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Umezu K, Larina IV. Optical coherence tomography for dynamic investigation of mammalian reproductive processes. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:3-13. [PMID: 36574640 PMCID: PMC9877170 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The biological events associated with mammalian reproductive processes are highly dynamic and tightly regulated by molecular, genetic, and biomechanical factors. Implementation of live imaging in reproductive research is vital for the advancement of our understanding of normal reproductive physiology and for improving the management of reproductive disorders. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is emerging as a promising tool for dynamic volumetric imaging of various reproductive processes in mice and other animal models. In this review, we summarize recent studies employing OCT-based approaches toward the investigation of reproductive processes in both, males and females. We describe how OCT can be applied to study structural features of the male reproductive system and sperm transport through the male reproductive tract. We review OCT applications for in vitro and dynamic in vivo imaging of the female reproductive system, staging and tracking of oocytes and embryos, and investigations of the oocyte/embryo transport through the oviduct. We describe how the functional OCT approach can be applied to the analysis of cilia dynamics within the male and female reproductive systems. We also discuss the areas of research, where OCT could find potential applications to progress our understanding of normal reproductive physiology and reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Umezu
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Irina V Larina
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Bovine sperm-oviduct interactions are characterized by specific sperm behaviour, ultrastructure and tubal reactions which are impacted by sex sorting. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16522. [PMID: 33020549 PMCID: PMC7536416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73592-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date sperm-oviduct interactions have largely been investigated under in vitro conditions. Therefore we set out to characterize the behaviour of bovine spermatozoa within the sperm reservoir under near in vivo conditions and in real-time using a novel live cell imaging technology and a newly established fluorescent sperm binding assay. Sperm structure and tubal reactions after sperm binding were analysed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and histochemistry. As a model to specify the impact of stress on sperm-oviduct interactions, frozen-thawed conventional and sex-sorted spermatozoa from the same bulls (n = 7) were co-incubated with oviducts obtained from cows immediately after slaughter. Our studies revealed that within the oviductal sperm reservoir agile (bound at a tangential angle of about 30°, actively beating undulating tail), lagging (bound at a lower angle, reduced tail movement), immotile (absence of tail movement) and hyperactivated (whip-like movement of tail) spermatozoa occur, the prevalence of which changes in a time-dependent pattern. After formation of the sperm reservoir, tubal ciliary beat frequency is significantly increased (p = 0.022) and the epithelial cells show increased activity of endoplasmic reticula. After sex sorting, spermatozoa occasionally display abnormal movement patterns characterized by a 360° rotating head and tail. Sperm binding in the oviduct is significantly reduced (p = 0.008) following sexing. Sex-sorted spermatozoa reveal deformations in the head, sharp bends in the tail and a significantly increased prevalence of damaged mitochondria (p < 0.001). Our results imply that the oviductal cells specifically react to the binding of spermatozoa, maintaining sperm survival within the tubal reservoir. The sex-sorting process, which is associated with mechanical, chemical and time stress, impacts sperm binding to the oviduct and mitochondrial integrity affecting sperm motility and function.
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Umezu K, Kurata S, Takamori H, Numabe T, Hiradate Y, Hara K, Tanemura K. Characteristics and Possible Role of Bovine Sperm Head-to-Head Agglutination. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081865. [PMID: 32784858 PMCID: PMC7463926 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although sperm head-to-head agglutination has been reported in many mammalian species, the biological significance of this unique sperm–sperm interaction remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to examine the functional characteristics of agglutinated bovine sperm to determine the possible role of sperm agglutination in the fertilization process. We initially examined temporal changes to the degree of head-to-head agglutination in culture, and found that bovine sperm agglutinated despite the lack of sperm agglutination inducers in medium. Sperm viability and motility were evaluated by SYBR14/PI and JC-1 staining, respectively, to identify the relationship between sperm agglutination and fertilizing ability. Agglutinated sperm had increased motility, viability, and intact mitochondrial function compared with unagglutinated sperm. Furthermore, we found that heparin significantly increased the percentage of unagglutinated sperm, but did not affect viability of both agglutinated and unagglutinated sperm, suggesting that sperm agglutination dictated the viability. In conclusion, agglutinated bovine sperm maintained viability and motility for a longer time than unagglutinated sperm. Thus, we propose that the head-to-head agglutination is a crucial sperm–sperm interaction to ensure the fertilizing ability of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Umezu
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
- Correspondence: (K.U.); (K.T.); Tel.: +81-22-757-4307 (K.U.); +81-22-757-4305 (K.T.)
| | - Shouhei Kurata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
| | - Hironori Takamori
- Miyagi Prefectural Livestock Experimental Station, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6445, Japan;
| | - Takashi Numabe
- Miyagi Agricultural Development Corporation, Sendai, Miyagi 981-0914, Japan;
| | - Yuuki Hiradate
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
| | - Kenshiro Hara
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
| | - Kentaro Tanemura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
- Correspondence: (K.U.); (K.T.); Tel.: +81-22-757-4307 (K.U.); +81-22-757-4305 (K.T.)
