Artificial insemination using cooled, transported semen has become a popular practice in the equine industry. However, equine sperm are assumed to show a decline in their fertilizing ability after 24 to 48 hours of cooled storage. Two measures that are commonly used to estimate the fertility of an ejaculate are sperm motility and sperm membrane integrity (SMI). Recently, it has been suggested that SMI may have a better correlation with fertility of an inseminate than sperm motility. The effect of cooled-storage on sperm quality over an extended time period was evaluated to illustrate changes in sperm characteristics that might be related to an ejaculate’s fertility. Semen was stored at 4°C in INRA 96 extender containing 10% seminal plasma for a period of 10 days. Data were collected daily on sperm motion characteristics, SMI, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA quality. To measure daily changes in SMI in stallion sperm, two fluorescent vital-staining protocols used in flow cytometric analysis were compared – a combination of SNARF-1, Yo-Pro-1, and Ethidium Homodimer 1 (SYE) and a combination of lectin from Pisum sativum and propidium iodide (PSA/PI). We hypothesized that the SYE protocol adapted for use with stallion sperm could detect more subtle, and perhaps earlier, damage to the sperm plasma membrane than the PSA/PI protocol. A combination of SYBR 14, propidium iodide, and JC-1 (SYPIJC) was used to measure mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as SMI. A computer-assisted sperm motion analysis (CASA) instrument was used to evaluate sperm motion characteristics; the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) was used to measure the degree of DNA fragmentation. In this study, with the exception of sperm motility, the measures of sperm quality retained values consistent with “viability” after 10 days of cooled-storage. This suggests that the fertility of some stallions may last considerably longer than previously assumed, which could ultimately alter the time-table used for artificial insemination using cooled, transported semen.

SILVA, Michelle Moura. Proteínas do plasma seminal de touros Bos Indicus e associações com parâmetros seminais. 2011. 71 f. : Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Departamento de Zootecnia, Fortaleza-CE, 2011 / Submitted by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-08-09T13:06:10Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2011_dis_mmsilva.pdf: 1145339 bytes, checksum: d51993cff038075c4bea680c81c0cb00 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-08-09T13:06:32Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2011_dis_mmsilva.pdf: 1145339 bytes, checksum: d51993cff038075c4bea680c81c0cb00 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-09T13:06:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2011_dis_mmsilva.pdf: 1145339 bytes, checksum: d51993cff038075c4bea680c81c0cb00 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / This research aimed to describe the two-dimensional electrophoresis map of bull seminal plasma of adult Bos indicus, Brahman, and the determination of statistical associations between proteins of seminal plasma and semen parameters of these bulls. Semen samples from 56 bulls were collected and seminal plasma was obtained by centrifugation and subjected to two-dimensional electrophoresis. The gels were stained with colloidal Coomassie, scanned and analyzed using PDQuest application. The bulls were divided into groups of high and low sperm motility and high and low percentage of morphologically normal sperm cells. The most abundant proteins in seminal plasma of bulls Bos indicus and detected in all 56 gels showed similarity to espermadesinas and BSPs. The expression of spots with pI values ​​kDa protein equivalent to aSFP, BSPs, clusterin, albumin and osteopontin were significantly different between groups of animals with contrasting parameters of sperm motility and morphology. The associations found between such protein spots and semen parameters suggest the possibility of their use as molecular markers of potential fertility of animals. / A realização desta pesquisa teve por objetivos a descrição do mapa eletroforético bidimensional do plasma seminal de touros adultos Bos indicus, raça Brahman, bem como a determinação das associações estatísticas entre proteínas do plasma seminal e parâmetros seminais destes touros. Amostras de sêmen de 56 touros foram coletadas e o plasma seminal foi obtido através de centrifugação e submetido à eletroforese bidimensional. Os géis foram corados com Coomassie coloidal, digitalizados e analisados por meio do aplicativo PDQuest. Os touros foram divididos em grupos de alta e baixa motilidade espermática e alto e baixo percentual de células espermáticas morfologicamente normais. As proteínas mais abundantes no plasma seminal dos touros Bos indicus e detectadas em todos os 56 géis apresentaram semelhança com espermadesinas e BSPs. A expressão de spots com valores de kDa e pI equivalentes aos das proteínas aSFP, BSPs, clusterina , albumina e osteopontina foram estatisticamente diferentes entre os grupos de animais com parâmetros contrastantes de motilidade e morfologia espermáticas. As associações encontradas entre tais spots protéicos e os parâmetros seminais sugerem a possibilidade do uso destes como marcadores moleculares da fertilidade potencial dos animais.

