 1) and after receiving LNG (LNG-LH + 1) two days before the surge of LH. Human sperm from normozoospermic donors were incubated with UF and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, sperm motility, acrosome reaction as well as zona pellucida (ZP) binding capacity were assessed. A significant decrease in total motility and tyrosine phosphorylation accompanied by an increase on spontaneous acrosome reaction was observed when sperm were incubated in the presence of LNG-LH + 1. None of these effects were mimicked by purified glycodelin A (GdA). Moreover, the addition of UF obtained during the periovulatory phase from LNG-treated women or the presence of purified GdA significantly decreased sperm-ZP binding. The data were compatible with changes affecting sperm capacitation, motility and interaction with the ZP. These results may offer evidence on additional mechanisms of action of LNG as an emergency contraceptive.
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Brown SG, Costello S, Kelly MC, Ramalingam M, Drew E, Publicover SJ, Barratt CL, Da Silva SM. Complex CatSper-dependent and independent [Ca2+]i signalling in human spermatozoa induced by follicular fluid. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:1995-2006. [PMID: 28938737 PMCID: PMC5850303 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does progesterone in human follicular fluid (hFF) activate CatSper and do other components of hFF modulate this effect and/or contribute separately to hFF-induced Ca2+ signaling? SUMMARY ANSWER hFF potently stimulates CatSper and increases [Ca2+]i, primarily due to high concentrations of progesterone, however, other components of hFF also contribute to [Ca2+]i signaling, including modulation of CatSper channel activity and inhibition of [Ca2+]i oscillations. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY CatSper, the principal Ca2+ channel in spermatozoa, is progesterone-sensitive and essential for fertility. Both hFF and progesterone, which is present in hFF, influence sperm function and increase their [Ca2+]i. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This basic medical research study used semen samples from >40 donors and hFF from >50 patients who were undergoing surgical oocyte retrieval for IVF/ICSI. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Semen donors and patients were recruited in accordance with local ethics approval (13/ES/0091) from the East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC1. Activities of CatSper and KSper were assessed by patch clamp electrophysiology. Sperm [Ca2+]i responses were examined in sperm populations and single cells. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) parameters and penetration into viscous media were used to assess functional effects. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE hFF and progesterone significantly potentiated CatSper currents. Under quasi-physiological conditions, hFF (up to 50%) failed to alter membrane K+ conductance or current reversal potential. hFF and progesterone (at an equivalent concentration) stimulated similar biphasic [Ca2+]i signals both in sperm populations and single cells. At a high hFF concentration (10%), the sustained (plateau) component of the [Ca2+]i signal was consistently greater than that induced by progesterone alone. In single cell recordings, 1% hFF-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations similarly to progesterone but with 10% hFF generation of [Ca2+]i oscillations was suppressed. After treatment to 'strip' lipid-derived mediators, hFF failed to significantly stimulate CatSper currents but induced small [Ca2+]i responses that were greater than those induced by the equivalent concentration of progesterone after stripping. Similar [Ca2+]i responses were observed when sperm pretreated with 3 μM progesterone (to desensitize progesterone responses) were stimulated with hFF or stripped hFF. hFF stimulated viscous media penetration and was more effective than the equivalent does of progesterone. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was an in vitro study. Caution must be taken when extrapolating these results in vivo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study directly demonstrates that hFF activates CatSper and establishes that the biologically important effects of hFF reflect, at least in part, action on this channel, primarily via progesterone. However, these experiments also demonstrate that other components of hFF both contribute to the [Ca2+]i signal and modulate the activation of CatSper. Simple in vitro experiments performed out of the context of the complex in vivo environment need to be interpreted with caution. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was provided by MRC (MR/K013343/1, MR/012492/1) (S.G.B., S.J.P., C.L.R.B.) and University of Abertay (sabbatical for S.G.B.). Additional funding was provided by TENOVUS SCOTLAND (S.M.D.S.), Chief Scientist Office/NHS Research Scotland (S.M.D.S). C.L.R.B. is EIC of MHR and Chair of the WHO ESG on Diagnosis of Male infertility. The remaining authors have no conlicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean G. Brown
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Abertay University, Dundee DD11HG, UK
| | - Sarah Costello
- School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Mark C. Kelly
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Mythili Ramalingam
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Ellen Drew
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | | | - Christopher L.R. Barratt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Sarah Martins Da Silva
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
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