Induction and enhancement of progressive motility in hamster caput epididymal spermatozoa

Progressive motility was induced in hamster caput epididymal spermatozoa incubated in Tyrodes medium containing 50 mM theophylline, 1.0% Fraction V bovine serum albumin, and 15% (v/v) heat-treated human seminal plasma. Under these induction conditions, however, the maximum percent of caput spermatozoa exhibiting progressive motility (21%) and the time during which motility was sustained (120 min) were significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that of controls from the cauda epididymidis. Moreover, in contrast to caudal spermatozoa, the majority of the induced caput spermatozoa exhibited some degree of flagellar bending at the neck or midpiece. In subsequent experiments the procedure for motility induction was modified to achieve levels of motility in caput spermatozoa equivalent to those observed for caudal spermatozoa. The addition of 5 microM diamide, a sulfhydryl oxidant, to the induction medium prevented the flagellar angularity observed in induced caput sperm preparations. The percentage of caput spermatozoa induced to progressive motility was increased to levels characteristic of caudal spermatozoa (48%) by the addition of hamster caudal epididymal fluid (CEF) to the induction medium. Finally, the viability of the induced caput spermatozoa was significantly enhanced (p less than 0.05) by the removal of Fraction V albumin from the induction medium. In the presence of CEF and in the absence of albumin, 50% of the caput spermatozoa acquired progressive motility and sustained this motility for 4 h. Moreover, when fatty acid-free, charcoal-extracted albumin instead of Fraction V albumin was utilized in the induction procedure, a maximum of 43% of the caput spermatozoa acquired progressive motility and maintained this motility for 4 h, suggesting that the decreased sperm viability observed in the presence of Fraction V albumin was due to a contaminant of albumin, possibly fatty acids. The studies described herein demonstrate for the first time that immature quiescent caput epididymal spermatozoa can be induced to acquire progressive and sustained motility equivalent to that observed in mature caudal epididymal spermatozoa.     

Binding and inactivation of the germ cell-specific protein phosphatase PP1gamma2 by sds22 during epididymal sperm maturation

Testis- and sperm-specific protein phosphatase, PP1gamma2, is a key enzyme regulating sperm function. Its activity decreases during sperm maturation in the epididymis. Inhibition of PP1gamma2 leads to motility initiation and stimulation. Our laboratory is focused on identifying mechanisms responsible for the decline in PP1gamma2 activity during sperm motility initiation in the epididymis. Previously, using immuno-affinity chromatography, we showed that a mammalian homologue of yeast sds22 is bound to PP1gamma2 in motile caudal spermatozoa (Huang Z, et al. Biol Reprod 2002; 67:1936-1942). The objectives of this study were to determine: 1) stoichiometry of PP1gamma2-sds22 binding and 2) whether PP1gamma2 in immotile caput epididymal spermatozoa is bound to sds22. The enzyme from caudal and caput sperm extracts was purified by column chromatography. Immunoreactive PP1gamma2 and sds22 from both caudal and caput spermatozoa were found in the flow-through fraction of a DEAE-cellulose column. However, PP1gamma2 from caudal spermatozoa was inactive, whereas in caput spermatozoa it was active. The DEAE-cellulose flow-through fractions were next passed through a SP-sepharose column. Caudal sperm sds22 and PP1gamma2 coeluted in the gradient fraction. In contrast, caput sperm sds22 and PP1gamma2 were separated in the flow-through and gradient fractions, respectively. Further purification through a Superose 6 column showed that PP1gamma2-sds22 complex from caudal sperm was 88 kDa in size. Caput sperm sds22 and PP1gamma2 eluted at 60 kDa and 39 kDa, respectively. SDS-PAGE of these purified fractions revealed that in caudal sperm, the 88-kDa species is composed of sds22 (43 kDa) and PP1gamma2 (39 kDa), suggesting a 1:1 complex between these two proteins. PP1gamma2 bound to sds22 in this complex was inactive. Caput sperm sds22 eluting as a 60-kDa species was found to be associated with a 17-kDa protein (p17). This suggests that dissociation of sds22 from p17 or some other posttranslational modification of sds22 is required for its binding and inactivation of PP1gamma2. Studies are currently underway to determine the mechanisms responsible for development of sds22 binding to PP1gamma2 during epididymal sperm maturation.     

