Occurrence of prostasome-like membrane vesicles in equine seminal plasma.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research paper investigates the presence of prostasome-like vesicles in equine seminal plasma and explores their potential role in modifying adenylate catabolism, thus promoting longer sperm viability.
Study on Prostasome-Like Vesicles in Equine Seminal Plasma
The research identifies and characterizes prostasome-like vesicles in equine seminal plasma which are microvesicles similar to those found in human seminal plasma. The main components observed in these vesicles were:
- ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
- ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate)
- Adenosine
These components are part of the nucleotidic pool. Additionally, the study found certain enzymatic activities on the surface of the vesicles. These included 5′ nucleotidase, endopeptidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase i.v. functions.
Interactions between Prostasome-Like Vesicles and Spermatozoa
The study provides electronic microscopic imagery showing a fusion-like process in which the vesicles seem to interact and merge with sperm cells. The researchers particularly identify these steps of mixing the membranes, which suggest a significant interaction between the spermatozoa and the vesicles.
After interacting with the vesicles, the sperm cells acquired endopeptidase activity, a marker enzyme typically associated with these vesicles but not originally found in equine sperm cells.
Modification of Adenylate Catabolism
The study suggests that when the vesicles are added to equine spermatozoa, they modify adenylate catabolism. Adenylate catabolism is a metabolic process related to the breakdown of adenylates, the molecules involved in energy transfer.
Potential Role of Vesicles in Sperm Viability
The research proposes that these prostasome-like vesicles could have a role in stabilizing the energy charge in the spermatozoa. This would potentially allow for a longer viability of the sperm cells. While this research is preliminary, it opens up new possible areas of investigation for improving equine sperm cell viability, fertility, and reproductive health.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Molecolare, Università di Perugia, Italy.
MeSH Terms
- Adenosine / analysis
- Adenosine Diphosphate / analysis
- Adenosine Triphosphate / analysis
- Animals
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron
- Organelles / ultrastructure
- Semen / chemistry
- Sperm Motility / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Gunnar R. Prostasomes are Pluripotent and Well-Organized Organelles in Human Semen.. EJIFCC 1999 May;11(1):1-5.
- Caballero JN, Frenette G, Belleannée C, Sullivan R. CD9-positive microvesicles mediate the transfer of molecules to Bovine Spermatozoa during epididymal maturation.. PLoS One 2013;8(6):e65364.
- Mourvaki E, Cardinali R, Roberti R, Dal Bosco A, Castellini C. Desmosterol, the main sterol in rabbit semen: distribution among semen subfractions and its role in the in vitro spermatozoa acrosome reaction and motility.. Asian J Androl 2010 Nov;12(6):862-70.
- Siciliano L, Marcianò V, Carpino A. Prostasome-like vesicles stimulate acrosome reaction of pig spermatozoa.. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2008 Jan 30;6:5.
- Arienti G, Carlini E, Saccardi C, Palmerini CA. Role of human prostasomes in the activation of spermatozoa.. J Cell Mol Med 2004 Jan-Mar;8(1):77-84.
