Effect of two intracellular calcium modulators on sperm motility and heparin-induced capacitation in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa

2012 ◽  
Vol 131 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 135-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.C. Rodriguez ◽  
M.M. Satorre ◽  
M.T. Beconi
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Bovine Spermatozoa ◽  
Calcium Modulators

Tolerance of spermatozoa to hypotonic stress: role of membrane fluidity and correlation with cryosurvival

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harriëtte Oldenhof ◽  
Anna Heutelbeck ◽  
Anne-Kathrin Blässe ◽  
Heinrich Bollwein ◽  
Gunilla Martinsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Fluidity ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Freeze Tolerance ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Temperature Range ◽  
Hypotonic Stress ◽  
Osmotic Tolerance ◽  
Bovine Spermatozoa

The aim of this study was to evaluate inter-individual variability in osmotic properties of stallion spermatozoa and its correlation with cryosurvival. In addition, temperature dependency of hypo-osmotic tolerance and membrane fluidity were studied. Stallion sperm membranes exhibited good resistance towards hypotonic stress in the 15–30°C temperature range, whereas membrane stability was found to be decreased at 4 and 37°C. Bull spermatozoa showed greater hypo-osmotic tolerance compared with stallion spermatozoa, especially at temperatures above 30°C, which coincided with decreased membrane fluidity of bovine spermatozoa in this temperature range. The critical osmolality at 22°C, at which half of the sperm population survived exposure to hypotonic saline solution, was found to vary between 55 and 170 mOsm kg–1 among different stallions. Clear correlations were found for pre- versus post-freeze sperm motility and membrane integrity. Pre-freeze percentages of membrane-intact spermatozoa after exposure to hypotonic stress showed a weak correlation with sperm motility after cryopreservation. This correlation, however, was not found when data were corrected for initial numbers of membrane-intact spermatozoa in the sample. We thus conclude that studies on pre-freeze tolerance towards hypotonic stress cannot be used to predict sperm cryosurvival rates for individual stallions.

Vitamin D Is Positively Associated With Sperm Motility and Increases Intracellular Calcium in Human Spermatozoa

2011 ◽  
Vol 66 (9) ◽  
pp. 556-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin B. Jensen ◽  
Poul J. Bjerrum ◽  
Torben E. Jessen ◽  
John E. Nielsen ◽  
Ulla N. Joensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Human Spermatozoa

331 DIRECT EFFECTS OF ERGOT ALKALOIDS ON BOVINE SPERM MOTILITY IN VITRO

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 281
Author(s):  
H. Wang ◽  
Z. Johnson ◽  
R. Rorie ◽  
C. Rosenkrans, Jr
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Toxic Effects ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Medium Osmolarity ◽  
Bovine Spermatozoa

Ergot alkaloids have been associated with decreased livestock reproductive rates. Concentration of alkaloids in the reproductive tract after consumption of toxic forage is unknown. In addition, the direct effects of alkaloids on bovine spermatozoa have not been determined. We investigated the direct and interactive effects of 3 ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, and ergonovine) on motility of frozen–thawed bovine spermatozoa. Thawed spermatozoa from 3 bulls were pooled and washed using a Percoll density gradient. Sperm motility was visually estimated by counting at least 100 spermatozoa in each triplicate well (> 300 per treatment per replicate). The cell counting was conducted using phase contrast (400�) on an inverted bright field microscope. Spermatozoa were considered motile if they exhibited free progressive forward or other movement and were not attached to the well surface. Motile spermatozoa were exposed to alkaloids ranging in concentration from 0 to 100 �M. Assays were conducted in modified sperm-TL (mSPTL) medium at 39�C in moist air without CO2 for 6 to 12 h. The results showed that both ergotamine (ET) and dihydroergotamine (DHET) inhibited (P < 0.05) sperm motility at concentrations greater than 50 �M and 33.3 �M, respectively. Ergonovine (EN) did not inhibit sperm motility at the test concentrations. Inhibitory effects of alkaloids on sperm motility were concentration-dependent for ET and DHET incubations and time-dependent for DHET incubations. Sperm motility also was inhibited by an interaction (P < 0.05) between ET and DHET at concentrations of 16.7 �M or above. The medium pH affected the toxic effects of both ET and DHET, whereas the medium osmolarity affected only the toxic effect of ET on relative sperm motility (P < 0.05). Medium osmolarity of 358 mOsm and/or pH higher than 7.1 exacerbated the toxic effects of the alkaloids. These results demonstrate that ergot alkaloids can directly interact with spermatozoa and impair sperm motility. Herbivores consuming toxic tall fescue are exposed to a cocktail of ergot alkaloids. Alkaloid interactive effects coupled with altered cell chemistry, due to increased respiration rates and frequent urination, on spermatozoa may indicate the mechanism by which reproduction is impaired in animals consuming toxic forage.

