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Delgado-Bermúdez A. Insights into crucial molecules and protein channels involved in pig sperm cryopreservation. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107547. [PMID: 38981798 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107547] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is the most efficient procedure for long-term preservation of mammalian sperm; however, its use is not currently dominant for boar sperm before its use for artificial insemination. In fact, freezing and thawing have an extensive detrimental effect on sperm function and lead to impaired fertility. The present work summarises the basis of the structural and functional impact of cryopreservation on pig sperm that have been extensively studied in recent decades, as well as the molecular alterations in sperm that are related to this damage. The wide variety of mechanisms underlying the consequences of alterations in expression levels and structural modifications of sperm proteins with diverse functions is detailed. Moreover, the use of cryotolerance biomarkers as predictors of the potential resilience of a sperm sample to the cryopreservation process is also discussed. Regarding the proteins that have been identified to be relevant during the cryopreservation process, they are classified according to the functions they carry out in sperm, including antioxidant function, plasma membrane protection, sperm motility regulation, chromatin structure, metabolism and mitochondrial function, heat-shock response, premature capacitation and sperm-oocyte binding and fusion. Special reference is made to the relevance of sperm membrane channels, as their function is crucial for boar sperm to withstand osmotic shock during cryopreservation. Finally, potential aims for future research on cryodamage and cryotolerance are proposed, which might be crucial to minimise the side-effects of cryopreservation and to make it a more advantageous strategy for boar sperm preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain.
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2
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Mahé C, Pranomphon T, Reynaud K, Laffont L, Meylheuc T, Schoen J, Mermillod P, Saint-Dizier M. Sperm-fluid-cell interplays in the bovine oviduct: glycosaminoglycans modulate sperm binding to the isthmic reservoir. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10311. [PMID: 37365288 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37469-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
When entering the oviduct for fertilisation, spermatozoa come into contact with the oviduct fluid (OF) and can bind to luminal epithelial cells in the isthmus to form a sperm reservoir. The objective of this study was to examine how the OF modulates sperm adhesion to the oviduct reservoir using an in vitro model of oviduct epithelial spheroids (OES). Bovine oviducts from a local slaughterhouse were used to collect OF and isthmic fragments for the in vitro incubation of OES. Compared to a non-capacitating control medium, the pre-ovulatory OF significantly decreased by 80-90% the density of spermatozoa bound to OES without affecting sperm motility, membrane integrity, or sperm-cilia interactions. This effect on sperm binding was reproduced with (1) OF from different cycle stages and anatomical regions of the oviduct; (2) OF fractions of more than 3 kDa; (3) modified OF in which proteins were denatured or digested and (4) heparan sulphate but not hyaluronic acid, two glycosaminoglycans present in the OF. In conclusion, the OF significantly decreased the number of spermatozoa that bind to oviduct epithelial cells without affecting sperm motility and this effect was due to macromolecules, including heparan sulphate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coline Mahé
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Thanya Pranomphon
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- School of Biotechnology, Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Karine Reynaud
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ludivine Laffont
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Jennifer Schoen
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Tours University, Tours, France
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3
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What is the importance of sperm subpopulations? Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106844. [PMID: 34538510 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The study of sperm subpopulations spans three decades. The origin, meaning, and practical significance, however, are less clear. Current technology for assessing sperm morphology (CASA-Morph) and motility (CASA-Mot) has enabled the accurate evaluation of these features, and there are many options for data classification. Subpopulations could occur as a result of the stage of development of each spermatozoon in the subpopulation. Spermatogenesis might contribute to the production of these subpopulations. Insights from evolutionary biology and recent molecular research are indicative of the diversity among male gametes that could occur from unequal sharing of transcripts and other elements through cytoplasmic bridges between spermatids. Sperm cohorts exiting the gonads would contain different RNA and protein contents, affecting the spermatozoon physiology and associations with the surrounding environmental milieu. Subsequently, these differences could affect how spermatozoa interact with the environmental milieu (maturation, mixing with seminal plasma, and interacting with the environmental milieu, or female genital tract and female gamete). The emergence of sperm subpopulations as an outcome of evolution, related to the reproductive strategies of the species, genital tract structures, and copulatory and fertilization processes. This kind of approach in determining the importance of sperm subpopulations in fertilization capacity should have a practical impact for conducting reproductive technologies, inspiring and enabling new ways for the more efficient use of spermatozoa in the medical, animal breeding, and conservation fields. This manuscript is a contribution to the Special Issue in memory of Dr. Duane Garner.
