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Related Experiment Videos

Uteroglobin and transglutaminase modulate human sperm functions.

M Luconi1, M Muratori, M Maggi

  • 1Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Clinica, Università di Firenze, Italy.

Journal of Andrology
|September 7, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Uteroglobin (UG) and transglutaminase (TG) in seminal plasma act as decapacitating factors (DFs) that inhibit sperm capacitation and motility. Their removal is crucial for sperm to become responsive to fertilization stimuli.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Sperm Physiology
  • Seminal Plasma Proteins

Background:

  • Sperm capacitation involves membrane changes and removal of seminal plasma decapacitating factors (DFs).
  • Uteroglobin (UG) and transglutaminase (TG) are seminal plasma proteins with potential roles in sperm function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence, localization, and effects of UG and TG on human spermatozoa.
  • To determine if UG and TG function as decapacitating factors.

Main Methods:

  • FACScan and Western blot analyses to detect UG and TG localization and content in human sperm.
  • Assessing sperm capacitation markers (chlortetracycline fluorescence, progesterone responsiveness, acrosome reaction, intracellular calcium).
  • Evaluating the impact of exogenous UG and TG on sperm motility and capacitation.

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Main Results:

  • UG and TG are present on ejaculated human sperm, with reduced levels after swim-up selection.
  • Swim-up selected sperm show increased capacitation markers and progesterone responsiveness.
  • Exogenous UG and TG inhibit spontaneous capacitation and reduce sperm motility.

Conclusions:

  • UG and TG act as decapacitating factors, inhibiting human sperm capacitation and motility.
  • Their presence on sperm surface impedes the acquisition of fertilizing capacity.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is key to comprehending sperm capacitation biochemistry.