O-152 Investigation of the relationship of sperm motility and Kisspeptin in subfertile men

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Kocaman ◽  
B Ayas
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Calcium Release ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Motility Parameters ◽  
Gene Expression Levels

Abstract Study question Does kisspeptin administration affect the motility parameters in sperm samples of subfertile cases? Summary answer Kisspeptin administration significantly increased gene expression levels related with sperm motility as well as intracellular calcium concentrations. What is known already Sperm motility problems are among the most important causes of male infertility. In recent years, a peptide named kisspeptin has been discovered that may have effects on sperm motility. Kisspeptin is known to trigger calcium release in hypothalamic neurons. In addition, kisspeptin administration increased sperm progressive motility in studies conducted on normozoospermic individuals. Furthermore, it is suggested that kisspeptin protein in seminal plasma is positively associated with semen quality. However, there is no evidence that how kisspeptin can affect sperm in men with infertility problems. Study design, size, duration This basic research study was an in vitro experimental approach involving the use of semen samples from an infertil cases between September to December in 2020. 40 men were included in both control and experimental groups. Participants/materials, setting, methods All analyses were performed on semen samples from 10 normozoospermic (NZ), 10 asthenozoospermic (AZ), 10 oligoasthenozoospermic (OAZ) and 10 oligoastenoteratozoospermic (OATZ) men, aging between (21-40) years. Basal serum and seminal kisspeptin levels were analyzed by ELISA. Sperm were divided into two groups. Kisspeptin-13 administered in vitro. KISS1, KISS1R, CATSPER1, AKAP4 gene expressions analyzed by qRT-PCR using 2−ΔΔCt algorithm. Intracellular calcium concentration was determined with floresence spectroflurometer and laser scanning confocal microscope. Main results and the role of chance The serum kisspeptin level of NZ was significantly higher than other groups (p < 0.05). The semen kisspeptin level was significantly higher than OAZ and OATZ (p < 0.05), but not in NZ (p > 0.05). Also, KISS1 gene expression was higher in AZ compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Biochemical and gene expression analysis of kisspeptin were consistent with each other. There was a significant increase in the expression of CATSPER1 gene in AZ compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Also, AKAP4 gene expression was significantly higher in OATZ compared to other groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference was documented for the expression of KISS1R (p > 0.05). Intracellular calcium was significantly increased in AZ and NZ after kisspeptin administration. The intracellular calcium increase is consistent with increased CATSPER1 gene expression levels in AZ. Kisspeptin administration may have a significant effect on sperm motility parameters. Limitations, reasons for caution The biochemical and gene expression levels of KISS1 were consistent. However, gene expression was explored at the mRNA level for CATSPER1 and AKAP4. The protein expression analyses of these genes may confirm the results. Also, using kisspeptin antagonists may strength the results of intracellular calcium analysis. Wider implications of the findings Kisspeptin treatment for individuals diagnosed with asthenozoospermia may have therapeutic results. KISS1 quantitation may be a determining factor for the subfertility in routine semen analysis. Trial registration number OMU KAEK 2019/462

scholarly journals Epicatechin Provides Antioxidant Protection to Bovine Spermatozoa Subjected to Induced Oxidative Stress

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (18) ◽  
pp. 3226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Tvrda ◽  
Peter Straka ◽  
Drahomir Galbavy ◽  
Peter Ivanic
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Damage ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Protein Carbonyls ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
Ros Scavenging ◽  
Bovine Spermatozoa ◽  
Dispersion Test

