Hyaluronic Acid as Capacitation Inductor: Metabolic Changes and Membrane‐Associated Adenylate Cyclase Regulation

The aim of this research was to study the effect of hyaluronic acid on bovine cryopreserved spermatozoa compared with heparin as regards the variation of capacitation induction, cellular oxidative metabolism and intracellular signal induced by membrane‐associated adenylate cyclase to propose hyaluronic acid as a capacitation inductor. Heparin or hyaluronic acid and lysophosphatidylcholine were used to induce sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction, respectively. 2′,5′‐dideoxyadenosine was used as a membrane‐associated adenylate cyclase inhibitor. The highest percentages of capacitated spermatozoa and live spermatozoa with acrosome integrity were obtained by incubating sperm for 60 min using 1000 μg/ml hyaluronic acid. In these conditions, capacitation induced by hyaluronic acid was lower compared with heparin; nonetheless both glycosaminoglycans promote intracellular changes that allow true acrosome reaction in vitro induced by lysophosphatidylcholine in bovine spermatozoa. Oxygen consumption in heparin‐capacitated spermatozoa was significantly higher than in hyaluronic acid‐treated spermatozoa. With all treatments, mitochondrial coupling was observed when a specific uncoupler of the respiratory chain was added. The inhibition of membrane‐associated adenylate cyclase significantly blocked capacitation induction produced by hyaluronic acid, maintaining a basal sperm oxygen uptake in contrast to heparin effect in which both sperm parameters were inhibited, suggesting that the membrane‐associated adenylate cyclase activation is involved in the intracellular signal mechanisms induced by both capacitation inductors, but only regulates mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in heparin‐capacitated spermatozoa.     

孕酮和雌二醇对绵羊精子体外获能的影响

试验探讨孕酮和雌二醇对绵羊精子体外获能和顶体反应的影响。将绵羊精子分别加到含不同浓度孕酮(1、10和100μmol/L)和雌二醇(1、10、和100μmol/L)的输卵管合成液(SOF)中,作用不同时间后分别取出部分精子样本进行金霉素荧光染色(chlortetracycline,CTC),通过精子与CTC结合染色的不同类型来评定孕酮和雌二醇对绵羊精子的作用。结果表明:雌二醇对绵羊精子体外获能和顶体反应都没有显著的促进作用(P>0.05);一定浓度的孕酮和雌激素组合抑制绵羊精子体外获能和顶体反应的发生(P<0.05)。     

Pentoxifylline induces capacitation and acrosome reaction and improves quality of motility in canine ejaculated spermatozoa

To evaluate effects of different concentrations of pentoxifylline, as phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on quality of motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction, Ejaculated spermatozoa were collected from crossbred dogs. The sperm were incubated at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mM pentoxifylline for 2 h. Conventional assessment was also made on the percentage of motility and quality of motility of spermatozoa; values were expressed as sperm motility index (SMI). Capacitation and acrosome reaction were also evaluated by chlortetracycline fluorescence staining. SMI as quality index of sperm was significantly increased in concentrations of 10 and 100 mM pentoxifylline during 1 and 2 h compared to control. The number of capacitated or acrosome reacted spermatozoa significantly (P < 0.05) were higher than controls at high concentrations of pentoxifylline (10 and 100 mM) during 1 and 2 h. In conclusion, high concentration of pentoxifylline is able to induce capacitation and acrosome reaction and improves quality of motility in canine ejaculated spermatozoa.     

Capacitation of Frozen Thawed Buffalo Bull (Bubalus bubalis) Spermatozoa with Higher Heparin Concentrations

The present study was conducted to examine the effect of high heparin concentration on capacitation of buffalo spermatozoa with a short incubation time. Frozen thawed spermatozoa from three buffalo bulls were pooled and treated with either 50, 100 or 200 microg/ml heparin for 30 min. Capacitation was evaluated by acrosome reaction of spermatozoa and in vitro fertilization rate (per cent cleavage rate, per cent cleavage index). Acrosome reaction was induced in heparin treated spermatozoa with calcium ionophore A23187 and staining was carried out with Coomassie G-250 to evaluate the response as compared with control (0 heparin + calcium ionophore). Significantly higher percentage of acrosome reaction (AR) spermatozoa was noted after heparin treatment (36.8-48.2%) as compared with control (8.1% ; p < 0.05) but differences among the three heparin concentrations were non-significant. However, a significantly higher in vitro fertilization rate was recorded in spermatozoa capacitated by 50 and 100 microg/ml heparin (80.4 and 75.9% cleavage rate, respectively) as compared with 200 microg/ml heparin (47.2% cleavage rate; p < 0.001). It is concluded that buffalo spermatozoa capacitated with 50-100 microg/ml heparin had significantly higher ability to improve in vitro fertilization rate in buffalo.     

