Progesterone stimulates the long-distance migration of capacitated ram spermatozoa through viscous media under geotactic condition

[EN] Forward progressive motility of spermatozoa is an essential prerequisite for reproductive success, and sperm navigation is assisted by guidance mechanisms that may depend on micro environmental factors. In the present study, we performed an integrated analysis of long distance ram sperm migrati...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Martínez Rodríguez, Carmen, Anel López, Luis, Álvarez García, Mercedes, Ortega Ferrusola, Cristina, Boixo, Juan Carlos, Peña, Fernando J., Anel Rodríguez, Luis, Paz Cabello, Paulino de
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:España
Institución:Ajuntament de Barcelona
Repositorio:BULERIA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de León
OAI Identifier:oai:buleria.unileon.es:10612/18284
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10612/18284
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Veterinaria
Capacitation
Progesterone
Sperm motility and transport
Sperm DNA fragmentation
3109 Ciencias Veterinarias
Descripción
Sumario:[EN] Forward progressive motility of spermatozoa is an essential prerequisite for reproductive success, and sperm navigation is assisted by guidance mechanisms that may depend on micro environmental factors. In the present study, we performed an integrated analysis of long distance ram sperm migration in vitro that combined two environmental factors (10 μM progesterone and a geotactic effect) and the physiological status of the cells (capacitation treatment). A penetration assay was used in which spermatozoa had to travel 20 mm in a viscous medium (two media of differing viscosity: acrylamide and hyaluronic acid) through a tube device. The number of migrating spermatozoa, the physiology of the cells (motility analyzed using a CASA system; acrosomal status, viability and active mitochondria evaluated by flow cytometry; DNA fragmentation index calculated by quantitative PCR) and the morphometry of sperm heads (performed using an image analysis system) were evaluated after long-distance sperm migration. Ram sperm capacitation significantly stimulates cell migration through viscous media under geotactic conditions, and this effect is enhanced by progesterone induction. The rheological characteristics of viscous media have a marked impact on ram sperm migration, and acrylamide more favorably facilitates navigation over a large distance. The migrating spermatozoa are morphologically better adapted (high ellipticity) for displacement in viscous media and exhibit remarkably depleted mitochondrial membrane potential.