287. LPS introduced at mating induces KC production in the murine uterus during early pregnancy

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 121
Author(s):  
D. J. Glynn ◽  
S. A. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Vesicle ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Tissue Remodelling ◽  
Uterine Epithelial Cell ◽  
Female Mice ◽  
Vesicle Fluid

An inflammatory cascade is elicited in the female reproductive tract following mating in mice. The recruited leukocytes and cytokines have roles in facilitating implantation through activating immunological tolerance and endometrial tissue remodelling. We have previously shown that seminal plasma acts to induce synthesis of GM-CSF and IL-6 in the female reproductive tract in response to TGFβ1 present in seminal fluid. Recently we have shown that chemokines, specifically the neutrophil chemoattractant KC, is dramatically upregulated after mating. The purpose of this study was to identify the active constituent of semen responsible for KC induction. Female mice were mated with either intact, seminal vesicle deficient or vasectomized males and uterine flushings were collected approximately 8 h later, when KC content was measured by specific ELISA. KC production was increased 13-fold, 6-fold and 10-fold respectively, indicating that neither the seminal plasma nor the sperm fraction of semen was necessary for induction. To investigate more precisely the identity of the KC inducing factor, an in vitro primary uterine epithelial cell culture system was employed. Uterine epithelial cells were harvested from estrous female mice and exposed to a range of doses of seminal vesicle fluid, TGFβ1or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Following addition of seminal vesicle fluid or TGFβ1 KC production was decreased by 100% and 58% respectively whereas it was increased ~2-fold in response to LPS. Together these data indicate that LPS derived from the male or lower female reproductive tract accessing the uterus after insemination is required for KC induction, and implicate commensal bacteria as having a key regulatory role in the cellular and molecular quality of the uterine immune environment during early pregnancy.

Transforming growth factor-? (TGF?) in porcine seminal plasma

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean O'Leary ◽  
David T. Armstrong ◽  
Sarah A. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Interferon Γ ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Active Constituent ◽  
Sperm Density

Bioactive factors in seminal plasma induce cellular and molecular changes in the female reproductive tract after coitus. An active constituent of seminal plasma in mice and humans is the potent immune-modulating cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). To investigate whether TGFβ is present in boar seminal plasma, TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 were measured by immunoassay. High levels of TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 were detected in 100% of seminal fluid samples from 73 boars. Both were predominantly in the active, not latent form. Interferon-γ (IFNγ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), agents that interact with TGFβ signalling, were detectable in 5% and 100% of samples, respectively. TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 concentrations varied widely between boars, but correlated with each other and with sperm density, and remained relatively constant within individual boars over a 6-month period. Frequent semen collection substantially diminished the concentration of both TGFβ isoforms. Using retrospective breeding data for 44 boars, no correlation between TGFβ content and boar reproductive performance by artificial insemination (AI) with diluted semen was found. It is concluded that TGFβ is abundant in boar seminal plasma, leading to the speculation that, in pigs, TGFβ may be a male–female signalling agent involved in immune changes in the female reproductive tract elicited by seminal fluid.

242. LIF expression is induced in the mouse oviduct following activation by seminal factors

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 96 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Jasper ◽  
J. J. Bromfield ◽  
R. Skinner ◽  
S. A. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Epidermal Growth Factor ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor ◽  
Tissue Remodelling ◽  
Gm Csf ◽  
Epidermal Growth