SILVA, Taciane Alves da. Aspectos reprodutivos e produtivos de carneiros da raça Morada Nova submetidos a níveis crescentes de suplementação concentrada. 2015. 74 f. : Dissertação (Mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências, Departamento de Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia. Fortaleza-CE, 2015. / Submitted by Eric Santiago (erichhcl@gmail.com) on 2016-08-09T15:42:56Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_tasilva.pdf: 1372727 bytes, checksum: c5aed07999861a6537d53a0a85389f2e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-08-09T15:45:42Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_tasilva.pdf: 1372727 bytes, checksum: c5aed07999861a6537d53a0a85389f2e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-09T15:45:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_tasilva.pdf: 1372727 bytes, checksum: c5aed07999861a6537d53a0a85389f2e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / The study was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of different levels of concentrated supplementation on body weight, seminal parameters, testicular biometry measurements, protein profile of seminal plasma and protein profile of the Longissimus dorsi muscle of the breed of sheep Morada Nova. 22 seven months old sheep were used. The treatments consisted in different levels of concentrated (0%, 0.6%, 1.2% and 1.8% of the animals’ body weight based on dry matter). The animals were kept under a rotational grazing system, on Aruana grass (Panicum maximum). The semen samples were collected through electroejaculation at the end of the experiment, when the animals reached the age of 10 months. After slaughtering, the testicles and the muscle Longissimus dorsi were collected. The testicles were measured and the seminal and muscle proteins were analyzed through two-dimensional electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel. The proteic maps were analyzed using the PDQuest application, version 8.0; Bio Rad, USA. There were significant differences over body weight and over the expression of the proteic spots of the muscle (P <0.05), but there was no significant difference for the seminal parameters, testicular biometry and the expression of seminal plasma proteins. The spots differentially expressed (P <0.05) were digested with trypsin and subjected to identification through mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF). It is concluded, therefore, that the levels of concentrated provided to the animals change the body weight and influence the expression of the Longissimus dorsi muscle proteins, but do not modify the testicular biometry, the seminal parameters and the expression of seminal plasma proteins. / O estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de suplementação concentrada sobre o peso corporal, parâmetros seminais, medidas de biometria testicular, perfil proteico do plasma seminal e perfil proteico do músculo Longissimus dorsi de carneiros da raça Morada Nova. Foram utilizados 22 carneiros com sete meses de idade. Os tratamentos consistiam em diferentes níveis de concentrado (0%, 0,6%, 1,2% e 1,8% do peso corporal do animal com base na matéria seca). Os animais foram mantidos em sistema de pastejo rotacionado em pasto de capim Aruana (Panicum maximum). As amostras de sêmen foram coletadas por eletroejaculação ao final do experimento, quando os animais obtiveram 10 meses de idade. Após o abate, os testículos e o músculo Longissimus dorsi foram coletados. Os testículos foram mensurados e as proteínas seminais e musculares foram analisadas por meio de eletroforese bidimensional em gel de poliacrilamida. Os mapas proteicos foram analisados por meio do aplicativo PDQuest, version 8.0; Bio Rad, USA. Houve diferença significativa no peso corporal e na expressão dos spots proteicos do músculo Longissimus dorsi (P < 0,05), porém não houve diferença significativa para os parâmetros seminais, biometria testicular e para a expressão de proteínas do plasma seminal. Os spots diferencialmente expressos (P < 0,05) foram digeridos com tripsina e submetidos à identificação por espectrometria de massa (ESI-Q-TOF). Conclui-se, portanto, que os níveis de concentrado fornecido aos animais alteram o peso corporal e a expressão de proteínas do músculo Longissimus dorsi, porém não influenciam as medidas de biometria testicular, os parâmetros seminais e a expressão de proteínas do plasma seminal.