Academic literature on the topic 'Spermatozoa accessory gland'

Abstract The accessory reproductive glands of male mammals contribute the bulk of the secretions in which spermatozoa are transported to the female tract during copulation. Despite their morphological diversity, and the chemical complexity of their products, little is known about the possible effects of sexual selection upon these glands in mammals. Here we consider the seminal vesicles and prostate glands in a sample of 89 species and 60 genera representing 8 Orders of mammals. The sizes of the accessory glands are analysed in relation to body weight and testes weight. Both the seminal vesicles size and prostate size (corrected for body weight) correlate positively with relative testes size in this sample; this finding remains highly significant after application of procedures to correct for possible phylogenetic biases in the data set. The accessory reproductive glands are also significantly larger in those mammals which have large relative testes sizes, and in which the likelihood of sperm competition is greatest. These results support the hypothesis that sexual selection has played an important role in the evolution of the mammalian prostate gland and seminal vesicles.

The reproductive capacity of the parasitoïd of cowpea bruchids Anisopteromalus calandrae Howard (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) male depends on the number of spermatozoa produced and spilled in the seminal vesicle. The objective of this study is to determine the dimensional characteristics of the different parts of the male genital tract of A. calandrae depending on age. Photographs of the parts of the male genital tract of the nymph and the virgin adults of 0- 1- 5- 10- and 15-day old were taken by light microscopy. The dimensional characteristics of the organs of the genital tract of A. calandrae has shown that when the surface of the testes decreases, that of the anterior portion of the seminal vesicle increases and the ratio between the width of the light and the total width of the accessory gland increases from emergence to the fifteenth day. The dimension of the testes decreases in favor of that of the seminal vesicle and the accessory gland of A. calandrae male depending on age.

After spermatogenesis, testicular spermatozoa are not able to fertilize an oocyte, they must undergo sequential maturational processes. Part of these essential processes occurs during the transit of the spermatozoa through the male reproductive tract. Since the sperm become silent in terms of translation and transcription at the testicular level, all the maturational changes that take place on them are dependent on the interaction of spermatozoa with epididymal and accessory gland fluids. During the last decades, reproductive biotechnologies applied to bovine species have advanced significantly. The knowledge of the bull reproductive physiology is really important for the improvement of these techniques and the development of new ones. This paper focuses on the importance of the sperm interaction with the male reproductive fluids to acquire the fertilizing ability, with special attention to the role of the membranous vesicles present in those fluids and the recent mechanisms of protein acquisition during sperm maturation.

Various studies have sought to determine the typical v. optimal abstinence period after which semen samples should be collected, with many contradictory results reported. Several factors influence the semen microenvironment, and thus sperm parameters. In this study we focused on the secretions of the prostate, seminal vesicles and the epididymis. Semen samples were obtained from healthy normozoospermic males (n=16) after 4-day and 4-h periods of ejaculatory abstinence, and standard semen analysis was performed using computer-aided sperm analysis, whereas seminal plasma citric acid, neutral α-glucosidase and fructose concentrations were measured using assay kits. There were significant decreases in total sperm count (P<0.001), sperm concentration (P<0.05) and semen volume (P<0.05) after 4h compared with 4 days ejaculatory abstinence. Furthermore, increases were observed in total sperm motility (P<0.05) and sperm progressive motility (P<0.01) after a 4-h abstinence period, accompanied by significant reductions in citric acid (P<0.05), α-glucosidase (P<0.01) and fructose (P<0.01) concentrations. In addition, due to the decreased number of spermatozoa, these concentrations translated to a significant decrease in fructose (P<0.05) per spermatozoon, indicating an intrinsic mechanism capitalising on alternative sources of energy for increased metabolic function and subsequent sperm motility.

