Abstract

Excessive levels of free radicals diminish the functional integrity of spermatozoa. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by spermatozoa were negatively correlated with the quality of sperm in the original semen. “Intrinsic,” “extrinsic,” and “iatrogenic” sources of ROS production were identified within semen: Intrinsic sources of ROS in semen are morphologically abnormal and arrested maturity spermatozoa and leukocytes. Poor sperm quality showing attributes of arrested sperm maturation is linked to increased ROS generation as a consequence of excess residual cytoplasm related to the arrest of cytoplasmic extrusion in terminal spermiogenesis. In the past 20 years, the Huszar lab has studied several key events of sperm maturation, including cytoplasmic extrusion and expression of the HspA2 chaperone protein. In experiments related to sperm function and fertilizing potential, Huszar et al. have established that, simultaneously with cytoplasmic extrusion during terminal spermiogenesis, there is a remodeling of the plasma membrane that facilitates the formation of the zona pellucida- and hyaluronic acid (HA)-binding sites. The studies with HA immobilized to glass slides or Petri dishes showed that sperm firmly bind to HA. However, not all sperm exhibited HA binding ability. These data supported the hypothesis that the ability of sperm–HA binding is related to sperm cellular maturity.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.