Role Of Seminal Plasma Research Articles

The role of total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde of seminal plasma in the association between air pollution and sperm quality

Accumulating evidence has suggested that men exposed to air pollution are associated with decreased sperm quality, and seminal plasma plays a pivotal role in maintaining sperm viability. However, the role of seminal plasma in air pollution related sperm quality decline remain unestablished. In current study, we recruited 524 participants from couples who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment due to female factors at a fertility clinic in China from March to August 2020. Conventional sperm parameters, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and testosterone were measured using semen samples. The six main air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3) during four key periods of sperm development (meiotic stage, spermiogenesis stage, epididymal stage and total sperm cycle period) were estimated using inverse distance weighting method. Multiple linear regression models were employed to investigate the exposure-outcome relationships. And we found that PM10 exposures were negatively related to sperm total motility and the exposures of PM2.5 and PM10 were inversely associated with sperm progressive motility during epididymal stage. Furthermore, PM2.5 and PM10 exposures were positively associated with seminal plasma MDA and PM10 was negatively related to seminal plasma T-AOC during epididymal stage. PM2.5, PM10 and CO exposures during total sperm cycle period might relate to increased seminal plasma testosterone. Mediation analysis indicated seminal plasma MDA and T-AOC partially mediated PM10 associated reduction of sperm motility during epididymal stage. Our study suggested MDA and T-AOC of seminal plasma played a role in air pollution associated decline of sperm motility.

The role of seminal plasma in supporting successful embryo implantation

The role of seminal plasma in supporting successful embryo implantation

Addition ofseminal plasma proteins effecting theinvitro kinetic properties ofcanine spermatozoa.

The objective ofthis study isto evaluate the changes inthe motility and kinetic patterns ofcanine spermatozoa, capacitated and decapacitated, after the addition ofseminal plasma protein fractions with different molecular weight. Ithas been proposed that proteins inseminal plasma support the survival ofthe spermatozoa and exert adual effect: capacitation and decapacitation. The seminal plasma from fresh ejaculates was subjected tochromatographic separation and four protein fractions were obtained. Computer-assisted sperm analysis was used todetermine the sperm subpopulations with specific motion and kinetic characteristics after incubation with each ofthe four protein fractions. Two-dimensional electrophoresis ofthe fractions that exhibit asignificant effect onthecapacitation and decapacitation was performed. Bysperm class analyser, capacitation changes were observed inthe sperm subpopulation with ahigh curvilinear velocity and amplitude oflateral head displacement incubatedwith the seminal plasma protein fraction with ahigh molecular weight, which was also reflected inthedecreased linearity, straightness, and progressive motility. The sperm subpopulation incubated with theseminal plasma protein fraction with alow molecular weight seemed toundergo aprocess ofdecapacitation (decreasing ofthe curvilinear velocity, increasing ofthe linearity, straightness and showing progressive motility). Despite their ample panorama ofactions, the role ofseminal plasma proteins regarding capacitation and decapacitation isstill undetermined.

Sperm Cryopreservation in American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus Ruber): Influence of Cryoprotectants and Seminal Plasma Removal.

