Immunofluorescent evidence of the platelet-activating factor receptor on human spermatozoa

Fertil Steril. 1999 May;71(5):941-2. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(99)00096-5.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the presence of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor on human spermatozoa.

Design: Prospective analysis.

Setting: University-based reproductive biology laboratory.

Patient(s): Spermatozoa obtained from men undergoing routine semen analysis.

Intervention(s): Spermatozoa (n = 10) were exposed to PAF, sheep anti-PAF antibody, and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated rabbit antisheep antibody, and then evaluated by fluorescent microscopy.

Main outcome measure(s): Assessment of fluorescent intensity at four locations on the spermatozoa (tail, midpiece, proximal head, and acrosome region).

Result(s): Immunofluorescence demonstrated the presence of the PAF receptor on human spermatozoa. The PAF receptor was most prevalent at two sites on the spermatozoa: the midpiece and the proximal head.

Conclusion(s): The PAF receptor is present on human spermatozoa. Platelet-activating factor may affect the motility of spermatozoa through a receptor-mediated mechanism at the midpiece and/or proximal head.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Platelet Activating Factor / metabolism
  • Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / analysis*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Receptors, Cell Surface*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled*
  • Sperm Head / chemistry
  • Sperm Tail / chemistry
  • Spermatozoa / chemistry*

Substances

  • Platelet Activating Factor
  • Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • platelet activating factor receptor