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Effect of Mycoplasma pulmonis on in-vivo fertilization in the mouse
Abstract:
When fresh, epididymal mouse spermatozoa were incubated with viable Mycoplasma pulmonis, the mycoplasma adhered to the heads and tails of spermatozoa. Spermatozoa that had been preincubated with M. pulmonis in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and spermatozoa incubated in PBS alone were inseminated into the uterine horns of mice induced to superovulate. The mycoplasma treatment resulted in a reduced rate of fertilization and a decrease in the number of spermatozoa associated with eggs recovered from the oviduct at 5--18 h after ovulation. The percentage of spermatozoa recovered from the oviduct with adherent mycoplasmas, as determined by fluorescence microscopy, was lower than that seen in the uterus. Mycoplasma treatment of spermatozoa inseminated directly into the ovarian bursa did not result in a reduced fertilization rate. The results suggest that M. pulmonis adversely affects sperm transport through the female reproductive tract in the mouse.
Insights
Mycoplasma pulmonis adheres to mouse sperm, reducing fertilization rates and affecting sperm transport in the female reproductive tract. This study highlights a potential impact of mycoplasma on reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycoplasma species are known pathogens that can affect various host systems.
- The interaction between Mycoplasma pulmonis and mammalian spermatozoa is not fully understood.
- Potential impacts on fertility and reproductive tract function require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Mycoplasma pulmonis on mouse sperm function and fertilization.
- To determine if M. pulmonis impairs sperm transport within the female reproductive tract.
- To assess the role of M. pulmonis in reducing fertilization rates.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of mouse spermatozoa with viable Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Insemination of treated and control spermatozoa into superovulated mice.
- Recovery and analysis of spermatozoa and eggs from the female reproductive tract.
- Fluorescence microscopy to detect mycoplasma adherence to spermatozoa.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis adhered to both the heads and tails of mouse spermatozoa.
- Spermatozoa pre-incubated with M. pulmonis showed reduced fertilization rates.
- A decreased number of spermatozoa were associated with eggs recovered from the oviduct.
- Mycoplasma adherence to sperm in the oviduct was lower than in the uterus.
- Direct insemination into the ovarian bursa did not show reduced fertilization.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis negatively impacts sperm transport through the female mouse reproductive tract.
- The observed reduction in fertilization is likely linked to impaired sperm transport rather than direct gamete damage.
- These findings suggest a mechanism by which M. pulmonis may cause infertility.