Simple SummaryThe Phoenicopteridae family is made up of six species of which 50% are in near-threatened status and 17% are in vulnerable status because their population is decreasing. The American flamingo is a useful model for development of successful semen cryopreservation procedures to be applied to threatened related species from the family Phoenicopteridae, and to permit genetic material banking. The current study sought to develop effective sperm cryopreservation protocols through examining the influences of two permeating cryoprotectants and the seminal plasma removal. In addition, morphometric and functional sperm characteristics were studied for the first time in this species. Head morphometric data provide relevant information in future studies about sperm cryobiology in these species because the head size is related with the ability of sperm to survive the freeze/thawed process. There was no apparent effect of cryoprotectants (DMA (dimethylacetamide) 6% and Me2SO (dimethylsulphoxide) 8%) on frozen–thawed flamingo sperm variables. The removal of the seminal plasma provided lower sperm quality after thawing than samples containing seminal plasma. This research demonstrated that there were no differences between Me2SO and DMA to successful freezing sperm of flamingos, but we recommend the use of Me2SO because the cell toxic effect of DMA.The American flamingo is a useful model for the development of successful semen cryopreservation procedures to be applied to threatened related species from the family Phoenicopteridae, and to permit genetic material banking. Current study sought to develop effective sperm cryopreservation protocols through examining the influences of two permeating cryoprotectants and the seminal plasma removal. During two consecutive years (April), semen samples were collected and frozen from American flamingos. In the first year, the effect of two permeating cryoprotectants, DMA (dimethylacetamide) (6%) or Me2SO (dimethylsulphoxide) (8%), on frozen–thawed sperm variables were compared in 21 males. No differences were seen between DMA and Me2SO for sperm motility, sperm viability, and DNA fragmentation after thawing. In the second year, the role of seminal plasma on sperm cryoresistance was investigated in 31 flamingos. Sperm samples were cryopreserved with and without seminal plasma, using Me2SO (8%) as a cryoprotectant. The results showed that samples with seminal plasma had higher values than samples without seminal plasma for the following sperm variables: Straight line velocity (22.40 µm/s vs. 16.64 µm/s), wobble (75.83% vs. 69.40%), (p < 0.05), linearity (62.73% vs. 52.01%) and straightness (82.38% vs. 73.79%) (p < 0.01); but acrosome integrity was lower (55.56% vs. 66.88%) (p < 0.05). The cryoresistance ratio (CR) was greater in samples frozen with seminal plasma than without seminal plasma for CR-progressive motility (138.72 vs. 54.59), CR-curvilinear velocity (105.98 vs. 89.32), CR-straight line velocity (152.77 vs. 112.58), CR-average path velocity (122.48 vs. 98.12), CR-wobble (111.75 vs. 102.04) (p < 0.05), CR-linearity (139.41 vs. 113.18), and CR-straightness (124.02 vs. 109.97) (p < 0.01). This research demonstrated that there were not differences between Me2SO and DMA to successful freezing sperm of flamingos; seminal plasma removal did not provide a benefit for sperm cryopreservation.

Роль внеклеточных везикул семенной плазмы в изменении морфофункциональных характеристик сперматозоидов человека

For a long time, the role of seminal plasma during human fertilization remained underestimated. Numerous studies related to the development of different methods for human embryo in vitro cultivation were gener-ally concerned with the quality of male and female gametes. However, in recent years, the development of Omix technologies provided a new insight into great seminal plasma influence on the morphofunctional characteristics of spermatozoa. This is especially true for the regulatory function of extracellular vesicles secreted by male reproductive tract cells. In this work, we attempted to analyze current data on the influence of extracellular seminal plasma vesicles on the morphofunctional characteristics of spermatozoa to solve male infertility topical issues. The review includes studies by foreign and Russian research groups that werу conducted within the past 5 years and found in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. Very few studies demonstrate that seminal plasma vesicles act as functional regulators of male fertility and their dysfunction may lead to infertility. The use of seminal plasma extracellular vesicles in clinical practice may significantly increase the success of IVF programs, especially in impaired spermatogenesis. Keywords: extracellular vesicles, exosomes, biomarkers, seminal plasma, spermatozoa, assisted reproductive technology, cell biology, morphology

Functional Aspects of Seminal Plasma in Bird Reproduction.

This review provides an updated overview of the seminal plasma composition, and the role of metabolic and protein components on the sperm function of avian species. In addition, the implication of seminal plasma on assisted reproductive techniques of birds was discussed. The semen of birds usually has exceptionally high sperm concentration with relatively little seminal plasma, but this contributes to very fast changes in sperm metabolism and function. The biochemical characteristics and physiological roles of the various seminal plasma components in birds (carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, hormones, and proteins) are poorly understood. Seminal plasma content of proteins has an action on most cellular functions: metabolism, immunity, oxido-reduction regulation, proteolysis, apoptosis, ion homeostasis, and antimicrobial defenses. The variable amount of many proteins is related to a different fertility capacity of poultry sperm. The role of seminal plasma on semen conservation (chilling and freezing) remains largely a matter of speculation, as both inhibitory and stimulating effects have been found. Whereas the presence of seminal plasma did not seem to affect the sperm survival after freezing–thawing, DNA fragmentation is lower in the absence of seminal plasma. The molecular basis of the influence of seminal plasma on sperm cryo-resistance was also discussed in the present review.

