[Changes in mitochondrial membrane potentials and its exponential relation with phosphatidylserine translocation in the plasma membrane as markers in the initial events of apoptosis: evaluation in different spermatic fractions].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the integrity of the plasmatic membrane through phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation in two spermatic fractions and their correlation with the spermatic mitochondrial membrane potential.


METHODS
The analysis of both spermatic fractions was carried out through a discontinuous gradient separation with Percoli, in order to obtain two samples with high and low mobility (90-40%). Twelve patients were recruited for the initial evaluation of seminal parameters. Mitochondrial membrane integrity was determined using a second antibody (Mitosensor), and was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy, evaluating an average of 200 cells. A 450-490 nm excitation filter was used for this analysis. Cytoplasmatic assessment was carried out by anexine V bonding to PS, in order to determine the initial events of cellular death. Non parameter tests were used in order to determine the differences between mitochondrial potentials and plasmatic membrane processes. Linear correlation tests were used for the anexine V and Mitosensor ratios.


RESULTS
Due to the study's design, some differences were observed regarding the displacement parameters and the presence of apoptosis, both, in the plasmatic membrane and in mitochondrial membrane potentials. A positive correlation between both, mitochondrial and cytoplasmic membrane functions was also found.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study performing a comparative analysis between mitochondrial membrane function and cytoplasmatic PS expression as early cellular death markers. The male infertility population is probably associated with an increase in this kind of apoptosis processes.
Barroso Villa
Gerardo
G
Unidad de Reproducción Asistida, Centro Especializado para la Atención de la Mujer, Hospital Angeles de las Lomas.
Karchmer Krivitzky
Samuel
S
Castelazo Morales
Ernesto
E
Carballo Mondragón
Esperanza
E
Kably Ambe
Alberto
A
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000503:physiopathology; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000502:physiology*; D010718:Phosphatidylserines / Q000378:metabolism*; D012661:Semen / Q000378:metabolism*; D013090:Spermatocytes / Q000502:physiology*
D010718:Phosphatidylserines
Alteración en los potenciales de membrana mitocondrial y su relación exponencial con la translocación de fosfatidilserina en la membrana plasmática como marcadores en los eventos iniciales de apoptosis: evaluación en diferentes fracciones espermáticas.