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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1978

Timing of sperm transport, sperm penetration and cleavage in the rat.

Times of sperm entry into the oviduct from the uterus, into the ampulla from the isthmus; of sperm penetration into oocytes, and of cleavage, were determined using three mating regions. Time intervals and their errors of estimation were calculated. Spermatozoa were first found in the isthmus of the oviduct no earlier than 15 minutes after coitus, but required four hours to ascend the oviduct to the ampulla. The rate of sperm arrival was equal to the rate of sperm penetration, i.e., about 3 sperms/hour. Time of cleavage in vivo was 20.6 hours after sperm penetration in ad libitum mated animals. In culture, oocytes cleaved at exactly the same time as in vivo. Delaying sperm arrival to the site of fertilization (by delaying mating) shortened the time interval between median time of sperm penetration and median time of cleavage. It was concluded that the time of cleavage of the oocyte reflects primarily the time of sperm penetration, but is also influenced by the postovulatory age of the oocyte.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sonographic evidence for the involvement of the utero-ovarian counter-current system in the ovarian control of directed uterine sperm transport.

Sperm transport from the cervix into the tube is an important uterine function within the process of reproduction. This function is exerted by uterine peristalsis and is controlled by the dominant ovarian structure via a cascade of endocrine events. The uterine peristaltic activity involves only the stratum subvasculare of the myometrium, which exhibits a predominantly circular arrangement of muscular fibres that separate at the fundal level into the fibres of the cornua and continue into the circular muscles of the respective tubes. Since spermatozoa are transported preferentially into the tube ipsilateral to the dominant follicle, this asymmetric uterine function may be controlled by the ovary via direct effects utilizing the utero-ovarian counter-current system, in addition to the systemic circulation. To test this possibility the sonographic characteristics of the uterine vascular bed were studied during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Vaginal sonography with the measurement of Doppler flow characteristics of both uterine arteries and of the arterial anastomoses of the uterine and ovarian arteries (junctional vessels) in the cornual region of both sides of the uterus during the menstrual phase of regular-cycling women demonstrated significant lower resistance indices of the junctional vessels ipsilateral to the side of the dominant ovarian structure as compared with the corresponding arteries contralaterally. By the use of the perfusion mode technique, it could be observed that vascular perfusion of the fundal myometrium was significantly increased ipsilateral to the dominant follicle during the late follicular phase of the cycle. These results show that the endocrine control of the dominant ovarian structure over uterine function is not only exerted via the systemic circulation but also directly, most probably utilizing the utero-ovarian counter-current system.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of prazosin on sperm transport in male rats.

Our objective was to investigate ejaculation and transport of sperm in the reproductive tract of male rats treated with an alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist. Males were dosed (s.c.) with vehicle or 1.4 mg/kg prazosin. Sperm recovered in utero and ex vivo from the vas deferens and cauda epididymis were evaluated. Mating behavior and sperm motility were unaffected by prazosin. Prazosin treated males ejaculated fewer sperm (12.58 +/- 8.12 vs. 110.5 +/- 29.15 million), and the distal vas deferens contained fewer sperm (2.72 +/- 0.84 vs. 24.42 +/- 3.25 million) relative to controls. Prazosin-treated males had more sperm in the cauda epididymis relative to controls indicating inhibition of sperm transport to the vas deferens. These data demonstrate that inhibition of sperm transport from the cauda epididymis to the distal vas deferens is related to low ejaculate sperm counts in prazosin treated rats.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed1987

Transcervical sperm transport in the rat: the roles of pre-ejaculatory behavior and copulatory plug fit.

In the rat, the transport of sperm from the vagina, where they are deposited at ejaculation, into the uterus is not automatic. Various behavioral and physiological factors influence this transport process: the number of pre-ejaculatory intromissions, the duration of immobility at ejaculation, and the fit of the copulatory plug. The interplay of these three factors in producing adequate sperm transport, and their relations with each other, were examined in 52 female rats that received various numbers of pre-ejaculatory intromissions (from 0 to more than 15). The number of intromissions was strongly related to all other measures. Ejaculatory immobility was associated with better fitting copulatory plugs when females received few intromissions. Sperm transport was most strongly predicted by plug fit. Intromissions were a major predictor of good fitting copulatory plugs and transcervical sperm transport; immobility did not mediate intromission's influence and did not have a major independent role.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Cytoskeletal involvement in spermiation and sperm transport.