Evolution of the flagellar waveform of ram spermatozoa in relation to the degree of epididymal maturation.

Motility and flagellar movement of ram spermatozoa along the epididymis were analysed in vitro. From the caput to the cauda of the epididymis, the percentage of motile and progressive spermatozoa increases. No flagellar bending was observed in spermatozoa from the testis or the epididymal anterior caput. When spermatozoa reached the distal caput of the epididymis, a static curvature, associated with an initiation of the flagellar beating, appeared on the flagella. This curvature normally disappeared during epididymal transit. Its disappearance was associated with an increase in the flagellar beat efficiency. Our results suggest that the initiation of motility is related to two mechanisms involving: (1) the presence of a transient static curvature, and (2) the establishment of a symmetric regular beating of the flagellum.     

Computerized analysis of the motility parameters of hamster spermatozoa during maturation

A computer-aided semen analysis system was used for the objective assessment of hamster spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. The caput epididymal spermatozoa were extremely sluggish, achieved very little progression, and the three velocity parameters, namely curvilinear velocity (VCL), progressive velocity (VSL), and path velocity (VAP), were low. These spermatozoa during progressive movement alternated between the linear shape and “U” shape or attained an “S” shape prior to changing to the “U”; shape. The corpus epididymal spermatozoa were faster, displayed greater VSL, VAP, and VCL compared to caput epididymal spermatozoa, and, during forward motility, attained “U,” “C,”; and (or) “?” shape as in the wriggling motility pattern. The proximal cauda epididymal spermatozoa were actively motile and VSL, VAP, and VCL in these spermatozoa were more than 10 times greater compared to the caput epididymal spermatozoa. The proximal cauda epididymal spermatozoa predominantly moved in circles and with time became slower and more circular in their trajectories and exhibited a reduction in LIN (linearity). The distal cauda epididymal spermatozoa were very similar to the proximal cauda epididymal spermatozoa with respect to their fast motility (VSL, VAP, and VCL are similar) and beat cross frequency (BCF), but showed larger values for STR (straightness) and LIN and moved along curved trajectories. The amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) was also considerably lower in the distal cauda epididymal spermatozoa compared to the proximal cauda epididymal spermatozoa. Thus, this study provides for the first time data related to seven motility parameters for caput and corpus epididymal spermatozoa of hamster. It also provides additional data with respect to VCL, LIN, BCF, and ALH for proximal and distal cauda epididymal spermatozoa of hamster. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Changes in the mitochondrial calcium influx and efflux properties are responsible for the decline in sperm calcium during epididymal maturation

This study was undertaken to determine the role of calcium ion, a key regulator of the intensity and form of motility in mature demembranated sperm, in the development of motility during passage through the bovine epididymis. Cellular calcium levels in bovine caput and cauda epididymal spermatozoa were measured with three different techniques. 45Ca2+ uptake measurements revealed that net calcium uptake and Ca2(+)-Ca2+ exchange in caput spermatozoa were about 2 to 3 times higher than in caudal spermatozoa. Intracellular free calcium determination with the calcium fluorophore Fura 2 showed that the levels were 6 times higher in caput spermatozoa. The values for caput and caudal sperm were 875 +/- 55 nM (n = 15) and 155 +/- 6 nM (n = 24), respectively. Total cellular calcium levels quantitated by atomic absorption were 626 +/- 30 (n = 48) and 304 +/- 19 (n = 46) ng/10(8) sperm in caput and caudal epididymal sperm, respectively. At least one of the reasons for the high calcium content of caput epididymal sperm is the result of a higher rate and extent of mitochondrial calcium accumulation in caput compared to caudal sperm. Mitochondrial calcium uptake rates measured in digitonin permeabilized cells revealed uptake rates 2- to 3-fold higher in caput compared to caudal sperm. However, mitochondrial calcium efflux rates were identical in caput and caudal epididymal sperm. The efflux rates in both cell types were unaffected by external sodium levels but were found to be proportional to pH. Alkalinization or acidification of internal pH of intact sperm resulted in a corresponding lowering or elevation of cytoplasmic free calcium levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of cyclic AMP on the motility of mature and immature hamster epididymal spermatozoa studied by reactivation of the demembranated cells