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Pitnick S, Wolfner MF, Dorus S. Post-ejaculatory modifications to sperm (PEMS). Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:365-392. [PMID: 31737992 PMCID: PMC7643048 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm must spend a minimum period of time within a female reproductive tract to achieve the capacity to fertilize oocytes. This phenomenon, termed sperm 'capacitation', was discovered nearly seven decades ago and opened a window into the complexities of sperm-female interaction. Capacitation is most commonly used to refer to a specific combination of processes that are believed to be widespread in mammals and includes modifications to the sperm plasma membrane, elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP levels, induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, hyperactivation of motility, and, eventually, the acrosome reaction. Capacitation is only one example of post-ejaculatory modifications to sperm (PEMS) that are widespread throughout the animal kingdom. Although PEMS are less well studied in non-mammalian taxa, they likely represent the rule rather than the exception in species with internal fertilization. These PEMS are diverse in form and collectively represent the outcome of selection fashioning complex maturational trajectories of sperm that include multiple, sequential phenotypes that are specialized for stage-specific functionality within the female. In many cases, PEMS are critical for sperm to migrate successfully through the female reproductive tract, survive a protracted period of storage, reach the site of fertilization and/or achieve the capacity to fertilize eggs. We predict that PEMS will exhibit widespread phenotypic plasticity mediated by sperm-female interactions. The successful execution of PEMS thus has important implications for variation in fitness and the operation of post-copulatory sexual selection. Furthermore, it may provide a widespread mechanism of reproductive isolation and the maintenance of species boundaries. Despite their possible ubiquity and importance, the investigation of PEMS has been largely descriptive, lacking any phylogenetic consideration with regard to divergence, and there have been no theoretical or empirical investigations of their evolutionary significance. Here, we (i) clarify PEMS-related nomenclature; (ii) address the evolutionary origin, maintenance and divergence in PEMS in the context of the protracted life history of sperm and the complex, selective environment of the female reproductive tract; (iii) describe taxonomically widespread types of PEMS: sperm activation, chemotaxis and the dissociation of sperm conjugates; (iv) review the occurence of PEMS throughout the animal kingdom; (v) consider alternative hypotheses for the adaptive value of PEMS; (vi) speculate on the evolutionary implications of PEMS for genomic architecture, sexual selection, and reproductive isolation; and (vii) suggest fruitful directions for future functional and evolutionary analyses of PEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Pitnick
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syacuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Mariana F. Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Steve Dorus
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syacuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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Aguiar GB, Caldas-Bussiere MC, Maciel VL, de Carvalho CSP, de Souza CLM. Association of L-arginine with heparin on the sperm capacitation improves in vitro embryo production in bovine. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:938-944. [PMID: 32368274 PMCID: PMC7189474 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effects of L-arginine (L-arg) in the quality of in vitro heparin-induced capacitation of cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa and its effects on IVP. The experimental groups were: Control 0 hour without pre-capacitation, and groups of sperm capacitated for 30 min in the absence of COC with heparin (Control 30 min), with 1 mM L-arg and with 1 mM L-arg + heparin. The capacitation pattern was evaluated by chlortetracycline assay and the integrity of the plasma membrane (PM) and acrosome membrane (AM) by the association of Hoescht 33342 and propidium iodide. Further, we assess the sperm quality by the rate of in vitro blastocysts production. Treatment with 1 mM L-arg + heparin increased the percentage of capacitated sperm when compared to Control 0 hour and the treatment with heparin (61.1 vs. 18.2 and 47.0%, respectively, P<0.05). The addition of 1 mM L-arg to the medium has capacitated the spermatozoa (26.2 ± 3.8) but was less effective than heparin (47.0 ± 4.0) (P<0.05). There was no difference in the percentage of sperm with intact PM between treatments when compared to Control 0 hour (P>0.05). The group capacitated with 1 mM L-arg + heparin for 30 min increased the blastocyst rate compared to Control IVF (53.7 vs. 40.8%, P<0.05). We conclude that the addition of L-arg with heparin increases the number of capacitated spermatozoa in vitro with 30 min of pre-incubation in the absence of COC not altering the integrity of plasma and acrosomal membrane. This treatment in the absence of COC was the most effective method for blastocysts production, and the method of pre-incubation could be used to assess the role of other substances in the sperm capacitation and its effect on IVP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gester Breda Aguiar
