Abstract
This work aimed to determine the contribution of the testis and epididymis and the effect of the photoperiodic regimen on ram seminal plasma (SP). Semen was collected from 15 mature rams located in an equatorial (Colombian Creole and Romney Marsh, eight intact and two vasectomized) or a temperate climate (Rasa Aragonesa, three intact and two vasectomized). SP proteins were analyzed by Bradford, SDS-PAGE and difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE). Melatonin and testosterone concentrations were quantified by ELISA, and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRD), and catalase by enzymatic assays. Vasectomy increased protein concentration and the intensity of high molecular weight bands (p < 0.001), with no differences between breeds. DIGE revealed the absence of six proteins in vasectomized rams: angiotensin-converting enzyme, lactotransferrin, phosphoglycerate kinase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, epididymal secretory glutathione peroxidase and epididymal secretory protein E1. Vasectomy also decreased melatonin concentrations in seasonal rams, and testosterone in all of them (p < 0.001), but did not affect antioxidant enzyme activity. Equatorial rams showed lower melatonin and testosterone concentration (p < 0.01) and catalase, but higher GPx activity (p < 0.05). In conclusion, vasectomy modifies the protein profile and hormonal content of ram seminal plasma, whereas the exposure to a constant photoperiod affects hormonal concentration and antioxidant enzymes activity.
Highlights
Seminal plasma (SP) is a complex fluid secreted mainly by the testis, epididymis and accessory glands, some contribution from the spermatozoa [1] has been identified
We have demonstrated that around half of the melatonin found in the seminal plasma of seasonal rams during the reproductive season has a testicular origin, and the pineal gland might be the source of the other half
Our results suggest a dual origin of the testosterone present in the ram seminal plasma, with testicular and non-testicular contribution
Summary
Seminal plasma (SP) is a complex fluid secreted mainly by the testis, epididymis and accessory glands, some contribution from the spermatozoa [1] has been identified. The objectives of this work were: 1) to determine the contribution of the testis, epididymis and accessory sex glands secretions to protein and hormonal concentrations, and to antioxidant enzyme activity in ram seminal plasma and 2) to elucidate whether the photoperiodic regimen can affect the seminal plasma composition of intact and vasectomized rams. Quantification, showed that vasectomy decreased high molecular weight bands (p < 0.001), with no differences in medium or low molecular bands in either the seTaasobnlea1l .oPrreoqteuinatcoorniaclenratrmatsio(nTa(mblge/m1 aLn, nd =Fi1g2usreem1i)n.aTl phleaspmhaotsoapmeprlieosdfiocrrseegaismoneadl irdamnso,taanffdenct=p2r4otein seminal plasma samples for non-seasonal) and densitometric quantification (×103 arbitrary units, n = conce4ntsreamtiionnaloprlbasamnda sqaumapnlteifis)caotfiohnig.h, medium and low molecular weight (MW) bands of seminal. TThhee pphhoottooppeerriiooddbbuuttnnoottvvaasseecctotommyyaafffefcetcetdedthtehaenatniotixoidxiadnatnetneznyzmyemaectaivctiitvy,itbyu,tbvuatsveactsoemctyomdiyddniodt. nGtBacelocoPmittmtix.hvpBaiaetttocryheatteihthtvheiaitnatcdhnytleaimmttchihtnoaeaarttnaesenecdchtathaasvateodananlssdmaaeeslaocveostraooneesmnneecsaczaitlyzt(oaFemomlidnagasieurtzesiareceemd(naF4scziragtayl,iuomvmpcris
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