title: Presence of platelet-activating factor in rhesus (Macaca mulatta) spermatozoa.
abstract: Platelet-activating factor [1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-phosphocholine; PAF] is a unique signaling phospholipid which has been implicated in a number of biological activities (e.g., reproduction). PAF has been detected in the spermatozoa from a number of laboratory and domestic species, including, but not limited to, rabbit, bovine, and the mouse. The concentration of PAF is inversely related to human (Homo sapien) spermatozoal quality. Additionally, PAF levels are significantly higher in Bolivian squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) spermatozoa obtained during the breeding season than spermatozoa obtained during the nonbreeding season. There are no reports on the presence of PAF in rhesus (Macaca mulatta) spermatozoa. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to detect the presence of PAF in rhesus spermatozoa. A second objective was to determine if PAF spermatozoa levels differ between animals housed individually (single-caged) versus free-ranging (open corrals). Semen were collected from mature rhesus via electro-ejaculation. Spermatozoa were washed free of ejaculatory plug and quick frozen in PBS. Endogenous lipids were extracted from thawed spermatozoa and ejaculatory plugs then assayed for the presence of PAF by [125I]-radioimmunoassay. PAF was not detected in any ejaculatory plugs. PAF levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in spermatozoa obtained from free-ranging males (mean: 1.16 pmol/10(6) spermatozoa) than males housed individually in single cage units (mean: 0.53 pmol/10(6) spermatozoa). PAF was present in rhesus spermatozoa. Additionally, PAF levels were higher in spermatozoa obtained from corral-housed animals. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate the role of PAF in spermatozoa function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Cayey University College of University of Puerto Rico, USA.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Diaz
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Szeto
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Roudebush
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D006801:Humans; D008253:Macaca mulatta / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D011817:Rabbits; D013045:Species Specificity; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010972:Platelet Activating Factor