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro - UENF, Laboratório de Reprodução e Melhoramento Genético Animal, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria Clara Caldas-Bussiere
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro - UENF, Laboratório de Reprodução e Melhoramento Genético Animal, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Valter Luiz Maciel
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro - UENF, Laboratório de Reprodução e Melhoramento Genético Animal, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Carla Sobrinho Paes de Carvalho
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro - UENF, Laboratório de Reprodução e Melhoramento Genético Animal, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Cláudio Luiz Melo de Souza
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro - UENF, Laboratório de Engenharia Agrícola, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
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Taylor JF, Schnabel RD, Sutovsky P. Identification of genomic variants causing sperm abnormalities and reduced male fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 194:57-62. [PMID: 29454799 PMCID: PMC6503949 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Whole genome sequencing has identified millions of bovine genetic variants; however, there is currently little understanding about which variants affect male fertility. It is imperative that we begin to link detrimental genetic variants to sperm phenotypes via the analysis of semen samples and measurement of fertility for bulls with alternate genotypes. Artificial insemination (AI) bulls provide a useful model system because of extensive fertility records, measured as sire conception rates (SCR). Genetic variants with moderate to large effects on fertility can be identified by sequencing the genomes of fertile and subfertile or infertile sires identified with high or low SCR as adult AI bulls or yearling bulls that failed Breeding Soundness Evaluation. Variants enriched in frequency in the sequences of subfertile/infertile bulls, particularly those likely to result in the loss of protein function or predicted to be severely deleterious to genes involved in sperm protein structure and function, semen quality or sperm morphology can be designed onto genotyping assays for validation of their effects on fertility. High throughput conventional and image-based flow cytometry, proteomics and cell imaging can be used to establish the functional effects of variants on sperm phenotypes. Integrating the genetic, fertility and sperm phenotype data will accelerate biomarker discovery and validation, improve routine semen testing in bull studs and identify new targets for cost-efficient AI dose optimization approaches such as semen nanopurification. This will maximize semen output from genetically superior sires and will increase the fertility of cattle. Better understanding of the relationships between male genotype and sperm phenotype may also yield new diagnostic tools and treatments for human male and idiopathic infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy F Taylor
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Robert D Schnabel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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Migone FF, Hung PH, Cowan RG, Selvaraj V, Suarez SS, Quirk SM. Overactivation of hedgehog signaling in the developing Müllerian duct interferes with duct regression in males and causes subfertility. Reproduction 2017; 153:481-492. [PMID: 28123059 PMCID: PMC5328643 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The influence of the hedgehog signaling pathway on reproduction was studied in transgenic mice in which a dominant active allele of the hedgehog signal transducer, smoothened (Smo), was conditionally expressed in the developing Müllerian duct and gonads through recombination mediated by anti-Müllerian hormone receptor 2-cre (Amhr2cre ). Previous studies showed that development of the oviduct and uterus are abnormal in female Amhr2cre/+SmoM2 mice. In the current study, focusing on mutant males, litter size was reduced 53% in crosses with wild-type females. An extra band of undifferentiated tissue extended along each epididymis and vas deferens, a position suggesting derivation from Müllerian ducts that failed to regress fully. Hedgehog signaling was elevated in this tissue, based on mRNA levels of target genes. Amhr2 mRNA was dramatically reduced in the uterus of mutant females and in the extra tissue in the tract of mutant males, suggesting that AMHR2 signaling was inadequate for complete Müllerian duct regression. Spermatogenesis and sperm motility were normal, but testis weight was reduced 37% and epididymal sperm number was reduced 36%. The number of sperm recovered from the uteri of wild-type females after mating with mutant males was reduced 78%. This suggested that sperm transport through the male tract was reduced, resulting in fewer sperm in the ejaculate. Consistent with this, mutant males had unusually tortuous vas deferentia with constrictions within the lumen. We concluded that persistence of a relatively undifferentiated remnant of Müllerian tissue is sufficient to cause subtle changes in the male reproductive tract that reduce fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pei-Hsuan Hung
