The Boar Ejaculate: Sperm Function and Seminal Plasma Analyses

Sancho, S.; Vilagran, Ingrid

doi:10.1007/978-3-642-35049-8_9

Cited by 11 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 227 publications

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“…Previous studies suggest that the epididymis mainly contributes to the SP of the SRF-P1, the prostate to the SP of the SRF-P2, and the seminal vesicles to the SP of the PSRF [6,[16][17][18]. While our results revealed that all SP metabolites are present in all portions of the ejaculate, suggesting that the epididymis and all of the accessory sexual glands are able to secrete all of the identified metabolites, their relative quantities differed.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 52%

1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Pig Seminal Plasma Reveals Intra-Ejaculate Variation in Metabolites

et al. 2020

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In pigs, ejaculate is expelled in fractions, mainly the sperm-rich fraction (SRF) and the post-SRF (PSRF), which differ in both sperm content and origin. In addition, intra-ejaculate variability between fractions in terms of sperm reproductive characteristics has been previously reported, the highest sperm quality being observed in the first 10 mL of the SRF (SRF-P1). As seminal plasma (SP) composition has been purported to influence sperm physiology, the aim of this study was to profile pig SP metabolite composition and to find putative differences between the ejaculate portions (SRF-P1, the rest of SRF [SRF-P2], PSRF) and entire ejaculate (EE). To this end, ejaculates (n = 8, one per boar) were collected in fractions and SP was analyzed using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. We identified 19 metabolites present in all ejaculate portions and the EE, and reported correlations between the metabolites. Additionally, and for the first time in mammals, we found intra-ejaculate variability in the SP metabolites, observing different relative abundances in choline, glycerophosphocholine and glycine. Regarding their influence in sperm physiology, we hypothesize that these metabolites may explain the specific reproductive characteristics of each ejaculate portion. Finally, the reported SP metabolites could serve as a first steppingstone in the study of quality, functionality, and fertility biomarkers.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 52%

1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Pig Seminal Plasma Reveals Intra-Ejaculate Variation in Metabolites

et al. 2020

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“…These proteins coat the plasma membrane of the sperm head during ejaculation and act as receptors to carbohydrate ligands present on the oviduct epithelium (Dostàlovà et al 1994;Dostalova et al 1995;EkhlasiHundrieser et al 2005), thus facilitating the sperm reservoir in the oviduct. Seminal plasma also contains several biochemical components, which may facilitate overall fertility of boar sperm (López Rodríguez et al 2013;Sancho and Vilagran 2013). One of which is glutathione peroxidase that protects sperm membranes from oxidative stress.…”

Section: Impact Of Heat Stress On Sperm Dna Integritymentioning

confidence: 99%

Revisiting summer infertility in the pig: could heat stress-induced sperm DNA damage negatively affect early embryo development?

Peña

Gummow

Parker³

et al. 2017

Anim. Prod. Sci.

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Abstract.Temperature is a crucial factor in mammalian spermatogenesis. The scrotum, pampiniform plexus, and cremaster and dartos muscles in mammals are specific adaptations to ensure sperm production in a regulated environment 4À6 C below internal body temperature. However, the limited endogenous antioxidant systems inherent in mammalian spermatozoa compounded by the loss of cytosolic repair mechanisms during spermatogenesis, make the DNA in these cells particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage. Boar sperm is likely to be more susceptible to the effects of heat stress and thus oxidative damage due to the relatively high unsaturated fatty acids in the plasma membrane, low antioxidant capacity in boar seminal plasma, and the boar's non-pendulous scrotum. Heat stress has a significant negative impact on reproductive performance in piggeries, which manifests as summer infertility and results in productivity losses that amount to millions of dollars. This problem is particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions where ambient temperatures rise beyond the animal's zone of thermal comfort. Based on preliminary studies in the pig and other species, this article discusses whether heat stress could induce sufficient DNA damage in boar sperm to significantly contribute to the high rates of embryo loss and pregnancy failure observed in the sow during summer infertility. Heat stress-induced damage to sperm DNA can lead to disrupted expression of key developmental genes essential for the differentiation of early cell lineages, such as the trophectoderm, and can distort the timely formation of the blastocyst; resulting in a failure of implantation and ultimately pregnancy loss. Confirming such a link would prompt greater emphasis on boar management and strategies to mitigate summer infertility during periods of heat stress.

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“…Pig seminal plasma (SP) is a complex mixture of secretions from testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands and prostate that provides the physiological conditions for sperm during and after ejaculation [6]. As a result, SP is essential to preserve sperm metabolism and physiological status [7]. The complex composition of SP makes it likely to be a promising source of sperm quality and fertility biomarker candidates.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Seminal Plasma GSTM3 as a Quality and In Vivo Fertility Biomarker in Pigs—Relationship with Sperm Morphology

et al. 2020

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Glutathione S-transferases Mu 3 (GSTM3) is an essential antioxidant enzyme whose presence in sperm has recently been related to sperm cryotolerance, quality and fertility. However, its role in seminal plasma (SP) as a predictor of the same sperm parameters has never been investigated. Herein, cell biology and proteomic approaches were performed to explore the presence, origin and role of SP-GSTM3 as a sperm quality and in vivo fertility biomarker. GSTM3 in SP was quantified using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit specific for Sus scrofa, whereas the presence of GSTM3 in testis, epididymis and accessory sex glands was assessed through immunoblotting analysis. Sperm quality and functionality parameters were evaluated in semen samples at 0 and 72 h of liquid-storage, whereas fertility parameters were recorded over a 12-months as farrowing rate and litter size. The presence and concentration of GSTM3 in SP was established for the first time in mammalian species, predominantly synthesized in the epididymis. The present study also evidenced a relationship between SP-GSTM3 and sperm morphology and suggested it is involved in epididymal maturation rather than in ejaculated sperm physiology. Finally, the data reported herein ruled out the role of this antioxidant enzyme as a quality and in vivo fertility biomarker of pig sperm.

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The Boar Ejaculate: Sperm Function and Seminal Plasma Analyses

Cited by 11 publications

References 227 publications

1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Pig Seminal Plasma Reveals Intra-Ejaculate Variation in Metabolites

1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Pig Seminal Plasma Reveals Intra-Ejaculate Variation in Metabolites

Revisiting summer infertility in the pig: could heat stress-induced sperm DNA damage negatively affect early embryo development?

Exploring Seminal Plasma GSTM3 as a Quality and In Vivo Fertility Biomarker in Pigs—Relationship with Sperm Morphology

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