Mitochondrion: features, functions and comparative analysis of specific probes in detecting sperm cell damages

Publication date: Available online 4 November 2016 Source:Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction Author(s): N. Srivastava, Megha Pande In assisted reproduction, ejaculated semen is washed for in vitro fertilization or diluted and processed for optimal low temperature liquid- or cryo-preservation. The extended handling of semen makes sperm vulnerable to organelle and/or membrane damages. In addition to several important functions, mitochondrion is chiefly responsible for generation of detrimental reactive oxygen/nitrogen species in sperm cells. Therefore, direct evaluation of mitochondrial function might be useful as an alternate, more objective and desirable measure of sperm quality. This is further aided by availability of wide spectral range of fluorescent probes that has advantage of simultaneous multi-parametric assay. Even with availability of several mitochondrial-specific probes, it is sometimes difficult for an investigator to select a most suited dye for experimentation. This review covers the role of the mitochondria in the sperm cell, focusing on its morphology, the maintenance of the trans-membrane potential, the mechanism involved in generation of reactive species, and comparative analysis of a number of probes used for evaluating mitochondrial function in sperm cells. Our intention is to present concise information on the technical aspects of various probing methods, which might be useful for investigators to design experimental approach by proper selection o...
Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research