A precisely regulated sequence of molecular and cellular changes occurs in the female reproductive tract in early pregnancy to facilitate development of the embryo and its successful implantation. Cytokine–leukocyte networks are integral in the tissue remodelling and immuno-regulatory processes underpinning successful implantation. Seminal factors are implicated in activating expression of cytokine genes and inflammatory leukocyte recruitment in the uterus, but whether semen-induced effects extend to the oviduct to influence blastocyst development has not been examined. The aim of this study was to quantitate the expression of mRNA encoding epidermal growth factor (EGF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGFII), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), tumour necrosis factor (TNFα), transforming growth factor (TGFα) and TGFβ from oviducts collected from mice at oestrus and on day 1 of pregnancy, after mating with intact, seminal plasma deficient (svx) and vasectomised (vas) mice. Total RNA was extracted, DNAse treated, reverse transcribed into cDNA, and quantified by real-time PCR using SYBR Green chemistry. All cytokine-specific primers were designed using GenBank sequences and data were normalised to β-actin mRNA expression. Expression of LIF mRNA was induced following mating with intact or vas males, but not svx males, showing that LIF mRNA is induced by factors present in seminal plasma. mRNAs encoding EGF, GM-CSF, HB EGF, IGFII, TNFα, TGFα and TGFβ were all detected in oviduct cDNA collected from oestrus and day 1 mice. These data support the proposal that cytokine-leukocyte networks shown previously to be operative in the uterus extend to the oviduct, and are influenced by exposure to seminal plasma at mating. The cytokines expressed in the oviduct during early pregnancy are likely to be key regulators of embryo growth and development.

High fat diet alters male seminal plasma composition to impair female immune adaptation for pregnancy in mice

Endocrinology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E Schjenken ◽  
Lachlan M Moldenhauer ◽  
David J Sharkey ◽  
Hon Yeung Chan ◽  
Peck Y Chin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Seminal Vesicle ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Treg Cells ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Transcriptional Analysis ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Vesicle Fluid

Abstract Paternal experiences and exposures prior to conception can influence fetal development and offspring phenotype. The composition of seminal plasma contributes to paternal programming effects, through modulating the female reproductive tract immune response after mating. To investigate whether paternal obesity affects seminal plasma immune-regulatory activity, C57Bl/6 male mice were fed an obesogenic high fat diet (HFD) or control diet (CD) for 14 weeks. While HFD consumption caused only minor changes to parameters of sperm quality, the volume of seminal vesicle fluid secretions was increased by 65%, and the concentrations and total content of immune-regulatory TGFB isoforms were decreased by 75-80% and 43-55% respectively. Mating with BALB/c females revealed differences in the strength and properties of the post-mating immune response elicited. Transcriptional analysis showed >300 inflammatory genes were similarly regulated in the uterine endometrium by mating independently of paternal diet, but 13 were dysregulated by HFD-fed compared to CD-fed males. Seminal vesicle fluid factors reduced in HFD-fed males, including TGFB1, IL10, and TNF, were amongst the predicted upstream regulators of differentially regulated genes. Additionally, the T cell response induced by mating with CD-fed males was blunted after mating with HFD-fed males, with 27% fewer CD4 + T cells, 26% fewer FOXP3 +CD4 + regulatory T cells (Treg) cells, and 19% fewer CTLA4 + Treg cells, particularly within the NRP1 + thymic Treg cell population. These findings demonstrate that an obesogenic high fat diet alters the composition of seminal vesicle fluid and impairs seminal plasma capacity to elicit a favorable pro-tolerogenic immune response in females at conception.

scholarly journals Expression of IL-23 in Gilt Endometrium and Oviduct After Insemination With Seminal Plasma, Spermatozoa or Semen Extender

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Svensson ◽  
Jatesada Jiwakanon ◽  
Caroline Fossum ◽  
Anne-Marie Dalin
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Semen Extender ◽  
Interleukin 23