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T16:24:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGCA14MA122.pdf: 692452 bytes, checksum: e25e927c8d8beb4236a0bb259e17524a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-21 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Oxidative stress and premature sperm capacitation, generated during cryopreservation of ram semen, reduces their viability, especially after cervical insemination. The use of seminal plasma (SP) and negative pressure have produced protection and the reversion of such damages. Two experiments evaluated these potential enhancers of cryotolerance, and a third experiment compared 2 methods of cervical AI. In experiment 1 ram semen was subjected to the treatments: (TC) control or negative pressure of 200mBar (P200); 500mBar (P500) and 800mBar (P800). In experiment 2, the PS from rams, stallions and bulls was lyophilized (L) and its protein measured. From each SP 600&#956;g of protein per mL was aded to the freezing diluent used, compounding the experimental groups: control (TC), ovine PS (PSLO), bovine PS (PSLB) and equine PS (PSLE). Experiment 3 evaluated 2 methods of AI, the superficial cervical AI (G1), and deep intrauterine or cervical AI with clamping the vaginal fornix (G2). The in vitro data were subjected to ANOVA and test T, and the pregnancy rate to the chi square test, all with 5% significance level. In the experiment 1 higher progressive motility (PM) was observed in TC (49%) compared to P200 (40.9%), P500 (38.9%) and P800 (38.9%) treatments. In PM during the test the thermal resistance (TTR), MP after percoll (PP), acrosome integrity (IAC), IAPP and membrane integrity (MI), there was no difference between the groups. In cleavage rate P800 (34.5%) was less than P200 (51.2%) and P500 (50.9%) did not differ from the control (44.3%). In conclusion the P500 is the most appropriate for use in ram semen cryopreservation, enabling high rates of cleavage after heterologous IVF, maintain membrane integrity. Experiment 2 evaluated MP, MPPP and cleavage rate after heterologous IVF in all groups, with the best group compared with the control in: CASA system; acrossoma integrity (FITC-PSA), membrane stability (M540), chromatin integrity (acridine orange), apoptosis (annexin) and potential of mitochondria (Mitotracker). Also the PSLE showed higher cleavage rate (71.37%), indicating a greater ability to oocyte penetration. The PSLE showed higher VCL (PC-163.5&#956;m/s, PSLE-186.2&#956;m/s) and ALH (PC9&#956;m PSLE-8.2&#956;m) in CASA evaluation, compared to control. In flow cytometry the annexin test revealed a greater amount of non-apoptotic viable cells in PSLE (38.9%), compared to TC (32.1%). In experiment 3 there was no difference in pregnancy rates after superficial (33.3%) or deep and intrauterine (52.2%) IA, possibly due to the reduced number of animals used / O estresse oxidativo e a precoce capacitação espermática, gerados na criopreservação do sêmen ovino, reduzem sua viabilidade, principalmente na inseminação cervical. O uso de plasma seminal (PS) e a pressão negativa têm produzido a proteção e reversão desses danos. Dois experimentos avaliaram esses potenciais melhoradores da criotolerância, e um terceiro avaliou dois métodos de IA cervical. No experimento 1 o sêmen ovino foi submetido aos tratamentos: controle (TC), pressão de 200mBar (P200); 500mBar (P500) e 800mBar (P800). No experimento 2 o PS de carneiros, garanhões e touros foi liofilizado (L) e sua proteína dosada. De cada PS, o equivalente a 600&#956;g de proteína por mL, foi adicionado ao diluente de congelamento, compondo os grupos experimentais: controle (TC), PS ovino (PSLO), PS bovino (PSLB) e PS equino (PSLE). O experimento 3 avaliou 2 métodos de IA, a cervical superficial (G1) e a cervical profunda com pinçamento do fundo de saco vaginal (G2). Os dados in vitro foram submetidos a análise de variância e teste T, e a taxa de prenhez ao chi-quadrado, todos com significância de 5%. No experimento 1, maior motilidade progressiva (MP) foi observada no TC (49%) frente aos tratamentos P200 (40,9%), P500 (38,9%) e P800 (38,9%). Na MP durante o teste de termo resistência (TTR), MP após percoll (PP), integridade de acrossoma (IAC), IACPP, integridade de membrana (IM) e IMPP, não houve diferença entre os grupos. Na clivagem P800 (34,5%) foi inferior a P200 (51,2%) e P500 (50,9%), não diferindo do controle (44,3%). Conclui-se que a P500 é a mais adequada para uso com sêmen ovino, não reduzindo a viabilidade após o congelamento e proporcionando elevada taxa de clivagem após FIV heteróloga. O experimento 2 avaliou MP, MPPP e clivagem após FIV heteróloga de todos os grupos, sendo o melhor grupo comparado ao controle através de: sistema CASA, integridade de acrossoma (FITC-PSA), estabilidade de membrana (M540); integridade de cromatina (acridina orange); apoptose (anexina) e potencial de mitocôndria (mitotracker). O PSLE apresentou a maior taxa de clivagem (71,37%), evidenciando sua maior capacidade de penetração nos oócitos. Observou-se superioridade do PSLE nosparâmetros VCL (PC-163,5&#956;m/s, PSLE-186,2&#956;m/s) e ALH (PC-9&#956;m, PSLE- 8,2&#956;m) do CASA, em relação ao controle. Na citometria de fluxo, o teste da anexina revelou maior quantidade de células viáveis não apoptóticas com o PSLE (38,9%) em relação ao TC (32,1%). No experimento 3 não houve diferença na prenhez após IA superficial (33,3%) e profunda (G2 52,2%), possivelmente devido ao número reduzido de animais

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / Seminal plasma is the fluid portion of semen and its presence positively affects the survival and parameters of sperm motility in rabbits. This study aimed (i) to verify the seminal concentrations of sodium, chloride and citric acid as a function of collection month, the color and aspect of the ejaculate, and to find the frequency of ejaculations with the presence of gel fraction, color and aspect of the semen of rabbits on tropical climate, (ii) to meet monthly protein spots and their possible correlation with seminal and biochemical parameters in rabbits. 20 rabbits of New Zealand White, raised in the flat-deck, fed commercial feed were used. The samples were collected twice a week, and then evaluated for volume, color, aspect, vigor, motility and sperm concentration. After the evaluations, the samples were centrifuged to obtain seminal plasma, which was stored in eppendorfs tubes at -18 oC. A monthly seminal plasma pool of each animal was made to evaluate the concentrations of sodium, chloride, citric acid and proteins. Significant monthly variations were found (p <0.05) in the concentrations of sodium, chloride and citric acid in the seminal plasma of rabbits. All mineral constituents analyzed suffered significant influence (p <0.05) by the color of the ejaculate, and the highest concentrations were found in the white-yellowish ejaculates. Correlation studies found a high and significant association between concentrations of sodium and vigor (r = 0.80, p <0.001), and between sperm concentration and citric acid (r = -0.64, p <0.02). Most of the ejaculates of rabbits showed no gel fraction. The results also showed that the white and milky ejaculate are the most common for the species. It was also observed an average concentration of 2.73  0.31 mg / dl total protein in samples of seminal plasma. From the quantification of total protein were prepared two-dimensional electrophoresis gels stained SDS-PAGE with silver nitrate, with a pH gradient between 3 â 10, mesh 15% and a concentration of 100 mg of protein per sample for each month. Gels were analyzed with the Image Master 2D Platinum 6.0.  software. The gel containing the most spots (555 spots) was the gel of the month of May, and the gel with fewer spots (71 spots) was observed in January, but no effect of month on the amount of spots was detected. The majority of spots present in seminal plasma of rabbits have pI below 8, and these spots, about 40% have pI acid, the distribution of the spots as a function of pI was homogeneous throughout the year. The distribution of spots depending on the molecular weight widely varied between the months. Except of a few months, most of the protein had a molecular weight above 100 kDa. The number of protein spot positively and moderately correlated with total protein (r = 0.57, p <0.05) and citric acid (r = 0.59, p <0.05). In silico analysis of 1411 protein spots found compatible proteins with the Swiss-Prote database and TrEMBL (UniProtKB). It is concluded that the composition of the seminal plasma of rabbits showed a broad monthly variation and ejaculated with high concentrations of citric acid are undesirable. In addition, the protein profile of rabbits has great affinity of the proteins to acidic and high molecular weight, no influence of the months of the year on the amount of protein spots identified were found and bioinformatics analysis tool does not provide consistent results with those obtained gel electrophoresis, but it allows an estimate of the probable proteins that can be found. / O plasma seminal representa a porÃÃo fluida do sÃmen e sua