Increased calcium-ion influx is a component of capacitation of spermatozoa

How I overcame problems in in vitro fertilisation of livestock animals

In my research life of 35years, growing with IETS as a researcher of in vitro maturation and fertilisation (IVM/IVF) of porcine and cattle oocytes, I suffered from hard times related to solving problems that prevented the progress of my research and conferment of my degrees. Many researchers may have similar problems. Thus, I would like to address a few examples of how I overcame these problems related to IVF and help young researchers with similar troubles. There were four main problems to be solved in my experiments. Problem 1: Establishment of IVF using only defined medium in pigs. Problem 2: Establishment of successful in vitro culture (IVC) of IVM/IVF bovine oocytes in defined medium. Problem 3: Low rate of male pronucleus formation in IVM porcine oocytes after IVF. Problem 4: Sedimentation of Ca2+ in the sperm capacitation solution for IVF in pigs. Problem 1 was solved by a lucky accident, in which a sperm suspension that would have otherwise been discarded happened to be successfully used for IVF in pigs. Problems 2, 3 and 4 were solved by communication with scientists whose fields were different from mine, where similar problems had been solved already. Young researchers are encouraged to transcend the boundaries of their research fields and solve problems by interacting with researchers in different fields. There are many good connections or answers around us that may be effective in resolving the problems that are hindering the progress of pending research.

Sperm Capacitation and Kinematics in Phodopus Hamsters

This study was designed to analyze changes in the spermatozoa of three species of Phodopus hamsters incubated under different conditions. Cauda epididymal sperm were incubated for 4 h in modified Tyrode's medium containing albumin, lactate, pyruvate, and Hepes (mTALP-H), in the same medium with the addition of bicarbonate (mTALP-BH), or with bicarbonate and 20 ng/mL of progesterone (mTALP-BH+P4). Media with bicarbonate are believed to promote capacitation in rodent species. Sperm motility, viability, capacitation patterns, and kinematics were assessed at different times. Capacitation in live cells was quantified after staining with Hoechst 33258 and chlortetracycline. Patterns believed to correspond to non-capacitated cells (F pattern), capacitated, acrosome-intact cells (B pattern), and acrosome-reacted cells (AR pattern) were recognized. Kinematics were examined via computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). The results showed a decrease in total motility in all three species in different media, with a sharp decrease in progressive motility in bicarbonate-containing media (without or with progesterone), suggesting hyperactivated motion. However, none of the other signs of hyperactivation described in rodents (i.e., decrease in STR or LIN, together with an increase in ALH) were observed. F pattern cells diminished with time in all media and were generally lower in P. roborovskii and higher in P. campbelli. B pattern cells increased in mTALP-BH media in all species. Progesterone did not enhance the percentage of B pattern cells. Finally, AR pattern cells increased in all species incubated in different media, showing the highest percentage in P. roborovskii and the lowest in P. campbelli. Comparisons between media revealed that there were higher percentages of F pattern cells and lower percentages of B pattern cells over time in medium without bicarbonate (mTALP-H) in comparison to media containing bicarbonate (mTALP-BH; mTALP-BH+P4). Overall, changes consistent with the acquisition of capacitation and development of hyperactivated motility were found; however, further studies are required to better characterize media necessary to support the pathways involved in these processes in Phodopus species.

The stallion sperm acrosome: Considerations from a research and clinical perspective

During the fertilization process, the interaction between the sperm and the oocyte is mediated by a process known as acrosomal exocytosis (AE). Although the role of the sperm acrosome on fertilization has been studied extensively over the last 70 years, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that govern acrosomal function, particularly in species other than mice or humans. Even though subfertility due to acrosomal dysfunction is less common in large animals than in humans, the evaluation of sperm acrosomal function should be considered not only as a complementary but a routine test when individuals are selected for breeding potential. This certainly holds true for stallions, which might display lower levels of fertility in the face of "acceptable" sperm quality parameters determined by conventional sperm assays. Nowadays, the use of high throughput technologies such as flow cytometry or mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis is commonplace in the research arena. Such techniques can also be implemented in clinical scenarios of males with "idiopathic" subfertility. The current review focuses on the sperm acrosome, with particular emphasis on the stallion. We aim to describe the physiological events that lead to the acrosome formation within the testis, the role of very specific acrosomal proteins during AE, the methods to study the occurrence of AE under in vitro conditions, and the potential use of molecular biology techniques to discover new markers of acrosomal function and subfertility associated with acrosomal dysfunction in stallions.

In vitro production of small ruminant embryos: latest improvements and further research

This review presents the latest advances in and main obstacles to the application of invitro embryo production (IVEP) systems in small ruminants. This biotechnology is an extremely important tool for genetic improvement for livestock and is essential for the establishment of other biotechnologies, such as cloning and transgenesis. At present, the IVEP market is almost non-existent for small ruminants, in contrast with the trends observed in cattle. This is probably related to the lower added value of small ruminants, lower commercial demand and fewer qualified professionals interested in this area. Moreover, there are fewer research groups working on small ruminant IVEP than those working with cattle and pigs. The heterogeneity of oocytes collected from growing follicles in live females or from ovaries collected from abattoirs remains a challenge for IVEP dissemination in goats and sheep. Of note, although the logistics of oocyte collection from live small ruminant females are more complex than in the bovine, in general the IVEP outcomes, in terms of blastocyst production, are similar. We anticipate that after appropriate training and repeatable results, the commercial demand for small ruminant invitro -produced embryos may increase.

