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Catalase activity in equine semen
B A Ball1, C G Gravance, V Medina
1Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|September 8, 2000
Summary
Equine seminal plasma has high catalase activity, mainly from the prostate gland. Semen processing that removes this plasma may increase sperm susceptibility to oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Catalase is a key antioxidant enzyme.
- Understanding catalase activity in equine semen is crucial for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize catalase activity in equine semen and its sources.
- To investigate the implications for semen processing and sperm viability.
Main Methods:
- Collected seminal plasma and tissue samples from stallions.
- Assayed catalase activity using ultraviolet spectrophotometry.
- Determined specific activity in seminal plasma and various reproductive tissues.
Main Results:
- Equine seminal plasma exhibited high catalase activity (98.7 U/mg protein).
- Prostate gland tissue showed significantly higher specific catalase activity compared to other tissues.
- Catalase activity in seminal plasma was primarily attributed to prostatic secretions.
Conclusions:
- Equine seminal plasma contains substantial catalase activity, largely originating from the prostate.
- Semen cryopreservation methods that remove seminal plasma may compromise the antioxidant capacity, potentially increasing sperm oxidative stress.