The process of spermiation and sperm transport was studied using specific inhibitors of cytoskeletal elements. Within 12-24 hr after the intratesticular injection of taxol, a compound that acts to stabilize microtubules and inhibit microtubule-related processes, an unusually large number of microtubules was seen within the body of the Sertoli cell. At the same time, transport of elements within the seminiferous epithelium was affected. At the end of stage VI of the cycle, step 19 spermatids were maintained in the deep recesses of the Sertoli cell and not transported to the rim of the seminiferous tubule lumen. At stage VIII, residual bodies remained at, or near, the rim of the tubule and were not transported to the base of the tubule. They underwent only partial degradation at this site, indicating that there may have been two phases involved in their dissolution--one autophagic and one phagocytic, but the latter did not occur since the residual bodies were not transported to Sertoli lysosomes at the base of the tubule. The observations suggest that microtubules are involved in transport processes within the seminiferous epithelium. Within 1-12 hr after the intratesticular injection of 500 microM cytochalasin D, a compound which interferes with actin-related processes, normal appearing tubulobulbar complexes were not present. The tubular portion (distal tube) of the complex did not initiate development. It was assumed that filaments (which were identified as such using NBD-phallacidin and the S-1 fragment of myosin) played an important role in the development of this portion of the complex. Cells did not eliminate cytoplasm normally, as evidenced by an enlarged cytoplasmic droplet, further emphasizing the published role for tubulobulbar complexes in cytoplasmic elimination. Although sperm were released normally from stage VIII tubules, many remained within the tubular lumen and did not traverse the duct system. Cytochalasin did not inhibit fluid secretion by the Sertoli cell, as demonstrated by efferent duct ligation, but did alter myoid cell actin cytoskeletal organization, suggesting that myoid cell contractility is primarily responsible for transport of sperm. Overall, the observations suggest that cytoskeletal activity of the Sertoli cell is important for several aspects of the spermiation process as well as sperm transport.

Actins↗
PubMed1977

Facilitative and inhibitory influences of reproductive behavior on sperm transport in rats.

Six experiments were performed to investigate the effects of the rat's copulatory behavior on sperm transport in the female's reproductive tract. Data showed that (a) transcervical sperm transport in rats requires 6--10 min after ejaculation for completion; (b) transcervical transport of large numbers of sperm requires that the vaginal plug remain lodged tightly in the vaginal-cervical junction; (c) maintenance of an immobile posture by the male, and possibly by the female, at ejaculation facilitates the deposition of a tightly lodged vaginal plug and the transport of large numbers of sperm through the cervix; (d) a single intromission occurring within 2 min after ejaculation disrupts sperm transport, but more copulatory stimulation is required to disrupt sperm transport when delivered between 4 and 10 min after ejaculation; and (e) the average postejaculatory interval is long enough to prevent a male from disrupting the transport of most of his own sperm from the preceding ejaculation.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Sperm transport in the human female reproductive tract in relation to semen analysis characteristics and time of ovulation.

Laparoscopic sperm recovery from the pouch of Douglas and tubal fimbriae was performed in 64 infertile couples. Spermatozoa were recovered from 16/35 couples investigated after AIH, and from 13/29 couples post coitum. The method of insemination had no effect on the result, which was positive in 45.3% of all couples, although AIH did result in significantly larger numbers of peritoneal spermatozoa. The number of peritoneal spermatozoa did not show any direct correlation with the number inseminated, but there were reductions along the tract of 5.83 (+/- 1.4 s.d.) orders of magnitude for total sperm count, and 5.52 (+/- 1.21 s.d.) for the number of motile spermatozoa. Only sperm motility had a significant influence on the success of sperm transport; spermatozoa were recovered from patients with sperm densities as low as 3.0 and 3.5 x 10(6)/ml, but with 56 and 44% motile spermatozoa. No influence of cycle day within the range +/- 4 days of ovulation on sperm transport was found. In 45 couples, routine semen analyses were apparently completely normal, but the incidence of sperm recovery was still only 49% (22/45), suggesting that a failure of sperm transport may have been a significant causative factor in their infertility.

Female↗
PubMed2005

Uterine activity, sperm transport, and the role of boar stimuli around insemination in sows.