presenÃa afeta positivamente a sobrevivÃncia e os parÃmetros de motilidade espermÃtica em coelhos. Este trabalho teve como objetivos (i) verificar as concentraÃÃes seminais de sÃdio, cloretos e Ãcido cÃtrico em funÃÃo do mÃs de coleta, da cor e do aspecto do ejaculado, e encontrar a frequÃncia de ejaculados com presenÃa de fraÃÃo gel, cor e aspecto do sÃmen de coelhos criados em clima tropical; (ii) conhecer os spots proteicos mensais e suas possÃveis correlaÃÃes com parÃmetros seminais e bioquÃmicos de coelhos. Foram utilizados 20 coelhos da raÃa Nova ZelÃndia Branca, criados em sistema flat-deck, alimentados com raÃÃo comercial. Os ejaculados foram coletados duas vezes por semana, e logo avaliados quanto ao volume, cor, aspecto, vigor, motilidade e concentraÃÃo espermÃtica. ApÃs as avaliaÃÃes os ejaculados foram centrifugados para obtenÃÃo do plasma seminal, que foi acondicionado em tubos eppendorfs a -18 oC. Um pool mensal de PS de cada animal foi feito para avaliaÃÃo das concentraÃÃes de sÃdio, cloretos, Ãcido cÃtrico e proteÃnas totais. Foram constatadas variaÃÃes mensais significativas (p<0,05) nas concentraÃÃes de sÃdio, cloretos e Ãcido cÃtrico no plasma seminal de coelhos. Todos os constituintes minerais analisados sofreram influencia significativa (p<0,05) da cor do ejaculado, e as concentraÃÃes mais elevadas foram constatadas nos ejaculados de cor branco-amarelada. O estudo de correlaÃÃes encontrou associaÃÃo alta e significativa entre as concentraÃÃes de sÃdio e vigor (r=0,80; p<0,001), bem como entre a concentraÃÃo espermÃtica e o Ãcido cÃtrico (r=-0,64; p<0,02). A maior parte dos ejaculados de coelhos nÃo apresentaram a fraÃÃo gel. Os resultados tambÃm mostraram que o ejaculado de cor branca e de aspecto leitoso sÃo os mais comuns nessa espÃcie. TambÃm foi verificado uma concentraÃÃo mÃdia de 2,73 Â0,31 &#956;g/dl de proteÃnas totais nas amostras de plasma seminal. A partir da quantificaÃÃo das proteÃnas totais foram confeccionados dois gÃis de eletroforese bidimensional SDS-PAGE corados com nitrato de prata, com gradiente de pH entre 3 â 10, malha de 15% e uma concentraÃÃo de 100 &#956;g de proteÃnas por amostra, para cada mÃs. Os gÃis foram analisados no software Image Master 2D Platinum 6.0. Â. O gel que continha o maior nÃmero de spots (555 spots) foi o do mÃs de maio, e o gel com menor nÃmero spots (71 spots) foi verificado em janeiro, mas nÃo houve efeito do mÃs sobre a quantidade de spots detectados. A maioria dos spots presentes no plasma seminal de coelhos tem pI abaixo de 8 e, destes spots, cerca de 40% tem pI Ãcido, a distribuiÃÃo dos spots em funÃÃo do pI foi homogÃnea ao longo do ano. A distribuiÃÃo dos spots em funÃÃo do peso molecular variou amplamente entre os meses. Com exceÃÃo de alguns os meses, a maioria das proteÃnas apresentaram peso molecular acima de 100 kDa. O nÃmero de spot proteicos correlacionaram-se moderada e positivamente com as proteÃnas totais (r=0,57; p<0,05) e com o Ãcido cÃtrico (r=0,59; p<0,05). A anÃlise in silico dos spots encontrou 1.411 proteÃnas compatÃveis com os bancos de dados Swiss-Prote e TrEMBL (UniProtKB). Concluiu-se que a composiÃÃo do plasma seminal de coelhos apresentou ampla variaÃÃo mensal e que ejaculados com alta concentraÃÃo de Ãcido cÃtrico sÃo indesejÃveis. AlÃm disso, o perfil proteico de coelhos apresenta grande parte das proteÃnas com afinidade a meio Ãcido e com alto peso molecular, nÃo houve influencia de meses do ano sobre a quantidade de spots proteicos detectados, e devido à ausÃncia de dados sobre coelhos, a ferramenta de anÃlise bioinformÃtica nÃo ofereceu resultados coerentes, mas permite uma estimativa das provÃveis proteÃnas que podem ser encontradas.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:32:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_kaue_rodriguez_martins.pdf: 452926 bytes, checksum: ae46017afbe7b23ca7e1d34a015987fa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-19 / There is a growing interest in using artificial insemination (AI) in sheep due to the potential for genetic improvement. However, cryopreservation damages spermatozoa, decreasing their fertilizing potential when frozen semen is deposited in the cervix. Sperm damages attributed to cryopreservation may be minimized by the addition of seminal plasma (SP), which contains several factors produced by the testis, epididhymis and accessory glands with potential to prevent premature capacitation. Supplementation of SP prior to freezing would be beneficial for various processes of periods