Progesterone stimulates the long-distance migration of capacitated ram spermatozoa through viscous media under geotactic condition

Forward progressive motility of spermatozoa is an essential prerequisite for reproductive success, and sperm navigation is assisted by guidance mechanisms that may depend on micro-environmental factors. In the present study, we performed an integrated analysis of long-distance ram sperm migration in vitro that combined two environmental factors (10 μM progesterone and a geotactic effect) and the physiological status of the cells (capacitation treatment). A penetration assay was used in which spermatozoa had to travel 20 mm in a viscous medium (two media of differing viscosity: acrylamide and hyaluronic acid) through a tube device.
Source: Theriogenology - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Source Type: research