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Home / Equine Research Bank / Reprod Domest Anim / Membrane lipids of the stallion spermatozoon in relation to ...
Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene2010; 46(1); 141-148; doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01609.x

Membrane lipids of the stallion spermatozoon in relation to sperm quality and susceptibility to lipid peroxidation.

Abstract: Lipids were extracted from ejaculated spermatozoa from seven individual stallions to distinguish neutral lipids (NL) and polar lipids (PL) and determine their variation among stallions and their relationship with sperm quality and sperm susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. The isolated fatty acids were correlated with sperm quality (membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and expression of active caspases) and the sensitivity of the sperm plasma membrane to LPO. The miristic (C14: 0), palmitic (C16: 0), stearic (C18: 0) and oleic (C18: 1n9) acids were predominant among the NLs. Within the phospholipid fraction, the docosapentanoic acid (C22: 5n6) was dominant, albeit varying among stallions. Surprisingly, the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids was positively correlated with sperm quality and a low propensity for LPO, probably because these particular fatty acids provide a higher fluidity of the plasma membrane. The stallion showing the poorest sperm membrane integrity plus a high level of LPO in his ejaculate had a lower percentage (p<0.05) of this fatty acid in his sperm plasma membranes.
© 2010 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2010-05-12 PubMed ID: 20456666DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01609.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research article examines the connection between the lipid composition of stallion sperm cells and their quality, as well as susceptibility to lipid peroxidation (LPO).

Research Methodology

  • The study worked with sperm samples extracted from seven individual stallions.
  • Researchers isolated neutral lipids (NL) and polar lipids (PL) from these samples, and analyzed their variations across different stallions.
  • This analysis was then examined in relation to key indicators of sperm quality, namely membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the expression of active caspases.
  • They also looked at how the lipid composition affected a sperm cell’s susceptibility to lipid peroxidation (LPO), a process that can damage cell structures by oxidizing the lipids in the cell membrane.

Key Findings

  • Within the sperm sample lipids, certain types of fatty acids were found to be dominant, namely miristic (C14: 0), palmitic (C16: 0), stearic (C18: 0) and oleic (C18: 1n9) acids in the neutral lipids, and docosapentanoic acid (C22: 5n6) in the phospholipid fraction.
  • The docosapentanoic acid, however, showed variation among different stallions.
  • Interestingly, the researchers found a positive correlation between a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids and better sperm quality, along with a lower tendency for LPO.
  • This is attributed to the higher fluidity provided to the plasma membrane by these specific fatty acids.
  • Conversely, the stallion with the worst sperm membrane integrity and high LPO levels in his ejaculate had a noticeably lower percentage of this fatty acid in his sperm plasma membranes.

Implications and Conclusions

  • This study suggests that the lipid constitution of stallion sperm plays a vital role in determining their quality and their vulnerability to lipid peroxidation.
  • The specific positive role of polyunsaturated fatty acids could encourage further research into dietary or supplement solutions to improve equine reproductive success.
  • However, the evident variation in lipid composition among different stallions might point towards the need for individualized approaches to managing stallion fertility.

Cite This Article

APA
García BM, Fernández LG, Ferrusola CO, Salazar-Sandoval C, Rodríguez AM, Martinez HR, Tapia JA, Morcuende D, Peña FJ. (2010). Membrane lipids of the stallion spermatozoon in relation to sperm quality and susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Reprod Domest Anim, 46(1), 141-148. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01609.x

Publication

Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene
ISSN: 1439-0531
NlmUniqueID: 9015668
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 46
Issue: 1
Pages: 141-148

Researcher Affiliations

García, B Macías
  • Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Laboratory of Spermatology, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Fernández, L González
    Ferrusola, C Ortega
      Salazar-Sandoval, C
        Rodríguez, A Morillo
          Martinez, H Rodríguez
            Tapia, J A
              Morcuende, D
                Peña, F J

                  MeSH Terms

                  • Animals
                  • Caspases / metabolism
                  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
                  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
                  • Fatty Acids / analysis
                  • Horses
                  • Lipid Peroxidation
                  • Male
                  • Membrane Fluidity
                  • Membrane Lipids / analysis
                  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial
                  • Spermatozoa / chemistry
                  • Spermatozoa / physiology
                  • Spermatozoa / ultrastructure

                  Citations

                  This article has been cited 22 times.
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