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Adhesion molecules and matrix proteins on human spermatozoa
H J Glander1, J Schaller, A Rohwedder
1Department of Dermatology/Andrology Unit, University of Leipzig, Germany.
Andrologia
|September 18, 1998
Summary
Spermatozoa express adhesion molecules like integrins, fibronectin, and laminin. These molecules are functionally competent, influencing sperm
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cellular Adhesion
- Spermatozoa Biology
Background:
- Spermatozoa and spermatogenic cells express integrins, fibronectin, and laminin.
- These adhesion molecules (AM) exhibit significant intra- and interindividual variation in location and pattern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional competence of sperm adhesion molecules.
- To explore the relationship between AM expression and sperm function.
Main Methods:
- Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect mRNA transcripts of AM in spermatozoa.
- Zona-free hamster oocyte penetration (HOP) test.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) of human oocytes.
- Cell attachment assays.
Main Results:
- mRNA transcripts for AM were detected in spermatozoa.
- AM expression correlated with successful oocyte penetration and fertilization.
- Sperm plasma membrane integrity, seminal plasma, progesterone, follicular fluid, and microorganisms influenced AM labeling.
- Sperm cryopreservation had minimal impact on AM labeling.
Conclusions:
- Spermatozoa possess functionally competent adhesion molecules.
- AM play a role in sperm-egg interactions and fertilization.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complexities of sperm adhesion molecules.