of the selection and freezing process, reported before freezing would be beneficial for the processes of selection and freezing. The supplementation of extenders with SP from ram and boars is associated with increased sperm motility after incubation in vitro, as well as when used for cooling, freezing and thawing. The objectives of this study were to test the addition of 20% boar SP to the extender to freeze ram sperm and to evaluate parameters of sperm quality after thawing. Ejaculates from four rams and three boars were collected to form pooled SP samples. A fraction of each pooled sample was used for protein quantification. Six samples from four rams were collected and diluted in Tris-egg yolk - glycerol for freezing, forming three treatments: control (no SP); inclusion of 20% ram SP; and inclusion of 20% boar SP. After thawing, the samples were subjected to a thermal stress test for five hours. Sperm quality was assessed every two hours. Analyses by flow cytometry were done to evaluate the integrity of acrosome and membrane integrity. For the control, ram SP and boar SP treatments, the evaluated parameters of sperm quality were: motility (30.4 ± 2.0, 24.6 ± 2.0 and 30.0 ± 2.0, respectively); membrane integrity (37.5 ± 2.6; 40.9 ± 2.6 and 31.4 ± 2.6 respectively); mitochondrial functionality (70.0 ± 1.7; 61.8 ± 1.7 and 63.6 ± 1.7); and DNA integrity (91.2 ± 3.1; 96 5 ± 3.1 and 93.6 ± 3.1 respectively). For those parameters, no significant differences were observed across treataments (P > 0.05). However, addition of boar SP to the extenders was related to greater acrosome integrity (59, 3 ± 3.5) than that of the control (46.7 ± 3.5) (P < 0.05), although both means were similar (P > 0.05) to that observed for the treatment with ram SP (56.7 ± 3.5). Despite of the benefit on acrosome integrity related to addition of boar SP, no other positive effects were observed for post-thawing ram sperm viability. / O interesse pelo uso da inseminação artificial (IA) em ovinos vem crescendo, em função do avanço no melhoramento genético. Entretanto, a criopreservação causa danos aos espermatozóides, diminuindo seu potencial fertilizante, quando a IA é feita com sêmen congelado, pela via cervical. Uma alternativa para proteger ou recuperar a célula dos danos da criopreservação é a adição de plasma seminal (PS), que contém vários fatores produzidos pelos testículos, epidídimos e glândulas acessórias do macho, com potencial de prevenir a capacitação prematura e danos gerados pelo congelamento. A adição de PS antes do congelamento seria benéfica para os processos de seleção e congelamento. A suplementação do diluente com PS ovino e suíno foi associada com aumento na motilidade espermática, após a segunda hora de incubação sob condições in vitro, assim como quando usado na refrigeração, congelamento e descongelamento. Este estudo teve como objetivo testar a adição de PS suíno (20%) ao diluente para congelamento do sêmen ovino e avaliar os parâmetros seminais in vitro pós-descongelamento. Ejaculados de quatro machos ovinos e três machos suínos foram coletados para formação de amostras combinando PS de vários machos (pools). Uma fração das amostras de PS foi destinada a quantificação de proteínas. Seis coletas dos quatro machos ovinos foram colhidas e diluídas em Tris-gema de ovo-glicerol, para congelamento, compondo três tratamentos: controle (sem PS); inclusão de 20% de PS ovino; e inclusão de 20% PS suíno. Após o descongelamento, as amostras foram submetidas a um teste de termo resistência durante cinco horas. Avaliações de qualidade espermática foram realizadas a cada duas horas. Também foram realizadas análises por citometria de fluxo para as avaliações de integridade de acrossoma e integridade de membrana. Para os tratamentos controle, PS ovino e PS suíno, não foram observadas diferenças (P > 0.05) quanto a motilidade (30,0 ± 2,0; 30,4 ± 2,0 e 24,6 ± 2,0 respectivamente), integridade de membrana (37,5 ± 2,6; 40,9 ± 2,6 e 31,4 ± 2,6, respectivamente), função mitocondrial (70,0 ± 1,7; 61,8 ± 1,7 e 63,6 ± 1,7, respectivamente) e integridade de DNA (91,2 ± 3,1; 96,5 ± 3,1 e 93,6 ± 3,1, respectivamente). A integridade do acrossoma foi maior (P < 0.05) com inclusão de PS suíno (59,3 ± 3,5) em comparação com o controle (46,7 ± 3,5), mas ambas as médias foram similares (P > 0.05) à observada para o PS ovino (56,7 ± 3,5). Conclui-se que apesar do beneficio do PS suíno a 20% para a integridade de acrossoma, não se obteve resultados positivos nas demais avaliações de qualidade seminal.

