Growth hormone or insulin-like growth factor-I extends longevity of equine spermatozoa in vitro.

This research investigation demonstrates that growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) can enhance the viability of horse sperm in laboratory settings.

Background and Aim

• In the realm of reproductive biology, professionals often study the potentials water-shedding hormones can provide.
• Two such hormones include Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I), both of which circulate in the blood. Moreover, IGF-I has also been measured in the fluid from the epididymis and the semen.
• This investigation was designed to provide insights into the possible effects of GH and IGF-I in ensuring the motility of mature equine spermatozoa in controlled lab conditions.

Methodology & Findings

• The experiment compared how a specific concentration (100 ng/ml) of recombinant bovine GH (rbGH) and recombinant human IGF-I could affect the mobility and motion characteristics of equine sperm over a 24 hour period.
• The results demonstrated positive results where motility was substantially maintained in sperm that were treated with either rbGH or rhIGF-I over 24 hours at room temperature.
• The various aspects of sperm motion at various intervals such as 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours for both rbGH and rhIGF-I treated samples exhibited no substantial divergence from their respective control samples.

Conclusion

• Overall, this study highlighted the beneficial influence of GH and IGF-I in sustaining the in vitro longevity of equine spermatozoa.
• Such findings can have significant implications for enhancing reproduction in horses and potentially other mammalian species.