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Binding of Equine Seminal Lactoferrin/Superoxide Dismutase (SOD-3) Complex Is Biased towards Dead Spermatozoa. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010052. [PMID: 36611662 PMCID: PMC9817809 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm-neutrophil binding is an important facet of breeding and significantly impacts fertility. While a specific seminal plasma protein has been found to reduce this binding and improve fertility (CRISP-3), additional molecule(s) appear to promote binding between defective sperm and neutrophils. Recent work has suggested one of these proteins is lactoferrin (LF), an 80 kDa iron-binding protein found throughout the body, but the purity of the protein was not confirmed. It is unknown if LF binds to sperm selectively based on viability, and if receptors for LF are located on equine sperm. To evaluate this, we attempted to purify equine seminal LF from five stallions (n = 5), biotinylate LF, and evaluate potential binding site(s) on spermatozoa. LF was consistently associated with superoxide dismutase (SOD-3), and all attempts to separate the two proteins were unsuccessful. Flow cytometric and microscopic analyses were used to compare LF/SOD-3 binding to viable and nonviable spermatozoa. Additionally, various methods of biotinylation were assessed to optimize this methodology. Biotinylation of seminal plasma protein was an effective and efficient method to study seminal plasma protein properties, and the binding site for LF/SOD-3 was found to be broadly localized to the entire sperm cell surface as well as selective towards nonviable/defective sperm. Although we were not able to determine if the binding to equine spermatozoa was through LF or SOD-3, we can conclude that equine seminal LF is tightly bound to SOD-3 and this protein complex binds selectively to nonviable spermatozoa, possibly to mark them for elimination by neutrophil phagocytosis.
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Fuentes-Albero MC, González-Brusi L, Cots P, Luongo C, Abril-Sánchez S, Ros-Santaella JL, Pintus E, Ruiz-Díaz S, Barros-García C, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, García-Párraga D, Avilés M, Izquierdo Rico MJ, García-Vázquez FA. Protein Identification of Spermatozoa and Seminal Plasma in Bottlenose Dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus). Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673961. [PMID: 34336830 PMCID: PMC8323341 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins play an important role in many reproductive functions such as sperm maturation, sperm transit in the female genital tract or sperm-oocyte interaction. However, in general, little information concerning reproductive features is available in the case of aquatic animals. The present study aims to characterize the proteome of both spermatozoa and seminal plasma of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) as a model organism for cetaceans. Ejaculate samples were obtained from two trained dolphins housed in an aquarium. Spermatozoa and seminal plasma were analyzed by means of proteomic analyses using an LC-MS/MS, and a list with the gene symbols corresponding to each protein was submitted to the DAVID database. Of the 419 proteins identified in spermatozoa and 303 in seminal plasma, 111 proteins were shared by both. Furthermore, 70 proteins were identified as involved in reproductive processes, 39 in spermatozoa, and 31 in seminal plasma. The five most abundant proteins were also identified in these samples: AKAP3, ODF2, TUBB, GSTM3, ROPN1 for spermatozoa and CST11, LTF, ALB, HSP90B1, PIGR for seminal plasma. In conclusion, this study provides the first characterization of the proteome in cetacean sperm and seminal plasma, opening the way to future research into new biomarkers, the analysis of conservation capacity or possible additional applications in the field of assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari-Carmen Fuentes-Albero
- Department of Biology, Avanqua-Oceanogràfic S.L, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Paula Cots
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Chiara Luongo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Abril-Sánchez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Luis Ros-Santaella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eliana Pintus
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Sara Ruiz-Díaz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Agricultural and Food Research and Technology Institute (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María-Jesús Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Agricultural and Food Research and Technology Institute (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel García-Párraga
