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Published on: June 6, 2019
DNase Promotes the Release of Sperm Trapped by NETs and Induces Important Changes in Donkey Sperm Motility Patterns
Sandra Llorens1,2, Sebastià Company1, Luisina Chapero3,4
1Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Donkey sperm viability is protected by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Sperm released from neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by deoxyribonuclease (DNase) show improved motility, aiding donkey reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Sperm selection in donkeys involves a post-insemination endometrial reaction.
- Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that capture spermatozoa.
- Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) in seminal plasma liberates some spermatozoa from NETs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an in vitro model for evaluating NETs and DNase effects on donkey sperm.
- To assess the impact of these factors on sperm viability and motility.
- To enhance understanding of donkey reproductive strategies.
Main Methods:
- Donkey ejaculates were collected, and PMNs were isolated from jenny blood.
- Spermatozoa were filtered using Silica gel filtration (EquiPure®).
- Five experimental groups were established: control, SPZ-PMN, SPZ-PMN-DNase, SPZ-PMN-EP, SPZ-PMN-DNase-EP.
- Sperm viability (eosin-nigrosin) and motility (CASA) were assessed at 1, 2, and 3 hours.
Main Results:
- PMNs stabilized sperm viability, unlike the control group.
- Spermatozoa liberated from NETs by DNase showed enhanced motility parameters (VCL, VSL, VAP, LIN, STR, WOB).
- These motility changes may precede sperm capacitation.
Conclusions:
- PMNs offer a protective effect on sperm viability in vitro.
- DNase-mediated sperm liberation from NETs improves motility.
- This research aids understanding of donkey reproduction and may improve in vitro sperm capacitation and embryo production.
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