Prostasome-like granules from the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line increase the motility of washed human spermatozoa and adhere to the sperm.
OBJECTIVE
Prostasome-like granules are present in the PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Since the seminal prostasomes are able to promote the forward motility of human spermatozoa, we conducted a study to determine whether PC-3 prostasomes exerted effects similar to those of seminal prostasomes on buffer-washed spermatozoa from normospermic semen samples.


METHODS
We used computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and immunostaining of prostasomes to find out where these granules are located on the spermatozoa.


RESULTS
Addition of PC-3 prostasomes increased the proportion of motile spermatozoa from 12-15% to 50-70% (p<0.001). The optimal protein concentration of these prostasomes was 0.1mg/ml. Heat treatment of PC-3 prostasomes did not decrease their motility-promoting effect. Immunostaining with anti-prostasome monoclonal antibody (mAb78) revealed that the PC-3 prostasomes and seminal prostasomes adhered to the sperm cells. The staining, which occurred all over the spermatozoa, was intense on the mid-pieces and weaker on the sperm heads. Herewith, some prostasome component may activate the spermatic mitochondrial function, thus increasing sperm motility.


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that PC-3 prostasomes bear a functional resemblance to seminal prostasomes as regards sperm motility promotion.
Wang
J
J
Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, S-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
Lundqvist
M
M
Carlsson
L
L
Nilsson
O
O
Lundkvist
O
O
Ronquist
G
G
D002448:Cell Adhesion; D022082:Cellular Structures; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D012661:Semen; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000494:pharmacology; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine