Prostasomes, post-testicular sperm maturation and fertility.
Prostasomes are known as extracellular organelles originating from the epithelial cells of the prostate and detected in its secretions where they are mixed with sperm cells after ejaculation. They were first described in men but are also present in the semen of all mammals studied. Since their characterization by Gunnar Ronquist in the late 1970's studies have focused on different aspects which primarily include their molecular composition and structure, and secondly their ability to interact or even fuse with cells, particularly spermatozoa. They have the ability to bring molecules such as lipids or proteins to spermatozoa during their journey to the oocyte, and their role thus seem to be a sort of a "reservoir" that sperm may use depending on the surrounding conditions. Other properties have been suggested but this review will focus on the properties, acquired by sperm cells via prostasomes, that may influence fertility outcome.
Genetics Reproduction and Development Laboratory (GReD), CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Universite, Aubiere, France, fabrice.saez@univ-bpclermont.fr.
Fabrice
F
Saez
Departement d\'obstetrique, gynecologie et reproduction, Faculte de Medecine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Universite Laval, Quebec, Canada.
Robert
R
Sullivan
D000818:Animals; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000067128:Extracellular Vesicles / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013079:Sperm Maturation / Q000502:physiology*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology