Localization of angiotensin-II type 1(AT1) receptors on buffalo spermatozoa: AT1 receptor activation during capacitation triggers rise in cyclic AMP and calcium.

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of Ang-II in buffalo spermatozoa; localize angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptors on the sperm surface and understand the signaling mechanisms involved therein. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry using polyclonal Rabbit anti-AT1 (N-10) IgG were performed to confirm the presence of AT1 receptors. Intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were determined by non-radioactive enzyme immunoassay, while that of Calcium [Ca(2+)] were estimated by fluorimetry using Fura2AM dye.

Angiotensin-II induced nitric oxide production during buffalo sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction.

The present study was designed to see the effects of Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) on buffalo sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction (AR), and its relation to nitric oxide (NO()) production. The extent of capacitation or AR was determined by dual staining while the NO() production was determined by spectrophotometry. The results thus obtained revealed that Ang-II induced capacitation in a concentration and time dependent manner and 200 nM Ang-II was found to be optimal for capacitation as it was comparable to heparin treatment (50.

Semen characteristics, cryopreservation, and successful artificial insemination in the Blue rock pigeon (Columba livia).

The present study was undertaken in the Blue rock pigeon (Columba livia) to evaluate the annual semen characteristics, to identify a suitable extender for semen short-term storage, to determine a protocol for cryopreservation of semen and finally to check whether intracloacal insemination would lead to the birth of a chick. Semen characteristics such as semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and percentage of normal spermatozoa were maximum during the monsoon season. TALP was observed to be the most suitable semen extender and the sperm survived best at 37 degrees C at a dilution of 1:100 in TALP.