Seminal plasma: an essential attribute to spermatozoa.
The biochemical composition of seminal plasma (SP) is very complex and  variable among species. Advances in reproductive technologies reveal SP as a  nutritive-protective medium for sperm cells suspended in it, and some SP  components are very important for sperm metabolism, as well as sperm function,  survival, and transport in the female reproductive tract. Biochemistry of SP  is a relatively modern but rapidly expanding field of research, particularly  concerning the biological significance of the various biochemical constituents  of SP. However, identification of active factors in SP and mechanisms by which  they act are not sufficiently understood in different species. Especially in  camelids, the origin, composition, and function of the viscous component of SP  remain a mystery, and only some biochemical and morphological characteristics  of SP have been described. In this review, we focus on the current  understanding of physiological and biochemical properties of SP in ruminants  and camelids.
Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16 Agripolis, Legnaro, PD Italy.
Nasrin S
NS
Juyena
Calogero
C
Stelletta
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D002161:Camelids, New World; D002417:Cattle; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D012418:Ruminants; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology*; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*
D000975:Antioxidants; D016207:Cytokines; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins; C425042:spermadhesin