Everything you ever wanted to know about PKA regulation and its involvement in mammalian sperm capacitation

The 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent protein kinase (PKA) is a tetrameric holoenzyme comprising a set of two regulatory subunits (PKA-R) and two catalytic (PKA-C) subunits. The PKA-R subunits act as sensors of cAMP and allow PKA-C activity. One of the first signaling events observed during mammalian sperm capacitation is PKA activation. Thus, understanding how PKA activity is restricted in space and time is crucial to decipher the critical steps of sperm capacitation. It is widely accepted that PKA specificity depends on several levels of regulation. Anchoring proteins play a pivotal role in achieving proper localization signaling, subcellular targeting and cAMP microdomains. These multi-factorial regulation steps are necessary for a precise spatio-temporal activation of PKA. Here we discuss recent understanding of regulatory mechanisms of PKA in mammalian sperm, such as post-translational modifications, in the context of its role as the master orchestrator of molecular events conducive to capacitation.

Sperm ion channels and transporters in male fertility and infertility

Mammalian sperm cells must respond to cues originating from along the female reproductive tract and from the layers of the egg in order to complete their fertilization journey. Dynamic regulation of ion signalling is, therefore, essential for sperm cells to adapt to their constantly changing environment. Over the past 15 years, direct electrophysiological recordings together with genetically modified mouse models and human genetics have confirmed the importance of ion channels, including the principal Ca²⁺-selective plasma membrane ion channel CatSper, for sperm activity. Sperm ion channels and membrane receptors are attractive targets for both the development of contraceptives and infertility treatment drugs. Furthermore, in this era of assisted reproductive technologies, understanding the signalling processes implicated in defective sperm function, particularly those arising from genetic abnormalities, is of the utmost importance not only for the development of infertility treatments but also to assess the overall health of a patient and his children. Future studies to improve reproductive health care and overall health care as a function of the ability to reproduce should include identification and analyses of gene variants that underlie human infertility and research into fertility-related molecules.

Differences and Similarities: The Richness of Comparative Sperm Physiology

Species preservation depends on the success of fertilization. Sperm are uniquely equipped to fulfill this task, and, although several mechanisms are conserved among species, striking functional differences have evolved to contend with particular sperm-egg environmental characteristics. This review highlights similarities and differences in sperm strategies, with examples within internal and external fertilizers, pointing out unresolved issues.

Molecular Basis of Human Sperm Capacitation

In the early 1950s, Austin and Chang independently described the changes that are required for the sperm to fertilize oocytes in vivo. These changes were originally grouped under name of “capacitation” and were the first step in the development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in humans. Following these initial and fundamental findings, a remarkable number of observations led to characterization of the molecular steps behind this process. The discovery of certain sperm-specific molecules and the possibility to record ion currents through patch-clamp approaches helped to integrate the initial biochemical observation with the activity of ion channels. This is of particular importance in the male gamete due to the fact that sperm are transcriptionally inactive. Therefore, sperm must control all these changes that occur during their transit through the male and female reproductive tracts by complex signaling cascades that include post-translational modifications. This review is focused on the principal molecular mechanisms that govern human sperm capacitation with particular emphasis on comparing all the reported pieces of evidence with the mouse model.

Only a subpopulation of mouse sperm displays a rapid increase in intracellular calcium during capacitation

Mammalian sperm must undergo a functionally defined process called capacitation to be able to fertilize oocytes. They become capacitated in vivo by interacting with the female reproductive tract or in vitro in a defined capacitation medium that contains bovine serum albumin, calcium (Ca²⁺ ), and bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^- ). In this work, sperm were double stained with propidium iodide and the Ca²⁺ dye Fluo-4 AM and analyzed by flow cytometry to determine changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺ ]_i ) in individual live sperm. An increase in [Ca²⁺ ]_i was observed in a subpopulation of capacitated live sperm when compared with noncapacitated ones. Sperm exposed to the capacitating medium displayed a rapid increase in [Ca²⁺ ]_i within 1 min of incubation, which remained sustained for 90 min. These rise in [Ca²⁺ ]_i after 90 min of incubation in the capacitating medium was evidenced by an increase in the normalized median fluorescence intensity. This increase was dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca²⁺ and, at least in part, reflected the contribution of a new subpopulation of sperm with higher [Ca²⁺ ]_i . In addition, it was determined that the capacitation-associated [Ca²⁺ ]_i increase was dependent of CatSper channels, as sperm derived from CatSper knockout (CatSper KO) or incubated in the presence of CatSper inhibitors failed to increase [Ca²⁺ ]_i . Surprisingly, a minimum increase in [Ca²⁺ ]_i was also observed in CatSper KO sperm suggesting the existence of other Ca²⁺ transport systems. Altogether, these results indicate that a subpopulation of sperm increases [Ca²⁺ ]_i very rapidly during capacitation mainly due to a CatSper-mediated influx of extracellular Ca²⁺ .

The Fungal Sexual Pheromone Sirenin Activates the Human CatSper Channel Complex

The basal fungus Allomyces macrogynus (A. macrogynus) produces motile male gametes displaying well-studied chemotaxis toward their female counterparts. This chemotaxis is driven by sirenin, a sexual pheromone released by the female gametes. The pheromone evokes a large calcium influx in the motile gametes, which could proceed through the cation channel of sperm (CatSper) complex. Herein, we report the total synthesis of sirenin in 10 steps and 8% overall yield and show that the synthetic pheromone activates the CatSper channel complex, indicated by a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular calcium in human sperm. Sirenin activation of the CatSper channel was confirmed using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology with human sperm. Based on this proficient synthetic route and confirmed activation of CatSper, analogues of sirenin can be designed as blockers of the CatSper channel that could provide male contraceptive agents.

The epididymal influence on sperm maturation

Consideration of the function of the epididymis has undergone profound changes over the last century during which it has moved from a largely neglected male reproductive organ to one that is an increasingly exploited source of sperm for assisted reproduction strategies. From histological studies in the lizard1 it was considered that, ‘…the cells lining the epididymal canal produce a material necessary for the spermatozoa during their passage through the organ …’ whereas a fertility study with guinea-pigs stated boldly that, ‘… changes undergone [by spermatozoa in the epididymis] are not conditioned by some specific action of epididymal secretion …’. The former view found favour in a review of the literature which concluded that, ‘… there are specific epididymal secretions necessary for sperm maturation and survival …’, although the nature of the secretions were not then known. However, this concept, currently held by most of those studying the epididymis of animals, was again contradicted on the basis of clinical work: ‘… it certainly is possible for sperm that have never passed through any length of the epididymis at all to mature on their own …’.