Abstract Triatoma lecticularia (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) (Stal, 1859) is a potential vector of Chagas’s disease and the comprehension of its reproductive biology is an important tool to control this insect. In the reproductive tract of female insects, the spermatheca plays a crucial role storing male spermatozoa after mating. Whithin insects the spermatheca shows a wide morphological diversity and the analysis of this characteristic can contribute to understand the reproductive biology of the species. This study describes the histology and histochemistry of the spermatheca of T. lecticularia. Females have a pair of elongated spermathecal reservoirs without associated accessory gland. The reservoir opens into the common oviduct via a narrow muscular duct. The reservoir epithelium has single layer of columnar secretory cells. The control of the release of spermatozoa from the spermatheca occurs via the muscular duct. The anatomical features of the spermatheca of T. lecticularia resemble those described of other Reduviidae. However, the histological and histochemical features of spermatheca observed in T. lecticularia were important to explain the maintenance of the viability of the spermatozoa stored.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pharmacological treatment with Tadalafil 5 mg daily on symptoms and quality of sperm parameters in selected patients with amicrobic MAGI (male accessory gland inflammation). 120 patients with amicrobic MAGI (mean age 27.0 ± 6.0 years) with mild-moderate ED (erectile dysfunction) according to IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function 5 Items) scores underwent pharmacological treatment with Tadalafil 5 mg daily for six months. Before and after treatment these patients were evaluated through IIEF-5, semen analysis (according to WHO Criteria, 2010), SI-MAGI (Structured Interview about Male Accessory Gland Inflammation), and ultrasound evaluation. Patients with PVE (prostate-vesciculo-epididymitis) showed a significant increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with total (16.0 ± 8.0 versus 30.0 ± 6.0%) and progressive motility (8.00 ± 10.0 versus 25.0 ± 6.00%). It was a significant reduction of the number of patients with complicated ultrasound forms (30.0 versus 52.0) and a significant increase of the number of patients with uncomplicated ultrasound form (90.0 versus 68.0). Finally, there was a significant reduction in the percentage of patients with alterations of sexual function different from DE, such as premature ejaculation (4.00 versus 8.00%), painful ejaculation (4.00 versus 10.0%), delayed ejaculation (12.50 versus 8.00%), and decreased libido (10.0 versus 25.0%).

The mammalian epididymis is an important male accessory gland where the spermatozoa gain the ability to fertilise the egg. To further understand the effects of testicular factors on the epididymis, the proteome of castrated adult mice and sham controls was compared using high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis following identification of proteins by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Twenty-three differentially expressed proteins (11 upregulated and 12 downregulated) were identified in epididymides from castrated. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that these castration-responsive proteins participated in energy metabolism and the antigen processing and presentation pathway. The differential expression levels were further validated by western blotting. The differentially expressed proteins may serve as potential candidates in studies of epididymal function and male infertility.

Of all human infertility cases, up to 50% show contributing factors leading to defects in the male reproductive physiology. Seminal plasma (SP) is the biological fluid derived from the male accessory sex gland which carries spermatozoa passing throughout the male and female reproductive tract during ejaculation. It contains a complicated set of heterogeneous molecular structures, including proteins, cell-free nucleic acid (DNA, microRNA and LncRNA), and small-molecule metabolites as well as inorganic chemicals (ions). For a long time, the substantial significance of seminal plasma factors’ functions has been underestimated, which is restricted to spermatozoa transport and protection. Notably, significant advancements have been made in dissecting seminal plasma components, revealing new insights into multiple aspects of sperm function, as well as fertilization and pregnancy outcomes in recent years. In this review, we summarize the state-of-art discoveries regarding SP compositions and their implications in male fertility, particularly describing the novel understanding of seminal plasma components and related modifications using “omics” approaches and mainly focusing on proteome and RNA-seq data in the latest decade. Meanwhile, we highlighted the proposed mechanism of the regulation of SP molecules on immunomodulation in the female reproductive tract. Moreover, we also discussed the proteins investigated as non-invasive diagnosis biomarkers for male infertility in the clinic.