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Susan S Suarez
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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SINGH AK, BRAR PS, CHEEMA RANJNAS. Characterization of fertility-associated antigens in seminal fluid and their relationship with vital sperm function tests vis-à-vis fertility of breeding buffalo bulls. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v87i3.68851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to separate the FAA of seminal plasma and frozen-thawed sperm extracts from 30 buffalo bulls by immunoblotting and determine their relationship with post-thaw sperm function tests visà-vis bull fertility. Eight immunoreactive bands in seminal plasma (60, 55, 45, 33, 31, 18, 16 and 14 kDa) and four in frozen-thawed sperm extracts (65, 55, 48 and 18 kDa) were detected in Western blots. The frozen-thawed semenwas evaluated for first service conception rate (FSCR), per cent acrosome reaction, HOST, viability, DNA integrityand total motility and linked to FAA. In seminal plasma, the bulls positive for 60, 31 and 14 kDa FAA had significantlyhigher FSCR (37.0±3.2 vs 0.0±0.0%, 46.7±3.2 vs 22.5±3.3% and 48.6±3.8 vs 26.0±3.0%), respectively, as compared to their negative counterparts. The FSCR was also higher in detectable FAA-33 than in undetectable FAA-33. Almost all seminal parameters were found to be significantly higher in bulls positive for FAA of 60, 33, 31 and 14 kDa than in their negative contemporary mates. In frozen-thawed sperm extracts, the bulls positive for FAA-65, 48 and 18 had significantly higher FSCR, per cent acrosome reaction and total motility in comparison to their negative herd mates. In conclusion, we have identified buffalo bull seminal FAA that bind to spermatozoa; influence semen quality and subsequent fertility of buffalo bulls.
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Han Y, Peñagaricano F. Unravelling the genomic architecture of bull fertility in Holstein cattle. BMC Genet 2016; 17:143. [PMID: 27842509 PMCID: PMC5109745 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-016-0454-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertility is considered an important economic trait in dairy cattle. Most studies have investigated cow fertility while bull fertility has received much less consideration. The main objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive genomic analysis in order to unravel the genomic architecture underlying sire fertility in Holstein dairy cattle. The analysis included the application of alternative genome-wide association mapping approaches and the subsequent use of diverse gene set enrichment tools. RESULTS The association analyses identified at least eight genomic regions strongly associated with bull fertility. Most of these regions harbor genes, such as KAT8, CKB, TDRD9 and IGF1R, with functions related to sperm biology, including sperm development, motility and sperm-egg interaction. Moreover, the gene set analyses revealed many significant functional terms, including fertilization, sperm motility, calcium channel regulation, and SNARE proteins. Most of these terms are directly implicated in sperm physiology and male fertility. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to the identification of genetic variants and biological processes underlying sire fertility. These findings can provide opportunities for improving bull fertility via marker-assisted selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Han
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Francisco Peñagaricano
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA. .,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Ferraz MAMM, Henning HHW, Stout TAE, Vos PLAM, Gadella BM. Designing 3-Dimensional In Vitro Oviduct Culture Systems to Study Mammalian Fertilization and Embryo Production. Ann Biomed Eng 2016; 45:1731-1744. [PMID: 27844174 PMCID: PMC5489612 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-016-1760-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The oviduct was long considered a largely passive conduit for gametes and embryos. However, an increasing number of studies into oviduct physiology have demonstrated that it specifically and significantly influences gamete interaction, fertilization and early embryo development. While oviduct epithelial cell (OEC) function has been examined during maintenance in conventional tissue culture dishes, cells seeded into these two-dimensional (2-D) conditions suffer a rapid loss of differentiated OEC characteristics, such as ciliation and secretory activity. Recently, three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture systems have been developed that make use of cell inserts to create basolateral and apical medium compartments with a confluent epithelial cell layer at the interface. Using such 3-D culture systems, OECs can be triggered to redevelop typical differentiated cell properties and levels of tissue organization can be developed that are not possible in a 2-D culture. 3-D culture systems can be further refined using new micro-engineering techniques (including microfluidics and 3-D printing) which can be used to produce ‘organs-on-chips’, i.e. live 3-D cultures that bio-mimic the oviduct. In this review, concepts for designing bio-mimic 3-D oviduct cultures are presented. The increased possibilities and concomitant challenges when trying to more closely investigate oviduct physiology, gamete activation, fertilization and embryo production are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia A M M Ferraz