228 Effect of seminal plasma on the interval to application of equine chorionic gonadotrophin for the recovery of cumulus-oocyte complexes in alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Alpacas as other camelids are induced ovulators and require an external stimulus-mounting by the male-for ovulation. NGF-β, protein present in the seminal plasma (SP) is reported as being responsible for stimulating ovulation. However, limited information exists on the effect of ovulation inducers in the new follicular wave emergence with application on protocols of superstimulation. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of two ovulation induced techniques and two different times on the interval to application of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) for the ovarian superstimulation for the recovery of COCs by ovum pick- up (OPU). Alpacas were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography with an Aloka SSD 500 ultrasound and transducer (7.5MHz) to determine the presence of a dominant follicle=7mm. A 2×2 experimental design was used with adult female alpacas, 6 to 8 years old, which were assigned to one of the treatments when a dominant follicle=7mm was present. Alpacas were assigned randomly 1 of 2 groups (Day 0) in which follicular ovulation was induced by seminal plasma 1mL IM (SP, n=13; group 1) with application of 650IU of eCG at 36h (n=6) or 48h (n=7) post-application of SP, or by GnRH with 0.008mg of Buserelin IM (GnRH, n=10; group 2) with application of 650IU eCG at 36h (n=5) or 48h (n=5) post-application of GnRH. On Day 7, COCs were counted and the OPU procedure was performed in every group. Data were analysed using ANOVA. Results are presented in Table 1. In conclusion, both inducers of ovulation and both times of application of eCG were effective for producing follicles of 7mm and COCs acceptable for recovery in Alpacas. Table 1.Number of follicles=7mm (top) and number of COCs recovered (mean±s.e.m.) Outcome and group 36 h 48 h Total Follicles GnRH 6.8±1.93 13.4±4.34 10.10±2.50a SP 5.5±2.23 5.29±1.15 5.38±1.25b Total 6.09±1.44 8.67±2.18 7.43±1.33 COCs GnRH 5±0.97 3±1.26 4.33±0.74a SP 1±0.41 0.33±0.22 0.67±0.25b Total 3.29±0.67x 1.4±0.6y 2.5±0.53 a,bValues within columns with different letters differ significantly (P=0.05). x,yValues within columns with different letters differ significantly (P=0.05). This research funded by CIENCIACTIVA-CONCYTEC as part of the project title “Role of seminal plasma in reproductive physiology and application of biotechnologies in camelids” (149-2017).

108 Use of seminal plasma as ovulation inductor in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) embryo recipient and its effect on pregnancy rate

Alpacas, like other camelids, are classified as induced ovulators because an external stimulus is required for the occurrence of ovulation. Recent studies have identified the β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF), a protein present in the seminal plasma (SP), as responsible for inducing ovulation in this species and having potent luteotropic function. We speculate that SP can be used in reproductive biotechnologies, such as embryo transfer (ET), to increase the number of genetically superior animals produced in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inducing ovulation with SP or a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue on pregnancy rate in recipients of an alpaca ET program. Semen from 5 adult male alpacas was collected with an artificial vagina and diluted 1:1 (v/v) with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; Gibco-BRL). The diluted semen was centrifuged for 30min at 1200g, and the supernatant or SP was decanted and examined for absence of sperm. Then, the SP was centrifuged again for 20min at 1200×g. The SP was stored at −80°C until the use. Female alpacas (n=38; 6-8 years) with a body condition score of 2.5-3.5 (scale 1-5) were used for the experiment. Animals were evaluated daily by transrectal ultrasonography to determine the presence of a dominant follicle ≥7mm and randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) GnRH (n=20), 0.04mg of Buserelin acetate IM, or (2) SP (n=18): 1.0mL of seminal plasma IM. Seven days after GnRH or SP treatment (Day 0) the recipients received a fresh embryo. Alpaca donors (n=18) were given GnRH (0.04mg IM) and treated 36h later with 700IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (ECG). Donors were mated with fertile males 5 days after ECG (Day 0 of recipients), and embryos were recovered 7 days later. Embryos of similar quality were assigned to both groups and transferred nonsurgically to the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum. Ultrasonography examinations were performed on Day 2 to confirm ovulation and Day 25 to determine pregnancy in all of the recipients. Data was analysed by chi-squared test. Ovulation rate was not different between groups (100% each). Pregnancy rate was 45% (9 out of 20) and 44% (8 of 18) in GnRH and SP groups, respectively (P=0.77). In conclusion, SP was effective to induce ovulation in alpacas and was able to produce a pregnancy rate similar to that of GnRH as an ovulation-inducing treatment. Thus, SP can be used as an alternative for ET programs in alpacas. Research was funded by the project Role of Seminal Plasma in Reproductive Physiology and Application of Biotechnologies in Camelids (149-2017-CIENCIACTIVA).