Mestrado em Biologia Molecular e Celular<br>Oxidative stress (OS) is believed to be an important cause of male infertility, which accounts for about half of all infertility cases. Reactive species (RS)- induced OS is detrimental to spermatozoa, leading to the damage of many biomolecules, such as lipids, proteins and DNA. Several lifestyle factors, such as alcohol and tobacco consumption, are known to induce OS and have been studied for their negative effects on male reproductive system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of acute lifestyle changes, namely alcohol and tobacco consumption, on semen quality, accessory glands function and oxidative balance of sperm cells. Furthermore, the correlation between the OS parameters analyzed and the basic semen parameters was also assessed. Male students, in reproductive age, who participated in the academic festivities, donated a semen sample at three time points: before and one week and three months after the academic festivities. Basic semen analysis was performed and, subsequently, semen samples were processed. Acessory glands function was evaluated and OS was analyzed through measurement of the total antioxidant capacity of the sperm cells and through determination of the expression of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase 4 and superoxide dismutase 1. The impact of ROS in spermatozoa was also assessed through the determination of the protein carbonyl and 3-nitrotyrosine groups. The results indicate that a decrease in semen quality, demonstrated by a decrease in progressive motility and neutral α-glucosidase concentration and an increase in tail defects, occurs due to lifestyle alterations. The total antioxidant status of sperm cells and variations in protein oxidation levels are dependent on the alcohol and tobacco consumption. Moreover, some correlations were observed between the studied parameters, which may be useful in a clinical perspective. In conclusion, the lifestyle alterations are responsible for a decrease in semen quality and by an increase in protein modifications, which may consequently lead to a decrease in fertilizing potential.<br>O stress oxidativo (OS) tem sido considerado uma causa importante da infertilidade masculina, que está envolvida em cerca de metade dos casos de infertilidade. O OS induzido pelas espécies reativas (RS) é prejudicial para os espermatozoides, levando a lesões em várias biomoléculas, como os lípidos, proteínas e DNA. Alterações no estilo de vida, como o consumo excessivo de álcool e tabaco, induzem o OS e têm sido extensivamente estudadas devido aos seus efeitos negativos ao nível do sistema reprodutor masculino. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o impacto de alterações agudas no estilo de vida, nomeadamente o consumo de álcool e tabaco, na qualidade seminal, na função das glândulas acessórias e no equilibrio oxidativo dos espermatozoides. Para além disso, outro objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a possível relação entre os parâmetros de OS e os parâmetros seminais analisados. Estudantes masculinos, em idade fértil, que participaram nas festividades académicas, doaram uma amostra de sémen em três períodos de tempo: antes e uma semana e três meses após as festividades académicas. A análise básica ao sémen foi realizada e, posteriormente, as amostras foram processadas. A função das glândulas acessórias foi avaliada, assim como determinada a capacidade antioxidante total das células, a expressão das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase 1 e glutationa peroxidase 4 e a presença de grupos carbonilo e 3-nitrotirosina. Os resultados indicam que uma diminuição na qualidade seminal, demostrada por um decréscimo na motilidade progressiva dos espermatozoides e na concentração de α-glucosidase neutra e um aumento nos defeitos da cauda, ocorre devido a alterações no estilo de vida. A capacidade antioxidante total das células e as variações ao nível da oxidação proteica demonstram também ser dependentes do consumo de alcool e tabaco. Foram também verificadas algumas correlações entre os parâmetros analisados que poderão ser importantes numa perspetiva clínica. Concluindo, alterações no estilo de vida são responsáveis pela diminuição da qualidade seminal e pelo aumento de modificações proteicas, o que pode levar consequentemente a um decréscimo do potencial de fertilização.

Animals use many highly specialized cells to carry out their reproductive functions. These cells include not only germ-line cells—spermatozoa/oocytes—but also a variety of supporting cells of the remaining organs of the reproductive system and their precursors, thereby making production of viable offspring possible. Reproductive processes, at least in nonhuman mammals, also require functional mammary glands for adequate nourishment of newborn offspring. Specific analyses or sorting of the specialized cells of the reproductive system can provide a means of monitoring and modifying reproductive processes in animals and man. Male gametes are relatively small, haploid cells suspended in fluid secretions from the testes and accessory reproductive organs. Fully functional, mature spermatozoa are incapable of dividing; thus, these terminal gametes are readily quantified and characterized by flow cytometry. Many thousands to millions of spermatozoa can be readily analyzed and sorted. This situation differs markedly from most other kinds of cells, with which cell division and cell cycle differences can make interpretations of data more difficult. Many of the cells of the reproductive and endocrine systems of mammals have been studied by flow analyses. Female gametes, however, are relatively large, often exceeding 100 min diameter, and therefore are not readily analyzed using flow cytometry. Although the oocytes themselves usually are not useful targets, some of the supporting cumulus cells surrounding developing oocytes can be analyzed and thereby provide useful information about that particular ovarian follicle. The functional status of these specialized cells is an indicator of the health of the follicle and of the likelihood that the associated oocyte can produce viable offspring. Reproductive functions in animals are controlled by various widely distributed cellular components of the endocrine system including the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the gonads, and the placenta. Such regulatory cells can be isolated and cultured and have their in vitro function monitored, using flow cytometric analysis of their internal components and surface receptors. The supporting cells of animal reproductive systems make possible the production of viable offspring. The functional status of these supporting cells can be evaluated by flow analyses, including the epithelial cervical cells of the female tract, and most accessory tissues, including the male accessory sex glands.