title: Gametes alter the oviductal secretory proteome.
abstract: The mammalian oviduct provides an optimal environment for the maturation of gametes, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Secretory cells lining the lumen of the mammalian oviduct synthesize and secrete proteins that have been shown to interact with and influence the activities of gametes and embryos. We hypothesized that the presence of gametes in the oviduct alters the oviductal secretory proteomic profile. We used a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to identify oviductal protein secretions that were altered in response to the presence of gametes in the oviduct. The oviductal response to spermatozoa was different from its response to oocytes as verified by Western blotting. The presence of spermatozoa or oocytes in the oviduct altered the secretion of specific proteins. Most of these proteins are known to have an influence on gamete maturation, viability, and function, and there is evidence to suggest these proteins may prepare the oviductal environment for arrival of the zygote. Our findings suggest the presence of a gamete recognition system within the oviduct capable of distinguishing between spermatozoa and oocytes.
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: A Stephen
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Georgiou
authors.forename: Edita
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sostaric
authors.forename: Chi H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Ambrosius P L
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Snijders
authors.forename: Phillip C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Harry D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fazeli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D015571:Follicular Fluid; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D020543:Proteome / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D020543:Proteome