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Home / Equine Research Bank / Reprod Domest Anim / Sperm mitochondrial regulation in motility and fertility in ...
Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene2019; 54 Suppl 3; 22-28; doi: 10.1111/rda.13461

Sperm mitochondrial regulation in motility and fertility in horses.

Abstract: The biological nature of age-related declines in fertility in males of any species, including stallions, has been elusive. In horses, the economic costs to the breeding industry are frequently extensive. Mitochondrial function in ejaculated sperm, which is essential for sperm motility, is reflected by adenosine triphosphate production, mitochondrial oxidative efficiency and production of reactive oxygen species, and that this balance may become compromised in ageing stallions and during the process of cryopreservation. This presentation will focus on mitochondrial integrity and function as an avenue for understanding the pathophysiology of sperm when undergoing cryopreservation and male ageing. We discuss the importance of understanding the differences and similarities of sperm mitochondria to that of somatic cells regarding structure and mitochondrial biochemistry relating to sperm function. The roles of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in sperm mitochondria are outlined as is the method of determining oxygen consumption and calcium homoeostasis in sperm mitochondria. Further, we outline the role of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species.
© 2019 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2019-09-13 PubMed ID: 31512320DOI: 10.1111/rda.13461Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The article discusses how mitochondrial function and integrity in sperm affects male fertility, particularly in stallions, as they age or when the sperm undergo cryopreservation.

Understanding Age-related Declines in Fertility

  • The study explores the biological factors contributing to the decline in fertility in older males of all species, with a particular focus on horses.
  • A key factor of interest is the mitochondrial function in sperm, which plays a vital role in sperm motility.
  • Reduced sperm motility is often a result of compromised mitochondrial function, especially prevalent in aging stallions and during the cryopreservation process.

Role of Mitochondria

  • The research emphasizes the importance of mitochondrial integrity and function in understanding the deterioration of sperm quality with age and cryopreservation.
  • The authors compare and contrast the structure and biochemical functions of sperm mitochondria with that of somatic cells (non-reproductive cells).
  • Understanding these differences can provide insights into the specific role of mitochondria in sperm function and fertility.

Sperm Energy Production

  • Furthermore, the paper discusses the role of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, two key processes involved in energy production within the mitochondria, specifically in the context of sperm cells.
  • The researchers explain the methods used for determining the rate of oxygen consumption and calcium homeostasis in sperm mitochondria, which are critical for their function.

Impact of Oxidative Stress

  • The authors also examine the effects of oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on mitochondrial function.
  • Oxidative stress and high levels of ROS can damage the sperm cell and its mitochondria, leading to decreased motility and hence, compromised fertility.

Cite This Article

APA
Meyers S, Bulkeley E, Foutouhi A. (2019). Sperm mitochondrial regulation in motility and fertility in horses. Reprod Domest Anim, 54 Suppl 3, 22-28. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13461

Publication

Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene
ISSN: 1439-0531
NlmUniqueID: 9015668
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 54 Suppl 3
Pages: 22-28

Researcher Affiliations

Meyers, Stuart
  • Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
Bulkeley, Evelyn
  • Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
Foutouhi, Azarene
  • Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.

MeSH Terms

  • Aging / physiology
  • Animals
  • Cryopreservation / veterinary
  • Fertility / physiology
  • Glycolysis
  • Horses / physiology
  • Male
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / physiology
  • Oxidative Phosphorylation
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / veterinary
  • Sperm Motility / physiology
  • Spermatozoa / cytology
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism
  • Spermatozoa / physiology

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Citations

This article has been cited 18 times.
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