Recent advances in cryopreservation of semen and artificial insemination in sheep: A review

Cryopreservation of semen facilitates widespread dissemination of superior germplasm and thus allowing the full exploitation of artificial insemination (AI) benefits. Recent focus is on preserving fertilizing capacity of frozen spermatozoa by improving the composition of extenders and changing cooling/freezing protocols, use of cryoprotectants, antioxidants, including enzymes, vitamins, amino acids and proteins, plant extracts and other compounds. In addition, research is also intensified on role of seminal plasma and its proteins as well as cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin in semen freezing. Recently it has also been shown that helium-neon laser irradiation of cryopreserved ram sperm increased the post-thaw sperm motility, viability, cytochrome c oxidase activity and ATP contents with no significant changes in DNA and acrosome integrity. Post-thaw sperm motility of cryopreserved semen ranged from 33.3 to 72.2%. Fertility depends on the insemination technique and ranged from 45 to 80% for laparoscopic and 4 to 42% for transcervical insemination. Further, the complex anatomy of ewe's cervix is also a hurdle affecting intrauterine deposition of semen and consequently the fertility of frozen-thawed semen. Researchers are attempting cervical dilation with the use of hormones and chemicals to facilitate catheter penetration in the cervical canal. This review gives a detailed semen processing techniques and their effects on semen quality and AI techniques used in sheep and their success rates.

The Inability of Human Sperm with Chromosomal Abnormalities to Penetrate the Oocyte in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Risk Factors and the Role of Seminal Plasma

Abstract: The combination of ICSI and a sperm chromosome assay provides a useful opportunity to directly investigate relationships between chromosomal aberrations and head morphology, motility or in vitro aging. An increase of aneuploidy was identified in sperm with large heads. Structural chromosome aberrations were frequently found in elongated heads. These types of sperm should therefore be avoided for ICSI and can easily be identified under a microscope. In sperm with normal heads, the chromosomal aberration rate was initially low but increased gradually after removal of the seminal plasma (3.3% to 15.9%); in immotile sperm, the increase of DNA damage was more pronounced (4.5% to 48.1%). Therefore, there are motile and immotile sperm populations in human ejaculates that are potentially vulnerable to in vitro culture conditions. Since these sperm can maintain DNA integrity in the seminal plasma for at least 3 h, and even after cryopreservation, the seminal plasma appears to be an efficient suppressor o...

Susceptibility of Stallion Spermatozoa to Different Oxidative Challenges: Role of Seminal Plasma

Seminal cryopreservation provides several advantages in horse breeding. However, improvement on post-thaw sperm survival is still necessary. One of the main factors known to impair post-thaw quality of stallion's sperm is the oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this context, the aim of this study was evaluated the effects of ROS on stallion sperm and the possible influence of seminal plasma (SP). Toward this aim, 13 ejaculates from adult stallions (n = 13) were divided into two aliquots which were centrifuged (600g/10 minutes), and the SP was removed and reserved. Pellets were suspended in physiological saline solution (A) or SP (B). Each of these solutions was divided into four aliquots and subjected to challenge with different ROS (superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical [OH−]) and the toxic by-product of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]). Samples were then evaluated for the susceptibility to lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) plasma membrane integrity (eosin–nigrosin), acrosome integrity (Fast Green/rose bengal), mitochondrial activity (3′3 diaminobenzidine), and DNA integrity. Samples incubated in the presence of SP were highly impaired by OH− with regard to motility, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and DNA integrity. On the other hand, in the absence of SP, MDA was highly deleterious, especially with regard to motility, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity. Thus, these results indicate that SP may have an important role on the protection of stallion sperm against the damages caused by MDA, an important product of lipid peroxidation.