Participation of phosphofructokinase,malate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase in capacitation and acrosome reaction of boar spermatozoa

The aim of this work was to determine the enzymatic activity of phosphofructokinase (PFK), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) in boar spermatozoa and study their participation in bicarbonate‐induced capacitation and follicular fluid‐induced acrosome reaction. Enzymatic activity of these enzymes was determined spectrophotometrically in extracts of boar spermatozoa. Sperm suspensions were incubated in the presence of bicarbonate (40 mM), a well‐known capacitation inducer, or follicular fluid (30%), as an acrosome reaction inducer, and different concentrations of oxoglutarate, oxalomalate and hydroxymalonate, inhibitors of PFK, IDH and MDH, respectively. Capacitation percentages were determined by the fluorescence technique of chlortetracycline (CTC), and true acrosome reaction was determined by trypan blue and differential–interferential contrast, optical microscopy. The activity of PFK in boar spermatozoa enzymatic extracts was 1.70 ± 0.19 U/10¹⁰ spermatozoa, the activity of NAD‐ and NADP‐dependent IDH was 0.111 ± 0.005 U/10¹⁰ and 2.22 ± 0.14 U/10¹⁰ spermatozoa, respectively, and the activity of MDH was 4.24 ± 0.38 U/10¹⁰ spermatozoa. The addition of the specific inhibitors of these enzymes prevented sperm capacitation and decreased sperm motility during capacitation and inhibited the acrosome reaction (AR), without affecting the sperm motility during this process. Our results demonstrate the participation of PFK, IDH and MDH in bicarbonate‐induced capacitation and follicular fluid‐induced acrosome reaction in boar spermatozoa, contributing to elucidate the mechanisms that produce energy necessary for these processes in porcine spermatozoa.     

添加咖啡因、亚牛磺酸对牛精子功能的影响

为研究获能液中添加咖啡因和亚牛磺酸对牛精子功能的影响,本研究将荷斯坦牛冻精解冻后分别添加在含不同浓度咖啡因（0、2.5、5.0、7.5 mmol/L）或亚牛磺酸（0、5、10、20、40 μmol/L）的获能处理液中,且每个处理组加入约200 μL的精液,在CO₂培养箱里经上游处理45 min,以评估咖啡因和亚牛磺酸对牛精子活力、顶体及质膜完整性的影响,进而探讨在获能液中亚牛磺酸替代咖啡因的效果。结果显示,添加2.5、5.0 mmol/L咖啡因组经上游法获能处理后的牛精子活力和顶体完整率均显著高于对照组（P<0.05）,且2.5 mmol/L咖啡因组精子活力最高;添加10、20 μmol/L亚牛磺酸组经上游法获能处理后的牛精子活力、顶体完整率和质膜完整率均显著高于对照组（P<0.05）,且20 μmol/L亚牛磺酸组的精子功能参数值最高;将筛选的最佳浓度2.5 mmol/L咖啡因和20 μmol/L亚牛磺酸采用同样的方法处理,发现20 μmol/L亚牛磺酸组的精子顶体完整率和质膜完整率均显著高于2.5 mmol/L咖啡因组和对照组（P<0.05）。因此,20 μmol/L亚牛磺酸可以替代2.5 mmol/L咖啡因用于体外受精体系中的精子获能处理,有助于提高精子功能参数。     

酪氨酸磷酸化在精子获能过程中的作用

在精子细胞发生顶体反应并使卵母细胞受精之前,获能是一个重要的生理先决条件。获能是精子在雌性生殖道中进一步成熟的复杂现象,其赋予精子以增强活性的能力,使精子能够与卵母细胞透明带（ZP）相互作用,进行顶体反应并与卵母细胞质膜融合,进而完成受精过程。然而精子获能的分子机制十分复杂,目前还未完全明确,但获能后的精子会有诸多结构及生化方面的变化,如蛋白酪氨酸磷酸化、精子膜胆固醇外流、活性氧的产生及精子膜超极化。蛋白质通过磷酸化或去磷酸化调节精子获能和顶体反应等一些重要的现象,这是精子到达、结合、穿透和融合卵母细胞所必需的过程。因此蛋白磷酸化是获能的一个非常重要的过程,尤其是在酪氨酸残基处的磷酸化是获能过程中发生的最重要的事件之一,且酪氨酸磷酸化可能是细胞中信号转导途径的主要甚至是唯一的指标。作者主要针对蛋白磷酸化、精子中酪氨酸磷酸化的发现、作用和定位,以及影响获能过程中酪氨酸磷酸化的几个因素进行阐述。     

