Effect of platelet-activating factor, lyso-platelet-activating factor, and lysophosphatidylcholine on sperm motion: importance of albumin for motility stimulation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF), the PAF derivative lyso-PAF, and lysophosphatidylcholine on in vitro sperm motility and to determine the role of albumin in this interaction.


METHODS
Washed human spermatozoa were exposed to a range of PAF, lyso-PAF, or lysophosphatidylcholine concentrations, supplemented with different albumin concentrations, and the effect on sperm motion was quantified with a computer-assisted motion analysis. The metabolism of these compounds by spermatozoa was also assessed.


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
Semen samples were obtained from donors and patients attending an infertility clinic.


METHODS
Human spermatozoa were incubated with PAF, lyso-PAF, or lysophosphatidylcholine at 10(-11) to 6 x 10(-4) M, with 0% to 1.2% albumin, and motility was evaluated at different time periods from 5 to 240 minutes. Tritiated PAF, lyso-PAF, or lysophosphatidylcholine was incubated with spermatozoa, and the metabolites were separated and quantified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC).


METHODS
Sperm motion characteristics, including the percentage of motile spermatozoa, velocity, and linearity, and sperm viability were determined. The metabolism of PAF, lyso-PAF, and lysophosphatidylcholine by spermatozoa was also studied.


RESULTS
Fifty micromolar of PAF and 100 microM lyso-PAF, supplemented with 0.3% albumin, increased sperm linear velocity by 41% +/- 5% (+/- SEM) and 44% +/- 5% and curvilinear velocity by 17% +/- 3% and 21 +/- 3%, respectively. Lysophosphatidylcholine had a similar effect but only at 22 degrees C and not 37 degrees C. In the absence of albumin, neither PAF, lyso-PAF, or lysophosphatidylcholine induced increases in sperm motion. Lysophosphatidylcholine and lyso-PAF are not detectably metabolized by spermatozoa, whereas 12.5% +/- 1.2% of PAF is hydrolyzed to lyso-PAF in 1 hour.


CONCLUSIONS
Platelet-activating factor, lyso-PAF, and lysophosphatidylcholine independently stimulate sperm linear and curvilinear velocity. This action requires albumin. These compounds may be of use in the treatment of asthenozoospermic males.
Jarvi
K
K
Urology Research Laboratory, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Roberts
K D
KD
Langlais
J
J
Gagnon
C
C
D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000187:drug effects*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines; C029271:O-deacetyl platelet activating factor; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; D012709:Serum Albumin