- Department of Biology, Avanqua-Oceanogràfic S.L, Valencia, Spain.,Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Mᵃ José Izquierdo Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Albert O, Nardelli TC, Lalancette C, Hales BF, Robaire B. Effects of In Utero and Lactational Exposure to New Generation Green Plasticizers on Adult Male Rats: A Comparative Study With Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate. Toxicol Sci 2018; 164:129-141. [PMID: 29945229 PMCID: PMC6016686 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a widely used plasticizer, is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and may act as an endocrine disruptor. Early life exposures to DEHP may result in anti-androgenic effects, impairing the development of the male reproductive tract. However, data on the long-lasting consequences of such DEHP exposures on adult male reproductive function are still rare and discrepant. Previously, we identified 2 novel plasticizers, 1,4-butanediol dibenzoate (BDB) and dioctyl succinate (DOS), as potential substitutes for DEHP that did not reproduce classically described endocrine disrupting phenotypes in prepubertal male offspring after maternal exposure. Here, we investigated the consequences of in utero and lactational exposure to BDB and DOS on adult male rat reproductive function in a comparative study with DEHP and a commercially available alternative plasticizer, 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH). Timed pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were gavaged with vehicle or a test chemical (30 or 300 mg/kg/day) from gestation day 8 to postnatal day 21. While DEHP exposure (300 mg/kg/day) significantly increased epididymal weight in the adult, exposure to DINCH, BDB, or DOS did not affect reproductive organ weights, steroid levels, or sperm quality. Using a toxicogenomic microarray approach, we found that adult testicular gene expression was affected by exposure to the higher dose of DEHP; transcripts such as Nr5a2, Ltf, or Runx2 were significantly downregulated, suggesting that DEHP was targeting estrogen signaling. Lesser effects were observed after treatment with either DINCH or BDB. DOS exposure did not produce such effects, confirming its potential as a responsible substitute for DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Océane Albert
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Thomas C Nardelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Claudia Lalancette
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Barbara F Hales
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G1Y6, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada
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Martins HS, da Silva GC, Cortes SF, Paes FO, Martins Filho OA, Araujo M, Stahlberg R, Lagares MA. Lactoferrin increases sperm membrane functionality of frozen equine semen. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:617-623. [PMID: 29431233 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
During cryopreservation, sperm was submitted to an increase in reactive oxygen species generation. This work aimed to improve the quality of frozen equine sperm after the addition of antioxidants lactoferrin (Lf) and catalase (Cat) to a freezing extender. Semen from six stallions was frozen with the extenders: F1) control, INRA 82 freezing extender, F2) F1 + 500 μg/ml Lf and F3) F1 + 200 IU/ml Cat. After thawing, sperm motility parameters, membrane functionality and integrity, and acrosome integrity and spontaneous acrosome-reacted sperm were evaluated with a computer-assisted sperm analysis, a hypoosmotic swelling test and epifluorescent microscopy, respectively. Nitrite, hydroperoxide and iron concentrations of frozen semen were measured with spectrophotometry. The percentage of functional membrane sperm treated with Lf was higher (50.7% ± 11.6%) compared to that of the control (37.6% ± 15.6%), while the iron (61.4 ± 11.6 vs 73.3 ± 13.8 mg/dl) and nitrite concentrations (16.3 ± 7.1 vs 25.9 ± 4.2 μM/μg protein) were lower, respectively (p < .05). Thus, it can be suggested that Lf protect stallion spermatozoon during freezing as it has increased the percentage of sperm with functional membrane and decreased the lipid oxidant agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Martins
- Departamento de Clinica e Cirurgia Veterinárias da Escola de Veterinária da, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - G C da Silva
- Departamento de Farmacologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - S F Cortes
- Departamento de Farmacologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - F O Paes
- Departamento de Clinica e Cirurgia Veterinárias da Escola de Veterinária da, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - O A Martins Filho
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Biomarcadores de Diagnóstico e Monitoração, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mss Araujo
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Biomarcadores de Diagnóstico e Monitoração, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - R Stahlberg
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Pontifícia, Universidade Católica- PUC Minas, Betim, Brazil
| | - M A Lagares
- Departamento de Clinica e Cirurgia Veterinárias da Escola de Veterinária da, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Coutinho da Silva MA, Darr CR, Moraes LE, Forshey BS. Lactoferrin Modulates Uterine Inflammation Postbreeding in the Mare. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Fedorka CE, Scoggin KE, Woodward EM, Squires EL, Ball BA, Troedsson M. The effect of select seminal plasma proteins on endometrial mRNA cytokine expression in mares susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 52:89-96. [PMID: 27686063 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the horse, breeding induces a transient endometrial inflammation. A subset of mares are unable to resolve this inflammation, and they are considered susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis PMIE Select seminal plasma proteins cysteine-rich secretory protein-3 (CRISP-3) and lactoferrin have been shown to affect the innate immune response to sperm in vitro. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of CRISP-3 and lactoferrin at the time of insemination had an effect on the mRNA expression of endometrial cytokines in susceptible mares after breeding. Six mares classified as susceptible to PMIE were inseminated during four consecutive oestrous cycles with treatments in randomized order of: 1 mg/ml CRISP-3, 150 μg/ml lactoferrin, seminal plasma (positive control) or lactated Ringer's solution (LRS; negative control) to a total volume of 10 ml combined with 1 × 109 spermatozoa pooled from two stallions. Six hours after treatment, an endometrial biopsy was obtained for qPCR analysis of selected genes associated with inflammation (pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (INF)-γ, anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-1RN and IL-10, and inflammatory-modulating cytokine IL-6). Seminal plasma treatment increased the mRNA expression of IL-1β (p = .019) and IL-8 (p = .0068), while suppressing the mRNA expression of TNF (p = .0013). Lactoferrin also suppressed the mRNA expression of TNF (p = .0013). In conclusion, exogenous lactoferrin may be considered as one modulator of the complex series of events resulting in the poorly regulated pro-inflammatory response seen in susceptible mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Fedorka
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - K E Scoggin
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - E M Woodward
- Department of Clinical Sciences, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E L Squires
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - B A Ball
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Mht Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Martins HS, Souza MR, Penna CFAM, da Silva GC, Côrtes SF, Stahlberg R, Lagares MA. Milk, caseinate and lactoferrin addition to equine semen cooling extenders. Andrologia 2016; 48:862-868. [PMID: 27739145 DOI: 10.1111/and.12523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cooled semen has been used routinely to prolong sperm viability until artificial insemination time. However, spermatozoa are subjected to oxidative stress. The aim of the present work was to investigate the protective and antioxidant effect of the milk proteins lactoferrin (Lf) and caseinate added to equine semen cooling extenders. Semen from six stallions was cooled at 5 °C after resuspension with C1) milk- and glucose-based, C2) 0.6% caseinate, C3) C2 + Lf 200 μg ml-1 , C4) C2 + Lf 500 μg ml-1 and C5) C2 + Lf 1000 μg ml-1 extenders, and kept at 5 °C for 24 h. Sperm motility characteristics and intact membrane rates were not different among the treatments (P > 0.05). As a result of the cooling process, the nitrite concentration increased significantly in the cooled semen (69.6 ± 78.9 μm per ×106 spermatozoa) compared with the fresh semen (8.6 ± 1.9 μm per ×106 spermatozoa). In contrast, the H2 O2 concentrations were lower in the 0.6% caseinate extender (265.9 ± 221.3 μm per ×106 spermatozoa) than in the milk extender (430.9 ± 199.8 μm per ×106 spermatozoa, P < 0.05), showing an antioxidative effect of the caseinate compared with the milk. However, in all groups, hydrogen peroxide concentrations were similar to the undiluted fresh semen (332.8 ± 151.3 μm per ×106 spermatozoa). Caseinate showed to be as efficient as milk to protect equine-cooled spermatozoon.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Martins
- Clinic and surgery department, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - M R Souza
- Technology and Inspection of Products of Animal, Origin Department, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - C F A M Penna
- Technology and Inspection of Products of Animal, Origin Department, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - G C da Silva
- Institute of Biological Sciences of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - S F Côrtes
- Institute of Biological Sciences of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - R Stahlberg
- Veterinary Faculty, PUC Minas, Betim, Bairro Angola, Betim, MG, Brazil
| | - M A Lagares
- Clinic and surgery department, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Anand N, Kanwar RK, Dubey ML, Vahishta RK, Sehgal R, Verma AK, Kanwar JR. Effect of lactoferrin protein on red blood cells and macrophages: mechanism of parasite-host interaction. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2015; 9:3821-35. [PMID: 26251568 PMCID: PMC4524381 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s77860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Lactoferrin is a natural multifunctional protein known to have antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. Apart from its antimicrobial effects, lactoferrin is known to boost the immune response by enhancing antioxidants. Lactoferrin exists in various forms depending on its iron saturation. The present study was done to observe the effect of lactoferrin, isolated from bovine and buffalo colostrum, on red blood cells (RBCs) and macrophages (human monocytic cell line-derived macrophages THP1 cells). Methods Lactoferrin obtained from both species and in different iron saturation forms were used in the present study, and treatment of host cells were given with different forms of lactoferrin at different concentrations. These treated host cells were used for various studies, including morphometric analysis, viability by MTT assay, survivin gene expression, production of reactive oxygen species, phagocytic