Sperm mitochondrial regulation in motility and fertility in horses. (11th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meyers, Stuart; Bulkeley, Evelyn; Foutouhi, Azarene
• Other Names: Plemyashov Kirill guestEditor.; Nikitkina Elena guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Reproduction in domestic animals. Volume 54(2019)Supplement 3
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2019-09-11
• Subjects: mitochondrial function -- oxidative phosphorylation -- reactive oxygen species -- sperm; Animal breeding -- Periodicals; Veterinary pathology -- Periodicals; Livestock -- Breeding -- Periodicals; 636.082
• DOI: 10.1111/rda.13461
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0936-6768

Abstract

Abstract: The biological nature of age‐related declines in fertility in males of any species, including stallions, has been elusive. In horses, the economic costs to the breeding industry are frequently extensive. Mitochondrial function in ejaculated sperm, which is essential for sperm motility, is reflected by adenosine triphosphate production, mitochondrial oxidative efficiency and production of reactive oxygen species, and that this balance may become compromised in ageing stallions and during the process of cryopreservation. This presentation will focus on mitochondrial integrity and function as an avenue for understanding the pathophysiology of sperm when undergoing cryopreservation and male ageing. We discuss the importance of understanding the differences and similarities of sperm mitochondria to that of somatic cells regarding structure and mitochondrial biochemistry relating to sperm function. The roles of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in sperm mitochondria are outlined as is the method of determining oxygen consumption and calcium homoeostasis in sperm mitochondria. Further, we outline the role of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species.