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Selected metabolites found in equine oviductal fluid do not modify the parameters associated to capacitation of the frozen-thawed equine spermatozoa in vitro. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 111:103875. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Mahé C, Zlotkowska AM, Reynaud K, Tsikis G, Mermillod P, Druart X, Schoen J, Saint-Dizier M. Sperm migration, selection, survival, and fertilizing ability in the mammalian oviduct†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:317-331. [PMID: 34057175 PMCID: PMC8335357 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) gives rise to embryos in a number of mammalian species and is currently widely used for assisted reproduction in humans and for genetic purposes in cattle. However, the rate of polyspermy is generally higher in vitro than in vivo and IVF remains ineffective in some domestic species like pigs and horses, highlighting the importance of the female reproductive tract for gamete quality and fertilization. In this review, the way the female environment modulates sperm selective migration, survival, and acquisition of fertilizing ability in the oviduct is being considered under six aspects: (1) the utero-tubal junction that selects a sperm sub-population entering the oviduct; (2) the presence of sperm binding sites on luminal epithelial cells in the oviduct, which prolong sperm viability and plays a role in limiting polyspermic fertilization; (3) the contractions of the oviduct, which promote sperm migration toward the site of fertilization in the ampulla; (4) the regions of the oviduct, which play different roles in regulating sperm physiology and interactions with oviduct epithelial cells; (5) the time of ovulation, and (6) the steroid hormonal environment which regulates sperm release from the luminal epithelial cells and facilitates capacitation in a finely orchestrated manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coline Mahé
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Karine Reynaud
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Xavier Druart
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Jennifer Schoen
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, FBN, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France.,Tours University, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Agrosciences Department, Tours, France
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Replacement of Albumin by Preovulatory Oviductal Fluid in Swim-Up Sperm Preparation Method Modifies Boar Sperm Parameters and Improves In Vitro Penetration of Oocytes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051202. [PMID: 33922134 PMCID: PMC8143553 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Part of the success of assisted reproductive techniques lies in gamete manipulation before the in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. Current chemically defined handling media lack crucial components for embryo development that exist under in vivo conditions. Recent studies of pigs have shown that the addition of reproductive fluids during in vitro fertilization and embryo culture improves embryo quality and their epigenetic profile in vitro. Porcine oviductal fluid (pOF) has been used to supplement the handling media used for sperm selection by centrifugation. However, its effect during sperm selection by the swim-up procedure is still unknown, as is the likely beneficial effect of replacing bovine serum albumin (BSA) by pOF as a protein source in sperm preparation media. In this study, four protein combinations in the swim-up medium were tested: 1 mg/mL BSA (the regular supplementation), 1% preovulatory pOF (1% pOF), 1 mg/mL BSA plus 1% pOF; and 5 mg/mL BSA. After sperm selection, various sperm parameters were assessed, and oocytes were inseminated in vitro. Results showed that the replacement of BSA by pOF improves some sperm motion parameters and increases in vitro oocyte penetration ability, whereas the combination of BSA + pOF did not show relevant effects. High concentrations of BSA had a detrimental effect, resulting in a decrease of sperm penetration. Abstract More suitable and efficient methods to protect gametes from external harmful effects during in vitro handling can be achieved by adding preovulatory porcine oviductal fluid (pOF) to in vitro culture media. The objective of this study was to assess the swim-up procedure’s suitability as a sperm selection method using a medium supplemented with 1mg/mL BSA, 1% preovulatory pOF (v/v), 1% v/v pOF plus 1mg/mL BSA, and 5mg/mL BSA. After selection, various sperm parameters were studied, such as sperm recovery rate, sperm morphology, motility (by CASA), vitality, acrosome status and intracellular calcium (by flow cytometry) and ability to penetrate oocytes in vitro. Around 2% of sperm were recovered after swim-up, and the replacement of BSA by pOF showed a beneficial reduction of motility parameters calcium concentration, resulting in an increased penetration rate. The combination of albumin and oviductal fluid in the medium did not improve the sperm parameters results, whereas a high concentration of BSA increased sperm morphological abnormalities, motility, and acrosome damage, with a reduction of calcium concentration and penetration rate. In conclusion, the replacement of albumin by preovulatory oviductal fluid in the swim-up sperm preparation method modifies boar sperm parameters and improves the in vitro penetration of oocytes.
