Localization and functional modification of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in equine spermatozoa from fresh and frozen semen.
Abstract: It is well known that insemination of cryopreserved semen always results in lower fertility when compared with fresh semen, but there is an increased interest and demand for frozen equine semen by the major breeder associations because of the utility arising from semen already "on hand" at breeding time. In this article, we report that equine sperm cells express L-type voltage-gated calcium channels; their localization is restricted to sperm neck and to the principal piece of the tail in both fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa. We also studied the causes of cryoinjury at the membrane level focusing on the function of L-type calcium channels. We report that in cryopreserved spermatozoa the mean basal value of [Ca(2+)]i is higher than that of spermatozoa from fresh semen (447.130 vs. 288.3 nM; P < 0.001) and L-type channels function differently in response to their agonist and antagonist in relation to semen condition (fresh or frozen-thawed). We found that on addition of agonist to the culture medium, the increase in intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)]i) was greater in frozen semen than in fresh semen (Δ[Ca(2+)]i = 124.59 vs. 16.04 nM; P < 0.001), whereas after the addition of antagonist the decrease in [Ca(2+)]i was lower in frozen semen than in fresh semen (Δ[Ca(2+)]i = 32.5 vs. 82.5 nM; P < 0.001). In this article, we also discuss the impact of cryopreservation on sperm physiology.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2014-10-13 PubMed ID: 25459425DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.10.005Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research explores the localization and function of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in fresh and frozen horse semen. It notes differences in functionality between the two types of semen, with implications for the lower fertility rates associated with insemination of cryopreserved semen.
Localization of calcium channels in sperm cells
- The study found that horse sperm cells express L-type voltage-gated calcium channels, which are important for the transport of calcium ions in and out of cells.
- These calcium channels are located in the sperm neck and the principal piece of the tail in both fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa, suggesting their role in the movement of sperm cells.
Cryoinjury and calcium channels
- Further on, the research focused on understanding how cryopreservation (the process of freezing semen for future use) may lead to injury at the cellular level, specifically focusing on the role of L-type calcium channels in this process.
- It was found that the mean basal value of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in cryopreserved sperm cells was significantly higher than those in fresh spermatozoa, which may indicate possible cryoinjury.
Different functionality in fresh and frozen semen
- The calcium channels’ response to their agonist and antagonist (substances that initiate or block, respectively, the function of these channels) differed when comparing fresh and frozen-thawed semen.
- When the agonist was added to the culture medium, there was a more significant increase in [Ca(2+)]i in frozen semen compared to fresh. In contrast, adding the antagonist resulted in a lower decrease in [Ca(2+)]i in frozen semen compared to fresh semen.
Impact of cryopreservation on sperm physiology
- The data suggest that cryopreservation alters the function of L-type calcium channels in equine spermatozoa, contributing to the typically lower fertility rates associated with using frozen semen for insemination.
- By shedding light on these differences, the research helps to further understand the impact of cryopreservation on sperm physiology, potentially informing future improvements in semen preservation methods and fertility treatments.
Cite This Article
APA
Albrizio M, Moramarco AM, Nicassio M, Micera E, Zarrilli A, Lacalandra GM.
(2014).
Localization and functional modification of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in equine spermatozoa from fresh and frozen semen.
Theriogenology, 83(3), 421-429.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.10.005 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation (DETO), Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Valenzano, Bari, Italy. Electronic address: maria.albrizio@uniba.it.
- Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation (DETO), Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
- Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation (DETO), Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
- Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation (DETO), Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
- Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation (DETO), Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
- Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation (DETO), Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Calcium / metabolism
- Calcium Channels, L-Type / analysis
- Calcium Channels, L-Type / chemistry
- Calcium Channels, L-Type / metabolism
- Cryopreservation / veterinary
- Horses / metabolism
- Male
- Semen Preservation / adverse effects
- Semen Preservation / veterinary
- Spermatozoa / metabolism
- Spermatozoa / physiology
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