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Detection of complement C1q receptors on human spermatozoa
1Department of Obstetrics, State University of New York at Stony Brook 11794-8091, USA. rbronson@mail.som.sunysb.edu
Journal of Reproductive Immunology
|June 9, 1998
Summary
Complement component C1q promotes sperm agglutination and adhesion during fertilization. Researchers detected C1q receptors on human sperm, suggesting their role in this quasi-phagocytic process, which is enhanced by sperm capacitation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The classical complement pathway's first component, C1q, is involved in phagocytosis and complement activation.
- Fertilization involves molecular events not fully understood, but ultrastructural evidence suggests a quasi-phagocytic process.
- Emerging evidence indicates a potential role for complement components in fertilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of C1q receptors on human spermatozoa.
- To explore the role of C1q in sperm-egg interactions and fertilization.
- To determine if sperm capacitation influences C1q's effect on sperm agglutination.
Main Methods:
- Human spermatozoa were solubilized and fractionated using Triton X-114.
- 1-D polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting were employed to detect C1q receptors.
- Sperm agglutination assays were performed to assess the effect of C1q.
Main Results:
- Both globular C1q receptor (gC1q-R) and cellular C1q receptor (cC1q-R) were detected on human spermatozoa.
- C1q was previously shown to promote agglutination and adhesion of capacitated human sperm to zona-free hamster eggs.
- The capacity of C1q to induce sperm agglutination was dependent on sperm capacitation.
Conclusions:
- Human spermatozoa express both gC1q-R and cC1q-R.
- The findings suggest that C1q receptors are involved in the quasi-phagocytic events of fertilization.
- Increased expression of C1q receptors during sperm capacitation may enhance C1q-mediated sperm agglutination.