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Heiko H W Henning
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM,, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM,, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L A M Vos
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 79, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Gervasi MG, Osycka-Salut C, Sanchez T, Alonso CAI, Llados C, Castellano L, Franchi AM, Villalón M, Perez-Martinez S. Sperm Release From the Oviductal Epithelium Depends on Ca(2+) Influx Upon Activation of CB1 and TRPV1 by Anandamide. J Cell Biochem 2016; 117:320-33. [PMID: 26129689 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The oviduct acts as a functional sperm reservoir in many mammalian species. Both binding and release of spermatozoa from the oviductal epithelium are mainly modulated by sperm capacitation. Several molecules from oviductal fluid are involved in the regulation of sperm function. Anandamide is a lipid mediator involved in reproductive physiology. Previously, we demonstrated that anandamide, through activation of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), promotes sperm release from bovine oviductal epithelial cells, and through CB1 and the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), induces sperm capacitation. Herein we investigate co-activation between CB1 and TRPV1, and Ca(2+) influx as part of the mechanism of action of anandamide during sperm release from oviductal cells. Our results indicate that in the absence of Ca(2+) anandamide failed to release spermatozoa from oviductal epithelial cells. Additionally, sperm release promoted by cannabinoid and vanilloid agonists was abolished when the spermatozoa were preloaded with BAPTA-AM, a Ca(2+) chelator. We also determined Ca(2+) levels in spermatozoa preloaded with FURA2-AM co-cultured with oviductal cells and incubated with different cannabinoid and vanilloid agonists. The incubation with different agonists induced Ca(2+) influx, which was abolished by CB1 or TRPV1 antagonists. Our results also suggest that a phospholypase C (PLC) might mediate the activation of CB1 and TRPV1 in sperm release from the bovine oviduct. Therefore, our findings indicate that anandamide, through CB1 and TRPV1 activation, is involved in sperm release from the oviductal reservoir. An increase of sperm Ca(2+) levels and the PLC activation might be involved in anandamide signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts.,Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
| | - C Osycka-Salut
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
| | - T Sanchez
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - C A I Alonso
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
| | - C Llados
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - L Castellano
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
| | - A M Franchi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
| | - M Villalón
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - S Perez-Martinez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
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Gelatin Binding Proteins in Reproductive Physiology. Indian J Microbiol 2016; 56:383-393. [PMID: 27784933 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-016-0618-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to advance the assisted reproductive technologies used in animals and human beings, it is important to accumulate basic informations about underlying molecular mechanisms that shape the biological processes of reproduction. From within seminal plasma, proteins perform a wide variety of distinct functions that regulate major reproductive events such as fertilization. The ability of such proteins to bind and interact with different antagonistic ions and biomolecules such as polysaccharides, lipids, and other proteins present in the male and female reproductive tract define these capabilities. Over the last two decades, extensive work has been undertaken in an attempt to define the role of seminal plasma proteins, of which, Gelatin binding proteins (GBPs) represent a large family. GBPs comprise of known group of Bovine seminal plasma (BSP) protein family, matrix metallo proteinases (MMP 2 and MMP 9) and fibronectin, which have been widely studied. The presence of a type II repeat is a characteristic feature of GBPs, which is similar in structure to the fibronectin type II domain (fn2), which has ability to bind multiple ligands including gelatin, glycosaminoglycans, choline phospholipids, and lipoproteins. Two fn2 domains are present within the BSP protein family, while, three fn2 domains are found in gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP9), and ELSPBP1 (Epididymosomes Transfer Epididymal Sperm Binding Protein 1) contains four long fn2 domains. For the most part BSP proteins are exclusively expressed in seminal vesicles although mBSPH1, mBSPH2 and hBSPH1 are all expressed in the epididymis. The expression of gelatinases has been demonstrated in several organs and tissues such as the prostate, testis, epididymis, ovary, human placenta, cervix and endometrial wall. This review intends to bring current updates on the role of GBPs in reproductive physiology to light, which may act as basis for future studies on GBPs.