A role for seminal plasma in modulating pregnancy outcomes in domestic species

Seminal plasma is a complex fluid produced by the accessory glands of the male reproductive tract. Seminal plasma acts primarily as a transport medium for sperm on its arduous journey through the male and then female reproductive tract following ejaculation. This spermatozoan expedition will hopefully result in the meeting of and resultant fertilization of an oocyte, perpetuating the genetic lineage of both sexes. Whereas seminal plasma has historically been perceived as only a transport medium providing a nutrient-rich fluid environment for sperm during this exchange of genetic material, new insights into a complex communication pathway between males and females has been unraveled in the past 30 years. This new research suggests seminal plasma as a method to promote early pregnancy success by modulating cellular and molecular adaptions of the maternal environment required to facilitate healthy, successful pregnancy outcomes. Whereas much work on this exciting new communication process has focused on mice and translation to human reproduction, here we review the current evidence in domestic species where artificial insemination in the absence of seminal plasma is routine. Improving artificial insemination in domestic species to optimize offspring health and productivity could have far-reaching impacts on agriculturally relevant species such as cattle, sheep, pigs and horses.

Role of Seminal Plasma in Human Female Reproductive Failure: Immunomodulation, Inflammation, and Infections.

Human seminal plasma contains factors that can regulate the female immune system and potentially promote reproductive fitness. Adverse effects on fertility and pregnancy may occur when seminal plasma provides insufficient, excessive, or altered signals or when the female partner is incapable of receiving these signals.

Effect of seminal plasma on uterine inflammation, contractility and pregnancy rates in mares

There is conflicting evidence over the role seminal plasma plays in sperm transport and inflammation within the uterus of mares. In in vitro studies, seminal plasma has been shown to reduce polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function, but the opposite effect on uterine inflammation has been reported in vivo. To study the effect of seminal plasma on uterine contractility, inflammation and pregnancy rates by inseminating mares with low doses of sperm free from seminal plasma (Group 1) and containing seminal plasma (Group 2). Synchronised mares were inseminated with 50 x 10(6) sperm in either skim milk extender or seminal plasma. Uterine lavage was performed 6 h after insemination to assess the inflammatory response. The contraction frequency of the uterus was measured over a 4 min period 10 mins and 6 h after insemination, using B-mode ultrasonography. Pregnancy rates were assessed 16 days after insemination. Uterine contractions were less frequent in Group 1 mares inseminated with seminal plasma and significantly more PMNs were found in the lavage fluid of those mares. Pregnancy rates were identical in both groups (62%). This study provides evidence that seminal plasma decreases uterine contractility and increases the inflammatory response of the uterus to semen. No effect of seminal plasma on pregnancy rates was demonstrated. Mares that develop persistent mating-induced endometritis may have inherently poor uterine contractility and impaired uterine clearance. The presence of seminal plasma during breeding may not be desirable in these mares. The role of seminal plasma in problem mares warrants additional study.

Role of seminal plasma in the attainment of fertilizing capacity by stallion epididymal sperm

Role of seminal plasma in the attainment of fertilizing capacity by stallion epididymal sperm

Seminal Plasma Proteins and Sperm Resistance to Stress

The role of seminal plasma (SP) in mammalian sperm function remains largely a matter of speculation as both inhibitory and stimulating effects have been found. Specific components of SP, particularly proteins, are adsorbed onto the surface of ejaculated sperm as they pass through the male and female reproductive tracts. These sperm coating components seem to have the important function of maintaining the stability of the membrane up to the process of capacitation (decapacitation factors). Therefore, they must be removed, modified or masked before the spermatozoa undergo the acrosome reaction, an essential process for successful fertilization. It is well known that low temperatures alter the function of spermatozoa. Cold shock results in the destabilization of sperm membranes and impairment of sperm function, and it is also well known that ram spermatozoa are more sensitive to cold-shock stress than those of other species. The addition of SP proteins to spermatozoa before and/or after cooling is able to minimize cryoinjury effects. The major proteins in ram SP which are able to protect and repair the cold-shock damage to sperm contain fibronectin-II domains. The significance of this domain and the role of these proteins in sperm capacitation and gamete interaction are discussed.