This paper describes changes in spontaneous myometrial activity around estrus, factors that affect myometrial activity, and the possible role of uterine contractions in the process of (artificial) insemination, sperm transport and fertilization. Myometrial activity in the sow increases during estrus. The activity is myogenic in origin, but several factors have been shown to affect myometrial activity. Natural mating stimulates uterine contractions through several mechanisms. The presence of a boar, rather than the act of mating, induces central oxytocin release in the sow and thus increases uterine activity. Estrogens in the ejaculate of a boar can trigger prostaglandin release by the endometrium and thus increase uterine activity. Tactile stimulation of the genital tract (cervix) or tactile stimulation of the back and flanks of the sow during artificial insemination does not cause a release of oxytocin. There is hardly any evidence for the effects of these latter stimuli on uterine activity, and if they are present at all, the effects are very small. Evidence for the effects of synthetic boar odor on oxytocin release and/or uterine activity is inconsistent. The mere presence of a boar during insemination, in contrast, clearly stimulates uterine activity through the release of oxytocin. Hormonal stimulation (intrauterine) of uterine activity with estrogens, prostaglandins, or oxytocins before, during or after insemination generally improves fertilization rate, especially in situations with reduced fertility. Therefore, uterine contractions are believed to play an important role in the transport of sperm cells to the oviducts after insemination. Whether uterine contractions are absolutely necessary for sperm transport through the uterine horns, however, is not clear. Intensive stimulation of uterine contractions using hormones can also reduce the fertilization rate, probably by increasing the reflux of sperm cells during insemination. In this respect, the presence of a boar during AI seems more adequate, as only sows with a low level of uterine activity show an increase in uterine activity in response to this stimulus.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Experimental studies of rapid sperm transport in rabbits.

When non-motile spermatozoa were used in seminal plasma for artificial insemination, rapid sperm transport to that oviducts was observed in every animal examined 15 min after insemination. Rapid transport never occurred when non-motile spermatozoa were suspended in artificial media, but when motile spermatozoa were suspended in artificial media they were frequently recovered from the oviducts within 15 min. Two successive artificial inseminations 15 min apart were each followed by rapid transport when both inseminates contained seminal plasma; when the second inseminate consisted of spermatozoa suspended in saline, only the first sperm population reached the oviducts. Rapid sperm transport was effectively blocked with the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phenoxybenzamine. We therefore conclude that: (1) sperm motility is not required for rapid sperm transport in rabbits, (2) constituents of the seminal plasma may initiate rapid transport by stimulation of vaginal contractions, (3) independent contractions of the uterus under control of the sympathetic nervous system may continue the transport process once the spermatozoa reach the uterus.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Components in seminal plasma regulating sperm transport and elimination.

Seminal plasma has been suggested to be involved in sperm transport, and as a modulator of sperm-induced inflammation, which is thought to be an important part of sperm elimination from the female reproductive tract. This article reports on recent experiments on the importance of seminal plasma components in sperm transport and elimination. In Experiment 1, hysteroscopic insemination in the presence (n = 3) or absence (n = 3) of 2 ng/mL PGE showed an increased portion of spermatozoa crossing the utero-tubal junction in the presence of PGE in two mares, while no difference was observed between treatments in a third mare. In Experiment 2, whole seminal plasma, heat-treated seminal plasma (90 degrees C for 45 min), and charcoal-treated seminal plasma were added to: (1) sperm samples during opsonization prior to polymorphonuclear neutrophil(s) (PMN)-phagocytosis assays (n = 5); or to (2) phagocytosis assays (n = 5). Opsonization of spermatozoa was suppressed in the presence of whole seminal plasma, compared with samples without seminal plasma (p < 0.05). Charcoal treatment did not remove the suppressive effect of seminal plasma on opsonization, but heat treatment of seminal plasma reduced its suppressive properties (p < 0.05). The addition of whole seminal plasma to opsonized spermatozoa almost completely blocked phagocytosis (p < 0.05). Charcoal treatment did not remove the suppressive effect of seminal plasma. However, heat-treated fractions of seminal plasma removed the suppressive effect of seminal plasma on phagocytosis (p < 0.05). In Experiment 3, viable and non-viable (snap-frozen/thawed) spermatozoa were subjected to in vitro assays for PMN binding and phagocytosis with the following treatments (n = 3): (1) seminal plasma (SP), (2) extender; (3) ammonium sulfate precipitated seminal plasma proteins with protease inhibitor (SPP+); or (4) ammonium sulfate precipitated seminal plasma proteins without protease inhibitor (SPP-). Treatment was observed to impact binding and phagocytosis of viable and non-viable spermatozoa (p < 0.05). SP and SPP+ suppressed PMN-binding and phagocytosis of viable sperm. This effect was also seen, but to a lesser degree, in SPP- treated samples. Non-viable spermatozoa showed less PMN-binding and phagocytosis than live sperm in the absence of SP. The addition of SP promoted PMN-binding and phagocytosis of non-viable spermatozoa. SPP- treated samples also restored PMN-binding of non-viable spermatozoa. The addition of protease inhibitors removed this effect. In Experiment 4, seminal plasma proteins were fractionated based on MW by Sephacryl S200 HR columns (range 5000-250,000 kDa). Fractionated proteins were submitted to sperm-PMN binding assays. A protein fraction <35 kDa suppressed PMN-binding to live and snap-frozen spermatozoa. A greater MW protein fraction appeared to promote binding between PMNs and snap-frozen spermatozoa. While the addition of protease inhibitors was necessary to maintain the protective effect of seminal plasma proteins on viable spermatozoa, the promotive effect of seminal plasma on non-viable spermatozoa appeared to require some protease activity. It was concluded from these experiments that components of seminal plasma play active roles in transportation and survival of viable spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract and in the elimination of non-viable spermatozoa from the uterus.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Transuterine sperm transport is not affected by bilateral asymmetry of the reproductive system in dairy cows.

