Sperm transport and survival in the mare.
Abstract: Following the deposition of semen in the mares uterus, spermatozoa must be transported to the site of fertilization, be maintained in the female tract until ovulation occurs, and be prepared to fertilize the released ovum. Sperm motility, myometrial contractions, and a spontaneous post-mating uterine inflammation are important factors for the transport and survival of spermatozoa in the mares reproductive tract. Fertilizable sperm are present in the oviduct within 4 hours after insemination. At this time, the uterus is the site of a hostile inflammatory environment. Our data suggest that spermatozoa trigger an influx of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) into the uterine lumen via activation of complement. Furthermore, seminal plasma appears to have a modulatory effect on the post-mating inflammation through its suppressive effect on PMN chemotaxis and migration. Spermatozoa that safely have reached the oviduct can be stored in a functional state for several days, but prolonged sperm storage in the female tract is not required for capacitation and fertilization in the horse. The caudal isthmus has been proposed as a sperm reservoir in the mare. The pattern of sperm transport and survival of spermatozoa in the mares reproductive tract are different between fertile and subfertile stallions, between fertile and some infertile mares, and between fresh and frozen-thawed semen. Possible explanations for these differences include a selective phagocytosis of damaged or dead spermatozoa, impaired myometrial activity in subfertile mares, bio-physiological changes of spermatozoa during cryopreservation, and the removal of seminal plasma during cryopreservation of equine semen.
Publication Date: 2000-03-25 PubMed ID: 10732099DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(98)00040-5Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article discusses the process and challenges that sperm face in the mare (female horse) reproductive tract after ejaculation, highlighting factors such as sperm movement, uterine contractions, and inflammation that influence sperm transport and survival.
Background
- The central theme of the study is to understand the process in which the sperm travels and survives in the mare’s reproductive tract after ejaculation.
- The sperm must be transported to the site of fertilization, stay alive until the egg is released and prepared to fertilize the ovum.
- The study also takes into consideration different aspects like sperm movement, uterine contractions, and post-mating inflammation, all of which play crucial roles in sperm survival and transportation.
Sperm Transportation
- Spermatozoa reaches the oviduct, the site of fertilization, within four hours after insemination.
- At this time, the uterus creates a hostile environment due to inflammation, which jeopardizes the survival of the sperm.
- The researchers propose that sperm triggers the influx of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), a type of white blood cell, causing an inflammatory response.
Role of Seminal Plasma
- The research indicates that seminal plasma, the fluid part of semen, appears to have a significant role in suppressing the post-mating inflammation.
- It suppresses the migration and chemotaxis (movement directed by chemicals) of PMN, thereby improving sperm survival.
- This enables the sperm that have reached the oviduct to stay functional for several days, not necessitating prolonged storage in the female tract for fertilization.
Differentiating Factors
- The research observes variations in sperm transport and survival between fertile and subfertile stallions, and also between fertile and some infertile mares.
- Furthermore, fresh and frozen-thawed semen also show differences.
- Possible explanations for these differences include a selective phagocytosis (cell-eating) of damaged or dead spermatozoa, impaired myometrial activity in subfertile mares, bio-physiological changes of spermatozoa during cryopreservation, and the removal of seminal plasma during cryopreservation of equine semen.
Cite This Article
APA
Troedsson MH, Liu IK, Crabo BG.
(2000).
Sperm transport and survival in the mare.
Theriogenology, 49(5), 905-915.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0093-691x(98)00040-5 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical and Population Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cell Survival
- Complement Activation
- Cryopreservation
- Female
- Fertility
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
- Horses
- Infertility, Male / physiopathology
- Infertility, Male / veterinary
- Inflammation
- Male
- Muscle Contraction
- Myometrium / physiology
- Neutrophils / physiology
- Semen Preservation
- Sperm Motility
- Spermatozoa / cytology
- Spermatozoa / physiology
- Uterus / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Karam KM, Alebady AS, Alhilfi HO, Al-Delemi DH. Comparative study utilizing different post-breeding treatment regimens in cyclic Arabian mares.. Vet World 2021 Nov;14(11):2863-2868.
- Cecchini Gualandi S, Giangaspero B, Di Palma T, Macchia G, Carluccio A, Boni R. Oxidative profile and protease regulator potential to predict sperm functionality in donkey (Equus asinus).. Sci Rep 2021 Oct 15;11(1):20551.
- Segabinazzi LGTM, Canisso IF, Podico G, Cunha LL, Novello G, Rosser MF, Loux SC, Lima FS, Alvarenga MA. Intrauterine Blood Plasma Platelet-Therapy Mitigates Persistent Breeding-Induced Endometritis, Reduces Uterine Infections, and Improves Embryo Recovery in Mares.. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021 Apr 23;10(5).
- Elesh IF, Marey MA, Zinnah MA, Akthar I, Kawai T, Naim F, Goda W, Rawash ARA, Sasaki M, Shimada M, Miyamoto A. Peptidoglycan Switches Off the TLR2-Mediated Sperm Recognition and Triggers Sperm Localization in the Bovine Endometrium.. Front Immunol 2020;11:619408.
- Canisso IF, Segabinazzi LGTM, Fedorka CE. Persistent Breeding-Induced Endometritis in Mares - a Multifaceted Challenge: From Clinical Aspects to Immunopathogenesis and Pathobiology.. Int J Mol Sci 2020 Feb 20;21(4).
- Fair T. The contribution of the maternal immune system to the establishment of pregnancy in cattle.. Front Immunol 2015;6:7.
- Gil L, Galindo-Cardiel I, Malo C, González N, Alvarez C. Effect of Cholesterol and Equex-STM Addition to an Egg Yolk Extender on Pure Spanish Stallion Cryopreserved Sperm.. ISRN Vet Sci 2013;2013:280143.
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