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Prior mating without fertilization increases subsequent litter size in mice.

Laura R B Wilkinson1, Heather Try2, Sarah A Robertson3

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Summary

Preconception exposure to seminal fluid in female mice improved pregnancy outcomes, increasing litter size and placental efficiency. This suggests potential fertility benefits from seminal fluid exposure before conception.

Keywords:
fertilizationmatingmiceseminal fluidsexual conflict

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Immunology
  • Mammalian reproduction

Background:

  • Female exposure to seminal fluid impacts reproductive physiology.
  • Human studies suggest seminal fluid exposure may reduce pregnancy complications.
  • The specific benefits of preconception seminal fluid exposure require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that extended preconception seminal fluid exposure provides fertility benefits in mice.
  • To investigate the effects of seminal fluid components on pregnancy outcomes.
  • To determine if seminal fluid exposure influences litter size, fetal retention, and placental morphology.

Main Methods:

  • Female mice were co-housed with different male groups (vasectomized, seminal vesicle-excised, intact) or females for five months prior to mating.
  • Pregnancy outcomes were assessed after mating with intact males.
  • Litter size at birth and weaning, fetal retention in late pregnancy, and placental morphology were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Females exposed to seminal fluid from vasectomized males showed an increased litter size at birth.
  • Postnatal loss resulted in similar litter sizes at weaning across groups.
  • Females previously housed with vasectomized males maintained more fetuses in late pregnancy and exhibited increased placental efficiency (decreased labyrinthine zone size).

Conclusions:

  • Preconception exposure to seminal fluid, even without conception, can enhance subsequent pregnancy outcomes in mice.
  • Seminal fluid exposure appears to improve fetal retention and placental function.
  • These findings provide experimental evidence for fertility benefits associated with seminal fluid exposure.