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Related Concept Videos

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure01:03

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

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The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...
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Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway01:20

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Humans detect odors with the help of specialized cells located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, called olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). ORNs possess hair-like structures called cilia, which are receptive to sensations from the inhaled air. When an odorant molecule binds to a specific receptor on the cell of the cilia, it leads to a series of events that ultimately cause the ORN to send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb in the brain through the olfactory nerves.
The olfactory...
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Olfaction01:25

Olfaction

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The sense of smell is achieved through the activities of the olfactory system. It starts when an airborne odorant enters the nasal cavity and reaches olfactory epithelium (OE). The OE is protected by a thin layer of mucus, which also serves the purpose of dissolving more complex compounds into simpler chemical odorants. The size of the OE and the density of sensory neurons varies among species; in humans, the OE is only about 9-10 cm2.
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Sperm Transport01:15

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The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
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Fertilization01:38

Fertilization

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During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...
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Spermatogenesis01:41

Spermatogenesis

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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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Two Types of Assays for Detecting Frog Sperm Chemoattraction
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Are the Olfactory Receptors Present at the Sperm Membrane Involved in Reproduction?

Francis Galibert1, Naoual Azzouzi1

  • 1Institut d Genetique et Developpement de Rennes (IGDR), UMR 6290, Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 29, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Olfactory receptors (ORs) on sperm are biologically active, influencing reproduction. In vivo experiments show lyral exposure significantly reduces mouse procreation, suggesting a role in fertility and potential contraception strategies.

Keywords:
mouseolfactory receptorsreproductionspermatozoids

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Olfactory Receptor Function
  • Chemosensation

Background:

  • Olfactory receptors (ORs) are found on sperm, but their in vivo function is unknown.
  • In vitro studies show sperm respond to odorants like bourgeonal and lyral.
  • This study investigates the in vivo role of sperm ORs in reproduction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate the in vivo biological function of olfactory receptors (ORs) in sperm chemotaxis.
  • To investigate the impact of lyral on mammalian reproduction.
  • To explore the potential of odorants as reproductive modulators.

Main Methods:

  • Overloading the vaginal space of female mice with lyral to compete with natural ligands.
  • Comparing newborn counts in lyral-treated mice versus PBS-treated controls.
  • Conducting control experiments with hexanal to confirm specificity.
  • Observing male mouse attraction and copulatory preference towards lyral-marked females.

Main Results:

  • Lyral administration significantly reduced the number of newborns in treated mice compared to controls.
  • The reproductive inhibition was specific to lyral, as hexanal had no effect.
  • Lyral acts as a pheromone, attracting males and increasing copulatory preference.
  • Sperm ORs are biologically active and play a crucial role in mammalian reproduction.

Conclusions:

  • Sperm olfactory receptors (ORs) are biologically active in vivo and significantly impact reproduction.
  • Lyral interferes with sperm-mediated reproduction, suggesting a role in fertility.
  • Findings suggest potential diagnostic tests for infertility and novel contraception strategies targeting odorant-receptor interactions.