S100 A9 is expressed and secreted by the oviduct epithelium, interacts with gametes and affects parameters of human sperm capacitation in vitro.

Our previous findings demonstrate that some oviductal secretion proteins bind to gametes and affect sperm physiology and gamete interaction. One of these proteins possesses an estimated molecular weight of 14 kDa. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify this 14 kDa protein, to localize it in the human oviduct, to detect gamete binding sites for the protein, and to evaluate its effects on sperm capacitation parameters and gamete interaction.

Study of the effect of ulipristal acetate on human sperm ability to interact with tubal tissue and cumulus-oocyte-complexes.

Objective: Ulispristal acetate (UPA) is a selective progesterone receptor modulator widely used for emergency contraception (EC). The described main mechanism of action is by inhibiting or delaying ovulation; however, the postovulatory effects of the drug are still on debate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether UPA could interfere with human sperm fertilizing ability.

Effects of lactoferrin, a protein present in the female reproductive tract, on parameters of human sperm capacitation and gamete interaction.

In a recent study, lactoferrin (LF) was detected in human oviductal secretion. The protein was able to bind to oocytes and sperm, and modulated gamete interaction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of LF on parameters related to human sperm capacitation and sperm-zona pellucida interaction.

In vitro incubation of human spermatozoa promotes reactive oxygen species generation and DNA fragmentation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative process associated with sperm capacitation and its impact on DNA fragmentation and sperm function. Redox activity and lipid peroxidation were analysed in human spermatozoa after 3, 6 and 22 h of incubation in Ham's F10 medium plus bovine albumin at 37° and 5% CO2 for capacitation. DNA status, tyrosine phosphorylation pattern and induced acrosome reaction were evaluated after capacitating conditions.

Oviductal secretion and gamete interaction.

Experimental evidence from the last 30 years supports the fact that the oviduct is involved in the modulation of the reproductive process in eutherian mammals. Oviductal secretion contains molecules that contribute to regulation of gamete function, gamete interaction, and the early stages of embryo development. The oviductal environment would act as a sperm reservoir, maintaining sperm viability, and modulating the subpopulation of spermatozoa that initiates the capacitation process.