Fertilization is a multistep process requiring spermatozoa with unique cellular structures and numerous germ cell-specific molecules that function in the various steps. In the highly coordinated process of male germ cell development, RNA splicing and polyadenylation help regulate gene expression to assure formation of functional spermatozoa. Male germ cells express tauCstF-64 (Cstf2t gene produ...

Background: Fertilization is a multistep process requiring spermatozoa with unique cellular structures and numerous germ cell-specific molecules that function in the various steps. In the highly coordinated process of male germ cell development, RNA splicing and polyadenylation help regulate gene expression to ensure formation of functional spermatozoa. Male germ cells express tauCstF-64 (Cstf2...

In this study, sperm characteristics (motility parameters and ionic composition of seminal plasma) and effect of ions on motility (duration of motility of sperm and percentage of motile spermatozoa) and fertilization capacity (fertilization rate, hatching rate, survival rate and larvae length) were investigated in Ctenopharyngdon idella. The longest duration of motility obtained in solution con...

In this study, sperm characteristics (motility parameters and ionic composition of seminal plasma) and effect of ions on motility (duration of motility of sperm and percentage of motile spermatozoa) and fertilization capacity (fertilization rate, hatching rate, survival rate and larvae length) were investigated in Ctenopharyngdon idella. The longest duration of motility obtained in solution con...

AKT, also referred to as protein kinase B (PKB or RAC), plays a critical role in controlling cell survival and apoptosis. To gain insights into the mechanisms regulating sperm survival after ejaculation, the role of AKT was investigated in stallion spermatozoa using a specific inhibitor and a phosphoflow approach. Stallion spermatozoa were washed and incubated in Biggers-Whitten-Whittingham med...

Prior to attempting the in vitro production of embryos in the Bryde's whale (Balaenoputera edeni), we investigated whether spermatozoa can retain the capacity for oocyte activation and pronucleus formation as well as chromosomal integrity under cryopreservation by using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) into mouse oocytes. Regardless of motility and viability, whale spermatozoa efficientl...

The relationship between the number of motile sperms inseminated and fertility rate and litter size at birth in rabbits was investigated. A total of 651 artificial inseminations on multiparous rabbit does in different physiological states (lactating or not; sexually receptive or not) were inseminated with a number of motile cells/dose varying from about 1-20 x 10(6). The statistical model compu...

Sperm activation in the polychaete annelid Arenicola marina was investigated using video microscopy following the in vitro and in vivo manipulation of gametes. Careful observation of spermatozoa obtained from spawning animals indicated that they were immotile immediately after their release from the gonopores, but that they subsequently became motile following dilution in sea water. It was dete...

A good functional status of cryopreserved boar spermatozoa is very important for successful fertilization of porcine oocytes and in vitro embryo production. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the changes in functional status of boar spermatozoa separated from frozen-thawed semen and capacitated in vitro by caffeine. The effect of acrosome reaction development in spermatozoa on the efficie...

Epididymal sperm aspiration and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an established treatment for obstructive azoospermia. Sperm aspiration is performed with either an incision or percutaneously. To control costs, minimize morbidity and retain the advantages of both approaches, we developed a mini-incision technique for epididymal aspiration and here report sper...