properties, invasion assay, and Toll-like receptor-4, Toll-like receptor-9, and MDR1 expression, to investigate the interaction between lactoferrin and host cells and the possible mechanism of action with regard to parasitic infections. Results The mechanism of interaction between host cells and lactoferrin have shown various aspects of gene expression and cellular activity depending on the degree of iron saturation of lactoferrin. A significant increase (P<0.05) in production of reactive oxygen species, phagocytic activity, and Toll-like receptor expression was observed in host cells incubated with iron-saturated lactoferrin when compared with an untreated control group. However, there was no significant (P>0.05) change in percentage viability in the different groups of host cells treated, and no downregulation of survivin gene expression was found at 48 hours post-incubation. Upregulation of the Toll-like receptor and downregulation of the P-gp gene confirmed the immunomodulatory potential of lactoferrin protein. Conclusion The present study details the interaction between lactoferrin and parasite host cells, ie, RBCs and macrophages, using various cellular processes and expression studies. The study reveals the possible mechanism of action against various intracellular pathogens such as Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Mycobacterium. The presence of iron in lactoferrin plays an important role in enhancing the various activities taking place inside these cells. This work provides a lot of information about targeting lactoferrin against many parasitic infections which can rule out the exact pathways for inhibition of diseases caused by intracellular microbes mainly targeting RBCs and macrophages for their survival. Therefore, this initial study can serve as a baseline for further evaluation of the mechanism of action of lactoferrin against parasitic diseases, which is not fully understood to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Anand
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rupinder K Kanwar
- Nanomedicine Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biomedical Research, School of Medicine, Molecular and Medical Research Strategic Research Centre, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohan Lal Dubey
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - R K Vahishta
- Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
| | - Rakesh Sehgal
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Anita K Verma
- Nanobiotech Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kirorimal College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Jagat R Kanwar
- Nanomedicine Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biomedical Research, School of Medicine, Molecular and Medical Research Strategic Research Centre, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Pearl CA, Roser JF. Lactoferrin expression and secretion in the stallion epididymis. Reprod Biol 2014; 14:148-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2013.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Kiso WK, Selvaraj V, Nagashima J, Asano A, Brown JL, Schmitt DL, Leszyk J, Travis AJ, Pukazhenthi BS. Lactotransferrin in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) seminal plasma correlates with semen quality. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71033. [PMID: 23976974 PMCID: PMC3745378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) have highly variable ejaculate quality within individuals, greatly reducing the efficacy of artificial insemination and making it difficult to devise a sperm cryopreservation protocol for this endangered species. Because seminal plasma influences sperm function and physiology, including sperm motility, the objectives of this study were to characterize the chemistry and protein profiles of Asian elephant seminal plasma and to determine the relationships between seminal plasma components and semen quality. Ejaculates exhibiting good sperm motility (≥65%) expressed higher percentages of spermatozoa with normal morphology (80.3±13.0 vs. 44.9±30.8%) and positive Spermac staining (51.9±14.5 vs. 7.5±14.4%), in addition to higher total volume (135.1±89.6 vs. 88.8±73.1 ml) and lower sperm concentration (473.0±511.2 vs. 1313.8±764.7×106 cells ml−1) compared to ejaculates exhibiting poor sperm motility (≤10%; P<0.05). Comparison of seminal plasma from ejaculates with good versus poor sperm motility revealed significant differences in concentrations of creatine phosphokinase, alanine aminotransferase, phosphorus, sodium, chloride, magnesium, and glucose. These observations suggest seminal plasma influences semen quality in elephants. One- and two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis revealed largely similar compositional profiles of seminal plasma proteins between good and poor motility ejaculates. However, a protein of ∼80 kDa was abundant in 85% of ejaculates with good motility, and was absent in 90% of poor motility ejaculates (P<0.05). We used mass spectrometry to identify this protein as lactotransferrin, and immunoblot analysis to confirm this identification. Together, these findings lay a functional foundation for understanding the contributions of seminal plasma in the regulation of Asian elephant sperm motility, and for improving semen collection and storage in this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy K. Kiso
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Vimal Selvaraj
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Nagashima
