Seminal plasma proteins of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.).

Protein content and properties in the seminal plasma of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) were assayed using spectrophotometric and electrophoretic methods. The protein concentration ranged from 6.4 +/- 3.

Acrosome staining and motility characteristics of sterlet spermatozoa after cryopreservation with use of methanol and DMSO.

In this study we describe acrosome staining and motility characteristics of fresh and cryopreserved sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.) spermatozoa using soybean trypsin inhibitor-Alexa conjugate fluorescent staining and computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA), respectively. Methanol or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) were used as cryoprotectants.

Isolation, characterization and cDNA sequencing of a Kazal family proteinase inhibitor from seminal plasma of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).

The turkey reproductive tract and seminal plasma contain a serine proteinase inhibitor that seems to be unique for the reproductive tract. Our experimental objective was to isolate, characterize and cDNA sequence the Kazal family proteinase inhibitor from turkey seminal plasma and testis. Seminal plasma contains two forms of a Kazal family inhibitor: virgin (Ia) represented by an inhibitor of moderate electrophoretic migration rate (present also in the testis) and modified (Ib, a split peptide bond) represented by an inhibitor with a fast migration rate.

Effects of different surfactants on motility and DNA integrity of brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) spermatozoa.

In this study we evaluated effects of surfactants on motility parameters and DNA integrity of spermatozoa of freshwater teleost fish. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) spermatozoa were exposed to either sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS, anionic surfactant) or octoxynol 9 ( Triton X-100, nonionic surfactant). Both surfactants added at activation caused a decrease in sperm motility characteristics measured by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA).

Polymorphism of transferrin of carp seminal plasma: relationship to blood transferrin and sperm motility characteristics.

Transferrin (Tf) is a major protein of carp (Cyprinus carpio) seminal plasma. Its relationship with milt quality is unknown. In this study, we sought to determine if Tf is polymorphic in carp seminal plasma and if this polymorphism is related to sperm motility characteristics.

Application of biochemical markers for identification of biological properties of animal semen.

The use of biochemical markers for identification of biological properties of semen will help to develop new criteria that are accurate and objective in predicting and improving male fertility. Understanding and controlling the mechanisms involved in fertility is a key challenge, which is of fundamental importance in successful animal reproductive performance. Moreover, unraveling the unique molecular mechanism associated with sperm function might have considerable diagnostic value in the evaluation of male infertility.

Improvement of electrophoretic detection of antitrypsin activity in fish blood and seminal plasma.

The original method of Uriel and Berges for detection of trypsin inhibitors lacks specificity due to masking effects of nonspecific esterases. We report a modification of this method based on inhibition of esterases in samples by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). This method can be particularly useful for characterization profiles of antitrypsin activity in seminal plasma of salmonid fish where esterases and inhibitors migrate at the same mobility.