Biosynthesis of prostaglandins by human spermatozoa in vitro and their role in acrosome reaction and fertilization.
Five homogenates of human sperm cells were separately incubated with [14C]arachidonic acid in the presence of reduced glutathione, L-tryptophan, and haematin as cofactors. The cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism were extracted, separated, and measured for their radioactivity. The rate of formation of prostaglandin (PG)D2, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, 6-keto PGF1 alpha, and thromboxane (TX)B2 were 18.0 +/- 1.11, 10.9 +/- 0.68, 5.8 +/- 0.21, 3.9 +/- 0.13 and 6.6 +/- 0.52 pmol/10(6) cells/min, respectively. These results are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that cyclooxygenase metabolites of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids play an important part in the sperm acrosome reaction and fertilization.
Roy
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore.
Ratnam
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D000177:Acrosome / Q000378:metabolism; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000378:metabolism; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*
D011453:Prostaglandins; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; D002118:Calcium