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Saint-Dizier M, Mahé C, Reynaud K, Tsikis G, Mermillod P, Druart X. Sperm interactions with the female reproductive tract: A key for successful fertilization in mammals. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 516:110956. [PMID: 32712384 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sperm migration through the female genital tract is not a quiet journey. Uterine contractions quickly operate a drastic selection, leading to a very restrictive number of sperm reaching the top of uterine horns and finally, provided the presence of key molecules on sperm, the oviduct, where fertilization takes place. During hours and sometimes days before fertilization, subpopulations of spermatozoa interact with dynamic and region-specific maternal components, including soluble proteins, extracellular vesicles and epithelial cells lining the lumen of the female tract. Interactions with uterine and oviductal cells play important roles for sperm survival as they modulate the maternal immune response and allow a transient storage before ovulation. The body of work reported here highlights the importance of sperm interactions with proteins originated from both the uterine and oviductal fluids, as well as hormonal signals around the time of ovulation for sperm acquisition of fertilizing competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Saint-Dizier
- INRAE, UMR PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France; University of Tours, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, 37000, Tours, France.
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Keshtgar S, Ebrahimi B, Shid-Moosavi SM, Erfani N. NADPH oxidase 5 activation; a novel approach to human sperm cryoinjury. Cell Tissue Bank 2020; 21:675-684. [PMID: 32607683 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-020-09845-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation leads to various structural and functional damages, some of which induce by oxidative stress. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generates by mitochondria and membrane NADPH oxidases (NOXs). Among the NOXs, only NOX5 has been identified in the cell membrane of human sperm. This study was designed to clarify the possible role of NOX5 on sperm cryoinjury. Forty human semen samples were washed and randomly divided into fresh and cryopreserved groups. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups containing Ham's F10 (control), 0.1% DMSO (vehicle), 100 nM of PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) and 1 µM of DPI (diphenyleneiodonium), as NOX5 activator and inhibitor. The samples of cryopreserved groups were preserved in liquid nitrogen for 1 month. The sperm kinematics, membrane integrity, ROS production, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular ATP and calcium concentration [Ca2+]i were evaluated. The percent of sperm with intact membrane and motile sperm reduced significantly after thawing (p ≤ 0.01). The ROS production (p ≤ 0.01) and the apoptotic rate increased, MMP dissipated, and the percentage of live cells with high [Ca2+]i decreased significantly in the cryopreserved control group relative to the fresh control group. DPI, in contrast to PMA, improved sperm progressive motility (p ≤ 0.01), membrane integrity in fresh and cryopreserved groups and reduced the ROS amount in cryopreserved group (p ≤ 0.01). Apoptotic rate, [Ca2+]i, ATP, and MMP did not change with DPI and PMA in cryopreserved groups. We conclude that NOX5 activity in fresh sperm is low, and it increases during cryopreservation. NOX5 inhibition improves the cryopreserved sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Keshtgar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Zand Blvd, 71348-45794, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahareh Ebrahimi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Zand Blvd, 71348-45794, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mostafa Shid-Moosavi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Zand Blvd, 71348-45794, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nasrollah Erfani
- Department of Immunology and Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 71345-1798, Shiraz, Iran
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Ebrahimi B, Keshtgar S. The Effects of EGTA on the Quality of Fresh and Cryopreserved-Thawed Human Spermatozoa. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 45:188-198. [PMID: 32546885 PMCID: PMC7253491 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2019.45787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background: Sperm cryopreservation-thawing process has damaging effects on the structure and function of sperm, namely cryoinjury.
Calcium overload has been reported as a postulated mechanism for sperm damage during the first steps after thawing.
This study was designed to assess the intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) after cryopreservation and to clarify the role
of a calcium chelator ethylene glycol-bis (2-aminoethyl ether)-N, N, N′, N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) on human sperm quality. Methods: Forty semen samples were obtained from fertile men (March 2017 to 2018). The samples were randomly divided into fresh (F)
and cryopreserved-thawed (CT) groups. The F and CT samples were divided into control and 1 mM EGTA-treated groups.