Hamster spermatozoa from the caput and cauda epididymides were demembranated with 0.04% Triton X-100 and reactivated with 1 mM ATP. Motility parameters were analysed by video recording and stroboscopic photography. In the absence of added cAMP, reactivated cauda sperm showed percentage motility and forward swimming patterns similar to those of intact cells, but velocities were lower. When 2 or 20 μM cAMP was present, the velocities were increased but there was no effect on beat frequencies or percentage of forward progressing sperm. Cyclic AMP also markedly increased the percentage of cauda sperm which at first displayed nonprogressive “looping” movement. Addition of cAMP to the reactivation medium greatly improved the otherwise feeble and irregular motility of the demembranated caput sperm by increasing the percentage motility and beat frequencies of nonprogressive cells. It also induced forward motility with beat frequencies and velocities similar to cauda sperm reactivated in the absence of cAMP, but looping was never seen, indicating a change in the flagellar apparatus with maturation. The time required for the exhibition of the cAMP effects was reduced when caput sperm were reactivated in extracts of another previously maximally reactivated caput sperm preparation. The results suggest the production of some potent compound(s) by the axonemes for the manifestation of the cAMP effects.     

Development of the signalling pathways associated with sperm capacitation during epididymal maturation

As spermatozoa mature within the epididymis they acquire the potential for capacitation and ultimately fertilization. In biochemical terms, the former is reflected in the progressive activation of a signal transduction pathway characterized by cAMP-mediated induction of phosphotyrosine expression on the sperm tail. In this study, we have examined the cellular mechanisms controlling this maturational event. Caput epididymal spermatozoa exhibited tyrosine phosphorylation on the sperm head that was largely unresponsive to cAMP and not significantly impaired by removal of extracellular HCO(3) (-). In contrast, caudal epididymal spermatozoa exhibited low levels of phosphorylation on the sperm head, yet responded dramatically to cAMP by phosphorylating a new set of proteins on the sperm tail via mechanisms that were highly dependent on extracellular HCO(3) (-). The impact of extracellular HCO(3) (-) depletion on caudal cells was not associated with a significant change in the redox regulation of cAMP but could be fully reversed by buffering the intracellular pH with N-Tris[Hydroxymethyl]methyl-3-amino-propanesulfonic acid (TAPS). The pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation was also profoundly influenced by the presence or absence of added extracellular calcium. In the presence of this cation, only caudal spermatozoa could respond to increased extracellular cAMP with tyrosine phosphorylation of the sperm tail. However, in calcium-depleted medium, this difference completely disappeared. Under these conditions, caput and caudal spermatozoa were equally competent to exhibit phosphotyrosine expression on the sperm tail in response to cAMP. These results emphasize the pivotal role played by calcium and HCO(3) (-) in modulating the changes in tyrosine phosphorylation observed during epididymal maturation.     

Changes in binding of a 27-kilodalton chimpanzee cauda epididymal protein glycoprotein component to chimpanzee sperm