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Defaus S, Avilés M, Andreu D, Gutiérrez-Gallego R. Identification of Bovine Sperm Surface Proteins Involved in Carbohydrate-mediated Fertilization Interactions. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 15:2236-51. [PMID: 27094474 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.057703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycan-protein interactions play a key role in mammalian fertilization, but data on the composition and identities of protein complexes involved in fertilization events are scarce, with the added complication that the glycans in such interactions tend to differ among species. In this study we have used a bovine model to detect, characterize and identify sperm lectins relevant in fertilization. Given the complexity of the sperm-toward-egg journey, two important aspects of the process, both primarily mediated by protein-sugar interactions, have been addressed: (1) formation of the sperm reservoir in the oviductal epithelium, and (2) gamete recognition (oocyte-sperm interaction). Using whole sperm cells and a novel affinity capture method, several groups of proteins with different glycan specificities, including 58 hitherto unreported as lectins, have been identified in sperm surface, underscoring both the efficacy of our selective approach and the complex composition and function of sperm. Based on these results and previous data, we suggest that sperm surface proteins play significant roles in fertilization events such as membrane remodeling, transport, protection and function, thus supporting the hypothesis that rather than a simple lock-and-key model, mammalian fertilization relies on a complex interactome involving multiple ligands/receptors and recognition/binding events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sira Defaus
- From the ‡Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- §Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia and IMIB, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - David Andreu
- From the ‡Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez-Gallego
- From the ‡Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
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15
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Somashekar L, Selvaraju S, Parthipan S, Ravindra JP. Profiling of sperm proteins and association of sperm PDC-109 with bull fertility. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2015; 61:376-87. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2015.1094837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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16
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Rodríguez-Villamil P, Hoyos-Marulanda V, Martins JAM, Oliveira AN, Aguiar LH, Moreno FB, Velho ALMCS, Monteiro-Moreira AC, Moreira RA, Vasconcelos IM, Bertolini M, Moura AA. Purification of binder of sperm protein 1 (BSP1) and its effects on bovine in vitro embryo development after fertilization with ejaculated and epididymal sperm. Theriogenology 2015; 85:540-54. [PMID: 26553567 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated functional aspects of binder of sperm 1 (BSP1) in the bovine species. In a first experiment, cumulus-oocyte complexes (n = 1274) were incubated with frozen-thawed ejaculated sperm (18 hours) in Fert-TALP medium containing: heparin, 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL BSP1. Heparin followed by gelatin affinity chromatography was used for purification of BSP1 from bovine seminal vesicle fluid. With ejaculated sperm, cleavage rates were similar when Fert-TALP medium was incubated with heparin (74.1 ± 2.7%), 10 μg/mL BSP1 (77.8 ± 3.1%), or 20 μg/mL BSP1 (74 ± 2.0%). Day-7 blastocyst rates were equivalent after incubations with heparin (40.8 ± 5.0%) and 10 μg/mL BSP1 (34.1 ± 4.4%), but reduced after 20 μg/mL BSP1 (22.4 ± 2.9%) and 40 μg/mL BSP1 (19.3 ± 4.1%; P < 0.05). In the second experiment, cumulus-oocyte complexes (n = 1213) were incubated with frozen-thawed cauda epididymal sperm (18 hours) in Fert-TALP medium containing: no heparin, heparin, 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were similar after treatments with heparin (68.5 ± 1.3% and 24.7 ± 3.2%, respectively) or without heparin (65.5 ± 1.8% and 27.3 ± 1.6%, respectively). Cleavage was higher after treatment with any BSP1 concentrations (74.2 ± 2.7%-79.0 ± 1.1%) than without heparin (P < 0.05). Also, cleavage was better after Fert-TALP medium incubation with 40 μg/mL BSP1 (79.0 ± 1.1%) than with heparin (68.5 ± 1.3%; P < 0.05). Embryo development was higher (P < 0.05) after treatment with 20 μg/mL BSP1 (35.6 ± 2.5%) and 40 μg/mL (41.1 ± 2%) than after incubations with heparin (24.7 ± 3.2%) or without heparin (27.3 ± 1.6%). Interestingly, BSP1 did not cause reductions in blastocyst rates after fertilization with epididymal sperm, as observed with ejaculated sperm. On the basis of immunocytochemistry, there was BSP1 binding to frozen-thawed ejaculated but not to epididymal sperm. Also, anti-BSP1 reaction remained on ejaculated sperm (as expected) and appeared on epididymal sperm after incubation with purified BSP1. Acrosome reaction of ejaculated and epididymal sperm was induced after incubation with purified BSP1 as well, indicating an effect of BSP1 on capacitation. In conclusion, purified BSP1 from bull seminal vesicles was able to bind to and induce capacitation of ejaculated and epididymal sperm. Also, BSP1 added to fertilization media and allowed proper cleavage and embryo development, with the effects being modulated by previous exposure or not of spermatozoa to seminal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Rodríguez-Villamil
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - V Hoyos-Marulanda
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - J A M Martins
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - A N Oliveira
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - L H Aguiar
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Laboratory, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - F B Moreno
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - A L M C S Velho
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - R A Moreira
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - I M Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - M Bertolini
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Laboratory, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - A A Moura
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil.