Sperm kinematics and membrane integrity were assessed. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate
(ATP) were measured by luminescent methods. Ca2+i, apoptotic rate, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were
evaluated using flow cytometric methods. Data were compared using SPSS software, version 16.0 by ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. P<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Cryopreservation decreased sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity, Ca2+i, MMP, and induced cell apoptosis
and ROS production. EGTA could not protect the cryopreserved sperm from cryoinjury. It was found to have destructive
effects on fresh sperm motility and viability (P=0.009) relative to cryopreserved sperm. ATP was reduced (P=0.02)
and ROS production (P=0.0001) was increased in the EGTA-treated F and CT sperms. Conclusion: Despite Ca2+i reduction by EGTA, it had no protective effects on fresh or cryopreserved sperm. We concluded that sperm
cryoinjury was not dependent on calcium overload, and it was suggested that cryoinjury was mainly related to cell membranes damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Ebrahimi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Keshtgar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Porcine oviductal extracellular vesicles interact with gametes and regulate sperm motility and survival. Theriogenology 2020; 155:240-255. [PMID: 32791377 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Once in the female reproductive tract, spermatozoa undergo several modifications to acquire their complete fertilizing ability. Interactions between the oviductal fluid (OF) and gametes contribute to a successful fertilization. Recently, oviductal extracellular vesicles have been identified as an important part of the OF but their interactions with gametes are not fully understood. In the present study, we aim at determining the patterns of interactions between porcine oviductal extracellular vesicles (poEVs) and gametes (spermatozoa and oocytes). Moreover, we evaluate the effect of poEVs on sperm survival and motility to better understand the mechanisms by which poEVs modulate the processes leading to fertilization. Evaluation of poEVs uptake by spermatozoa showed that poEVs bind to spermatozoa in a time and dose dependent manner. Co-incubation of spermatozoa with poEVs (0.2 μg/μL) increased fresh and frozen sperm survival after 6 and 17 h, respectively. By contrast, poEVs supplementation reduced the total and progressive sperm motility after 2 h. Additionally, we demonstrated that poEVs interacted with the cumulus cells, zona pellucida (ZP) and oocyte, being able to cross the ZP. Besides, we showed that poEVs delivered their cargo into the oocyte, by the transfer of OVGP1 protein. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that poEVs are able to interact with both gametes. Besides, the findings from the present study showed that poEVs may participate in maintaining sperm viability and reducing motility, functions associated with the oviduct sperm reservoir. Although further investigations are needed, our results indicate that poEVs can be a potential tool to improve sperm life span during sperm handling and enhance IVF outcomes.
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Zalazar L, Iniesta-Cuerda M, Sánchez-Ajofrín I, Garde JJ, Soler Valls AJ, Cesari A. Recombinant SPINK3 improves ram sperm quality and in vitro fertility after cryopreservation. Theriogenology 2020; 144:45-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Peris-Frau P, Martín-Maestro A, Iniesta-Cuerda M, Sánchez-Ajofrín I, Cesari A, Garde JJ, Villar M, Soler AJ. Cryopreservation of ram sperm alters the dynamic changes associated with in vitro capacitation. Theriogenology 2020; 145:100-108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Roldan ERS. Assessments of sperm quality integrating morphology, swimming patterns, bioenergetics and cell signalling. Theriogenology 2020; 150:388-395. [PMID: 32093962 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are diverse in form and function and these differences impact on their fertilizing capacity. Because of considerable inter-male and inter-species differences in sperm traits, assessments of sperm quality demand that we consider variations at different levels. We should thus pay attention not only to average values but also intra- and inter-sperm population variations and subpopulation structure. Sperm shape and size evolve in reponse to postcopulatory sexual selection. Assessments of morphological variation, with conventional microscopy or with computer-assisted systems, should bear this in mind. In rodents sperm head shape is asymmetric so it requires more complex tools, such as geometric morphometrics. Sperm function also evolves under postcopulatory sexual selection and this could be used as a basis to assess sperm performance. Sperm cells swim actively to overcome barriers in the female tract and develop a peculiar motility pattern in the final stages prior to and during fertilization. Both types of movement can be analyzed by computer-assisted microscopy systems. Sperm have high energetic demands for cell homeostasis, motility, and signalling. Bioenergetics can be analyzed by various means, including extracellular flux analyses to characterize glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. Finally, cell signalling during capacitation has received much attention and can be assessed by microscopy (conventional or computer-assisted) or flow cytometry. Recent advances in image-flow cytometry affords analyses of high cell numbers with spatial localization of subcellular changes, which will have a big impact in the development of functional tests for the andrology clinic and in sperm preservation and use in artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), c/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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Alfradique VAP, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Batista RITP, Côrtes LR, Bragança GM, de Souza CV, Bartlewski PM, Brandão FZ. Bovine oviductal fluid (bOF) collected in the follicular or luteal phase of the estrous cycle exerts similar effects on ram sperm kinematics and acrosome reactivity in vitro. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:279-286. [PMID: 31439505 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of bovine oviductal fluid (bOF) obtained during the follicular or luteal phase of the estrous cycle on ram sperm kinematics, capacitation status and plasma membrane (PM) integrity at various time points during the 24-h incubation period. Fresh ram spermatozoa were selected using the swim-up technique and then incubated separately with either follicular phase (FbOF) or luteal phase (LbOF) bovine oviductal fluid added to Fert-TALP medium (positive control - POSControl) or in Fert-TALP medium without capacitating agents (negative control - NEGControl) at 38 °C under 5% CO2. Incubation with FbOF or LbOF for 2 h and 4 h promoted an increase (P < 0.05) in most of the sperm motility parameters as compared with the NEGControl group, and bOF-induced changes in sperm kinematics were similar (P > 0.05) to those seen in the POSControl group. After 6 h of incubation, the stimulatory effect of FbOF or LbOF on ram sperm kinematics was no longer observed (P > 0.05). Sperm PM integrity was not affected (P > 0.05) by incubation in bOF-supplemented media or in absence of capacitating factors (NEGControl). Although neither FbOF nor LbOF had any effect on sperm capacitation rates, the proportion of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa was greater (P < 0.05) for bOF-containing media compared with the NEGControl group during the long incubation periods (18 h and 24 h). In conclusion, bOF from either follicular or luteal phase of the estrous cycle enhances ram sperm motility for up to 4 h and the rate of acrosome reaction after long (18-24 h) incubation periods without affecting sperm viability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luana Rangel Côrtes
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Pawel Mieczyslaw Bartlewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Pezo F, Romero F, Zambrano F, Sánchez RS. Preservation of boar semen: An update. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:423-434. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Pezo
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology Center of Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
| | - Fernando Romero
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Peptides Center for Biotechnology in Reproduction—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEBIOR‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Fabiola Zambrano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology Center of Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Peptides Center for Biotechnology in Reproduction—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEBIOR‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
| | - Raúl Segundo Sánchez
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology Center of Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Peptides Center for Biotechnology in Reproduction—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEBIOR‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
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Saraf KK, Singh RK, Kumaresan A, Nayak S, Chhillar S, Lathika S, Datta TK, Mohanty TK. Sperm functional attributes and oviduct explant binding capacity differs between bulls with different fertility ratings in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:395-403. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here the differences in sperm functional attributes and sperm–oviduct binding index in bulls with different field fertility ratings. Cryopreserved spermatozoa from Murrah buffalo bulls (n=9) with different fertility ratings were evaluated for membrane integrity, capacitation status, acrosome intactness and protein tyrosine phosphorylation status. Frozen–thawed spermatozoa were incubated with oviduct explants for 1h under 5% CO2, 38.5°C with 95% relative humidity and the number of spermatozoa bound to the unit area of oviduct explants (binding index; BI) was assessed using 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolyl-carbocyanine iodide (JC-1) fluorescent staining. The proportion of membrane-intact and acrosome-intact spermatozoa was significantly (P<0.05) higher and the proportion of capacitated spermatozoa was significantly (P<0.05) lower in high-fertile bulls compared with medium- and low-fertile bulls. The relationship between BI and bull fertility was significant and positive (r=0.69; P=0.04). BI was negatively and significantly (r=−0.83; P=0.01) related to membrane-compromised spermatozoa. It was concluded that the sperm–oviduct explant binding index was positively related to (1) the proportion of membrane-intact spermatozoa in a given semen sample and (2) invivo fertility of the buffalo bull, indicating the possibility of developing a fertility prediction tool using a sperm–oviduct explant binding model, once validated on a greater number of bulls.