Motility patterns of caput epididymal chimpanzee sperm, caput epididymal chimpanzee sperm incubated in vitro with chimpanzee cauda epididymal fluid, and cauda epididymal chimpanzee sperm were assessed quantitatively. Sperm recovered from the caput epididymis showed no motility, whereas sperm recovered from cauda epididymis showed progressive forward motility. After incubation in cauda fluid, approximately 25% of caput epididymal sperm showed some motile activity. Electrophoretic analysis of ¹²⁵I-labeled sperm plasma membrane preparations revealed that the surface of caput epididymal sperm, incubated in cauda fluid, was modified by the appearance of a major protein-glycoprotein surface component with an apparent molecular weight of 27 kilodaltons (kD). THis 27-kD component was not detected on caput epididymal sperm incubated in buffer or in caput fluid. However, it was present in cauda fluid and on cauda epididymal sperm. Binding to caput epididymal sperm was cell specific in that chimpanzee erythrocytes incubated in cauda fluid did not bind this 27-kD cauda fluid component. Motility patterns of ejaculated chimpanzee sperm and of ejaculated chimpanzee sperm incubated in the uterus of adult female chimpanzees also were assessed quantitatively. Ejaculated sperm showed progressive forward motility, whereas in utero incubated ejaculated sperm showed hyperactivated motility typical of capacitated sperm. Electrophoretic analysis of ¹²⁵I-labeled sperm plasma membrane preparations revealed the loss of a 27-kD component from the surface of ejaculated sperm after in utero incubation. No significant change in the ¹²⁵I-distribution pattern was detectable when ejaculated sperm were incubated in buffer. These results suggest that the lumenal fluid component, which becomes adsorbed to the surface of chimpanzee sperm during maturation in the epididymis and which is removed from the surface of mature chimpanzee sperm in the female reproductive tract, affects sperm motility.     

The effect of sulfhydryl oxidation on the morphology of immature hamster epididymal spermatozoa induced to acquire motility in vitro

Immotile spermatozoa from the caput epididymidis become progressively motile when incubated in medium containing theophylline, seminal plasma, and albumin. We previously reported that under these incubation conditions the spermatozoa induced to acquire motility exhibited a marked flagellar angularity, with the sperm head or midpiece bent 90-180 degrees towards the tail. In addition, we demonstrated that sperm flagellar bending did not occur when the sulfhydryl oxidant diamide was added to the motility induction medium. In the present study, we examined further the effect of sulfhydryl oxidation on the morphology and sulfhydryl content of immature caput spermatozoa induced to acquire motility in vitro. We found that flagellar bending was prevented and sperm flagellar straightness was maintained in a dose-dependent manner by diamide. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis of caput sperm sulfhydryls using the sulfhydryl reagent monobromobimane (mBBr) revealed that 1) diamide oxidizes caput sperm sulfhydryls, and 2) less than 15% of the total reactive sperm sulfhydryls were oxidized at diamide concentrations capable of preventing sperm angulation. Sodium tetrathionate (NaTT), another sulfhydryl oxidant, and hamster cauda epididymal fluid (CEF) containing sulfhydryl oxidase enzyme activity also maintained flagellar straightness in induced caput spermatozoa and oxidized sperm sulfhydryls. The flagellar straightness in caput spermatozoa treated with sulfhydryl oxidants, however, was temporary; with extended incubation, diamide- or CEF-treated spermatozoa exhibited flagellar bending. Additional studies showed that the flagellar straightness observed in sulfhydryl-oxidized spermatozoa was sustained when nitrofurantoin, an inhibitor of glutathione reductase, was included in the induction medium. Flow cytometric analysis of nitrofurantoin-treated spermatozoa showed that nitrofurantoin maintained the sperm disulfides formed by diamide and prevented the reduction of sperm disulfides back to sulfhydryls. Taken together, these studies demonstrate the significance of sulfhydryl oxidation in maintaining the morphology of immature caput epididymal spermatozoa induced to acquire motility in vitro and suggest that sulfhydryl oxidation may be important in the development of motility during sperm epididymal maturation in vivo.     

