Receptor mediated amelioration of the detrimental effects of sperm agglutinating factor on sperm parameters

Sperm agglutinating factor (SAF) isolated from Staphylococcus aureus immobilizes spermatozoa by agglutination and causes sperm death. This interaction of SAF with spermatozoa is receptor mediated and this receptor has been isolated and purified from human spermatozoa. In this study we attempt to study whether the receptor could ameliorate the detrimental effects of SAF on sperm parameters. Receptor was evaluated against SAF mediated compromised sperm parameters such as Mg(2+) dependent ATPase activity, acrosome status and apoptosis, in vitro using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry as well as in vivo by studying the impact on fertility in mice. Incubation of SAF (80 μg) with spermatozoa resulted in reduced Mg(2+) dependent ATPase activity and premature acrosomal loss whereas a higher concentration (100 μg), induced apoptosis. However, in the presence of receptor a dose dependent blockage of SAF induced inhibition of Mg(2+) dependent ATPase activity was observed. At higher concentrations 100 and 125 μg, receptor could inhibit both the premature acrosomal loss and apoptosis. In vivo studies showed that receptor (50 μg) could alleviate SAF induced infertility in female Balb/c mice following a single intravaginal application before mating. The work highlights the efficacy of the receptor as a corrective measure against negative influence of SAF on functional parameters of spermatozoa as well as fertility and presents receptor as a potential therapeutic intervention against SAF induced infertility.