In guinea pig spermatozoa, the procaine-promoted synchronous acrosome reaction results in highly fertile cells exhibiting normal F-actin distribution

In guinea pig spermatozoa, procaine induces Ca(2+) independent hyperactivated motility suggestive of sperm capacitation. Nonetheless, in the presence of high extracellular Ca(2+), procaine increases cytoplasmic Ca(2+). We analyze the procaine effect on the acrosome reaction (AR) processes in guinea pig spermatozoa. Results indicated that: (i) in spermatozoa pre-incubated 5-30 min in MCM-PLG medium, procaine produced synchronous AR, (ii) the acrosome-reacted sperm number increased with the capacitation period before procaine treatment and with procaine concentration, (iii) acrosome reaction was blocked when Ca(2+) was omitted, (iv) plasma membrane-outer acrosomal membrane fusion started within 2 min after procaine treatment, (v) in acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, actin polymerization occurred and F-actin was located in the equatorial and post-acrosomal regions and (vi) procaine treatment resulted in highly fertile acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. This is the first report indicating that procaine promotes synchronic AR in mammalian spermatozoa. If procaine promotes premature AR of spermatozoa in vivo, it might be a factor for infertility in patients exposed to this local anesthetic.

Calmodulin antagonists differentially affect capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation of mouse sperm components

Sperm capacitation in vitro is thought to be correlated with the increased protein tyrosine phosphorylation of a subset of sperm components. Our group recently used a pharmacological approach to demonstrate that calmodulin (CaM), a 17 kDa calcium sensor protein, has a role in sperm capacitation. In the present study, we have used several CaM antagonists in an attempt to characterize further the role of CaM in capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm components. Our data demonstrate, first, that mouse spermatozoa incubated in a medium that favors capacitation undergo increased protein tyrosine phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner. Second, inclusion of six CaM antagonists individually in an in vitro incubation medium prevented sperm capacitation, as demonstrated by their diminished ability to undergo agonist-induced acrosome reaction. Third, half of the CaM antagonists (compound 48/80, W13 and CaM-binding domain) had no effect on protein tyrosine phosphorylation or sperm motility. Fourth, by contrast, three CaM antagonists (W7, ophiobolin A and calmidazolium) significantly inhibited protein tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm components (42, 56, 66, 82 and 95 kDa) and adversely affected their motility without altering viability as assessed by propidium iodine staining. Finally, inclusion of purified CaM in the capacitation medium significantly increased tyrosine phosphorylation of 82 kDa and 95 kDa components. Combined, these data suggest that CaM antagonists prevent capacitation by interfering with multiple regulatory pathways, and do so either with or without adverse effects on sperm motility and protein tyrosine phosphorylation.

Porcine sperm capacitation and tyrosine kinase activity are dependent on bicarbonate and calcium but protein tyrosine phosphorylation is only associated with calcium

Mammalian sperm undergo capacitation in the female reproductive tract or under defined conditions in vitro. Although capacitation is now considered to be mediated by intracellular signaling events, including protein phosphorylation, the regulation of the transduction mechanisms is poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the importance of medium components on capacitation of porcine sperm, the appearance of an M(r) 32 000 sperm protein (p32), and activity of a tyrosine kinase (TK-32). As determined by the ability of the sperm to undergo the A23187-induced acrosome reaction, pig sperm require bicarbonate and calcium but not BSA for capacitation in vitro. The appearance of p32 was assessed by immunoblotting SDS-extracted and separated sperm proteins using an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. The appearance of p32 requires calcium, although p32 appears even in the absence of bicarbonate in the incubation medium, demonstrating that the appearance of this tyrosine phosphoprotein is not a final end point of pig sperm capacitation. An in-gel tyrosine kinase renaturation assay showed that TK-32 activity depends on calcium and bicarbonate in the incubation medium. Immunoprecipitation experiments using an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody and inhibitor demonstrated that p32 and TK-32 are different proteins. These data indicate that the signal transduction mechanisms of capacitation in pig sperm are different from those in other mammals, suggesting that certain species specificity may exist with respect to this phenomenon.

Effect of sperm diluents on the acrosome reaction in canine sperm

In this study we investigated the influence of sperm diluting media and temperature on the incidence of the acrosome reaction in dog sperm. Ejaculates were collected from 5 dogs, diluted with six different media and then incubated at 37 degrees C and 20 degrees C. Fluorescein isothiocynate conjugated peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA) and ethidium homodimer as a vital stain were used in combination to determine the acrosomal status of viable spermatozoa, the technique was validated using electron microscopy. The outer acrosomal membrane of dog spermatozoa was shown to be the specific binding site for FITC-PNA. After 6 h of incubation, ejaculates diluted in media with a high Ca2+ concentration showed a significantly higher percentage (means +/- SD) of acrosome reacted spermatozoa [64 +/- 7 and 58 +/- 9 in sperm capacitation medium with (SP-TALP-1) and without BSA (SP-TALP-2), respectively] than those diluted in media with a low Ca2+ concentration [36 +/- 5, 39 +/- 4, 18 +/- 2 and 20 +/- 4 in Canine Capacitation Medium (CCM), Egg Yolk Tris dog semen extender (EXT-1), Modified Egg Yolk Tris extender (EXT-2) and Modified CCM (MCCM), respectively]. The increase in the percentage of acrosome reaction (AR) was slower at 20 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. In addition, the percentage of viable acrosome reacted spermatozoa increased significantly from 19 +/- 5 and 22 +/- 3 in non-bound sperm to 27 +/- 4 and 30 +/- 6 in zona pellucida bound sperm (diluted in EXT-2 and MCCM, respectively). We conclude that the composition of the spermatozoa diluent has a marked effect on the incidence of the acrosome reaction. Therefore, both the media used to dilute dog sperm and the temperature at which the spermatozoa are handled are important factors to consider when processing spermatozoa for artificial insemination, IVF procedures or preservation.