La transmission sexuelle du VIH-1 constitue le mode majeur de contamination à travers le monde. Au cours d’un rapport sexuel avec un homme séropositif vis-à-vis du VIH-1, le virus transporté par le sperme est déposé à la surface des muqueuses sous forme libre et/ou associée aux cellules mononuclées du sperme. Les particules virales peuvent alors être captées par les cellules dendritiques qui les transportent jusqu’aux lymphocytes T CD4 des ganglions lymphatiques favorisant ainsi la dissémination du virus. Plus qu’un simple véhicule, il semblerait que le plasma séminal, fraction acellulaire du sperme, puisse influencer la transmission sexuelle du VIH-1. Cependant, son rôle en tant que facilitateur ou inhibiteur de l’infection est largement débattu. La première partie de cette thèse s’intéresse à l’influence directe du plasma séminal sur la transmission sexuelle du VIH-1 via les cellules dendritiques. Nous avons montré que le TGF-β1, une des cytokines majoritaires du sperme, favorise la capture du virus par les cellules dendritiques via l’induction de l’expression de CD169, un récepteur du VIH-1 récemment décrit. Cependant, ni l’augmentation de la capture du virus ni celle de l’expression de CD169 ne sont observées lorsque les cellules sont en présence de plasma séminal. Au contraire, le fluide semble avoir tendance à diminuer la capture des particules virales et s’avère même être capable de diminuer l’induction de l’expression de CD169 par le TGF-β1 ou le LPS, suggérant un effet protecteur du plasma séminal sur la transmission sexuelle du VIH-1, même en cas de co-infection bactérienne localisée. La seconde partie de cette thèse s’intéresse à l’effet indirect du plasma séminal sur les cellules dendritiques via l’induction de la sécrétion de facteurs par les cellules épithéliales de la muqueuse, premières cellules en contact avec le fluide. A partir de deux modèles in vitro d’épithéliums simples (colorectaux et endocervicaux), les résultats obtenus montrent que les sécrétions des cellules épithéliales induites par le plasma séminal ne provoquent pas l’expression de CD169 ni la maturation des cellules dendritiques. Ces résultats contribuent à une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes précoces impliqués dans la transmission sexuelle du VIH-1 et soulignent le rôle complexe du plasma séminal dans cette dernière / Sexual transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) remains the major way of contamination worldwide. During male to female or male transmission, the virus is deposited on the mucosal surface as cell-free or cell-associated virions carried by semen. The virions can be captured by dendritic cells (DCs) located in the mucosae. DCs play a crucial role in disseminating virus by capturing virions at the contact site and bringing them to the principal target cells in the lymph nodes i.e. the lymphocytes. More than just a carrier for viral particles, semen may also play a role in modulating HIV-1 sexual transmission. The influence of seminal plasma, the acellular fraction of semen is particularly debated. In the first part of this thesis deals with the direct influence of seminal plasma on the HIV-1 sexual transmission mediated by dendritic cells. We demonstrated that TGF-β1, a cytokine present in high concentration in seminal plasma, increases HIV-1 capture by dendritic cells through the upregulation of CD169, an HIV-1 binding molecule recently described. However, these effects are not observed when dendritic cells are incubated with seminal plasma. On the contrary, seminal plasma tends toward a decrease of HIV-1 capture by dendritic cells. Furthermore, seminal plasma is able to counteract the CD169 upregulation observed following TGF-β1 or LPS exposure indicating that seminal plasma may display a protective effect against HIV-1 transmission in the case of bacterial local coinfection. The second part of this thesis deals with the indirect effect of seminal plasma on dendritic cells through the induction of soluble factors secretion by epithelial cells, first cells in contact with the contaminated fluid. Two different epithelial cell models mimicking the female genital and intestinal tracts by using well characterized epithelial cell lines (HEC-1A and CaCo-2 respectively) have been developed. Results demonstrated that the epithelial cells secretions induced by seminal plasma do not modulate CD169 expression nor induce dendritic cells maturation. All these data contribute to a better understanding of the various mechanisms allowing HIV-1 sexual transmission and underscore the complex role of the seminal plasma in the particular case of the transmission mediated by dendritic cells