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Wang Y, Gu Y, Gao H, Gao Y, Shao J, Pang W, Dong W. Exploring boar sperm sialylation during capacitation using boronic acid-functionalized beads. Reproduction 2018; 155:25-36. [PMID: 29269442 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Sialic acid (SA), which usually occupies the terminal position of oligosaccharide chains in mammalian spermatozoa, has important functions in fertilization. Compared with other methods, such as lectin probing, boronic acid could recognize and bind SA with a higher affinity and specificity at pH 6.9. In this study, two boronic acid carriers, 3-aminophenylboronic acid-labeled fluorescent latex (CML-APBA) and magnetic beads (CMM-APBA were applied to explore surface sialylation profile and sialoglycoproteins of the boar sperm. There are three binding sections of CML-APBA on the head of ejaculated sperm: acrosomal region, equatorial segment and the head posterior, which are the major regions undergoing sialylation. After capacitation in vitro, two major binding patterns of CML-APBA exists on sperm head. On some spermatozoa, sialylation exists on the equatorial segment and the posterior head, whilst on other spermatozoa, sialylation occurs on the acrosomal region and equatorial segment. Flow cytometry analysis suggested that the level of sialylation on boar sperm membrane decreases after capacitation. Furthermore, using CMM-APBA, we pulled down sialylated proteins from spermatozoa. Among them, two decapacitation factors associating on sperm surface, AWN and PSP-1, were identified. The levels of the two proteins reduced during capacitation, which might contribute to the decrease of sialylation on boar sperm surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxian Wang
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yihua Gu
- NPFPC Key Laboratory of Contraceptives and DevicesShanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Shanghai, China.,Institutes of Reproduction and DevelopmentFudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihui Gao
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yao Gao
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jianhang Shao
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Weijun Pang
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Kumaresan A, Johannisson A, Humblot P, Bergqvist AS. Effect of bovine oviductal fluid on motility, tyrosine phosphorylation, and acrosome reaction in cryopreserved bull spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2018; 124:48-56. [PMID: 30343199 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the complex interactions between oviducts and cryopreserved spermatozoa. Herein we report the dynamic changes in bull sperm functions during in vitro incubation with bovine estrus and luteal oviductal fluid. Frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa was incubated either in non-capacitating medium, capacitating medium, non-capacitating medium containing 20% v/v estrus oviductal fluid or non-capacitating medium containing 20% v/v luteal oviductal fluid for 6 h at 38 °C under 5% CO2. At hourly interval spermatozoa were evaluated for kinematics, tyrosine phosphorylation and acrosome reaction. The sperm velocity parameters were higher (P < 0.05) in capacitating medium compared to the other treatments. At 4 and 5 h of incubation, the proportion of live tyrosine phosphorylated spermatozoa was higher (P < 0.05) in estrus oviductal fluid compared to all other treatments. From 4 to 6 h of incubation the proportion of live acrosome reacted spermatozoa was higher (P < 0.05) in estrus oviductal fluid compared to the other treatments. We conclude that estrus oviductal fluid induced tyrosine phosphorylation and acrosome reaction in a higher proportion of frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa compared to luteal oviductal fluid, although sperm kinematics were not significantly influenced by oviductal during incubation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kumaresan
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patrice Humblot
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofi Bergqvist
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Kumaresan A, Johannisson A, Bergqvist AS. Sperm function during incubation with oestrus oviductal fluid differs in bulls with different fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1096-1106. [PMID: 27112984 DOI: 10.1071/rd15474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa undergo several modifications in the oviduct before acquiring fertilising capacity. Although spermatozoa are exposed to similar conditions in the oviduct, the speed of the response varies with the male and the state of the spermatozoa. We hypothesised that spermatozoa from bulls with different fertility may differ in their ability to respond to oviductal fluid (ODF). Frozen-thawed spermatozoa from four bulls were incubated with oestrus oviductal fluid (OODF) for 6h. Sperm kinematics, tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphorylation patterns, capacitation and acrosome reaction were analysed at hourly intervals. The amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and straightness coefficient (STR) were higher (P<0.05) in bulls with higher fertility compared with those with lower fertility, at 1-4h of incubation. At 4h of incubation and onwards, spermatozoa from bulls with higher fertility showed a lower degree (P<0.05) of tyrosine phosphorylation and higher degree of capacitation and acrosome reaction. At least five tyrosine-phosphorylated sperm proteins were detected in all bulls. However, the expression of two phosphorylated sperm proteins (183 and 109 kDa) was upregulated in bulls with lower fertility. It may be concluded that cryopreserved spermatozoa from high- and low- fertile bulls differ in their ability to respond to OODF. This may help in developing tools for assessing fertility of bulls, once validated in more animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kumaresan
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A-S Bergqvist