Hydrogen peroxide induces premature acrosome reaction in rat sperm and reduces their penetration of the zona pellucida

Recent studies have demonstrated that mammalian sperm are capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and that this activity is significantly accelerated in subfertile subjects. The observed decrease in penetration of zona-intact oocyte might be explained by chemical-induced ROS-related early onset of capacitation and premature acrosome reaction, but the mechanism is not clear. We determine whether zona-intact oocyte penetration capability in rat epididymal sperm was affected by premature acrosome reaction in rat sperm treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and calcium ionophore A23187 or H2O2 and lysophosphatidyl choline. Chlortetracycline fluorescence assay was used to study the status of acrosome reaction on epididymal sperm. The sperm-oocyte binding and penetration assay was used to evaluate the capability for zona pellucida penetration. There was a positive linear correlation between the frequency of acrosome-reacted sperm and capability of sperm-oocyte binding and penetration in zona-free oocytes. In the zona-intact oocytes, the sperm-oocyte penetration rate was suppressed as the proportions of acrosome-reacted sperm increased. In summary, this study showed that premature acrosome reaction reduced rat sperm's capability of penetrating zona-intact oocytes. However, this reduction is not seen in zona-free oocytes. These findings may provide a basis for understanding the effects of sperm ROS generation on zona pellucida penetration in male reproductive toxicology.

Release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and entry of extracellular Ca(2+) are involved in sea squirt sperm activation

A rise in intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) is required to activate sperm of all organisms studied. Such elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) can occur either by influx of extracellular Ca(2+) or by release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores. We have examined these sources of Ca(2+) in sperm from the sea squirt Ascidia ceratodes using mitochondrial translocation to evaluate activation and the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura-2 to monitor [Ca(2+)](i) by bulk spectrofluorometry. Sperm activation artificially evoked by incubation in high-pH seawater was inhibited by reducing seawater [Ca(2+)], as well as by the presence of high [K(+)](o) or the Ca channel blockers pimozide, penfluridol, or Ni(2+), but not nifedipine or Co(2+). The accompanying rise in [Ca(2+)](i) was also blocked by pimozide or penfluridol. These results indicate that activation produced by alkaline incubation involves opening of plasmalemmal voltage-dependent Ca channels and Ca(2+) entry to initiate mitochondrial translocation. Incubation in thimerosal or thapsigargin, but not ryanodine (even if combined with caffeine pretreatment), evoked sperm activation. Activation by thimerosal was insensitive to reduced external calcium and to Ca channel blockers. Sperm [Ca(2+)](i) increased upon incubation in high-pH or thimerosal-containing seawater, but only the high-pH-dependent elevation in [Ca(2+)](i) could be inhibited by pimozide or penfluridol. Treatment with the protonophore CCCP indicated that only a small percentage of sperm could release enough Ca(2+) from mitochondria to cause activation. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) delivered by liposomes or by permeabilization increased sperm activation. Both of these effects were blocked by heparin. We conclude that high external pH induces intracellular alkalization that directly or indirectly activates plasma membrane voltage-dependent Ca channels allowing entry of external Ca(2+) and that thimerosal stimulates release of Ca(2+) from IP(3)-sensitive intracellular stores.

Reactive oxygen species requirements for bovine sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction

Sperm capacitation is necessary for the fertilization of oocytes. During capacitation intracellular and membrane changes occur, that culminate with an exocytotic event called the acrosome reaction. The aim of this work was to study the participation of the superoxide anion (O2-.) and of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the capacitation process and acrosome reaction in spermatozoa from cryopreserved bovine semen. Samples were capacitated with heparin or treated with the xanthine-xanthine oxidase-catalase system (X-XO-C) for the production of O2-. The percentage of capacitated spermatozoa was determined using the chlortetracycline (CTC) technique, by means of epifluorescence microscopy. Addition of X-XO-C to the incubation medium significantly induced capacitation (P < 0.05), but there were no differences with samples incubated with heparin. When the medium contained heparin or the X-XO-C, addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD, 0.5 mg/mL) significantly inhibited capacitation (P < 0.05). In samples treated with heparin and with diverse concentrations of H2O2 (10, 25, 50 and 250 microM) in the incubation medium, the percentage of capacitated spermatozoa was significantly reduced (P < 0.05); however, acrosome reaction was produced at concentrations of 10 and 25 microM H2O2. At concentrations greater than 25 microM H2O2 a deleterious effect was observed on sperm motility. From these results it may be inferred that O2-. is required in the capacitation process and that H2O2 may participate as an inductor of the acrosome reaction in spermatozoa from cryopreserved bovine semen.

Phospholipase A2: its usefulness in laboratory diagnostics

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids. This article reviews the source and structure of PLA2, the involvement of the enzyme in various biological and pathological phenomena, and the usefulness of PLA2 assays in laboratory diagnostics. Of particular importance is the role of PLA2 in the cellular production of mediators of inflammatory response to various stimuli. Assays for PLA2 activity and mass concentration are discussed, and the results of enzyme determinations in plasma from patients with different pathological conditions are presented. The determination of activity and mass concentration in plasma is particularly useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatitis, multiple organ failure, septic shock, and rheumatoid arthritis. A very important result is the demonstration that PLA2 is an acute phase protein, like CRP. Indeed, there is a close correlation between PLA2 mass concentration and CRP levels in several pathological conditions. Although the determination of C-reactive protein is much easier to perform and is routinely carried out in most clinical laboratories, the assessment of PLA2 activity or mass concentration has to be considered as a reliable approach to obtain a deeper understanding of some pathological conditions and may offer additional information concerning the prognosis of several disorders.

