It has been suggested that human spermatozoa contain an NADPH oxidase that could generate reactive oxygen species involved in signalling pathways to promote fertility. The proposal depends on observations that the addition of NADPH to purified human spermatozoa stimulates chemiluminescence by the superoxide (O2-) probe, lucigenin. We confirmed these observations, but demonstrated that lucigenin...

Fertilization depends on successful binding of the spermatozoa to the zona pellucida of the oocyte. Glycodelin-A inhibits spermatozoa-zona pellucida binding. Previous data showed that glycodelin-A receptor(s) and zona pellucida protein receptor(s) on human spermatozoa are closely related. Using a chemical cross-linking approach, the glycodelin-A-sperm receptor complex was isolated. The receptor...

Background: The objective of present study was to assess potential of DHR123 (dihydrorhodamine 123) fluorescent probe for measurement of H2O2 produced by human spermatozoa and comparing the results with DCFH-DA (2', 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate). Materials and Methods: Fluorescent intensity and percentage R123 and DCF positive sperm measured by flow cytometry. The suitable ...

The acrosome reaction (AR), an absolute requirement for spermatozoa and egg fusion, requires the influx of Ca²(+) into the spermatozoa through voltage-dependent Ca²(+) channels and store-operated channels. Maitotoxin (MTx), a Ca²(+)-mobilizing agent, has been shown to be a potent inducer of the mouse sperm AR, with a pharmacology similar to that of the zona pellucida (ZP), possibly suggesting a...

The female steroid hormone progesterone regulates ovulation and supports pregnancy, but also controls human sperm function within the female reproductive tract. Progesterone causes elevation of sperm intracellular Ca(2+) leading to sperm hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and perhaps chemotaxis toward the egg. Although it has been suggested that progesterone-dependent Ca(2+) influx into human ...

The introduction of a quinacrine staining technique for identifying human chromosomes (Zech, 1969) also permitted recognition of the human Y chromosome in non-dividing cells (Pearson, Bobrow & Vosa, 1970), including spermatozoa (Pearson & Bobrow, 1970; Barlow & Vosa, 1970). The ability to distinguish between human Xand Y-bearing spermatozoa has been used in estimating the difference in the DNA ...

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the presence of leptin mRNA transcript in epididymal spermatozoa of Holstein cattle by RT-PCR analysis. Materials and Methods: To collect sperm from epididymis, the whole testes of three adult Holstein bulls were quickly removed after slaughtering. Samples were transferred to the laboratory on ice and subsequently the epididymal contents were c...

background: host immune system response against blood group antigens is a major problem in blood transfusions, especially forthalassemic patients. thus, an approach was proposed coating the red blood cell (rbc) surface by polyethylene glycol.objectives: this study aimed to obtain the optimal simultaneous camouflge of the major and minor antigens by activated methoxypolyethylene glycol (mpeg) wi...