Effects of right versus left side activities of the reproductive organs on sperm transport after deep cornual insemination were evaluated in 1686 Friesian cows in their first lactational period. Only single ovulating animals were used. At insemination, semen was deposited deep into the uterine horn ipsilateral or contralateral to the preovulatory follicle. Pregnancy rates were used as measurement of the success of sperm transport. The reproductive history of each cow included that of the side of the previous gestation. A higher activity of the right versus left side was registered. Following calving and after uterine involution, activities of the right versus left side reproductive organs remained constant independently of the side of previous pregnancy, and did not affect transuterine sperm transport. The data indicate that after uterine involution sperm transport is not affected by bilateral asymmetry of the reproductive system in cattle.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Uterine contractility and directed sperm transport assessed by hysterosalpingoscintigraphy (HSSG) and intrauterine pressure (IUP) measurement.

BACKGROUND: Uterine peristalsis sustains sperm transport and can be detected by hysterosalpingoscintigraphy (HSSG). This study is the first to be designed to investigate utero-tubal transport function by HSSG and uterine contractility by intrauterine pressure measurement (IUP) consecutively on the same day in the periovulatory phase. METHODS: Twenty-one female subjects (mean age 28.4 years) without a gynecologic history were examined sequentially by HSSG and IUP on the same day to evaluate uterine contractility in relation to the utero-tubal transport function. In HSSG, intact transport function was visualized by the rapid uptake of 99m-technetium-marked albumin aggregates through the female genital tract. In IUP, the frequency of uterine contractions (UC/min), amplitude of uterine contractions and basal pressure tone were detected via a intrauterine catheter. HSSG and IUP were embedded in cycle monitoring with measurement of LH and estradiol. RESULTS: In HSSG, a positive transport of inert particles was assessed in 20 of 21 subjects, in 76% to the side of the dominant follicle or on both sides of the oviduct, and in 19% a strict contralateral transport could be observed. In only one subject (5%), no transport was assessed. The mean value of uterine contractions was 3.4 UC/min (SD +/- 0.7), the mean amplitude was 12.0 mmHg (SD +/- 4.25 mmHg). Basal pressure tone was 70.7 mmHg. There was a statistically significant correlation with estradiol levels: none of the subjects with less than 3 UC/min showed an estradiol level higher than 100 pg/mL; nearly every patient (one exception) with more than 3 UC/min had an estradiol level higher than 100 pg/mL (p < 0.0001, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS: Intact periovulatory utero-tubal transport function can be documented by HSSG and is caused by directed uterine contractility, measured consecutively by IUP. Uterine contractility is influenced by rising estradiol levels. Directed uterine contractility and intact utero-tubal transport function are considered necessary for intact sperm transport, mainly to the side bearing the dominant follicle to maximize fertility.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Intraperitoneal insemination and retrograde sperm transport in dairy cows.

