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Occurrence of platelet-activating factor in rabbit spermatozoa
R Kumar1, M J Harper, D J Hanahan
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284.
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) was detected in rabbit sperm, exhibiting PAF-like activity. This activity was confirmed through bioassays and chemical analysis of the sperm
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Lipid Biochemistry
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid mediator involved in various physiological and pathological processes.
- The presence and role of PAF in spermatozoa, particularly in reproductive functions, remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and biochemical characteristics of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in rabbit spermatozoa.
- To quantify PAF-like activity in ejaculated rabbit sperm.
Main Methods:
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) were employed for lipid analysis.
- Bioassays using washed rabbit platelets and [3H]serotonin release were performed to detect PAF-like activity.
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze the composition of the phosphatidylcholine fraction after methanolysis.
Main Results:
- PAF-like activity was identified in rabbit ejaculate, quantified at 0.35 +/- 0.06 pmol/10(8) cells.
- The identified activity was sensitive to base-catalyzed methanolysis and restored upon reacetylation, consistent with PAF.
- Analysis revealed that 1-O-alkyl-2-acylphosphocholine constitutes approximately 12% of the sperm phosphatidylcholine fraction, with predominant alkyl chain lengths of C16:0 and C18:0.
Conclusions:
- Rabbit spermatozoa contain platelet-activating factor (PAF) or a closely related analogue.
- The characterized alkylacyl-GPC in sperm phospholipids suggests a potential role for PAF in sperm function and male fertility.