Role of platelet-activating factor in reproduction: sperm function

Since its discovery nearly thirty years ago, platelet-activating factor has emerged as one of the more important lipid mediators known. Platelet-activating factor (PAF; 1-O-alkyl-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine) exists endogenously as a mixture of molecular species with structural variants of the alkyl moiety. PAF is a novel potent signaling phospholipid that has unique pleiotropic biological properties in addition to platelet activation. PAF also plays a significant role in reproduction. PAF content in squirrel monkey sperm is significantly higher during the breeding season than the non-breeding season. PAF content in human sperm has a positive correlation with seminal parameters and pregnancy outcomes. High-fertility boars have significantly more PAF in their sperm than low-fertility boars. The enzymes (lyso-PAF-acetyltransferase and PAF-acetylhydrolase) necessary for PAF activation and deactivation are present in sperm. PAF-acetylhydrolase may act as a "decapacitation factor". Removal of this enzyme during capacitation may promote PAF synthesis increasing motility and fertilization. PAF also plays a significant role in the fertilization process, enhancing the fertilization rates of oocytes. Enhanced embryo development has also been reported in oocytes fertilized with PAF-treated sperm. PAF antagonists inhibit sperm motility, acrosome reaction, and fertilization, thus suggesting the presence of receptors for PAF. The PAF-receptor is present on sperm, with altered transcript levels and distribution patterns on abnormal cells. Whereas the exact mechanism of PAF in sperm function and reproduction is uncertain, its importance in normal fertility is substantial. The reproductive significance of PAF activity in sperm and fertility plus the role of PAF in the establishment of pregnancy requires further study.