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T18:55:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ellyn.pdf: 424817 bytes, checksum: 14bf73c93a8a550f72aac6b4afc87223 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-09-20 / The objective of this study was to evaluate the framework sperm and protein seminal plasma and endocrine profile in deer bred in captivity. Four males aged between 12 and 36 months were evaluated. In four times at intervals of seven days, gave the weight (60.5 to 89.0 kg) and body mass index (93.07 kg/m2 to 126.56 kg/m2). There were four semen samples per animal, with an interval of seven days, by electroejaculation. Gave the fallowing values: ejaculate volume (0.50 ± 0.35 ml to 0.75 ± 0.28 ml), motility (87.75 ± 4.78% to 90.00 ± 7.07%) total defects (17.25 ± 5.81% and 47.72 ± 17.55%) and plasma testosterone (6.43 ± 4.33 ng/dL at 166.00 ± 64.48 ng/dL). Electrophoresis on SDS-PAGE revealed protein bands between 7.6 kDa and 142 kDa. Seminal plasma showed a wide range of proteins between 7.6 kDa and 142 kDa. Age influences the testosterone concentration, being higher in the range of 36 months. / O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o quadro espermático e protéico do plasma seminal e o perfil endócrino, em cervos criados em cativeiro. Quatro machos com idades entre 12 e 36 meses foram avaliados. Em quatro momentos com intervalos de sete dias, obteve-se o peso (60,5 a 89,0 kg) e o índice de massa corporal (93,07 kg/m2 a 126,56 kg/m2). Foram realizadas quatro colheitas de sêmen por animal, com intervalo de sete dias, por meio de eletroejaculador. Obteve-se os seguintes valores: volume do ejaculado (0,50±0,35 mL a 0,75±0,28 mL), motilidade espermática (87,75±4,78% a 90,00±7,07%), defeitos totais (17,25±5,81% a 47,72±17,55%) e testosterona plasmática (6,43±4,33 ng/dL a 166,00±64,48 ng/dL). A eletroforese em SDS-PAGE revelou bandas proteicas entre 7,6 kDa e 142 kDa. O plasma seminal apresentou uma grande gama de proteínas entre 7,6 kDa e 142 kDa. A idade influi na concentração de testosterona, sendo essa maior na faixa dos 36 meses.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-18T17:53:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ellyn.pdf: 424817 bytes, checksum: 14bf73c93a8a550f72aac6b4afc87223 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-09-20 / The objective of this study was to evaluate the framework sperm and protein seminal plasma and endocrine profile in deer bred in captivity. Four males aged between 12 and 36 months were evaluated. In four times at intervals of seven days, gave the weight (60.5 to 89.0 kg) and body mass index (93.07 kg/m2 to 126.56 kg/m2). There were four semen samples per animal, with an interval of seven days, by electroejaculation. Gave the fallowing values: ejaculate volume (0.50 ± 0.35 ml to 0.75 ± 0.28 ml), motility (87.75 ± 4.78% to 90.00 ± 7.07%) total defects (17.25 ± 5.81% and 47.72 ± 17.55%) and plasma testosterone (6.43 ± 4.33 ng/dL at 166.00 ± 64.48 ng/dL). Electrophoresis on SDS-PAGE revealed protein bands between 7.6 kDa and 142 kDa. Seminal plasma showed a wide range of proteins between 7.6 kDa and 142 kDa. Age influences the testosterone concentration, being higher in the range of 36 months. / O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o quadro espermático e protéico do plasma seminal e o perfil endócrino, em cervos criados em cativeiro. Quatro machos com idades entre 12 e 36 meses foram avaliados. Em quatro momentos com intervalos de sete dias, obteve-se o peso (60,5 a 89,0 kg) e o índice de massa corporal (93,07 kg/m2 a 126,56 kg/m2). Foram realizadas quatro colheitas de sêmen por animal, com intervalo de sete dias, por meio de eletroejaculador. Obteve-se os seguintes valores: volume do ejaculado (0,50±0,35 mL a 0,75±0,28 mL), motilidade espermática (87,75±4,78% a 90,00±7,07%), defeitos totais (17,25±5,81% a 47,72±17,55%) e testosterona plasmática (6,43±4,33 ng/dL a 166,00±64,48 ng/dL). A eletroforese em SDS-PAGE revelou bandas proteicas entre 7,6 kDa e 142 kDa. O plasma seminal apresentou uma grande gama de proteínas entre 7,6 kDa e 142 kDa. A idade influi na concentração de testosterona, sendo essa maior na faixa dos 36 meses.

Previously, we described prostate cancer (PCa) detection (83% sensitivity; 67% specificity) in seminal plasma by CE-MS/MS. Moreover, advanced disease was distinguished from organ-confined tumors with 80% sensitivity and 82% specificity. The discovered biomarkers were naturally occurring fragments of larger seminal proteins, predominantly semenogelin 1 and 2, representing endpoints of the ejaculate liquefaction. Here we identified proteases putatively involved in PCa specific protein cleavage, and examined gene expression and tissue protein levels, jointly with cell localization in normal prostate (nP), benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), seminal vesicles and PCa using qPCR, Western blotting and confocal laser scanning microscopy. We found differential gene expression of chymase (CMA1), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP3, MMP7), and upregulation of MMP14 and tissue inhibitors (TIMP1 and TIMP2) in BPH. In contrast tissue protein levels of MMP14 were downregulated in PCa. MMP3/TIMP1 and MMP7/TIMP1 ratios were decreased in BPH. In seminal vesicles, we found low-level expression of most proteases and, interestingly, we also detected TIMP1 and low levels of TIMP2. We conclude that MMP3 and MMP7 activity is different in PCa compared to BPH due to fine regulation by their inhibitor TIMP1. Our findings support the concept of seminal plasma biomarkers as non-invasive tool for PCa detection and risk stratification.