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Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes
Published on: November 28, 2018
Tritrichomonas fetus extracellular products decrease progressive motility of bull sperm
C M Ribeiro1, M B Falleiros, S D Bicudo
1Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Theriogenology
|September 29, 2009
Summary
Tritrichomonas fetus parasite products harm bovine sperm, reducing motility and causing cellular damage. This parasite
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Parasitology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Tritrichomonas fetus is a protozoan parasite known to cause infertility and abortion in cattle.
- Limited information exists on the susceptibility of bovine sperm to T. fetus and its effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro interaction between T. fetus and bovine sperm.
- To assess the impact of T. fetus extracellular products on sperm function and viability.
Main Methods:
- In vitro incubation of bovine sperm with T. fetus.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect gene expression.
- Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) for motility assessment.
- Annexin-V/propidium iodide assay for viability and cellular damage evaluation.
Main Results:
- Sperm adhered to T. fetus, leading to cell agglutination.
- T. fetus continuously expressed its cysteine peptidase gene.
- Extracellular products significantly reduced sperm progressive motility.
- While not causing immediate death, parasite products increased indicators of sperm cellular damage.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular products from T. fetus exhibit cytotoxicity towards bovine sperm.
- These products decrease sperm progressive motility and induce cellular damage.
- This cytotoxic effect may contribute to T. fetus-induced infertility in cattle.
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