To examine the efficiency of retrograde sperm transport following intraperitoneal insemination, live and dead spermatozoa were used at different concentrations, and sperm recovery from cervical mucus (0.5 ml) 2, 6, 12 and 24 h following insemination was evaluated. Forty lactating Friesian cows, in their second to fourth lactation period, were used in this experiment. Thirty-six cows received intraperitoneally either live or dead spermatozoa. Each group of six cows received one of three total sperm numbers of 30, 45 and 90 million. Four cows were inseminated with 90 million spermatozoa into the uterus and served as a control group. All cows were inseminated towards the end of oestrus. After intrauterine insemination sperm recovery declined, but motile and/or immotile spermatozoa were recovered from all cows at any time. In cows inseminated intraperitoneally, sperm was recovered from the cervix at 6-24 h when 90 million were inseminated. A greater number of spermatozoa was recovered after dead rather than after live sperm inseminations. Only immotile, intact or broken spermatozoa and tail-less heads were recovered after intraperitioneal insemination using either live or dead spermatozoa. No sperm was recovered for 30 and 45 million inseminations. Our results show that, following intraperitoneal insemination, there is passive sperm transport from the peritoneal cavity to the genital tract close to the time of ovulation, and suggest a higher sperm retention in the genital tract when live as opposed to dead spermatozoa are used.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

A glimpse at sperm function in vivo: sperm transport and epithelial interaction in the female reproductive tract.

The process of sperm transport in the female reproductive tract is more than simply a migration of spermatozoa from the site of insemination to the site of fertilization. Rather, it is a complex and dynamic continuum that encompasses phases of sperm distribution within the tract, the accumulation of spermatozoa in reservoirs, the modulation of sperm physiology and acquisition of fertilization competence, the ascent of competent spermatozoa to the site of fertilization, and the elimination of the non-fertilizing sperm population. The dynamic interactions that occur between functional spermatozoa and the luminal fluids and epithelial surfaces of the female genital tract during transit and storage enhance sperm survival and regulate sperm function in the female. The universal nature of this interaction highlights it as a key component of the sperm transport process.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Effect of intrauterine devices on sperm transport in the human being: preliminary report.

This investigation was designed to determine the effect of the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) on the early phase of sperm transport. Previously we have shown that in normal midcyle subjects the maximal number of sperm recovered from the oviducts occurred between ten and 45 minutes after vaginal insemination. Four normal subjects, three of whom had IUD's in situ for at least eight months (copper T, Dalkon shield, and loop) and one a loop for one month, were studied in a similar manner. All subjects were inseminated at midcycle and had bilateral abdominal salpingectomies 15 to 30 minutes after insemination. No sperm were present in the oviducts of any of the subjects. The results of this study indicate that the IUD interferes with sperm transport in the human being. Additional subjects are now being studied at different time intervals after insemination in order to determine the entire effect of the IUD upon sperm transport.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Sperm transport in the reproductive tract of female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).

Aspects of sperm transport in the oviducts of female zebra finches were examined by recording the decline in the number of spermatozoa on the outer perivitelline layer of successively laid eggs. Data from a single clutch of eggs from 32 females indicates that the mean per capita rate of loss of spermatozoa was estimated to be 0.0170 +/- 0.002 SEM spermatozoa h-1. However, individual females showed no consistency in the rate at which spermatozoa were lost from their oviduct over five successive clutches. Models of the mechanism of sperm competition in birds assume that the rate of loss of spermatozoa does not differ between inseminations made before or after the start of egg laying. This assumption was found to be valid: the instantaneous per capita rate of loss of spermatozoa did not differ significantly between females inseminated either before (0.01445 +/- 0.0028 SEM spermatozoa h-1) or after (0.01674 +/- 0.0023 SEM spermatozoa h-1) the onset of oviposition. The rate of sperm transport through the infundibulum was determined to be slower than that between the utero-vaginal sperm storage tubules and the infundibulum by comparing the number of spermatozoa associated with the perivitelline layers of eggs laid after a day on which no eggs were laid. Eggs with < 20 spermatozoa on the outer perivitelline layer were found to have a 50% probability of being infertile. The results are compared with data for domestic fowl and turkeys.

Animals↗