Calcium requirement and time course of capacitation of goat spermatozoa assessed by chlortetracycline assay

We standardized chlortetracycline fluorescent assay for studies of calcium requirement and time course of capacitation of goat spermatozoa. Three distinct fluorescent patterns were easily detected in goat spermatozoa incubated under capacitating conditions. Categorised according to nomenclature reported earlier, these are: 'F' with bright fluorescence in the postacrosomal region, characteristic of uncapacitated acrosomal-intact cells; 'B' with bright fluorescence on the anterior portion of the head and dark band in the postacrosomal region, characteristic of capacitated, acrosome-intact cells; 'AR' with lack of fluorescence on the head characteristic of acrosome-reacted cells. A close correspondence was observed when the results of CTC assay were compared with those obtained by transmission electron microscopy. Goat spermatozoa were not capacitated when calcium was omitted from the medium and 80% had CTC fluorescence of 'F' type. The size of 'B' cell population increased with increase in calcium concentration; at 1.0 mmol l-1 a peak representing 65-70% capacitated cells accumulated in 4 h. At higher concentrations, 'AR' cells were found along with 'B' cells and the two cell types were in equal proportions at 1.71 mmol l-1. Time course studies revealed a 2 h incubation period at 1.0 mmol l-1 and 1 h at 2 mmol l-1 calcium concentration before transformation of 'F' cells to 'B' cells was noticed. However, at no time were 'AR' cells found exclusively pointing to an equilibrium between the two sperm populations. Goat spermatozoa were also not capacitated when phosphate was omitted from the medium. Permeant anions (NO3-, SCN-), permeant weak acid (HCO3-) and organic phosphates (beta-glycerophosphate, glucose-6-phosphate) were unable to replace phosphate. The reason for their failure for the incidence of capacitation was traced to low uptake of calcium by goat spermatozoa. In the presence of phosphate, a 6-8-fold increase was measured over the calcium uptake when phosphate was omitted (2-4 nmol l-1 10(8) cells-1). Mersalyl inhibited the calcium uptake by goat spermatozoa as well as its capacitation most likely by inhibiting the calcium phosphate transporter located in the sperm plasma membrane.

Chlortetracycline fluorescence patterns and in vitro fertilisation of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa incubated under various bicarbonate concentrations

Porcine oocyte-cumulus complexes were cultured in bovine serum albumin (BSA)-free North Carolina State University (NCSU) 23 medium containing porcine follicular fluid (10%), cysteine (0.1 mg/ml) and hormonal supplements (eCG and hCG: 10 IU/ml each) for 22h. They were then cultured in the same medium but without hormonal supplements for an additional 22 h. After culture, cumulus cells were removed and oocytes were co-incubated with frozen-thawed ejaculated boar spermatozoa in tissue culture medium (TCM) 199 containing caffeine (5 mM), fetal calf serum (FCS; 10%) and varying concentrations (26-56 mM) of NaHCO3 for 9 h (experiment 1). In experiment 2, chlortetracycline (CTC) was used to assess the functional state of spermatozoa incubated under different NaHCO3 concentrations. Experiment 3 examined the effect of FCS (1% and 10%) and NaHCO3 (26 and 46 mM) on fertilisation parameters. Compared with 26 mM, penetration rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) at 36-56 mM NaHCO3. Polyspermy showed a similar pattern although no difference was observed between 26 and 36 mM. At 46 mM NaHCO3, the mean number of spermatozoa (MNS) penetrated per oocyte increased significantly (p < 0.05). A significantly higher proportion of spermatozoa were capacitated and acrosome reacted at 46 and 56 mM NaHCO3, respectively. The fertilisation medium containing 46 mM NaHCO3 and 1% FCS showed a higher penetration rate (84%) with a relatively low incidence of polyspermy (39%). The results indicate that NaHCO3 stimulates capacitation and/or the acrosome reaction of boar spermatozoa in a dose-dependent manner and thus affects fertilisation parameters.

Calcium efflux mechanism in sperm mitochondria

This paper reports an investigation on calcium efflux mechanism in ram sperm mitochondria. Energized sperm mitochondria take up Ca2+ via the ruthenium-red sensitive uniporter, and possess a ruthenium-red insensitive efflux mechanism. Extramitochondrial Na+ did not affect the rate of Ca2+ efflux indicating that Na+/Ca2+ exchange mechanism is not involved. Depolarization of inner mitochondrial membrane induced by the uncoupler carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl hydrazone (FCCP) or by the organomercurial SH-reagent mersalyl, causes high stimulation in Ca2+ efflux. This stimulated Ca2+ efflux determined in the presence of ruthenium-red and phosphate, is not inhibited by cyclosporin A (CSA), indicating that mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MTP) is not involved in this Ca2+ efflux mechanism. The stimulated Ca2+ efflux is inhibited by ADP or atractyloside suggesting that the Ca2+ transport mechanism might be intrinsic to the ADP/ATP carrier (AAC). Thus, the data indicate that sperm mitochondria contain a Ca2+ efflux mechanism operated via AAC and regulated by mitochondrial membrane potential and by ADP concentration.

Methods for induction of capacitation and the acrosome reaction of stallion spermatozoa

Methodologies to capacitate bovine spermatozoa, induce the acrosome reaction, and fertilize bovine oocytes in vitro have been established. The capability to do the same with stallion spermatozoa, however, is not available. Several different methods have been used to capacitate stallion spermatozoa with variable results. More basic research needs to be done to establish in vitro conditions necessary to capacitate and induce an acrosome reaction in stallion spermatozoa. Although much progress can be expected in this area, it is unlikely that the general practitioner will use these technologies in the near future.