Increased phosphorylation of a distinct subcellular pool of protein phosphatase, PP1gamma2, during epididymal sperm maturation

The enzyme PP1gamma2 is a testis- and sperm-specific isoform of type 1 protein phosphatase (PP1), and it is the only isoform of PP1 in spermatozoa. The enzyme PP1gamma2 is essential for spermatogenesis and is also a key enzyme in the development and regulation of sperm motility. The carboxy terminus of the enzyme contains a consensus amino acid sequence for phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinases. Using antibodies specific to this phosphorylated amino acid sequence domain, we found that phosphorylated PP1gamma2 is present in bovine epididymal spermatozoa. The level of phosphorylated PP1gamma2 is significantly higher in motile caudal compared to immotile caput epididymal spermatozoa. A number of treatments, such as 2-chloro adenosine, cAMP analogues, cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and calcium, which stimulate sperm motility, did not alter the level of phosphorylated PP1gamma2. However, calyculin A, which is an inhibitor of protein phosphatase subtypes PP1 and PP2A, significantly increases the level of phosphorylated PP1gamma2 in both caput and caudal epididymal spermatozoa. Partial purification by column chromatography showed that phosphorylated PP1gamma2 is catalytically active. Phosphorylated PP1gamma2 is the only spontaneously catalytically active form of the enzyme in caudal sperm extracts. Western blot analysis shows that the enzyme cyclin-dependent kinase 2, one of the enzymes that phosphorylates the consensus domain at the carboxy terminus in PP1 isoforms, is present in spermatozoa. Western blot analysis of proteins extracted from purified head and tail fragments of spermatozoa showed that phosphorylated PP1gamma2 is present predominantly in the sperm head. Fluorescence immunocytochemistry also showed that phosphorylated PP1gamma2 is present predominantly in the posterior region of the sperm head. The distinct subcellular localization and changes in its level during sperm maturation suggest a possible role for sperm phosphorylated PP1gamma2 in signaling events during fertilization.     

Creatine phosphokinase in domestic cat epididymal spermatozoa

Mammalian spermatozoa that have not completed final testicular sperm maturation have residual cytoplasm and increased creatine phosphokinase (CK) content. This study determined: (1) if CK could be detected by immunostaining cat spermatozoa from the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis, (2) fluctuations in the proportions of spermatozoa with mature or immature CK-staining patterns during epididymal sperm transit, and (3) how well sperm maturity (as determined by a CK marker) correlated with testicular or epididymal dysfunctions associated with morphological sperm abnormalities. One epididymis was collected from each of 37 cats after orchiectomy and processed immediately to allow sperm morphology evaluations on a 'regional' basis. Sperm released from the contralateral epididymis were evaluated for motility, sperm membrane integrity, and immunostaining with CK-B antibodies. Proportions of spermatozoa with malformed or detached heads, proximal droplets and acrosomal or midpiece abnormalities decreased (P < 0.05) from the caput to the cauda epididymis. In contrast, proportions of spermatozoa that were motile, membrane-intact or with flagellar abnormalities or distal droplets increased (P < 0.05) from the caput to cauda region. Percentages of spermatozoa with an immature CK-staining pattern also decreased (P < 0.05) with epididymal transit (which differs from that reported for the human and stallion). There was no correlation (P > 0.05) between sperm morphology and the CK-staining patterns. In summary, the results reveal that some specific sperm malformations in the domestic cat are of testicular origin, whereas others develop during epididymal transit.     

Effects of caput ligation on rat sperm and epididymis: protein thiols and fertilizing ability.

Mammalian spermatozoa mature while passing through the epididymis. Maturation is accompanied by thiol oxidation to disulfides. In rats, sperm become motile and fertile in the cauda. We have previously demonstrated that rat caput sperm contain mostly thiols and that upon passage from the corpus to the cauda epididymidis, sperm protein thiols are oxidized. The present work was undertaken to study the role of the regions of the epididymis in sperm maturation as reflected in the thiol status, fertility, and motility of the spermatozoa. The distal caput epididymidis of mature albino rats was ligated on one side. After 5 days, sperm were isolated from the ligated caput and from caput and cauda of the control side. Thiol groups in sperm, epididymal luminal fluid (EF), and epididymal tissue were labeled using the fluorescent thiol-labeling agent monobromobimane. After ligation, changes were observed in a) sperm proteins, sperm nuclear proteins, and epididymal fluid by electrophoresis; b) epididymal tissues by histochemistry; c) progressive motility by phase microscopy; and d) fertilizing ability after insemination into uteri of immature females. We found that after ligation, caput sperm thiols, especially protamine thiols, are oxidized, rendering them similar to mature sperm isolated from the cauda epididymidis. Spermatozoa from ligated caput epididymidis gain progressive motility and partial fertilizing ability. Morphology of epithelial cells of ligated caput is similar to that of cauda cells. However, other changes in caput EF and epithelium induced by ligation render the ligated caput epididymidis different from either control caput or cauda. Hence, sperm thiol oxidation, along with the development of fertilizing ability, can occur in sperm without necessity for sperm transit through the corpus and cauda epididymidis.     

