Immunolocalization of aquaporin 7 in human sperm and its relationship with semen parameters

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of 13 small hydrophobic trans-membrane proteins expressed in numerous tissues and cells. Some AQPs work as strict water channels, others are permeable to a range of substances, including glycerol. In the male reproductive system their localization in testis, efferent ducts, epididymis, and spermatozoa has been described. We studied the distribution of AQP7 in ejaculated human sperm and the relationship between AQP7 labeling and sperm characteristics. Semen samples from 33 men were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM data were quantified using a mathematical formula that calculates a fertility index (FI) and the percentages of sperm apoptosis, immaturity, and necrosis. Immunocytochemistry with a polyclonal antibody anti-AQP7 was performed on the sperm samples. Normal sperm were labeled in the pericentriolar area, midpiece, equatorial segment, and weakly in the tail (grade 1). Abnormal sperm showed a diffuse low intensity of fluorescence evident in the cytoplasmic residues, coiled tails, in the entire head, and acrosome (grade 2). A high number of motile sperm obtained by swim up were labeled in a dotted manner in the mitochondria. A significant positive correlation was found between the spermatozoa with AQP7 grade 1 labeling and the percentage of normal form (P<0.008), progressive motility and FI (P<0.005); a negative correlation was noted with the percentages of cytoplasmic residues (P<0.010) and immaturity (P<0.006) and coiled tails (P<0.012). The link between AQP7 distribution and sperm morphology and the particular dotted labeling in swim up selected motile sperm are novel and deserve additional studies.