RU486 inhibits penetration of human spermatozoa into zona-free hamster oocytes

Previous studies have shown that RU486 decreases the concentration of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in human spermatozoa in vitro and partially antagonizes the effect of progesterone on calcium influx and sperm acrosome reaction. The present study has examined the effect of RU486 on the penetration of human spermatozoa into zona-free hamster oocytes. RU486 (10 microM) decreased significantly the rate of penetration of zona-free hamster oocytes by human spermatozoa, and nearly abolished penetration when present in the medium at concentrations of 50 and 100 microM. RU486 must be present in the medium to exert its inhibitory effect. At the same concentration (10 microM) as RU486, progesterone was unable to reverse the inhibitory effect of RU486 on the penetration rate of human spermatozoa.

Energy requirement of bovine spermatozoa for in vitro capacitation

The oxidative energy requirements of bovine spermatozoa capacitated with dilauroil-phosphatidylcholine liposomes (PC 12) and the effect of these liposomes on acrosome reaction necessary for in vitro fertilization were studied. Mitochondrial respiration was measured using 3 different substrates (pyruvate-lactate-glucose) and endogenous substrates. The samples were either treated with PC 12 or were left untreated and used as the control. A 2.8-fold increase in the consumption of oxygen was observed in the PC 12 treated spermatozoa in the presence of the 3 combined substrates (pyruvate-lactate-glucose). Respiration changes were not observed when the spermatozoa were capacitated with only 2 of the 3 substrates or with glucose alone. When endogenous substrates were used, the consumption of oxygen increased 1.7 times, and mitochondrial uncoupling was observed in the treated samples. The hypermotility characteristic of the capacitation process was not observed when glucose or endogenous substrates were used. When the percentage of intact acrosomes was determined using differential-interferential contrast (DIC) microscopy, it was found that in the presence of oxidative substrates there was a 26% decrease compared with that of the control sample. The proportion of reacted acrosomes was in the range of 41.3 to 49.6%, as measured by the chlortetracycline epifluorescence method in the presence of calcium ionophore A23187. Only 4% of the spermatozoa showed acrosome reaction with endogenous substrates. A higher percentage of fertilized oocytes were observed when the spermatozoa were capacitated in the presence of the 3 substrates (pyruvate-lactate-glucose), confirming that the success of in vitro fertilization depends on the energy conditions associated with the capacitation process. The results of these experiments indicate that the presence of oxidative energy is necessary to produce capacitation and the hyperactivation characteristic in frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa treated with liposomes.

Capacitation of mouse spermatozoa. II. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation and capacitation are regulated by a cAMP-dependent pathway

In the accompanying report (Visconti, P.E., Bailey, J.L., Moore, G.D., Pan, D., Olds-Clarke, P. and Kopf, G.S. (1995) Development, 121, 1129–1137) we demonstrated that the tyrosine phosphorylation of a subset of mouse sperm proteins of M(r) 40,000-120,000 was correlated with the capacitation state of the sperm. The mechanism by which protein tyrosine phosphorylation is regulated in sperm during this process is the subject of this report. Cauda epididymal sperm, when incubated in media devoid of NaHCO3, CaCl2 or bovine serum albumin do not display the capacitation-associated increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation of this subset of proteins. This NaHCO3, CaCl2 or bovine serum albumin requirement for protein tyrosine phosphorylation can be completely overcome by the addition of biologically active, but not inactive, cAMP analogues. Addition of the active cAMP analogues to sperm incubated in media devoid of NaHCO3, CaCl2 or bovine serum albumin overcomes the inability of these media to support capacitation, as assessed by the ability of the cells to acquire the pattern B chlortetracycline fluorescence, to undergo the zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction and, in some cases, to fertilize metaphase II-arrested eggs in vitro. The effects of the cAMP analogues to enhance protein tyrosine phosphorylation and to promote capacitation appears to be at the level of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), since two specific inhibitors of this enzyme (H-89 and Rp-cAMPS) block the capacitation-dependent increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm incubated in media supporting capacitation. Capacitation, as assessed by the aforementioned endpoints, also appears to be inhibited by H-89 in a concentration-dependent manner. These results provide further evidence for the interrelationship between protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the appearance of the capacitated state in mouse sperm. They also demonstrate that both protein tyrosine phosphorylation and capacitation appear to be regulated by cAMP/PKA. Up-regulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation by cAMP/PKA in sperm is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of such an interrelationship between tyrosine kinase/phosphatase and PKA signaling pathways.

Effect of various capacitation systems on bovine sperm motion characteristics, acrosome integrity, and induction of hyperactivation

Sperm from the same ejaculate were capacitated in TEST-yolk, calcium-free Tyrode's, modified Tyrode's containing follicular fluid or heparin, and analyzed at 0, 4, 8, and 12 h for motility characteristics and acrosomal integrity. Percentage of motility, progressive motility, progressive velocity, path velocity, curvilinear velocity, linearity, and amplitude of lateral head displacement differed with media and decreased with time. Calcium-free Tyrode's ranked first in maintaining most motility parameters. However, TEST-yolk sperm ranked first for lateral head displacement but last for linearity at each time. Acrosome-reacted sperm increased over time but were not different between TEST-yolk, calcium-free Tyrode's, and heparin at 4 h. The TEST-yolk sperm at 4 h had about twice the hyperactivation (62.3%) of the other sperm capacitation media. Capacitation of bovine sperm was not associated with a specific change in any measured motility parameter. Differences among the efficacies of capacitation systems were unrelated to parameters of sperm motion, hyperactivation, or acrosomal integrity.

Role of the epididymis in mediating changes in the male gamete during maturation

This article reviews recent knowledge about events occurring in the epididymis that are important for sperm to fertilise eggs. Well established concepts are stated without references (see Cooper, 1986 for older literature) but recent references are included where they throw light on mechanisms of epididymal function. During their sojourn in the epididymis spermatozoa acquire the capacity to move and to fertilise eggs; they are then stored in a quiescent state prior to ejaculation. The ability of sperm to undergo the events of fertilisation are developed as a result of interactions with certain epididymal secretions. Increases in our knowledge about the genes coding for epididymal secretions has not yet been matched by similar insight into the role that these secretions play in the maturation process. However, information about the changes that occur to the sperm cells during maturation permit certain scenarios to be sketched that may reflect reality. This review is one such attempt to bring the epididymal sperm-epithelial secretion into focus.

