Glycan-protein interactions play a key role in mammalian fertilization, but data on the composition and identities of protein complexes involved in fertilization events are scarce, with the added complication that the glycans in such interactions tend to differ among species. In this study we have used a bovine model to detect, characterize and identify sperm lectins relevant in fertilization. ...

urethra from compression during copulation. Consistent with a role in mechanical support, certain primates and carnivore species that have prolonged copulation also have a longer baculum. A role in female stimulation also seems likely, particularly in species where copulation is prolonged with multiple intromissions, thrusting or multiple ejaculations. Copulatory stimulation can have important ...

In mammals, only a few spermatozoa arrive at the fertilization site. During the last step in the journey to the egg, apart from their self-propulsion, spermatozoa may be assisted by oviduct movement and/or a guidance mechanism. The proportion of rabbit spermatozoa that arrive at the fertilization site was determined under in vivo conditions, in which either the ovulation products (secreting che...

Rhythmic peristaltic contractions of the muscular wall of the non-pregnant uterus, as well as rapid sperm transport from the vagina to the Fallopian tubes, have long been documented by means of vaginal sonography and hysterosalpingoscintigraphy. Uterine peristaltic activity reaches a maximum before ovulation and is controlled via oestradiol secretion from the dominant follicle systemically and ...

Infertility is a common yet complex problem affecting approximately 10-15% of couples attempting to conceive a baby. Especially, 40-50% of these factors are known as male-related disorders. Unlike female infertility, the cause of which is often easily identified, diagnosing male factors can be difficult. Male infertility is due to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages of sp...

In poultry, sperm transferred by natural mating or AI into the distal end of the vagina immediately begin their ascent to the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) at the anterior end of the vagina. However, due to an intense selection process in the vagina, less than 1% of the sperm transferred actually reach the UVJ. Those sperm that do reach the UVJ enter numerous tubular invaginations of the surface ...

HCO(3) (-) is the signal for early activation of sperm motility. In vivo, this occurs when sperm come into contact with the HCO(3) (-) containing fluids in the reproductive tract. The activated motility enables sperm to travel the long distance to the ovum. In spermatozoa HCO(3) (-) stimulates the atypical sperm adenylyl cyclase (sAC) to promote the cAMP-mediated pathway that increases flagella...

The oviduct functions in the transportation of gametes to the site of fertilization (the ampulla) and is the site of early embryonic development. Alterations of this early developmental environment, such as the presence of sexually transmitted pathogens, may affect oviduct function leading to reduced fertilization rates and contribute to compromised embryonic development. In this study, sperm i...

GRP78, a resident endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone involved in protein transport, folding and assembly, has been reported in sperm. It is shown to be localized in the neck region of human sperm. We have previously reported GRP78 to be less phosphorylated in asthenozoosperm.The present study aimed to determine whether sperm GRP78 undergoes phosphorylation changes during epididymal maturation...

Infertility is a common yet complex problem affecting approximately 10-15% of couples attempting to conceive a baby. Especially, 40-50% of these factors are known as male-related disorders. Unlike female infertility, the cause of which is often easily identified, diagnosing male factors can be difficult. Male infertility is due to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages of sp...