Effects of high-density lipoproteins on storage at 4 degrees C of fowl spermatozoa.
Qualitative and quantitative characterization of lipoproteins found in seminal plasma from domestic cocks was performed after isolation by density gradient ultracentrifugation. Trigyceride-rich lipoproteins (very low, intermediate- and low density lipoproteins) were not detectable in seminal plasma. High-density lipoproteins (HDL), identified on the basis of size, chemical composition and protein moiety, were present at a concentration of 66 micrograms/ml. A fraction possibly corresponding to VHDL (very high density lipoproteins, 77% protein, 23% lipid) was also detected but appeared contaminated by a protein-rich opalescent material. Since HDL contains mostly phospholipid and cholesterol, the physiological role of these lipoproteins on the storage of fowl spermatozoa was studied. Replacing seminal plasma with a solution containing chicken HDL at physiological concentration (66 micrograms/ml) had no effect on fertilizing ability of spermatozoa stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h. However, higher concentrations of HDL (560 micrograms/ml) had deleterious effects on spermatozoa stored in vitro.
Blesbois
E
E
I.N.R.A., Station de Recherches Avicoles, Monnaie, France.
Hermier
D
D
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry; D012662:Semen Preservation; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions / Q000187:drug effects; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014461:Ultracentrifugation
D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; C026277:very high density lipoproteins