Characterization of Mongrel Dog Seminal Plasma Proteins and Their Correlation with Semen Characteristics

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize mongrel dog seminal plasma proteins with SDS-PAGE and to determine the correlation between different proteins and semen characteristics. Ejaculate volume, sperm motility, total sperm count, live sperm percent, percentage abnormalities and membrane integrity (hypo osmotic swelling test) were assessed in 5 ejaculates of seven dogs. For each dog, seminal plasma was also pooled from five ejaculates and proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE using polyacrylamide concentration of 13% and 15% in separating gels. There was considerable variation in the semen characteristics among the ejaculates of different dogs. Total protein content of seminal plasma varied from 12.06 to 21.3 mg/ml in different dogs. The number of protein bands ranged from 10-12 in different dogs. The proteins with mol wt of 42, 33, 29, 24 and 14.0 kDa were major proteins in seminal plasma of mongrel dog and ranged from 61.3% to 74.3% in different dogs. There were differences in live sperm percent (CD 5% =21.7) and HOS positive spermatozoa (CD 5% =21.01) among different dogs. There was strong correlation between volume of semen and total sperm concentration (r= +0.87), whereas the correlation between motility vs HOST (r=+0.58) and motility vs live percent (r=+0.60) was moderate. A positive correlation was observed between concentrations of 82, 70, 24, 14 kDa proteins vs percent motility, live sperm percent and percent HOS positive spermatozoa. Our study confirmed the previous conclusion that HOS-test could also be included in routine evaluation of semen. The positive correlation of 14, 24, 70 and 82 kDa proteins with semen characteristics also inferred the role of these proteins in the fertility of mongrel dog semen, which needs to be worked out further for their role in the process of fertilization.The author(s) have nothing to declare.

Isolation and characterization of zinc-binding proteins of canine seminal plasma

“…Moreover, significant correlations of two seminal plasma proteins (67 and 58.6 kDa) were found with sperm quality characteristics, and suggested to be valuable markers for fertility (De Souza et al 2007). It was demonstrated that the concentrations of 4 protein fractions (14, 24, 70 and 82 kDa) of canine seminal plasma correlated with semen quality parameters (Cheema et al 2011). Recently, it has been reported that proteins of intermediate-and low-molecular weights (ranging from 24 to 42 kDa) account for 61.3 to 74.3% of the total protein concentration in the seminal plasma of dogs (Cheema et al 2011).…”

“…It was demonstrated that the concentrations of 4 protein fractions (14, 24, 70 and 82 kDa) of canine seminal plasma correlated with semen quality parameters (Cheema et al 2011). Recently, it has been reported that proteins of intermediate-and low-molecular weights (ranging from 24 to 42 kDa) account for 61.3 to 74.3% of the total protein concentration in the seminal plasma of dogs (Cheema et al 2011). Several authors reported that 12-14 kDa and 15 kDa protein fractions were enzyme arginine esterase, which could account for about 90% of the total proteins secreted by the prostate and 30% of the seminal plasma proteins in the dog (Isaacs and Coffey 1984, Dube et al 1985, De Souza et al 2007).…”

“…In recent years, several proteins, which have been isolated and characterized in canine seminal plasma, have been shown to be associated with fertility (Dubiel 1974, De Souza et al 2007, Cheema et al 2011. Several authors have reported that components of prostatic secretion can have various effects on sperm function following semen storage or cryopreservation (Nothling et al 1993, Sirivaidyapong et al 2001, Strzeżek and Fraser 2009.…”

Applicability of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) method of protein oxidative damage measurement in the seminal plasma of canine ( Canis lupus familiaris) and stallion ( Equus caballus)

“…The average protein content in the SP of the English Springer Spaniel dogs was higher when compared to non-breed dogs in which the results of measurements were obtained using the same method (Cheema et al 2011). The differences in the results might be related to breed determinants, although this issue requires further research.…”

Effect of the breed on the properties and chemistry of semen in dogs

“…Seminal plasma, a complex mixture of secretions originates from the testis, epididymis and accessory sex glands, modulates the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa (Russell et al, 1984;Strzeżek et al, 2005). In dogs, most of the seminal plasma components, which are implicated in the sperm function, originate in the prostatic secretion (Cheema et al, 2011). These components may break down at variable rates after semen collection due to metabolism by spermatozoa and enzyme degradation, and may vary with interval from previous ejaculation, degree of sexual excitement, and health status of accessory sex glands (Olar et al, 1983).…”