Calcium channel antagonist verapamil modulates human spermatozoal functions

The effect of calcium channel blocker, verapamil (0.5-50 microM), has been studied in vitro in relation to certain spermatozoal functions in human ejaculates. Disruptive changes in the head and tail region of the spermatozoa, separation of heads from tails and coiling of the tail were observed. Motility was considerably reduced, while the pattern of motility also changed from rapid, linear progression to slow or sluggish linear or non-linear movement and finally to non-progressive motility, or even immotility. Verapamil significantly inhibited the influx of extracellular Ca2+. The study of kinetic effects further revealed a reduction in the maximum uptake velocity, but no change in the apparent substrate affinity constant. A highly significant decrease in Ca(2+)-dependent ATPase activity was also noted. In order to see whether this drug had any cytotoxic effect, presumably through lipid peroxides, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were measured. Verapamil produced an increase in the formation and release of malonyldialdehyde. The level of membrane cholesterol and phospholipid in the spermatozoa was also lowered considerably. The potential of such a calcium channel blocking agent in the designing of a male contraceptive programme is discussed.

Mechanism for procaine-mediated hyperactivated motility in guinea pig spermatozoa

Hyperactivated motility was studied in guinea pig spermatozoa. In the presence of the local anesthetic procaine, a high number of sperm cells (64%) showed hyperactivation when incubated in minimal culture medium with pyruvate, lactate, and glucose. Hyperactivated motility was dependent on glucose in the medium. Sperm ATP concentration was increased twofold in hyperactivated sperm when compared to procaine-treated non-hyperactivated cells. cAMP levels were also higher in hyperactivated cells than in control spermatozoa. Thus, in living spermatozoa high levels of ATP appear to be needed to generate hyperactivation. cAMP is present at a high concentration in hyperactivated spermatozoa, therefore a role of cAMP in hyperactivation cannot be excluded. Depletion of external Ca2+ did not inhibit procaine-induced hyperactivated motility. Hence, procaine canceled the requirement of external Ca2+ for sperm to express hyperactivated motility.

Production of motile acrosome-reacted mouse sperm with nanomolar concentration of calcium ionophore A23187

A method to generate a population of motile, acrosome-reacted mouse sperm is described. Sperm retrieved from the cauda epididymis and vas deferens were first capacitated in a 3% bovine serum albumin (BSA) containing medium. Sperm were then resuspended in medium with low BSA content (0.01%) and treated with 30 nM of the calcium ionophore, A23187, which was added as a single dose of 30 nM for 15 min at 37 degrees C; or three sequential 10 nM doses over three 5 min intervals. Approximately 55-60% of the treated sperm population became acrosome reacted. The motility of the treated sperm sample was 40-65%, slightly lower than that of the control sperm, following addition of medium containing 3% BSA. This is in contrast to the < 10% motility observed for capacitated mouse sperm treated with 10 microM 23187, a concentration that had been used by other investigators to induce the acrosome reaction. The ultrastructure of the 30 nM A23187-induced acrosome-reacted sperm was similar to that of the acrosome-reacted sperm induced by solubilized zonae pellucidae. These motile, acrosome-reacted sperm were able to penetrate zona-free mouse eggs at a higher rate than the control sperm. Thus this method of treatment will be useful for further physiological experimentation with acrosome-reacted sperm.

Synovial-type (group II) phospholipase A2 human seminal plasma

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was analysed in seminal plasma of fertile, subfertile, and vasectomized men as well as in prostatic secretion and tissue. Immunological cross-reactivity was observed between synovial-type PLA2 antiserum and the enzyme present in seminal plasma. There was a highly significant correlation between the concentration of the synovial-type PLA2, as measured by a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay and the catalytic activity of the PLA2. The results show that the PLA2 content in human seminal plasma is very high (approximately 1000 times of that present in blood plasma) and that the enzyme belongs to the synovial-type group II phospholipase A2. The results also indicate that the enzyme is secreted by the prostate.

Studies of lysophospholipids related to the hamster sperm acrosome reaction in vitro

Phospholipase A2 and lysophospholipids have been implicated in the mammalian sperm acrosome reaction. In this study we further investigated the role of this enzyme and lysophospholipids on the acrosome reaction of hamster spermatozoa. Hamster epididymal spermatozoa were incubated under capacitation and acrosome reaction-inducing conditions. After 3.0 and 3.5 h, the spermatozoa were treated with different doses of lysophosphatidylcholine for 12 min. Then the percentage of motility, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction was evaluated by light microscopy. Lysophosphatidylcholine, 10 micrograms/ml, was the highest acrosome reaction-inducing dose without an effect on sperm motility. Lysophosphatidylcholine induced the acrosome reaction only when added to spermatozoa capacitated for a minimum of 2 h. This effect was apparent after 1 min of its addition and reached a plateau after 5 min. Lysophosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidylinositol were also effective in inducing the acrosome reaction. Lysophosphatidylserine did not have any effect on the reaction, but caused an increase in sperm hyperactivation. Sperm treated with the phospholipase A2 inhibitors quinacrine dihydrochloride and p-bromophenacyl-bromide showed an inhibition of the spontaneous occurrence of the acrosome reaction. These inhibitors, however, did not block the acrosome reaction induced by lysophosphatidylcholine. The time course of the lysophosphatidylcholine-induced acrosome reaction was the same whether control or inhibitor treated spermatozoa were used. These results suggest that the membrane events of the acrosome reaction initiate with the activation of the phospholipase A2, thus producing the fusogen agents necessary for this exocytotic event.