Abstract Background: Signaling between seminal fluid and the female reproductive tract is required for a successful pregnancy to occur. Insemination with spermatozoa, seminal plasma and extender, is known to cause a rapid inflammatory response in the pig endometrium, which is characterized by an influx of neutrophils into the uterus. The temporary inflammatory response to semen involves induction of cytokines. In this study, potential functions for Interleukin-23 (IL-23) in the inflammatory response to different insemination treatments were examined by studying mRNA expression and immunostaining in samples of gilt oviduct (isthmus and infundibulum) and endometrium collected 35-40 h after insemination. Insemination was performed with either seminal plasma (SP, n = 4), spermatozoa in the extender Beltsville thawing solution (BTS) (SPZ, n = 4), or BTS alone (n = 4). In control gilts (n = 4) an insemination catheter was inserted without anything being inseminated. Any relation between expression of IL-23 and the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMNs) in the endometrium was examined. Results: Results showed that IL-23 mRNA was expressed in the oviduct and in the endometrium. There was a significantly lower IL-23 mRNA expression in samples from gilts in the SPZ, SP and BTS treatment groups, compared with the controls. The control group also displayed significantly more neutrophils in samples collected 35-40 h after insemination compared with samples from the SP group. IL-23 immunolabelling was detected in a small number of separate cells as well as in the sub-epithelial connective tissue of the endometrium, the endosalpinx of the isthmus and infundibulum.Conclusions: All fluids used for insemination decreased the expression of IL-23 mRNA in the endometrium compared to catheter-insertion alone, indicating a possible role for IL-23 in the inflammatory response after insemination in gilts.

Post-Copulatory Sexual Selection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia L.R. Brennan ◽  
Dara N. Orbach
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Female Choice ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Cryptic Female Choice ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Morphological Criteria

The field of post-copulatory sexual selection investigates how female and male adaptations have evolved to influence the fertilization of eggs while optimizing fitness during and after copulation, when females mate with multiple males. When females are polyandrous (one female mates with multiple males), they may optimize their mating rate and control the outcome of mating interactions to acquire direct and indirect benefits. Polyandry may also favor the evolution of male traits that offer an advantage in post-copulatory male-male sperm competition. Sperm competition occurs when the sperm, seminal fluid, and/or genitalia of one male directly impacts the outcome of fertilization success of a rival male. When a female mates with multiple males, she may use information from a number of traits to choose who will sire her offspring. This cryptic female choice (CFC) to bias paternity can be based on behavioral, physiological, and morphological criteria (e.g., copulatory courtship, volume and/or composition of seminal fluid, shape of grasping appendages). Because male fitness interests are rarely perfectly aligned with female fitness interests, sexual conflict over mating and fertilization commonly occur during copulatory and post-copulatory interactions. Post-copulatory interactions inherently involve close associations between female and male reproductive characteristics, which in many species potentially include sperm storage and sperm movement inside the female reproductive tract, and highlight the intricate coevolution between the sexes. This coevolution is also common in genital morphology. The great diversity of genitalia among species is attributed to sexual selection. The evolution of genital attributes that allow females to maintain reproductive autonomy over paternity via cryptic female choice or that prevent male manipulation and sexual control via sexually antagonistic coevolution have been well documented. Additionally, cases where genitalia evolve through intrasexual competition are well known. Another important area of study in post-copulatory sexual selection is the examination of trade-offs between investments in pre-copulatory and post-copulatory traits, since organisms have limited energetic resources to allocate to reproduction, and securing both mating and fertilization is essential for reproductive success.

scholarly journals Seminal vesicle proteins SVS3 and SVS4 facilitate SVS2 effect on sperm capacitation

Reproduction ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 152 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoya Araki ◽  
Natsuko Kawano ◽  
Woojin Kang ◽  
Kenji Miyado ◽  
Kaoru Yoshida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Vesicle ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
The Other ◽  
Sperm Capacitation ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Sperm Membrane ◽  
Vesicle Secretion ◽  
Mammalian Spermatozoa

