Species-specific interaction of seminal plasma on sperm-neutrophil binding.
Abstract: Bovine semen is naturally deposited in the vagina and spermatozoa migrate through the cervix into the uterus leaving the bulk of seminal plasma (SP) behind. In equine, both spermatozoa and SP are deposited directly in the uterus and SP reduces sperm binding to neutrophils and prevents the formation of DNA-based neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). We investigated the role of bovine SP on sperm-neutrophil binding using the four most common bovine semen extenders. Contrary to equine, bovine spermatozoa removed from SP had low binding to neutrophils for up to 3h, but as little as 10% SP increased sperm-neutrophil binding and NETs formation over time. Similar results were obtained with neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood or from the uterus. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the binding can be mediated by NETs or by direct attachment of the cell membranes for both species. The increased binding with SP reduced the number of free spermatozoa indicating that sperm transport to the site of fertilization (and thus fertility) may be hindered. Surprisingly, egg yolk negated the role of bovine SP on sperm-neutrophil binding compared to all the other semen extenders, but did not alter equine sperm binding to neutrophils. Current artificial insemination in bovine relies heavily on egg yolk extender and introduces variable amounts of SP into the uterus, which naturally remains in the vagina. Our results indicate a need to re-evaluate the composition of semen extenders and the semen processing procedures in relation to sperm transport, longevity and fertilizing ability.
Publication Date: 2008-10-30 PubMed ID: 19081210DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.10.015Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The study explores how bovine seminal plasma (SP) impacts the binding of sperm to neutrophils. The research found that while bovine SP can increase sperm-neutrophil binding and formation of DNA-based neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), egg yolk negates this effect. The implications of this need further investigation, particularly in relation to fertility.
Understanding the Research
- The research compared the differences in sperm-neutrophil binding and NETs formation in bovine and equine species. As naturally, bovine semen is deposited in the vagina and the majority of the SP is left behind, the researchers wanted to investigate how bovine SP affects sperm-neutrophil binding.
- The findings show that bovine sperm removed from SP displayed low levels of binding to neutrophils in the initial three hours. However, when just 10% of SP was introduced, there was an increase in sperm-neutrophil binding and NETs formation over time. This was consistent whether the neutrophils were isolated from peripheral blood or the uterus.
- The researchers also used scanning electron microscopy to demonstrate that the binding can occur through NETs or directly via the cell membranes for both species.
Role of Bovine Seminal Plasma
- The research showed that the increased binding of sperm and neutrophils due to the presence of SP reduced the number of free spermatozoa. This suggests that sperm transport to the fertilization site, and subsequently, fertility, could be potentially affected.
- A surprising aspect of the study was the discovery that egg yolk, commonly present in artificial insemination in bovines, negated the role of bovine SP on sperm-neutrophil binding. Yet, it had no impact on equine sperm binding to neutrophils.
Implications and Recommendations
- Given the significant reliance on egg yolk extender in bovine artificial insemination, together with the variable amounts of SP introduced into the uterus, the research signifies the need to re-evaluate the composition of semen extenders and the semen processing procedures.
- There’s a need for further research to assess the implications of sperm-neutrophil binding and fertility, the impact of egg yolk in the semen extenders and the role of SP in bovine species.
Cite This Article
APA
Alghamdi AS, Lovaas BJ, Bird SL, Lamb GC, Rendahl AK, Taube PC, Foster DN.
(2008).
Species-specific interaction of seminal plasma on sperm-neutrophil binding.
Anim Reprod Sci, 114(4), 331-344.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.10.015 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Agricultural Science, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA. abdo@truman.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cattle
- Egg Yolk / physiology
- Female
- Fertilization
- Horses
- Insemination, Artificial / methods
- Insemination, Artificial / veterinary
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
- Neutrophils / metabolism
- Semen / physiology
- Species Specificity
- Sperm Transport
- Spermatozoa / metabolism
- Time Factors
- Uterus / cytology
- Vagina / cytology
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