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17
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Evolution and function of mammalian binder of sperm proteins. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:105-127. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2289-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Republic of China
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19
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Suarez SS. Mammalian sperm interactions with the female reproductive tract. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:185-194. [PMID: 26183721 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2244-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian female reproductive tract interacts with sperm in various ways in order to facilitate sperm migration to the egg while impeding migrations of pathogens into the tract, to keep sperm alive during the time between mating and ovulation, and to select the fittest sperm for fertilization. The two main types of interactions are physical and molecular. Physical interactions include the swimming responses of sperm to the microarchitecture of walls, to fluid flows, and to fluid viscoelasticity. When sperm encounter walls, they have a strong tendency to remain swimming along them. Sperm will also orient their swimming into gentle fluid flows. The female tract seems to use these tendencies of sperm to guide them to the site of fertilization. When sperm hyperactivate, they are better able to penetrate highly viscoelastic media, such as the cumulus matrix surrounding eggs. Molecular interactions include communications of sperm surface molecules with receptors on the epithelial lining of the tract. There is evidence that specific sperm surface molecules are required to enable sperm to pass through the uterotubal junction into the oviduct. When sperm reach the oviduct, most bind to the oviductal epithelium. This interaction holds sperm in a storage reservoir until ovulation and serves to maintain the fertilization competence of stored sperm. When sperm are released from the reservoir, they detach from and re-attach to the epithelium repeatedly while ascending to the site of fertilization. We are only beginning to understand the communications that may pass between sperm and epithelium during these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan S Suarez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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Jois PS, Plante G, Thérien I, Manjunath P. Functional characterization of the domains of the bovine binder of SPerm 5 (BSP5) protein. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:64. [PMID: 26084664 PMCID: PMC4476173 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0058-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine BSP5 is a multifunctional protein primarily involved in sperm capacitation. BSP5 consists of long N-terminal part followed by two similar and highly conserved fibronectin type II domains designated A and B. METHODS In order to assess the role of these domains in the sperm binding and capacitation processes, we created recombinant individual domains (N, A, B), series of overlapping domains (NA and AB) and full-length BSP5 in an Escherichia coli expression system. The recombinant constructs were also tested for their ability to interact with ligands such as gelatine, heparin, chondroitin sulphate B and phosphatidylcholine liposomes by affinity chromatography and co-sedimentation studies. RESULTS With the exception of the N domain, all recombinant constructs retained gelatine, phosphatidylcholine, heparin and chondroitin sulphate B binding activities. Domain-wise studies showed clearly that AB domain is capable of performing its biological functions as well as the full-length protein, as it was able to potentiate heparin-mediated sperm capacitation. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the C-terminal domain composed of two Fn2 domains is sufficient and crucial to maintain the biological functions of BSP proteins. The N-terminal part of the protein did not bind to any of known BSP5-ligands including epididymal sperm and did not seem to be required for either sperm binding or sperm capacitation. This study also confirmed that glycosylation is not required for BSP-mediated sperm capacitation or any of the binding characteristics displayed by BSP5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geneviève Plante
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Isabelle Thérien
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Puttaswamy Manjunath
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, 5415 l'Assomption blvd, Montreal, QC, H1T 2 M4, Canada.