Effect of Foetal Bovine Serum on sperm motility,acrosome reaction and spermatic interaction to zona pellucida in alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

The use of foetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell culture media is quite common. However, little is known about the effect of FBS on sperm. The severe difficulties in alpaca reproduction demand the search of new methods for in vitro reproductive management. In the present study, we use for the first time FBS as a supplement in the culture medium for sperm in alpaca, and the effect of FBS on motility, acrosome reaction and sperm binding to the zona pellucida in this species was evaluated. A concentration of 10% v/v FBS was used. The sperm motility with FBS at the first hour was 32.8% (vs. control = 30.0%), whereas at the second hour sperm motility with FBS was 30.2% (vs. control = 28.8%). The acrosome reaction reached an average of 44.0% for treatment with FBS (vs. control = 30.1%). The sperm‐zona pellucida binding assay showed that the samples incubated with FBS had an average of 2.7 bound sperm (vs. control = 1.7). Only a significant difference was observed for sperm motility at the first hour and for the acrosome reaction. It is concluded that FBS favours the capacitation of sperm in alpaca.     

The Effect of Trehalose Supplementation of INRA-82 Extender on Quality and Fertility of Cooled and Frozen-Thawed Stallion Spermatozoa

Stallion semen cryopreservation is often associated with poor post-thaw sperm quality. Sugars act as nonpermeating cryoprotectants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cryoprotective effect of trehalose on stallion sperm quality and field fertility rates subjected to cooling and freeze–thaw process. Semen samples were collected from six Arabian stallions, divided into five different treatments in a final concentration of 100 × 10⁶ sperm/mL by using INRA-82 extender containing 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mM of trehalose then subjected to both cold storage and cryopreservation. Sperm motility, acrosome, plasmatic membrane, and DNA integrity were analyzed, and 57 mares were used to evaluate the field fertility of chilled and frozen-thawed semen. Results showed that the extender containing 100 mM trehalose only increased the functional acrosomal, plasma membrane, and DNA integrities. The inclusion of 50 mM trehalose in semen extender resulted in significantly (P < .05) increased post-thaw total motility compared to the control group, and chilled semen achieved higher pregnancy rates compared to the frozen-thawed one. Pregnancy rate of mares inseminated with frozen-thawed semen (P < .05; 46.15% vs. 36.36%, respectively) was lower than those inseminated with chilled semen (76.47% vs. 68.75%, respectively) but higher than control. In conclusion, addition of 50 mM trehalose yielded the highest quality stallion semen after cooling and post-thawing in terms of motility, integrities of acrosome, membrane, and DNA as well as improved field fertility.     

Effect of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin treatment of bovine sperm on capacitation timing

Pre-loading bovine sperm with cholesterol prior to freezing is known to increase cryosurvival, though the timing of capacitation in these sperm has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine if there is a potential delay in capacitation timing in these sperm due to the increased cholesterol content. Flow cytometric evaluation was utilized to assess viability, and stain technology to assess acrosome intactness (Propidium Iodide/FITC-PNA), intracellular calcium levels (Propidium Iodide/FLUO 3-AM) and membrane fluidity (Merocyanine 540/YO-PRO-1). Cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) (2 mg/mL) improved post-thaw viability to 61% from 45% in control sperm (p < .05). The addition of ionomycin (0.05 mM) induced capacitation in sperm by 1 h, resulting in increased intracellular calcium and increased acrosome reaction, and consequently viability loss by 3 h. Treatment with CLC significantly decreased membrane fluidity in sperm (p < .05). In conclusion, CLC-treated sperm required 1 h more to capacitate when compared with non-treated sperm based on percentage of live cells with high membrane disorder (p < .05). Increased cryosurvival and viability over time was observed, but longer time to capacitate may hinder fertilization capacity and/or require adjustments to timing of in vitro fertilization.     

