Insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 and -5 in equine seminal plasma: association with sperm characteristics and fertility.
Abstract: The objectives of this study were 1) to determine whether insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) were present in seminal plasma of stallions; 2) to compare semen parameters (IGF proteins, sperm numbers, morphology, and motility) from stallions at sexual rest (SR) and when sexually active (SA); 3) to compare semen parameters between stallions with high and low seminal plasma IGF-I concentrations; and 4) to examine the relationship between seminal plasma IGF-I concentrations and fertility parameters of stallions. Ejaculates were collected from stallions at SR (n = 51) and SA (n = 46). Concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-2 in seminal plasma samples were determined by radioimmunoassay. Presence of IGFBPs in equine seminal plasma was verified using immunoprecipitation and Western ligand blot procedures. IGF-I, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-5 were present in equine seminal plasma. Concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-I/protein, total IGF-I, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-2/protein, and total IGFBP-2 were not significantly different (P > or = 0.13) in seminal plasma between stallions at either SR or SA. At SR, stallions with higher seminal plasma IGF-I had more total IGFBP-2 per ejaculate (P < 0.01), more morphologically normal sperm (P = 0.05), and higher first-cycle pregnancy rates (P = 0.02). At SA, stallions with higher seminal plasma IGF-I had fewer cycles per pregnancy (P = 0.02). An association of seminal plasma IGF-I concentration with sperm motility, sperm morphology, and pregnancy rates in bred mares suggests that IGF-I may play a role in sperm function.
Publication Date: 2002-07-24 PubMed ID: 12135910DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod67.2.648Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research investigated the presence and role of certain proteins, specifically insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs), in horse semen. The study found that higher concentrations of IGF-I in the semen were associated with healthier sperm and higher fertility rates in horses, suggesting these proteins play a significant part in horse fertility.
Objective of the Study
- The study aimed to understand the role of IGF-I and IGFBPs in horse semen by ascertaining their presence and relevance to certain sperm parameters and fertility.
Methodology
- The scientists collected ejaculates from sexually active (SA) and sexually at rest (SR) stallions.
- Concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-2 in these samples were determined using a specific type of assay called radioimmunoassay.
- The presence of IGFBPs in horse semen was confirmed using immunoprecipitation and Western ligand blot procedures.
Results and Implications
- The study found that IGF-I, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-5 were present in horse semen.
- These concentrations weren’t significantly different between SA and SR stallions, revealing that their presence wasn’t influenced by the sexual activity of the stallion.
- At SR, stallions with higher IGF-I in their semen had more morphologically normal sperm and higher first-cycle pregnancy rates, indicating potential positive influence of IGF-I presence on sperm health and fertility.
- Similar findings were observed in SA stallions, where those with higher IGF-I had fewer cycles per pregnancy, which suggests higher efficiency in achieving pregnancy.
- The correlation of IGF-I concentration with parameters such as sperm motility, morphology, and pregnancy rates suggests that this protein may play a role in sperm function and overall fertility in horses.
Conclusion
- This study illuminates the possible role of certain proteins, like IGF-I and IGFBPs, in horse fertility. However, more research is required to further understand their mechanisms of action and potential implications for breeding and fertility management in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Macpherson ML, Simmen RC, Simmen FA, Hernandez J, Sheerin BR, Varner DD, Loomis P, Cadario ME, Miller CD, Brinsko SP, Rigby S, Blanchard TL.
(2002).
Insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 and -5 in equine seminal plasma: association with sperm characteristics and fertility.
Biol Reprod, 67(2), 648-654.
https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod67.2.648 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. macphersonm@mail.vetmed.ufl.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Female
- Fertility / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- In Vitro Techniques
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2 / metabolism
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 5 / metabolism
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
- Male
- Precipitin Tests
- Pregnancy
- Radioimmunoassay
- Seasons
- Semen / cytology
- Semen / metabolism
- Sperm Count
- Sperm Motility / physiology
- Spermatozoa / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Almadaly EA, Abdel-Salam AS, Sahwan FM, Kahilo KA, Abouzed TK, El-Domany WB. Fertility-associated biochemical components in seminal plasma and serum of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls.. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:1043379.
- Yang Y, Suwimonteerabutr J, Angkawanish T, Chatdarong K. Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Is a Biomarker of Testosterone Production and Intact Acrosome in Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus).. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jun 17;12(12).
- Liman MS, Franco V, Cardoso CL, Longobardi V, Gasparrini B, Wheeler MB, Rubessa M, Esposito G. Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Conjugated Linoleic Acids and Their Inclusion in Semen Extenders on Bovine Sperm Quality.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 12;11(2).
- Morrell JM, Johannisson A. Comparison of the Effect of Heterologous and Homologous Seminal Plasma on Motility and Chromatin Integrity of Stallion Spermatozoa Selected by Single Layer Centrifugation.. J Vet Med 2014;2014:325451.
- Lejeune JP, Franck T, Gangl M, Schneider N, Michaux C, Deby-Dupont G, Serteyn D. Plasma concentration of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in growing Ardenner horses suffering from juvenile digital degenerative osteoarthropathy.. Vet Res Commun 2007 Feb;31(2):185-95.
- Basak S, Chrétien M, Mbikay M, Basak A. In vitro elucidation of substrate specificity and bioassay of proprotein convertase 4 using intramolecularly quenched fluorogenic peptides.. Biochem J 2004 Jun 1;380(Pt 2):505-14.
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