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Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...
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During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...
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Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
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Antioxidant allocation modulates sperm quality across changing social environments.

Alfonso Rojas Mora1, Magali Meniri1, Ophélie Gning1

  • 1Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

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Summary

Subordinate male house sparrows invest more in antioxidant protection for their sperm, enhancing ejaculate quality and viability. This strategic allocation helps compensate for reduced mating opportunities, demonstrating a key physiological mechanism in male reproductive strategies.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Behavioral Ecology
  • Physiological Ecology

Background:

  • Male reproductive success in promiscuous species relies on mating opportunities and sperm fertilizing ability.
  • Theory predicts males with limited female access invest more in ejaculate quality due to trade-offs.
  • Oxidative stress negatively impacts sperm function, making antioxidant protection crucial for male fertility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the physiological mechanisms, specifically oxidative stress and antioxidant investment, that modulate ejaculate quality in relation to male social status.
  • To test the prediction that subordinate male house sparrows invest more in sperm antioxidant protection to enhance ejaculate quality.

Main Methods:

  • Experimentally manipulated social status in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) housed in aviaries.
  • Measured cellular oxidative stress and enzymatic antioxidant activity in blood and sperm before and after social status manipulation.
  • Assessed ejaculate viability and correlated it with oxidative stress levels and antioxidant activity.

Main Results:

  • Ejaculate viability was negatively correlated with sperm oxidative stress; dominant males had less viable ejaculates.
  • Following social status manipulation, males adjusted ejaculate quality to their new rank.
  • Increased antioxidant investment in ejaculates was directly linked to improved ejaculate viability.

Conclusions:

  • Social status influences male reproductive strategies through physiological mechanisms like oxidative stress management.
  • Strategic allocation of antioxidants to ejaculates is a proximate mechanism enabling males to optimize ejaculate quality and fertility.
  • Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense play critical roles in the evolution of male reproductive strategies and life histories.