The Effect of Oestradiol, Progesterone and Heparin on Bovine Spermatozoa Function After Thawing

The present experiment was designed to determine the effects of various biologically active substances, such as oestradiol (OE), progesterone (P4) and heparin (Hep) alone or in combination on sperm plasma membrane scrambling, capacitation and acrosome reaction (AR) of post-thaw bovine spermatozoa. Spermatozoa were incubated for 180 min in capacitation medium supplemented with (i) 1 mug/ml OE; (ii) 1 mug/ml P4; (iii) 1 mug/ml OE and 1 mug/ml P4; (iv) 1 mug/ml OE and 5 mug/ml Hep; (v) 1 mug/ml P4 and 5 mug/ml Hep; (vi) 1 mug/ml OE, 1 mug/ml P4 and 5 mug/ml Hep. At predetermined time intervals aliquots were taken to assess sperm plasma membrane scrambling, or capacitation (AR induced by lysophosphatidylcholine) in spermatozoa. The second experiment was aimed to study the effects of OE, P4 and OE/P4 as potential inducers of AR in Hep-capacitated spermatozoa. Plasma membrane scrambling was assessed by a flow cytometer, using Merocyanine staining. Acrosomal status and viability of spermatozoa were evaluated under epifluorescence microscope with Ethidium homodimer-1/peanut agglutinin fluorescein isothiocyanate staining method (EthD-1/PNA-FITC). The results show that OE, P4 and a combination of OE/P4 at concentrations used did not affect sperm viability. Heparin significantly (p < 0.001) increased sperm plasma membrane scrambling of OE and P4-treated spermatozoa. P4 significantly affected the rate of sperm capacitation (p < 0.001) and AR (p < 0.05), but OE expressed membrane-stabilizing properties (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that in frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa OE presents plasma membrane stabilizing properties that can be abolished by Hep, but not by P4. Progesterone possesses capacitating and AR-inducing properties in frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa that can be alleviated by OE.     

Effect of Different Levels of Silymarin and Caproic Acid on Storage of Ram Semen in Liquid Form

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of silymarin on stored spermatozoa using four rams. In experiment 1, silymarin was evaluated as a supplement for Tris–glucose extender. Semen samples (n = 20) were diluted with extender containing 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 μg/ml silymarin and incubated at 5°C for 72 h. Membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, sperm viability and motility were evaluated at 72 h. Concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined after 48 h. Membrane integrity was higher in 100 μg/ml silymarin (65.2%) than control group (43.2%, p < 0.05). Acrosome integrity was highest in 100 μg/ml silymarin (71.3%, p < 0.05). Progressive motility was higher in 100 (58.5%), 150 (60.62%) and 200 μg/ml silymarin (54.7%) than control group (30.7%, p < 0.05). The highest MDA concentration was observed in control group (400 mm /10 × 10⁶ sperm; p < 0.05). The goal of experiment 2 was to determine the interaction between silymarin and caproic acid on ram stored sperm. Ejaculates (n = 20) were diluted by Tris–glucose extender, added 0 (S_?) or 100 μg/ml (S₊) silymarin and 0 (C_?) or 0.3125% (C₊) caproic acid, and thereafter, aliquots were incubated at 5°C for 72 h. Membrane integrity was lower in C_?S_? (57.6%) than C_?S₊ (73.2%), C₊S_? (80.2%) and C₊S₊ (72.1%, p > 0.05). The highest sperm viability and acrosome integrity were observed in C₊S_‐ (82.4 and 80.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). There was no difference between C_‐S₊ and C₊S₊ on sperm viability and membrane integrity, progressive motility and MDA concentration (p > 0.05). Therefore, the supplementation of extender with silymarin and caproic acid improved sperm quality and caproic acid was superior to caproic acid plus silymarin.     

Effects of Mifepristone (RU486) on Sperm/Cumulus Penetration in Mice

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of RU486 (mifepristone) on sperm penetration through the cumulus cells layer during fertilization in mice. After 20 μg/mL RU486 was added into the capacitation or the sperm/cumulus penetration medium, respectively, the experiments were conducted to evaluate the ratio of sperm acrosome reaction and ability of sperm/cumulus penetration. The results showed that the addition of RU486 significantly suppressed 5 μg/mL P₄-induced acrosome reaction in the capacitated sperm (P <0.01), and decreased sperm penetrating through the cumulus matrix and reaching the oocyte zona pellucid (ZP) and also remarkably reduced the percentage of acrosome-reacted sperm within the oocyte-cumulus complex (OCC)(P <0.01). Compared with the addition of RU486 alone, P₄ did not reverse the inhibitory effects of RU486 on the acrosome reaction of sperm within the OCC, though it still improved sperm penetration through the cumulus matrix and reaching the ZP (P <0.01). Therefore, RU486 could inhibit P₄-induced acrosome reaction and decrease sperm penetration through the cumulus matrix, which suggested that P₄/progesteron receptor (PGR) pathway might be very important for sperm penetration through the cumulus cell layer.     

