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Theriogenology2006; 66(2); 307-313; doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.11.015

Determination of some enzymes and macro- and microelements in stallion seminal plasma and their correlations to semen quality.

Abstract: Seminal plasma is very important for sperm metabolism as well as sperm function and survival and transport in the female genital tract. Analysis of enzyme activities and concentrations of elements can estimate integrity and function of sperm cell membranes. In man much data are available about biochemical analyses of seminal plasma. However, not many studies have been conducted in horses yet. We collected ejaculates from 72 stallions, measured the volume, obtained seminal plasma by centrifugation and examined spermatozoa with light microscopy for motility, concentration, for dead sperm and morphology. Of seminal plasma fluid, we measured activities of aspartate-amino-transferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AlP), acid phosphatase (AcP) and lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as concentrations of sodium (Na(+)), potassium (K(+)), total and ionised calcium (Ca(TOTAL)/Ca(2+)), magnesium (Mg(2+)), phosphate (P), chloride (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). In addition, correlations among different parameters in light microscopy and seminal plasma were statistically examined by using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Median enzyme activities for AST, GGT, AlP, AcP and LDH were 80.0, 7,500, 30,200, 20.0, 81.0 IU/L, respectively. Concentrations of Na(+), K(+), Ca(TOTAL), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), P, Cl were 110.5, 22.1, 2.9, 1.7, 3.1, 1.1 and 114.5 mmol/L, and of microelements Cu, Fe and Zn were 17.8, 1.9 and 13.2 micromol/L, respectively. Furthermore, we found significant correlations between semen volume as well as sperm concentration and AST, GGT, AlP, AcP and LDH as well as Fe and Zn. This made us propose a primary testicular and epididymal origin of these parameters. Significant correlation between GGT and motility may be a sign for its function for cell protection against free radicals. LDH activity significantly correlates with motility and progressive motility, live:dead-ratio and pathomorphology. In our study, LDH seems to be the most predictive enzyme for semen quality. This is the first report about GGT, AcP and LDH activities as well as iron in equine seminal plasma.
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Publication Date: 2006-01-04 PubMed ID: 16413936DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.11.015Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The study investigates the role of certain enzymes and elements in the seminal fluid of stallions and how these relate to semen quality. The findings suggest a link between the quality of semen and the presence of specific enzymes and elements, providing new insights into male equine fertility.

Explanation of the Research

  • The research begins by emphasizing the importance of seminal plasma in sperm metabolism, its function, and the role it plays in sperm survival and transport within the female genital tract. Analyzing the enzyme activities and concentrations of elements in this fluid can offer insights into the integrity and functionality of sperm cell membranes.
  • While similar studies have been conducted in humans, the researchers point out that not as many have been done in horses. They collected ejaculates from 72 stallions and carried out several tests to ascertain the semen quality. Tests included volume measurement and examining spermatozoa for motility, concentration, and morphology.
  • Various elements and enzymes in seminal plasma fluid were analyzed. This included the activities of aspartate-amino-transferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AlP), acid phosphatase (AcP), and lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH). They also measured concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K), total and ionized calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphate (P), chloride (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn).
  • The data gathered was statistically examined for associations between seminal plasma’s different elements and enzyme parameters and light microscopy. The study revealed significant correlations between semen volume, sperm concentration, and several enzymes as well as iron and zinc. This led researchers to suggest that these parameters are primarily of testicular and epididymal origin.
  • The study observed a significant correlation between GGT and sperm mobility, suggesting the enzyme’s potential role in protecting cells from free radicals. LDH activity significantly correlates with sperm motility, live:dead-ratio, pathomorphology, and is seen as a predictor for semen quality.
  • Finally, this is the first study to report about AST, GGT, AlP, AcP, LDH, and iron activities in equine seminal plasma, contributing to our understanding of male equine fertility.

Cite This Article

APA
Pesch S, Bergmann M, Bostedt H. (2006). Determination of some enzymes and macro- and microelements in stallion seminal plasma and their correlations to semen quality. Theriogenology, 66(2), 307-313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.11.015

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 0093-691X
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 66
Issue: 2
Pages: 307-313

Researcher Affiliations

Pesch, Sandra
  • Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 106, 35392 Giessen, Germany. Sandra.Pesch@vetmed.uni-giessen.de
Bergmann, Martin
    Bostedt, Hartwig

      MeSH Terms

      • Acid Phosphatase / metabolism
      • Alkaline Phosphatase / metabolism
      • Animals
      • Aspartate Aminotransferases / metabolism
      • Horses / physiology
      • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
      • Male
      • Minerals / analysis
      • Quality Control
      • Semen / chemistry
      • Semen / enzymology
      • Sperm Count / veterinary
      • Sperm Motility
      • Spermatozoa / physiology
      • Statistics, Nonparametric
      • gamma-Glutamyltransferase / metabolism

      Citations

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