Mammalian spermatozoa acquire their fertilizing ability in the female reproductive tract (sperm capacitation). On the other hand, seminal vesicle secretion, which is a major component of seminal plasma, inhibits the initiation of sperm capacitation (capacitation inhibition) and reduces the fertility of the capacitated spermatozoa (decapacitation). There are seven major proteins involved in murine seminal vesicle secretion (SVS1-7), and we have previously shown that SVS2 acts as both a capacitation inhibitor and a decapacitation factor, and is indispensable forin vivofertilization. However, the effects of SVSs other than SVS2 on the sperm have not been elucidated. Since mouseSvs2–Svs6genes evolved by gene duplication belong to the same gene family, it is possible that SVSs other than SVS2 also have some effects on sperm capacitation. In this study, we examined the effects of SVS3 and SVS4 on sperm capacitation. Our results showed that both SVS3 and SVS4 are able to bind to spermatozoa, but SVS3 alone showed no effects on sperm capacitation. On the other hand, SVS4 acted as a capacitation inhibitor, although it did not show decapacitation abilities. Interestingly, SVS3 showed an affinity for SVS2 and it facilitated the effects of SVS2. Interaction of SVS2 and spermatozoa is mediated by the ganglioside GM1 in the sperm membrane; however, both SVS3 and SVS4 had weaker affinities for GM1 than SVS2. Therefore, we suggest that separate processes may cause capacitation inhibition and decapacitation, and SVS3 and SVS4 act on sperm capacitation cooperatively with SVS2.

scholarly journals Copulation, genital damage and early death in Callosobruchus maculatus

2006 ◽  
Vol 274 (1607) ◽  
pp. 247-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul E Eady ◽  
Leticia Hamilton ◽  
Ruth E Lyons
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Callosobruchus Maculatus ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Early Death ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Mating Frequency ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Female Longevity ◽  
Fluid Transfer

Antagonistic sexual coevolution stems from the notion that male and female interests over reproduction are in conflict. Such conflicts appear to be particularly obvious when male genital armature inflicts damage to the female reproductive tract resulting in reduced female longevity. However, studies of mating frequency, genital damage and female longevity are difficult to interpret because females not only sustain more genital damage, but also receive more seminal fluid when they engage in multiple copulations. Here, we attempt to disentangle the effects of genital damage and seminal fluid transfer on female longevity in the beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Males copulating for the sixth time in succession inflicted greater levels of genital damage, but transferred smaller ejaculates in comparison with virgin males. The number of copulations performed by males was negatively related to female fecundity and positively related to female longevity, suggesting a trade-off between fecundity and longevity. However, inclusion of fecundity as a covariate revealed sperm and/or seminal fluid transfer to have a negative impact on female longevity above that caused by the fecundity–longevity trade-off. The consequences of multiple copulations on female longevity were examined. Females that mated twice laid more eggs and died sooner than those that mated once. However, incorporation of fecundity as a covariate into our statistical model removed the effect of female mating frequency on female longevity, indicating that double-mated females suffer greater mortality owing to the trade-off between fecundity and longevity. Males of this species are known to transfer very large ejaculates (up to 8% of their body weight), which may represent a significant nutritional benefit to females. However, the receipt of large ejaculates appears to carry costs. Thus, the interpretation of multiple mating experiments on female longevity and associated functional explanations of polyandry in this species are likely to be complex.

scholarly journals Spermatozoa Obtained From Alpaca vas deferens. Effects of Seminal Plasma Added at Post-thawing

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo G. Aisen ◽  
Wilfredo Huanca López ◽  
Manuel G. Pérez Durand ◽  
Edita Torres Mamani ◽  
Juan C. Villanueva Mori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Vas Deferens ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
South American Camelids ◽  
Thawing Process

The viscous seminal plasma (SP) is currently a major impediment to the handling of ejaculate and the development of some biotechnologies in South American camelids. The vas deferens-collected spermatozoa of alpacas is a useful technique to avoid this problem. On the other hand, SP contains a large protein component that has been implicated in the function of spermatozoa within the female reproductive tract. In this sense, the low fertility achieved using transcervical insemination with frozen-thawed spermatozoa in alpacas could be improved by adding SP. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the whole SP on some in vitro parameters of alpaca spermatozoa after the freezing-thawing-process and the fertility after artificial insemination. It would contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between thawed sperm cells and SP. Spermatozoa were obtained by surgically diverted vas deferens. The samples were diluted with a Tris-based extender, packaged in straws, and frozen. At thawing, each straw was divided into two post-thawing conditions: with the addition of 10% of PBS (control) or with 10% SP (treatment). The sperm cells were evaluated using dynamic parameters, sperm cell morphology, and morphometry. Fertility was assessed by an artificial insemination trial. All in vitro parameters were analyzed by ANOVA. A heterogeneity test was scheduled for the fertility trial. After the freezing-thawing process, motility and plasma membrane functionality was improved when SP was added. No differences were found for post-thaw viability between the control and treatment samples. The percentage of normal cells was higher with SP at post-thawing, and a decrease of the presence of bent tailed spermatozoa with a droplet in the SP group was observed. The length of the head spermatozoa was 3.4% higher in the samples with PBS compared to those in which SP was added. Females pregnant at day 25 post-insemination were 0/12 (with SP inside the straw) and 1/10 (without SP inside the straw). In conclusion, the presence of 10% SP at post-thawing improves sperm cells' motility, functionality, and morphology, indicating that it would be beneficial to improve the frozen-thawed alpaca's physiology spermatozoa. More fertility trials must be developed to increase this knowledge.