Resuspending ram spermatozoa in seminal plasma after cryopreservation does not improve pregnancy rate in cervically inseminated ewes

The role of seminal plasma (SP) components on the maintenance of motility, viability and fertilising ability of frozen–thawed spermatozoa is of considerable interest. However, differences observed in constituents of SP among males could explain differences in fertility obtained in vivo. Two experiments were designed to examine the effects of seminal plasma on fertility from cervically inseminated frozen–thawed semen. The objective of Experiment 1 was to investigate if source or type of SP influences pregnancy rate. Seminal plasma was collected from rams previously classified as having either High (HSP; n = 3) or Low (LSP; n = 3) fertility in vivo. Artificial SP (fructose/sodium solution with 10% BSA; ASP) was made. Frozen semen from the same 6 rams was thawed and inseminated (Control) or resuspended either in HSP, LSP or ASP (20% in semen) prior to insemination of ewes ( n = 284, over 2 farms). The overall pregnancy rate was 28.1%. Treatments (Control, ASP, HSP and LSP) were not significantly different ( P > 0.3). There was no difference between HSP and LSP ( P > 0.5), and no effect of using ASP compared to ram SP ( P > 0.7), on pregnancy rate. As there was no effect of SP on pregnancy rate a repeat experiment (Experiment 2) was designed to test the effect of washing and selecting motile sperm prior to resuspending in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing SP on pregnancy rate. Frozen-thawed semen from each of 2 rams was centrifuged through a density gradient, pellets were centrifuged through a wash medium and the sperm concentration/ram was counted. Sperm cells were resuspended in: (1) control PBS, (2) PBS containing 30% HSP or (3) PBS containing 30% LSP to give 100 × 10 6 motile sperm in 0.25 mL. Control straws were thawed and inseminated directly. Ewes ( n = 223 over 2 farms) were inseminated 57 h post-sponge withdrawal and those not returning to oestrus were slaughtered 29–50 days post-insemination for pregnancy determination. In Experiment 2, the pregnancy rate for Control, PBS, HSP and LSP were 15.4%, 2.3%, 0% and 0%, respectively, for Farm 1 ( P > 0.05) and 17.8%, 11.0%, 3.9% and 12.4%, respectively, for Farm 2. Under the conditions of the current study, addition of SP from different donors of either High or Low fertility status to frozen–thawed ram semen post-thawing did not improve pregnancy rate in ewes. ASP had no effect on pregnancy rate in ewes when added to frozen–thawed semen. Washing and selection of motile sperm prior to resuspension in PBS with or without SP (30%) before insemination had a negative effect on pregnancy rate in cervically inseminated ewes. Hence, the addition of seminal plasma or some of its constituents to semen does not appear to improve pregnancy rate in cervically inseminated ewes.

Role of seminal plasma in the anti-HIV-1 activity of candidate microbicides

BackgroundEvaluation of microbicides for prevention of HIV-1 infection in macaque models for vaginal infection has indicated that the concentrations of active compounds needed for protection by far exceed levels sufficient for complete inhibition of infection in vitro. These experiments were done in the absence of seminal plasma (SP), a vehicle for sexual transmission of the virus. To gain insight into the possible effect of SP on the performance of selected microbicides, their anti-HIV-1 activity in the presence, and absence of SP, was determined.MethodsThe inhibitory activity of compounds against the X4 virus, HIV-1 IIIB, and the R5 virus, HIV-1 BaL was determined using TZM-bl indicator cells and quantitated by measuring β-galactosidase induced by infection. The virucidal properties of cellulose acetate 1,2-benzene-dicarboxylate (CAP), the only microbicide provided in water insoluble, micronized form, in the presence of SP was measured.ResultsThe HIV-1 inhibitory activity of the polymeric microbicides, poly(naphthalene sulfonate), cellulose sulfate, carrageenan, CAP (in soluble form) and polystyrene sulfonate, respectively, was considerably (range ≈ 4 to ≈ 73-fold) diminished in the presence of SP (33.3%). Formulations of micronized CAP, providing an acidic buffering system even in the presence of an SP volume excess, effectively inactivated HIV-1 infectivity.ConclusionThe data presented here suggest that the in vivo efficacy of polymeric microbicides, acting as HIV-1 entry inhibitors, might become at least partly compromised by the inevitable presence of SP. These possible disadvantages could be overcome by combining the respective polymers with acidic pH buffering systems (built-in for formulations of micronized CAP) or with other anti-HIV-1 compounds, the activity of which is not affected by SP, e.g. reverse transcriptase and zinc finger inhibitors.