Lectin-binding sites on the plasma membranes of rabbit spermatozoa: Changes in surface receptors during epididymal maturation and after ejaculation

Modifications in rabbit sperm plasma membranes during epididymal passage and after ejaculation were investigated by used of three lectins: concanavalin A (Con A); Ricinus communis I (RCA(I)); and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). During sperm passage from caput to cauda epididymis, agglutination by WGA drastically decreased, and agglutination by RCA(I) slightly decreased, although agglutination by Con A remained approximately unchanged. After ejaculation, spermatozoa were agglutinated to a similar degree or slightly less by Con A, WGA, and RCA(I), compared to cauda epididymal spermatozoa. Ultrastructural examination of sperm lectin-binding sites with ferritin- lectin conjugates revealed differences in the densities of lectin receptors in various sperm regions, and changes in the same regions during epididymal passage and after ejaculation. Ferritin-RCA(I) showed abrupt changes in lectin site densities between acrosomal and postacrosomal regions of sperm heads. The relative amounts of ferritin-RCA(I) bound to heads of caput epididymal or ejaculated spermatozoa. Tail regions were labeled by ferritin RCA(I) almost equally on caput and cauda epididymal spermatozoa, but the middle-piece region of ejaculated spermatozoa was slightly more densely labeled than the principal-piece region, and these two regions on ejaculated spermatozoa were labeled less than on caput and cuada epididymal spermatozoa. Ferritin-WGA densely labeled the acrosomal region of caput epididymal spermatozoa, although labeling of cauda epidiymal spermatozoa was relatively sparse except in the apical area of the acrosomal region. Ejaculated spermatozoa bound only a few molecules of ferritin-WGA, even at the highest conjugate concentrations used. Caput epididymal, but not cauda epididymal or ejaculated spermatozoa, bound ferritin-WGA in the tail regions. Dramatic differences in labeling densities during epididymal passage and after ejaculation were not found with ferritin-Con A.     

Effect of seminal plasma on the motility of epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa of the ram and bull during the cryopreservation process

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of seminal plasma on sperm motility during the cryopreservation process. Ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa from the ram and the bull were washed by centrifugation and resuspended in either seminal plasma or a modified Tyrode's medium (TALP) prior to dilution in medium suitable for cryopreservation. Resuspension of washed ejaculated ram spermatozoa in seminal plasma resulted in higher percentages of motile spermatozoa than resuspension in TALP after the spermatozoa were cooled to 5 degrees C (52 vs 35%), and after thawing (14 vs 9%), respectively. Resuspension of epididymal ram spermatozoa in seminal plasma had no beneficial effect in maintaining sperm motility after cooling (78 vs 73%); however, seminal plasma was beneficial to epididymal ram spermatozoa after thawing (34 vs 3%), respectively. Resuspension of washed ejaculated bull spermatozoa in either seminal plasma or TALP had no effect on the percentage of motile spermatozoa after cooling to 5 degrees C (73 vs 75%) or after thawing (60 vs 60%), respectively. In addition, seminal plasma had no beneficial effect on the percentage of motile epididymal bull spermatozoa when compared with that of TALP-treated spermatozoa after cooling (75 vs 72%) or after thawing (66 vs 63%), respectively. Seminal plasma from different sires (ram and bull) affected epididymal sperm motility. The ability of sperm cells to withstand damage during cryopreservation, however, appears to reside in the sperm cells themselves, probably due to sperm cell composition.     