scholarly journals Heparin- and Zn2+-binding proteins from boar seminal plasma.

1999 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 935-939 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Hołody ◽  
J Strzezek
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Affinity Chromatography ◽  
Molecular Mass ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Heparin Binding ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Protein Components

Low molecular mass, heparin-binding proteins from seminal plasma play an important role in gametes interaction whereas plasmatic Zn2+-binding proteins stabilize chromatin and plasmalemma structures and protect spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract. By means of affinity chromatography the heparin- and Zn2+-binding proteins were isolated from boar seminal plasma and both preparations were analyzed by reverse HPLC. Most of the proteins bound to heparine and Zn2+-ions were classified as spermadhesins. Three fractions binding exclusively Zn2+ were isolated. They differ in amino-acid composition, content of glucosamine and content of protein components revealed by SDS/PAGE.

scholarly journals Seminal Plasma Triggers the Differential Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor (NR3C1/GR) in the Rabbit Reproductive Tract

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2158
Author(s):  
Mateo Ruiz-Conca ◽  
Jaume Gardela ◽  
Amaia Jauregi-Miguel ◽  
Cristina A. Martinez ◽  
Heriberto Rodríguez-Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Expression ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
Morula Stage ◽  
Embryo Transport

Rabbits are interesting as research animal models for reproduction, due to their condition of species of induced ovulation, with the release of endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) due to coitus. Glucocorticoid (GC) signaling, crucial for physiological homeostasis, is mediated through a yet unclear mechanism, by the GC receptor (NR3C1/GR). After mating, the female reproductive tract undergoes dynamic modifications, triggered by gene transcription, a pre-amble for fertilization and pregnancy. This study tested the hypothesis that when ovulation is induced, the expression of NR3C1 is influenced by sperm-free seminal plasma (SP), similarly to after mating (whole semen), along the different segments of the internal reproductive tract of female rabbits. Semen (mating) was compared to vaginal infusion of sperm-free SP (Experiment 1), and changes over time were also evaluated, i.e., 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating, corresponding to specific stages, i.e., ovulation, fertilization, and the interval of early embryo development up to the morula stage (Experiment 2). All does were treated with GnRH to induce ovulation. Samples were retrieved from seven segments of the reproductive tract (from the cervix to infundibulum), at 20 h post-mating or sperm-free SP infusion (Experiment 1) or at 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating (Experiment 2). Gene expression of NR3C1 was analyzed by qPCR. Results showed an increase in NR3C1 expression in the infundibulum compared to the other anatomical regions in the absence of spermatozoa when sperm-free SP infusion was performed (Experiment 1). Moreover, during the embryo transport through the oviduct, the distal isthmus was time-course upregulated, especially at 72 h, when morulae are retained in this anatomical region, while it was downregulated in the distal uterus at 68 h (Experiment 2). The overall results suggest that NR3C1, the GC receptor gene, assessed in the reproductive tract of does for the first time, shows differential expression changes during the interval of oviductal and uterine embryo transport that may imply a relevant role of the GC action, not only close to the site of ovulation and fertilization, but also in the endometrium.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document