Expression of the platelet-activating factor receptor in human spermatozoa: differences in messenger ribonucleic acid content and protein distribution between normal and abnormal spermatozoa.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the expression and distribution of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor in normal and abnormal specimens of human spermatozoa.


METHODS
Prospective analysis of membrane-bound PAF receptors by immunofluorescence and PAF receptor messenger RNA by quantitated reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in normal and abnormal spermatozoa.


METHODS
University-based reproductive genetics laboratory.


METHODS
Men undergoing routine semen analysis.


METHODS
Normal and abnormal spermatozoa were exposed to rabbit anti-PAF receptor antibody, fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated goat anti-rabbit antibody, and fluorescent microscopy or subjected to RNA isolation by acid-phenol extraction and quantitated (MIMIC Construction Kit [Clontech Laboratories, Inc., Palo Alto, CA]) reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.


METHODS
Fluorescent intensities at six locations along spermatozoa (end piece, principal tail, midpiece, neck, proximal head, and acrosomal region) and PAF receptor expression (messenger RNA) levels.


RESULTS
Immunofluorescence demonstrated a significant difference in PAF receptor distribution between normal and abnormal human spermatozoa, specifically at the neck region. Additionally, abnormal spermatozoa were found to have statistically significantly more PAF receptor messenger RNA than normal spermatozoa.


CONCLUSIONS
Platelet-activating factor receptor expression and distribution are significantly altered in abnormal spermatozoa and this may be the result of some defect in gene transcription.
Roudebush
W E
WE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. roudebwe@musc.edu
Wild
M D
MD
Maguire
E H
EH
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D011817:Rabbits; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000378:metabolism*
D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; C039351:platelet activating factor receptor