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Relationship between seminal plasma lactoferrin and gonadal function in horses
Motohiro Kikuchi1, Yukihiro Takao, Nanako Tokuda
1Laboratory of Theriogenology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|December 11, 2003
Summary
Lactoferrin (Lf) in stallion seminal plasma positively correlates with sperm concentration and total sperm count, indicating its role in reflecting gonadal function. This study analyzed Lf levels in 78 semen samples from 27 Thoroughbred stallions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Seminal plasma composition is crucial for sperm quality and male fertility.
- Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding protein with potential roles in reproductive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between lactoferrin (Lf) concentration in seminal plasma and the seminal properties of Thoroughbred stallions.
- To determine if seminal plasma Lf can serve as an indicator of gonadal function in stallions.
Main Methods:
- Collected 78 semen samples from 27 Thoroughbred stallions (aged 6-27 years).
- Quantified lactoferrin (Lf) concentration in seminal plasma.
- Assessed seminal properties including sperm concentration, total sperm number, and sperm motility.
Main Results:
- Seminal plasma Lf concentration ranged from 21 to 689 microg/ml (mean 244 +/- 151 microg/ml).
- Lf concentration positively correlated with sperm concentration (r=0.5938, P<0.001).
- Total seminal plasma Lf positively correlated with total sperm number (r=0.6959, P<0.001).
- No significant correlation was found between seminal plasma Lf and sperm motility.
Conclusions:
- Seminal plasma lactoferrin levels are significantly associated with sperm production in stallions.
- Lf in seminal plasma may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing stallion gonadal function and reproductive potential.