- The Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Atsushi Asano
- The Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Janine L. Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Dennis L. Schmitt
- The William H. Darr School of Agriculture, Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America
- The Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation, Polk City, Florida, United States of America
| | - John Leszyk
- University of Massachusetts Medical School Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alexander J. Travis
- The Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Budhan S. Pukazhenthi
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
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Kolm G, Knapp E, Wagner R, Klein D. Lactoferrin, a glycoprotein with immunomodulatory and mast cell stabilising properties, in skin of horses suffering from Culicoides hypersensitivity. Res Vet Sci 2007; 83:165-70. [PMID: 17222435 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2006.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2006] [Revised: 09/24/2006] [Accepted: 11/12/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (LF), a glycogen of the transferrin family with anti-bacterial and immunomodulatory properties, is expressed in various secretions and tissues. Cutaneous LF serves as a mast cell stabilising compound, modulates T cell activity and is found during IgE-mediated late phase reactions at allergen challenged sites. Culicoides hypersensitivity (CHS) in horses is a common IgE-mediated allergic dermatitis, characterised by an early and late phase cutaneous reaction upon allergen challenge. The aim of the study presented here was to examine whether LF mRNA expression in skin biopsies from horses affected by CHS prior to and 4h following intradermal challenge with a commercial C. nubeculosus extract is modified in comparison to skin biopsies from non-affected horses. In order to obtain reliable data, real time PCR was performed and genes of interest were normalized using three different housekeeping genes, beta-actin, GAPDH, beta-2-microglobulin. In comparison to non-affected horses, higher variation in LF mRNA levels both prior to and post-intradermal challenge with C. nubeculosus extract was seen in horses affected by CHS. However, the statistical analysis demonstrated that LF mRNA expression was not significantly different between CHS affected and non-affected horses prior to intradermal challenge with C. nubeculosus extract. Intradermal injection of C. nubeculosus extract did not result in local upregulation of LF mRNA at 4h post-injection. LF mRNA expression was therefore not significantly different pre- or post-intradermal challenge with C. nubeculosus extract in either group. Our data indicate that clinically normal skin of horses affected by CHS is not characterized by modified maintenance levels of LF mRNA. In contrast to human skin allergen challenged sites, LF mRNA levels in horses affected by CHS are not significantly different to that of control sites at 4h post-injection of C. nubeculosus extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Kolm
- Department for Animal Breeding and Reproduction, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Kolm G, Klein D, Knapp E, Watanabe K, Walter I. Lactoferrin expression in the horse endometrium: Relevance in persisting mating-induced endometritis. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2006; 114:159-67. [PMID: 16973221 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2006.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2006] [Revised: 07/12/2006] [Accepted: 08/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (LF) is an estrogen-regulated glycoprotein with well-described antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties. The present study is the first report on LF expression in horse endometrial specimens. Mares chosen for the study were either resistant or susceptible for persisting mating-induced endometritis (PMIE) during the natural ovulatory cycle and in early pregnancy. Our investigations included immunostaining for LF protein and CD18, a leukocyte marker, as neutrophils are a possible source for LF in the endometrium. Quantification of LF mRNA was performed by use of real-time RT-PCR. This study demonstrated that LF protein in equine endometrium was expressed in glandular and luminal epithelium and in neutrophils. Similar to other mammalian species, the level of endometrial LF transcription in the mare was modulated according to the stage of the estrus cycle and was 5500-fold higher during estrus compared with diestrus and early pregnancy. The endometria from mares susceptible for PMIE and delayed uterine clearance exhibited an increased LF transcription during all stages of the estrus cycle that reached statistical significance in proestrus. In the endometria of mares susceptible for PMIE the upregulated LF mRNA expression was not associated with a higher number of CD18 positive leukocytes but correlated with the number of uterine glands. Enhanced LF transcription within the endometrial epithelium might therefore be a response to recurrent persisting inflammation following insemination in mares with delayed uterine clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Kolm
- Department for Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Veterinary University Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
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