Spermatogenesis and sperm transit through the epididymis in mammals with emphasis on pigs

França, Luiz R.; Avelar, Gleide Fernandes de; Almeida, Fernanda F.L.

doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.09.014

Cited by 228 publications

(199 citation statements)

References 91 publications

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“…The Sertoli cells and Leydig cells are extremely important in this process. Additionally, Sertoli cells are responsible for supporting and nourishing the germ cells, releasing spermatozoa into the lumen, while Leydig cells boost libido and maintain spermatogenesis (Bilaspuri and Guraya 1986;Benton et al 1995;Chamindrani Mendis-Handagama and Siril Ariyaratne 2001;França et al 2005;Gendt et al 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of spermatogenesis in captive-bred Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii)

Santos

Oliveira

Silva

et al. 2012

Reprod. Fertil. Dev.

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Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phases of sexual development and spermatogenesis of Spix's yellowtoothed cavy (Galea spixii) based on analyses of the structural components of the testes. The testes of animals from 0 to 150 days of age were collected by orchiectomy, weighed, and processed for analysis by light microscopy. At 45 days of age, spermatozoa were seen in the tubular lumen. Spermatogenesis was not established in animals from 45 to 150 days of age. The stages of sexual development may be classified into the following phases: from birth to the age of 15 days (immature); 30 days of age (prepubertal); 45-105 days of age (pubertal); and 120 and 150 days of age (postpubertal). This is the first study to address the male reproductive biology of Spix's yellow-toothed cavy.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of spermatogenesis in captive-bred Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii)

Santos

Oliveira

Silva

et al. 2012

Reprod. Fertil. Dev.

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“…1; Jones 1998). While the caudal epididymis acts as a sperm reservoir, the caput and corpus are responsible for sperm maturation (Moore 1998, Gatti et al 2004, Franca et al 2005, McLean 2005. Mammalian spermatozoa undergo morphological, biochemical, and physiological modifications within the epididymis, which has a very active secretory and reabsorption function (Cooper 1998, Holland & Nixon 1998, Dacheux et al 2003, 2005, Toshimori 2003.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification and characterization of ERp29 in rat spermatozoa during epididymal transit

Guo¹,

Qü²,

Li³

et al. 2007

Reproduction

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The mammalian epididymis is able to create sequential changes in the composition of luminal fluid throughout its length, wherein spermatozoa undergo morphological, biochemical, and physiological modifications. Subsequently, spermatozoa acquire the ability for fertilization upon reaching the epididymal cauda. In this study, protein variations in Sprague-Dawley rat spermatozoa along the caput and caudal regions of epididymis were investigated by high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) in combination with mass spectrometry. From total protein spots on the 2DE maps, 43 spots were shown to be significantly modified as sperm traverse the epididymis, and seven unambiguous proteins were identified from them. Finally, using indirect immunofluorescence, we demonstrated that localization of one of these seven proteins, the endoplasmic reticulum protein (ERp29) precursor, which was first reported in mammalian spermatozoa, was apparently up-regulated as the sperm underwent epididymal maturation and expressed mainly on caudal sperm. Western blot analysis also revealed that ERp29 precursor, from both whole spermatozoa and membrane proteins, increased significantly as the sperm underwent epididymal maturation. Furthermore, the results from immunofluorescence-stained epididymal frozen sections demonstrated that ERp29 was localized in cytoplasm of epididymal epithelia, and the fluorescence intensity was significantly higher in the caudal epididymis than in the caput. These clues indicated that the ERp29 precursor, perhaps related to secretory protein synthesis and absorbed by spermatozoa, may play a vital role in sperm maturation during the epididymal transit, particularly, in the sperm/organelle membrane. Reproduction (2007) 133 575-584

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“…After the establishment of adequate populations of interstitial Sertoli and Leydig cells, a marked increase in steroid secretion can be expected. Moreover, steroids stimulate the onset and maintenance of germ cell differentiation and maturation of the first spermatids from week 20 of age (Franca et al, 2005). This development results from the interplay between gonadotropins and steroidogenic action.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gene expression during testis development in Duroc boars

Lervik

Kristoffersen

Conley

et al. 2015

Animal

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Androstenone is a steroid pheromone occurring in the pubertal Leydig cells. Breeding against androstenone can decrease pheromone odour in swine meat but appears to cause unwanted side effects such as delayed onset of puberty. To study causality, global gene expression in developing boar testes at 12, 16, 20 and 27 weeks was investigated using a porcine cDNA microarray. The morphological status and androgenic levels of the same individuals have been described in a previous publication. In the present paper, expression of genes and pathways has been analysed with reference to these findings. Nine clusters of genes with significant differential expression over time and 49 functional charts were found in the analysed testis samples. Prominent pathways in the prepubertal testis were associated with tissue renewal, cell respiration and increased endocytocis. E-cadherines may be associated with the onset of pubertal development. With elevated steroidogenesis (weeks 16 to 27), there was an increase in the expression of genes in the MAPK pathway, STAR and its analogue STARD6. A pubertal shift in genes coding for cellular cholesterol transport was observed. Increased expression of meiotic pathways coincided with the morphological onset of puberty. Puberty-related change in Ca (2+) pathway transcripts, neurosteroids, neuronal changes and signalling in redox pathways suggested a developmental-specific period of neuromorphogenesis. Several growth factors were found to increase differentially over time as the testis matured. There may be interactions between MAPK, STAR and growth factors during specific periods. In conclusion, pathways for neurogenesis, morphological pathways and several transcripts for growth factors, which have known modulating effects on steroidogenesis and gonadotropins in humans and rodents, act at specific ages and developmental stages in the boar testis. The age dependency and complexity shown for development-specific testis transcripts must be considered when selecting phenotypic parameters for genetic selection for low androstenone. The results of selection based on measurement of phenotypic maturation and androstenone (or other steroid) levels at one specific age may differ depending on the age used. More research is necessary to find the optimal phenotype to use in order to reduce the unwanted side effects.

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Spermatogenesis and sperm transit through the epididymis in mammals with emphasis on pigs

Cited by 228 publications

References 91 publications

Development of spermatogenesis in captive-bred Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii)

Development of spermatogenesis in captive-bred Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii)

Identification and characterization of ERp29 in rat spermatozoa during epididymal transit

Gene expression during testis development in Duroc boars

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