Comparative Immunolocalization of Heat Shock Proteins (Hsp)-60, -70, -90 in Boar, Stallion, Dog and Cat Spermatozoa

Heat shock proteins (Hsp)-60, -70 and -90 are important testis chaperones that fulfil several functions during sperm cell maturation. In post-meiotic cells, their expression may change or may be undetectable and in some species it may be evident in mature spermatozoa. The aims of this study were to verify whether Hsp60, -70 and -90 are present in the sperm, and to compare their localization in boar, stallion, cat and dog spermatozoa by immunofluorescence. Hsp-60 immunoreactivity was detected in sperm midpiece in all the species examined. In stallion sperm, Hsp70 signal was localized in the sub-equatorial band, whereas immunoreactivity was evident on the neck of dog spermatozoa and on both neck and sub-equatorial region of cat spermatozoa. In agreement with our previous observations, a triangular fluorescent signal in the equatorial segment of fresh boar sperm was detected. Hsp90 immunoreactivity was present in different portions of sperm tail: in the midpiece of both boar and cat spermatozoa and in the neck and throughout the tail in dog and stallion spermatozoa, respectively. When capacitation and acrosome reaction were induced in boar, stallion and dog spermatozoa, no changes in both Hsp60 and -90 were recorded by either Western blot or immunofluorescence. After induction of acrosome reaction, a Hsp70 redistribution in boar spermatozoa and an increased percentage of stallion spermatozoa showing the post-acrosomal signal were observed although no changes were recorded by Western blot; in dog spermatozoa, no changes in Hsp70 were found by Western blot and immunofluorescence after capacitation and acrosome reaction.     

Effect of Exogenous Progesterone on Post-thaw Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction of Bovine Spermatozoa

The aim of this work was to study the effect of progesterone (P4) on capacitation and acrosome reaction (AR) of post-thaw bovine spermatozoa in vitro. Spermatozoa were incubated (0-180 min) in capacitation medium supplemented with 0, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 microg/ml of P4. At different time intervals aliquots were taken to determine sperm plasma membrane lipid destabilization, or capacitation (AR induced by lysophosphatidylcholine) in spermatozoa. The second experiment aimed to study the effects of P4, as potential inducer of AR in heparin-capacitated spermatozoa. The acrosomal status and viability of spermatozoa were evaluated under an epifluorescence microscope using Ethidium homodimer/peanut agglutinin fluorescein isothiocyanate staining method. Plasma membrane scrambling in spermatozoa was assessed by a flow cytometer, using merocyanine staining. The results show that P4 at the concentrations used had no negative effects on sperm viability. Progesterone significantly enhanced sperm capacitation (p < 0.001), but had no effect on plasma membrane lipid stability (p > 0.05) and did not significantly increase the AR of heparin-capacitated spermatozoa (p > 0.05). Progesterone displayed its effects in a dose-dependent manner with a maximum effect of 10 microg/ml P4 at 180 min of incubation. The results demonstrate that in cryopreserved bovine semen, P4 acts as capacitating, but not as an AR-inducing agent.     

Roles of Intracellular Cyclic AMP Signal Transduction in the Capacitation and Subsequent Hyperactivation of Mouse and Boar Spermatozoa

It is not until accomplishment of a variety of molecular changes during the transit through the female reproductive tract that mammalian spermatozoa are capable of exhibiting highly activated motility with asymmetric whiplash beating of the flagella (hyperactivation) and undergoing acrosomal exocytosis in the head (acrosome reaction). These molecular changes of the spermatozoa are collectively termed capacitation and promoted by bicarbonate, calcium and cholesterol acceptors. Such capacitation-promoting factors can stimulate intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) signal transduction in the spermatozoa. Meanwhile, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction are essential to sperm fertilization with oocytes and are apparently triggered by a sufficient increase of intracellular Ca²⁺ in the sperm flagellum and head, respectively. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the relationship between cAMP signal transduction and calcium signaling cascades in the spermatozoa for the purpose of understanding the molecular basis of capacitation. In this review, I cover updated insights regarding intracellular cAMP signal transduction, the acrosome reaction and flagellar motility in mammalian spermatozoa and then account for possible roles of intracellular cAMP signal transduction in the capacitation and subsequent hyperactivation of mouse and boar spermatozoa.     