Flow cytometric studies of bicarbonate-mediated Ca2+ influx in boar sperm populations

Boar spermatozoa loaded with the Ca2+ probe fluo-3 were incubated in various Tyrode's-based media similar to those used for in vitro fertilization (IVF), and samples were then analysed by two-colour flow cytometry; propidium iodide was included in the media to detect membrane-damaged ("dead") cells. If media contained bicarbonate/CO2 (a component thought to promote capacitation), part of the live sperm population experienced a considerable influx of Ca2+ into both head and tail compartments. The percentage of responding cells reached a maximum after about 30 min, but both during and after this period there was also a steady increase in the number of dead cells. This bicarbonate-mediated increase in cell death took place in the absence of external Ca2+. Evidence was obtained that the entry of propidium iodide was preceded by a change in permeability of the plasma membrane, detectable by leakage of carboxydichlorofluorescein, and it was therefore deduced that the Ca2+ influx detected by fluo-3 was due to destabilization of the plasma membrane. A similar response could be produced by both caffeine and papaverine (best known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors), but neither cyclic AMP nor activators of adenylate cyclase had any effect. There was no influence of substrate on the process, but, in comparison to poly(vinyl alcohol), serum albumin enhanced it. The precise relevance of this destabilization to capacitation is not yet clear, but it seems significant that the process is mediated or enhanced by components often specifically included in IVF media, and that different individual cells respond after different times.

Phospholipids of rabbit and bull sperm membranes: structural order parameter and steady-state fluorescence anisotropy of membranes and membrane leaflets

The plasma (PM), outer acrosomal (OAM), and inner acrosomal membranes (IAM) were isolated from rabbit and bull spermatozoa and the major phospholipids characterized. Choline-containing phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM), constituted more than 60% of the total phospholipids (TPL) in all membranes of both species. Approximately more than 50% of PC in membrane preparations contained some form of ether linkage. Compared to OAM and IAM, cholesterol to phospholipid molar ratio was highest in PM of both species. Contrarily, protein to phospholipid ratio for PM was lowest compared to other membranes. The sphingomyelin to phosphatidylcholine ratio increased in the direction from PM to OAM to IAM. The hydrophobic fluorescent probe 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) was used to examine both the steady-state fluorescence anisotropy parameters and structural order parameter SDPH. The data showed higher rigidity in rabbit spermatozoa compared to bull spermatozoa (SDPH = 0.7582 and SDPH = 0.7326). In both species OAM had higher rigidity compared to the other two membranes (SDPH(OAM) = 0.7809, SDPH(PM) = 0.7308, and SDPH(IAM) = 0.7481 for bull; SDPH(OAM) = 0.8091, SDPH(PM) = 0.7857, and SDPH(IAM) = 0.7663 for rabbit). The inner leaflets of bull and rabbit spermatozoal membranes had significantly higher rigidity than the outer leaflets (for inner leaflet: rabbit-SDPH(PM) = 0.8391, SDPH(OAM) = 0.8149, and SDPH(IAM) = 0.7675; bull-SDPH(PM) = 0.8000, SDPH(OAM) = 0.7990, and SDPH(IAM) = 0.7990, and for outer leaflet: rabbit-SDPH(PM) = 0.7021, SDPH(OAM) = 0.7145, and SDPH(IAM) = 0.6867; bull-SDPH(PM) = 0.6986, SDPH(OAM) = 0.5980, and SDPH(IAM) = 0.7388).

Forskolin stimulates porcine sperm capacitation by increasing calcium uptake

Using the fluorescent calcium indicator fura-2, forskolin was found to dose-dependently cause an immediate increase in the concentration of intracellular free calcium of porcine cauda epididymal sperm. This stimulatory effect of forskolin is due to the enhancement of Ca2+ uptake by the verapamil-sensitive transporter on the sperm plasma membrane and results in the promotion of the sperm capacitation and subsequent acrosome reaction.

The antifertility agent, gossypol, releases calcium from rat liver mitochondria

1. The effect of gossypol in the presence of K+ or Ca2+, or both, was studied on respiration, ATPase activity, and Ca2+ transport of rat liver mitochondria. 2. The uncoupled respiration induced by gossypol was inhibited by Ca2+. 3. This inhibition was lowered by the presence of Mg2+. ATPase activity was stimulated when gossypol and Ca2+ were in the incubation medium, in a Ca(2+)-dose related fashion. 4. Mitochondrial Ca2+ was released by gossypol, an effect associated with the membrane fluidity. 5. The results suggest that gossypol modifies the mitochondrial concentration of Ca2+.

Functional properties of caltrin proteins from seminal vesicle of the guinea pig

Caltrin proteins from seminal vesicle content of the guinea pig bind with great specificity to different regions of the spermatozoa. Indirect immunofluorescence studies with polyclonal antibodies showed that caltrin I binds to the head, on the acrosomal cup, while caltrin II binds on the principal tail and the neck. No fluorescence was detected either in the midpiece or in the post-acrosomal area of the head when sperm were exposed to either of the caltrins. Calcium-induced hyaluronidase release, which occurs during the acrosomal reaction, was dramatically inhibited by caltrin I (approximately 85% inhibition). Caltrin II was less effective in preventing the enzyme release (approximately 50% inhibition). Chemical modification of the structure modified the biological activity of the two caltrins. Reduction and carboxymethylation of the cysteine residues diminished the inhibitory activity on 45Ca2+ uptake and reduced the ability of the proteins to react with their antibodies. Removal of the carbohydrate portion by chemical deglycosylation transformed the inhibitor proteins into enhancers of calcium uptake into the spermatozoa. Caltrin proteins from the guinea pig appear to play the same physiological role as bovine caltrin, regulating specifically calcium transport across the spermatozoal membranes related with the acrosome reaction and hyperactivation process. The dual behavior of caltrins to inhibit or enhance Ca2+ uptake enables them to fulfill this function. Nevertheless, molecular mechanisms different from those described for bovine caltrin seem to be involved in the control of the functional activity of the guinea pig caltrins.