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Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis

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 reproductive...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa

Published on: December 30, 2014

Effects of platelet activating factor on human sperm function in vitro

K Sengoku¹, K Tamate, Y Takaoka

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Asahikawa Medical College, Japan.

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)

|September 1, 1993

Summary

Platelet activating factor (PAF) enhances human sperm function, improving fertilization rates. Blocking PAF receptors with CV-3988 reduces sperm penetration and motility, but this effect is reversible by adding PAF.

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Last Updated: Jul 17, 2026

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Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca2+-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm

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Published on: March 1, 2019

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

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Published on: April 21, 2022

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Molecular Biology
Andrology

Background:

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a lipid mediator with diverse biological roles.
Its specific role in human sperm function and fertilization remains to be fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the direct effects of PAF and its antagonist CV-3988 on human sperm fertilizing ability.
To explore the potential clinical applications of PAF in assisted reproductive technologies.

Main Methods:

Sperm penetration assay using zona-free hamster oocytes.
Assessment of sperm motility and acrosome reaction.
Treatment with varying concentrations of PAF and the PAF receptor antagonist CV-3988.

Main Results:

PAF significantly increased human sperm penetration rates at concentrations above 10(-11) M.
CV-3988 significantly decreased sperm penetration and motility, an effect reversed by PAF.
PAF enhanced the acrosome reaction, while CV-3988 inhibited it, with both effects being reversible by PAF.

Conclusions:

PAF plays a direct role in enhancing human sperm fertilizing capacity.
PAF may hold clinical significance for in-vitro fertilization programs.