Role of seminal plasma in maintaining quality of ram epididymal spermatozoa preserved at low temperature (3–5oC)

Cauda epididymal spermatozoa could be used as an alternative source of gamete in the application of various reproductive technologies, because the spermatozoa is motile and has ability of fertilizing the oocyte. The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of addition of seminal plasma on the quality of ram cauda epididymal spermatozoa preserved at 3–5 o C. Collected-spermatozoa was divided into five parts then centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 30 min and the supernatant was removed. One-fifth was diluted with Tris extender (Tris) and the remaining was added 0.5 ml ram seminal plasma then diluted with Tris extender (PS-Tris), 15% AndroMed + 85% distilled water (PS-AM15), 20% AndroMed + 80% distilled water (PS-AM20), and 25% AndroMed + 75% distilled water (PS-AM25), respectively. Quality of collected-spermatozoa including spermatozoa concentration (SC), percentages of motile spermatozoa (MS), live spermatozoa (LS), abnormal spermatozoa (AS), cytoplasmic droplet (CD), and intact plasma membrane (IPM) were evaluated. Percentages of MS, LS, and IPM of diluted-spermatozoa was evaluated every day during preserved at 3–5 o C for three days. Results of this study showed that mean SC, MS, LS, AS, CD, and IPM of fresh spermatozoa were 11,660 million/ml, 65, 81, 7.6, 10.2, and 82.2%, respectively. Addition of seminal plasma in cauda epididymal spermatozoa prior to dilution could maintain the quality of spermatozoa during preserved at 3–5 o C for three days. At day-4 of storage, percentages of MS, LS, and IPM for PS-Tris (43, 58, and 59.2%), PS-AM20 (40.5, 53.75, and 53.75%), and PS-AM25 (40, 54.8, and 55.2%) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than Tris (21, 34.8, and 33.6%) and PS-AM15 (20, 40, and 42.2%). In conclusion, addition of seminal plasma in ram cauda epididymal spermatozoa prior to dilution with Tris or 20 and 25% AndroMed extenders could maintain the quality of spermatozoa during preserved at 3–5 o C for three days, and could be used for artificial insemination or in vitro embryo production programs. Key Words: Cauda Epididymal Spermatozoa, Seminal Plasma, Tris, AndroMed, Ram

Factors regulating ovarian function in pigs

The hormonal interactions of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian–uterine axis are accountable for a normal reproduction in female pigs. It is of importance to have knowledge of estrous symptoms and hormonal profiles around ovulation. The introduction of the transrectal ultrasonography in sows has given us the possibility to study ovarian activity in conscious animals and relate the timing of estrus to ovulation. Combining this technique with measuring of several hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin, estradiol, progesterone, insulin-like growth hormone I (IGF-I), prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α) metabolite, oxytocin, facilitate our knowledge about the sequence of ovarian events. Evidence suggests that activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis may hamper the normal gonadotropin secretion and in consequence, the ovarian function. The metabolic status during lactation, weaning of piglets and social stress might affect onset of ovarian activity and the related estrous behavior. The role of seminal plasma, artificial insemination and presence of the boar might also be included as factors regulating the temporal kinetics of ovulation, corpus luteum development, uterine function and steroid production in the ovary. Studies using a simulated stress by means of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) administration or food deprivation are tools in understanding how the ovary is susceptible to impairment. The intention of this paper is to review current knowledge concerning the endocrine aspects of normal and stress-influenced ovarian function in pigs.