Seminal plasma components from fertile stallions involved in the epididymal sperm freezability.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research explores the role of seminal plasma (SP) in protecting sperm during the cryopreservation process, with a focus on identifying the SP components that confer this protection. Using specific proteins identified through two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, the researchers propose these elements as potential biomarkers for selecting stallions based on semen freezing capabilities.
Objective and Methodology
The research tries to explain the protective role of seminal plasma (SP) on sperm during freezing and thawing. The focus is on determining the specific components in SP that grant this cryoprotection. For the experiment, epididymal spermatozoa from four stallions were tested, with or without SP, before being frozen. By applying an analytical procedure known as two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), researchers meant to:
- Identify SP components that may shield epididymal spermatozoa during the freeze-thaw process
- Determine proteins related to sperm freezability
Results of the Study
After thawing, the research determined that the proportions of viable and acrosome-intact spermatozoa were higher when SP was used in two stallions named F and O. By evaluating the SP composition and sperm parameters, the researchers found:
- The SP from all stallions used reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) – harmful elements that can damage cells
- Differences between stallions in terms of total protein concentration, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and eight specific proteins identified by 2D-DIGE
Implications of the Research
This study becomes a platform for discovering SP components that could advance sperm protection during cryopreservation. Knowing this information has practical implications in selecting stallions based on their semen freezing capabilities – a relevant sorting mechanism in reproductive and genetic studies.
- Composition of the SP might affect the freezing capacity of semen. Total protein, TAC, PUFA and specific proteins like cysteine-rich secreted protein 3 could serve as indicators of sperm cryotolerance.
- The insights gained from this study could optimize animal genetics and breed selection methods.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Physiology, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
- Department of Physiology, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
- Research Support Service, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
- Research Support Service, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
- Department of Physiology, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Antioxidants / physiology
- Biological Variation, Individual
- Cryopreservation / veterinary
- Epididymis / cytology
- Fatty Acids / physiology
- Fertility
- Horses
- Male
- Semen / chemistry
- Semen / physiology
- Semen Preservation / veterinary
- Seminal Plasma Proteins / physiology
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