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Li H, Hung PH, Suarez SS. Ejaculated mouse sperm enter cumulus-oocyte complexes more efficiently in vitro than epididymal sperm. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127753. [PMID: 25996155 PMCID: PMC4440731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse is an established and popular animal model for studying reproductive biology. Epididymal mouse sperm, which lack exposure to secretions of male accessory glands and do not precisely represent ejaculated sperm for the study of sperm functions, have been almost exclusively used in studies. We compared ejaculated and epididymal sperm in an in vitro fertilization setting to examine whether ejaculated sperm enter cumulus-oocyte complexes more efficiently. In order to prepare sperm for fertilization, they were incubated under capacitating conditions. At the outset of incubation, ejaculated sperm stuck to the glass surfaces of slides and the incidences of sticking decreased with time; whereas, very few epididymal sperm stuck to glass at any time point, indicating differences in surface charge. At the end of the capacitating incubation, when sperm were added to cumulus-oocyte complexes, the form of flagellar movement differed dramatically; specifically, ejaculated sperm predominantly exhibited increased bending on one side of the flagellum (a process termed pro-hook hyperactivation), while epididymal sperm equally exhibited increased bending on one or the other side of the flagellum (pro-hook or anti-hook hyperactivation). This indicates that accessory sex gland secretions might have modified Ca2+ signaling activities in sperm, because the two forms of hyperactivation are reported to be triggered by different Ca2+ signaling patterns. Lastly, over time, more ejaculated than epididymal sperm entered the cumulus oocyte complexes. We concluded that modification of sperm by male accessory gland secretions affects the behavior of ejaculated sperm, possibly providing them with an advantage over epididymal sperm for reaching the eggs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honggang Li
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei-hsuan Hung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Susan S. Suarez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Odhiambo JF, DeJarnette J, Geary TW, Kennedy CE, Suarez SS, Sutovsky M, Sutovsky P. Increased Conception Rates in Beef Cattle Inseminated with Nanopurified Bull Semen1. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:97. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.121897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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El-Sherry TM, Elsayed M, Abdelhafez HK, Abdelgawad M. Characterization of rheotaxis of bull sperm using microfluidics. Integr Biol (Camb) 2014; 6:1111-21. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ib00196f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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25
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Sousa FML, Lobo CH, Menezes ESB, Rego JPA, Oliveira RV, Lima-Souza AC, Fioramonte M, Gozzo FC, Pompeu RCFF, Cândido MJD, Oliveira JT, Moura AA. Parameters of the reproductive tract, spermatogenesis, daily sperm production and major seminal plasma proteins of tropically adapted morada nova rams. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49:409-19. [PMID: 24716618 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the reproductive parameters of Morada Nova rams, a breed of hair sheep from Brazil and with unique adaption to tropical environments. At 42 weeks of age, 15 rams were subjected to semen collection and, 1 week later, animals were slaughtered for collection of testes, epididymis and accessory sex glands. We conducted 2-D electrophoresis of seminal plasma proteins and major spots of stained gels were identified by LC-MS/MS. Total RNA was isolated from testis, epididymis and vesicular glands and subjected to qPCR. At slaughter, scrotal circumference and testicular weight were 27.5 ± 0.5 cm and 109.5 ± 6.0 g, respectively. Seminiferous tubule (ST) diameter was 188.3 ± 4.0 μm and each testis contained 1.9 ± 0.1 Sertoli cells (×10(9) ). Each Sertoli cell supported 0.1 ± 0.01 A spermatogonia, 3.0 ± 0.2 pachytene spermatocytes and 7.7 ± 0.5 round spermatids/tubule cross section. Daily sperm production reached 5.6 × 10(6) cells/g of testis parenchyma. Testis size appeared as indicative of ST diameter and associated with epididymal measurements, as well as with the population of round spermatids and Sertoli cells/testis. Rams with heavier testes had greater daily sperm production and more Sertoli cells/testis. We detected 90.9 ± 9.6 spots per 2-D gel of seminal plasma. Major seminal proteins were identified as ram seminal vesicle proteins at 14 and 22 kDa, representing 16.2% and 12.8% of the total intensity of valid spots in the gels, respectively. Expression of both genes was greater in the vesicular glands as compared to testis and epididymis. Pixel intensity for those proteins in the 2-D gels was significantly correlated with seminal vesicle weight. This is the first description of the basic reproductive aspects of Morada Nova rams, including protein profiles of their seminal plasma. These findings will allow a better understanding of their reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M L Sousa
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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The dynamics of sperm detachment from epithelium in a coupled fluid-biochemical model of hyperactivated motility. J Theor Biol 2014; 354:81-94. [PMID: 24685890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2014.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hyperactivation in mammalian sperm is characterized by a high-amplitude, asymmetric flagellar waveform. A mechanical advantage of this hyperactivated waveform has been hypothesized to be the promotion of flagellar detachment from oviductal epithelium. In order to investigate the dynamics of a free-swimming sperm׳s binding and escaping from a surface, we present an integrative model that couples flagellar force generation and a viscous, incompressible fluid. The elastic flagellum is actuated by a preferred curvature model that depends upon an evolving calcium profile along its length. In addition, forces that arise due to elastic bonds that form and break between the flagellar head and the surface are accounted for. As in recent laboratory experiments, we find that a hyperactive waveform does result in frequent detaching and binding dynamics that is not observed for symmetric flagellar beats. Moreover, we demonstrate that flagellar behavior depends strongly on the assumptions of the bond model, suggesting the need for more experimental investigation of the biochemistry of epithelial bonding and the shedding of binding proteins on the sperm head.
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