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Choudhary S, Kumaresan A, Kumar M, Chhillar S, Malik H, Kumar S, Kaushik JK, Datta TK, Mohanty AK. Effect of recombinant and native buffalo OVGP1 on sperm functions and in vitro embryo development: a comparative study. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2017; 8:69. [PMID: 28883914 PMCID: PMC5580196 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-017-0201-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An oviduct- specific glycoprotein, OVGP1, is synthesized and secreted by non-ciliated epithelial cells of the mammalian oviduct which provides an essential milieu for reproductive functions. The present study reports the effects of recombinant buffalo OVGP1 that lacks post-translational modifications, and native Buffalo OVGP1 isolated from oviductal tissue, on frozen- thawed sperm functions and in vitro embryo development. Results The proportion of viable sperms was greater (P < 0.05) in the recombinant OVGP1-treated group compared to the native OVGP1-treated group at 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h of incubation. The proportion of motile sperms at 3 h and 4 h of incubation; and membrane- intact sperms at 4 h was greater (P < 0.05) in the native OVGP1-treated group compared to the control and recombinant OVGP1-treated groups. The proportion of capacitated and acrosome- reacted sperms was greater (P < 0.05) in the native OVGP1-treated group compared to the recombinant OVGP1 group at 4 h. The rates of cleavage of embryos and their development to the blastocyst stage were greater (P < 0.05) in the presence of either native or recombinant OVGP1 in comparison to control at 10 μg/mL concentration as compared to 5 or 20 μg/mL. Conclusions The study suggests that both native and recombinant OVGP1 impart a positive effect on various sperm features and in vitro embryo development. However, native OVGP1 was found to have a more pronounced effect in comparison to recombinant non-glycosylated OVGP1 on various sperm functions except viability. Hence, our current findings infer that glycosylation of OVGP1 might be essential in sustaining the sperm functions but not the in vitro embryo development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40104-017-0201-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Choudhary
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
| | - A Kumaresan
- Livestock and Production Management Section, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
| | - Shivani Chhillar
- Livestock and Production Management Section, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
| | - Hrudananda Malik
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
| | - Sudarshan Kumar
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
| | - Jai K Kaushik
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
| | - Tirtha K Datta
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
| | - Ashok K Mohanty
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
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Saraf KK, Kumaresan A, Chhillar S, Nayak S, Lathika S, Datta TK, Gahlot SC, Karan P, Verma K, Mohanty TK. Spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential and low tyrosine phosphorylation preferentially bind to oviduct explants in the water buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ). Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 180:30-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Saraf KK, Kumaresan A, Nayak S, Chhillar S, Sreela L, Kumar S, Tripathi UK, Datta TK, Mohanty TK. Development of an in vitro oviduct epithelial explants model for studying sperm-oviduct binding in the buffalo. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:687-691. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- KK Saraf
- Theriogenology Lab; Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics; National Dairy Research Institute; Karnal Haryana India
| | - A Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Lab; Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics; National Dairy Research Institute; Karnal Haryana India
| | - S Nayak
- Theriogenology Lab; Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics; National Dairy Research Institute; Karnal Haryana India
| | - S Chhillar
- Theriogenology Lab; Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics; National Dairy Research Institute; Karnal Haryana India
| | - L Sreela
- Theriogenology Lab; Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics; National Dairy Research Institute; Karnal Haryana India
| | - S Kumar
- Theriogenology Lab; Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics; National Dairy Research Institute; Karnal Haryana India
| | - UK Tripathi
- Theriogenology Lab; Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics; National Dairy Research Institute; Karnal Haryana India
| | - TK Datta
- Animal Biotechnology Centre; National Dairy Research Institute; Karnal Haryana India
| | - TK Mohanty
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre; National Dairy Research Institute; Karnal Haryana India
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23
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Li S, Winuthayanon W. Oviduct: roles in fertilization and early embryo development. J Endocrinol 2017; 232:R1-R26. [PMID: 27875265 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Animal oviducts and human Fallopian tubes are a part of the female reproductive tract that hosts fertilization and pre-implantation development of the embryo. With an increasing understanding of roles of the oviduct at the cellular and molecular levels, current research signifies the importance of the oviduct on naturally conceived fertilization and pre-implantation embryo development. This review highlights the physiological conditions within the oviduct during fertilization, environmental regulation, oviductal fluid composition and its role in protecting embryos and supplying nutrients. Finally, the review compares different aspects of naturally occurring fertilization and assisted reproductive technology (ART)-achieved fertilization and embryo development, giving insight into potential areas for improvement in this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Li
- School of Molecular BiosciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- School of Molecular BiosciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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