Angiotensin-II induced nitric oxide production during buffalo sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction

The present study was designed to see the effects of Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) on buffalo sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction (AR), and its relation to nitric oxide (NO()) production. The extent of capacitation or AR was determined by dual staining while the NO() production was determined by spectrophotometry. The results thus obtained revealed that Ang-II induced capacitation in a concentration and time dependent manner and 200 nM Ang-II was found to be optimal for capacitation as it was comparable to heparin treatment (50.7±2.45% vs. 51.66±2.33%). In capacitated cells the extent of AR induced by Ang-II was significantly higher than the untreated control (48.13±2.31% vs. 22.16±2.11%) and comparable to lysophosphatidyl Choline (LPC) treatment (51.56±1.94%). The NO() production during Ang-II induced capacitation and AR was gradual and time dependent. These levels were significantly higher when compared to control (3.65±0.53 nmoles/10(8)cells vs. 9.12±0.30 nmoles/10(8)cells). All the actions of Ang-II were inhibited in the presence of Losartan but not PD123319, indicating the role of AT1 receptors in these actions. Further the NO() production was also significantly inhibited in the presence of neomycin and trifluoperazine pointing towards the role of phosphoinositide pathway in this process. In conclusion, Ang-II has a concentration and time dependent effect on buffalo sperm capacitation and AR, mediated via the AT1 receptors. Its effect on NO() production may be indirect involving the phosphoinositide pathway.     

Effects of protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin a on the postacrosomal protein serine/threonine phosphorylation state and acrosome reaction in boar spermatozoa incubated with a cAMP analog

In order to reveal the involvement of the sperm postacrosomal region in the acrosome reaction, we examined the effects of the protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A on the postacrosomal protein serine/threonine phosphorylation state and acrosome morphology in boar spermatozoa incubated with a cAMP analog. Proteins were highly phosphorylated on the serine/threonine residues only in the postacrosomal region before incubation. After 90-min incubation without calyculin A, the protein phosphorylation state declined in the postacrosomal region irrespective of the capacitation state while it remained under the detectable level in the other regions of the sperm head. However, addition of calyculin A effectively suppressed the decline in protein phosphorylation state and increased an inactive form of protein phosphatase 1 in the postacrosomal region. On the other hand, this inhibitor had no influence on the protein phosphorylation state in the acrosome and equatorial segment. After incubation without calyculin A for 180 or 360 min, many spermatozoa exhibited acrosomal changes and loss that indicated occurrence of the acrosome reaction. However, addition of calyculin A significantly blocked these events. These results are consistent with our suggestion that postacrosomal serine/threonine-phosphorylated proteins are involved in suppression of the acrosome reaction in boar spermatozoa in vitro.     

钙离子浓度对绵羊精子获能的影响

为探讨钙离子浓度对绵羊精子获能的影响,将绵羊精子在不同钙离子浓度的绵羊输卵管合成液（SOF液）中培养,并用钙离子载体A23187进行诱导。结果发现,不同钙离子浓度对绵羊精子的影响差别不明显,经A23187诱导后,1.7 mmol/L组和2 mmol/L组的顶体反应率（AR）与其他组有显著差异（P<0.05）,1.7 mmol/L浓度中,绵羊精子存活时间为16 h,2 mmol/L浓度中的存活时间为10 h,因此认为绵羊精子获能的适宜钙离子浓度为1.7 mmol/L,且获能过程中钙离子的存在是必要的。     

米非司酮对小鼠精子穿透卵丘细胞层的影响

本研究旨在探讨米非司酮（mifepristone,RU486）对小鼠精子穿透卵丘细胞层的影响。分别添加20 μg/mL RU486到精子获能液或穿卵培养液,检测小鼠精子顶体反应发生比率和穿透卵丘细胞层能力。结果显示,添加RU486能够极显著抑制孕酮（P₄,5 μg/mL）诱导的精子顶体反应（P ＜0.01）;并极显著减少穿透卵丘细胞层到达卵子透明带的精子数量及在卵子-卵丘细胞复合体（OCC）中精子发生顶体反应的比率（P＜0.01）;同时添加P₄和RU486情况下,相比单独添加RU486,虽然P₄能够极显著地促进精子穿透卵丘细胞层到达透明带,但对OCC中的精子顶体反应没有明显作用。综上表明,RU486能够抑制P₄诱导的顶体反应并影响小鼠精子穿透卵丘细胞层过程,揭示P₄/孕酮受体（PGR）通路在小鼠精子穿卵过程中具有重要作用。