Epicatechin (EPI) is a natural flavonoid with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, the molecule exhibits powerful reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and metal-chelating properties. In this study, we assessed the efficiency of EPI to reverse ROS-mediated alterations to the motility, viability, DNA integrity and oxidative profile of bovine spermatozoa. For the first experiment, spermatozoa were washed out of fresh semen and exposed to 12.5 μmol/L EPI, 25 μmol/L EPI, 50 μmol/L EPI and 100 μmol/L EPI in the presence of ferrous ascorbate (FeAA) during a 6 h in vitro culture. For the second experiment, the ejaculates were split into aliquots and cryopreserved with a commercial semen extender supplemented with 12.5 μmol/L EPI, 25 μmol/L EPI, 50 μmol/L EPI, 100 μmol/L EPI or containing no supplement. Sperm motility was assessed using the computer-aided sperm analysis and the cell viability was studied with the metabolic activity test. ROS production was quantified using luminometry, and DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the chromatin dispersion test. Cell lysates were prepared at the end of the culture in order to assess the concentration of protein carbonyls and malondialdehyde. Exposure to FeAA led to a significantly reduced sperm motility (p < 0.001), mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001), but increased the generation of ROS (p < 0.001), as well as oxidative damage to proteins (p < 0.001), DNA (p < 0.001) and lipids (p < 0.001). EPI supplementation, particularly at a concentration range of 50–100 μmol/L, resulted in higher preservation of the spermatozoa vitality (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 50–100 μmol/L EPI were significantly effective in the prevention of oxidative damage to sperm proteins (p < 0.001), lipids (p < 0.001) and DNA (p < 0.01 in relation to 50 μmol/L EPI; p < 0.001 with respect to 100 μmol/L EPI). In the case of the cryopreserved spermatozoa, the administration of 50–100 μmol/L EPI resulted in higher sperm motility (p < 0.001) and mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001). ROS production, the number of protein carbonyls, lipid peroxidation as well as oxidative DNA damage were found to be significantly decreased particularly in samples cryopreserved in the presence of 100 μmol/L EPI (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that EPI could behave as an effective antioxidant which may prevent oxidative insults to spermatozoa, and thus, preserve their vitality and functionality. Nevertheless, its potential to achieve higher fertilization rates in reproductive technologies needs to be validated.

Low physiological levels of prostaglandins E2 and F2α improve human sperm functions

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Rios ◽  
Daniela V. Carreño ◽  
Carolina Oses ◽  
Nelson Barrera ◽  
Bredford Kerr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Acrosome Reaction ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Human Spermatozoa ◽  
Control Solution ◽  
Prostaglandins E2 And F2α ◽  
Motility Parameters ◽  
Sperm Functions

Prostaglandins (PGs) have been reported to be present in the seminal fluid and cervical mucus, affecting different stages of sperm maturation from spermatogenesis to the acrosome reaction. This study assessed the effects of low physiological PGE2 and PGF2α concentrations on human sperm motility and on the ability of the spermatozoa to bind to the zona pellucida (ZP). Human spermatozoa were isolated from seminal samples with normal concentration and motility parameters and incubated with 1 μM PGE2, 1 μM PGF2α or control solution to determine sperm motility and the ability to bind to human ZP. The effects of both PGs on intracellular calcium levels were determined. Incubation for 2 or 18 h with PGE2 or PGF2α resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motility. In contrast with PGF2α, PGE2 alone induced an increase in sperm intracellular calcium levels; however, the percentage of sperm bound to the human ZP was doubled for both PGs. These results indicate that incubation of human spermatozoa with low physiological levels of PGE2 or PGF2α increases sperm functions and could improve conditions for assisted reproduction protocols.

scholarly journals Inhibition of Potassium Channels Affects the Ability of Pig Spermatozoa to Elicit Capacitation and Trigger the Acrosome Exocytosis Induced by Progesterone

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 1992
Author(s):  
Federico Noto ◽  
Sandra Recuero ◽  
Julián Valencia ◽  
Beatrice Saporito ◽  
Domenico Robbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Potassium Channels ◽  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Sperm Capacitation ◽  
Membrane Hyperpolarization ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Calcium Activated Potassium Channels ◽  
Pore Domain

During capacitation, sperm undergo a myriad of changes, including remodeling of plasma membrane, modification of sperm motility and kinematic parameters, membrane hyperpolarization, increase in intracellular calcium levels, and tyrosine phosphorylation of certain sperm proteins. While potassium channels have been reported to be crucial for capacitation of mouse and human sperm, their role in pigs has not been investigated. With this purpose, sperm samples from 15 boars were incubated in capacitation medium for 300 min with quinine, a general blocker of potassium channels (including voltage-gated potassium channels, calcium-activated potassium channels, and tandem pore domain potassium channels), and paxilline (PAX), a specific inhibitor of calcium-activated potassium channels. In all samples, acrosome exocytosis was induced after 240 min of incubation with progesterone. Plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular calcium levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and total and progressive sperm motility were evaluated after 0, 120, and 240 min of incubation, and after 5, 30, and 60 min of progesterone addition. Although blocking potassium channels with quinine and PAX prevented sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation by impairing motility and mitochondrial function, as well as reducing intracellular calcium levels, the extent of that inhibition was larger with quinine than with PAX. Therefore, while our data support that calcium-activated potassium channels are essential for sperm capacitation in pigs, they also suggest that other potassium channels, such as the voltage-gated, tandem pore domain, and mitochondrial ATP-regulated ones, are involved in that process. Thus, further research is needed to elucidate the specific functions of these channels and the mechanisms underlying its regulation during sperm capacitation.

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