Identification of anti-agglutinin for spermatozoa in epididymal boar plasma

The present report identifies epididymal boar anti-agglutinin and examines its effect on sperm motility. Boar spermatozoa from the cauda epididymidis were washed and incubated in modified Krebs–Ringer bicarbonate at 37°C (5% CO₂ in air). In the samples washed three or five times and then incubated for 3–5 h, higher rates (72–79%) of spermatozoa were associated with one another at the acrosomal region, mainly in groups of 2–5 cells (head-to-head agglutination), and many cells exhibited intensively flagellant and/or circular types of movement but rarely progressive motility. The addition of epididymal plasma or 25 kDa protein purified from it markedly inhibited the occurrence of head-to-head agglutination in washed spermatozoa, whereas heat treatment and subsequent removal of insoluble materials reduced the anti-agglutination activity of epididymal plasma. The percentages of progressively motile cells in the samples incubated with epididymal plasma or 25 kDa epididymal protein rose coincident with the reduction of sperm agglutination. These findings demonstrate that the 25 kDa epididymal protein is an anti-agglutinin for the cauda spermatozoa and that it effectively functions to maintain progressive motility of the cells in vitro. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Differences between epididymal and ejaculated sperm characteristics in donkey

Spermatozoa acquire their motility and fertilizing ability during their passage through the epididymal canal. In the epididymal caput and corpus spermatozoa undergo several biochemical and metabolic changes while the cauda of the epididymis should be considered as the primarily site for storage of the spermatozoa. In the horse spermatozoa from cauda epididymis were collected and frozen, and the fertility of semen assessed. However, no studies have detailed semen characteristics of spermatozoa collected from the cauda epididymis in the jackass. In this study sperm characteristics of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis of the donkey was reported and a comparison with ejaculated spermatozoal characteristics was performed. Samples from 10 Martina Franca jackasses were collected and analyzed for viability (Propidium iodide/Sybr-14? fluorescent stain), mitochondrial activity (Mitotraker? fluorescent stain), objective motility characteristics (by Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer - CASA) and morphology. A higher viability and mitochondrial activity in the cauda epididymis samples were reported in this paper. Samples reported in this paper were identified and the percentage of total and progressive spermatozoa was comparable, but trajectories were more rapid (higher VCL) with less progressiveness (higher ALH and lower STR and LIN) in the cauda epididymis. Sperm morphology showed a pronounced variability between jackasses, with comparable values for all morphological subclasses. In this study the loss of the distal cytoplasmic droplets happen close to or after ejaculation because the percentage fell to nearly 0% after ejaculation. As suggested for bulls, the presence of a similar percentage in sperm with proximal cytoplasmic droplet in epididymal and ejaculated semen is likely to indicate a failure in the maturation process.     

Effects of PNU157706, a dual 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, on rat epididymal sperm maturation and fertility

Sperm entering the epididymis gain progressive motility and fertilizing ability in a process termed maturation. The functional dependence of the epididymis on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is well established, yet few studies have examined the consequences on the epididymis of inhibiting DHT formation. We have shown that inhibition of both isoforms of 5alpha-reductase (types 1 and 2), the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, has pronounced effects on epididymal gene expression. In the present study, we investigate whether inhibiting 5alpha-reductase has consequences on epididymal sperm maturation. Rats were treated with vehicle or 10 mg/kg/day PNU157706, a dual-type inhibitor, for 28 days. Fertility and several key facets of sperm maturation were analyzed. Changes in sperm motility were assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Changes in sperm morphology were assessed by CASA and electron microscopy. The motility of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymidis of treated animals showed a significant decrease in both the percentage of motile and progressively motile sperm as well as altered motion parameters. The morphology of cauda epididymal spermatozoa was also adversely affected by the treatment; the most prominent effect was a markedly elevated proportion of sperm that retained their cytoplasmic droplet. Matings with treated males resulted in fewer successful pregnancies and a higher rate of preimplantation loss. Progeny outcome was unaffected. The compromised sperm motility and morphology likely contribute to the subfertility of inhibitor-treated rats. Our results indicate a role for dual 5alpha-reductase inhibitors in further studies of epididymal physiology and as a potential component of a male contraceptive.     

