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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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01-02-2018 | Gamete Biology

Key factors enhancing sperm fertilizing ability are transferred from the epididymis to the spermatozoa via epididymosomes in the domestic cat model

Authors: Tricia Rowlison, Mary Ann Ottinger, Pierre Comizzoli

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Spermatozoa undergo critical changes in structure and function during the epididymal transit. Our previous studies in the domestic cat demonstrated that incidence of cenexin—a key protein involved in the centrosomal maturation—progressively increases in sperm cells from caput to cauda epididymidis. The objectives of the study were to (1) characterize mechanisms involved in transferring key factors—using the cenexin as a marker—between the epididymis and maturing sperm cells and (2) demonstrate the impact of such mechanisms on the acquisition of functional properties by spermatozoa.

Methods

Epididymides were dissected from adult cat testes to assess the presence and localization of cenexin in testicular tissues and each epididymal segment (caput, corpus, and cauda) via immunofluorescence, Western blot, and mass spectrometry.

Results

Results showed that tissues, luminal fluid, and isolated epididymosomes from each segment contained cenexin. Co-incubation of immature sperm cells for 3 h with luminal fluid or epididymosomes followed by immunostaining revealed that percentages of sperm cells containing cenexin significantly increased in samples co-incubated with epididymosome suspensions. Additionally, epididymosome co-incubation with immature spermatozoa resulted in sustained motility compared to untreated spermatozoa while there was no significant effect on acrosome integrity.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that epididymosomes play a critical role in epididymal sperm maturation and could be ideal vehicles to assist in the enhancement or suppression of male fertility.

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Title: Key factors enhancing sperm fertilizing ability are transferred from the epididymis to the spermatozoa via epididymosomes in the domestic cat model
Authors: Tricia Rowlison
Mary Ann Ottinger
Pierre Comizzoli
Publication date: 01-02-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-017-1083-3

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Key factors enhancing sperm fertilizing ability are transferred from the epididymis to the spermatozoa via epididymosomes in the domestic cat model

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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