Impact of epididymal maturation on the tyrosine phosphorylation patterns exhibited by rat spermatozoa

As mammalian spermatozoa migrate through the epididymis, they acquire functionality characterized by the potential to express coordinated movement and the competence to undergo capacitation. The mechanisms by which spermatozoa gain the ability to capacitate during epididymal transit are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of epididymal maturation on the signal transduction pathways regulating tyrosine phosphorylation, because this process is thought to be central to the attainment of a capacitated state and expression of hyperactivated motility. Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses demonstrated that epididymal maturation in vivo is associated with a progressive loss of phosphotyrosine residues from the sperm head. As cells pass from the caput to the cauda epididymis, tyrosine phosphorylation becomes confined to a narrow band at the posterior margin of the acrosomal vesicle. Epididymal maturation of rat spermatozoa was also associated with an acquired competence to respond to high levels of intracellular cAMP by phosphorylating tyrosine residues on the sperm tail. Immature caput spermatozoa were incapable of exhibiting this response, despite the apparent availability of cAMP and protein kinase A. These findings help to clarify the biochemical changes associated with the functional maturation of spermatozoa during epididymal transit.     

The effects of carnitine,glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine,and egg yolk on the motility of rat epididymal spermatozoa

Experiments were performed to further the understanding of epididymal processes involved in the acquisition of sperm motility. Samples of luminal contents were collected by micropuncture from four regions of the rat epididymis. These samples were incubated in various diluents to observe the effects of the diluents on sperm motility. Consonant with previous reports, 40 mM glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC) and 60 mM DL-carnitine reduced overall motility scores of cauda epididymidal spermatozoa but did not prevent normal initiation of motility. Additionally, control sperm cells and cells treated with carnitine could reinitiate full motility after becoming immotile. Spermatozoa treated with GPC could not reinitiate motility. The sperm cells in our system thus react to GPC and carnitine in fundamentally different ways, the exact nature of which remains to be determined. Spermatozoa from the distal caput epididymidis evidenced high motility scores when diluted in a 5% egg yolk + 10 mM caffeine diluent. It was demonstrated, however, that the subjective appearance of full motility in these immature cells was not supported by actual progressive motility as measured in an assay of linear distance traveled. It was concluded that neither 10 mM caffeine, 5% egg yolk, nor their combination was sufficient to induce progressive motility in immature rat spermatozoa.     

Effects of Equex STM Paste on the quality of frozen-thawed epididymal dog spermatozoa

This study was carried out to investigate the cryoprotective efficacy of Equex STM Paste on the quality of canine post-thaw epididymal spermatozoa. Following castration, spermatozoa were flushed from the cauda epididymides. Epididymal spermatozoa from 13 of 16 dogs with a sperm motility of >70% were frozen in an egg yolk-Tris extender, supplemented with Equex STM Paste (0.5%, v/v); the extender free of Equex STM Paste served as a control cryoprotective diluent. The quality of spermatozoa, judged by its motility, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity, was evaluated on four occasions, immediately after collection, after equilibration and at 0 and 2h post-thaw. Reducing the temperature to 4 degrees C for 2h prior to freezing decreased sperm motility (P=0.001), but had no effects on membrane integrity or acrosome integrity. Immediately after thawing, the percentage of acrosome-intact spermatozoa significantly decreased in samples frozen without Equex STM Paste compared to freshly collected or Equex-treated samples. After incubation at 37 degrees C for 2h post-thaw, a greater percentage of motile spermatozoa (P=0.018) and spermatozoa with intact acrosomes (P=0.001) were observed in Equex-treated samples compared with the control. The percentage of membrane-intact spermatozoa did not differ significantly between Equex-treated and control samples at any time. Supplementation with Equex STM Paste in the semen extender was effective for freezing canine epididymal spermatozoa because it protected acrosome integrity against damage induced by cryopreservation and it prolonged post-thaw sperm motility during in vitro incubation at 37 degrees C.