Physiological function of seminal vesicle secretions on male fecundity

Reproductive medicine and biology

article

Taichi Noda¹  Masahito Ikawa¹ 

[1] Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University;Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

关键词: artificial insemination;    copulatory plug;    male accessory gland;    sperm fertilizing ability;    uterine environment;   

DOI  :  10.1002/rmb2.12282

学科分类：工业工程学

来源: Wiley

【 摘 要 】

Background: A mixture of spermatozoa and accessory gland secretions (from seminal vesicles, prostates, and coagulating glands) is ejaculated into the female reproductive tract at copulation. However, the physiological function of accessory glands on male fecundity remains unclear. Methods: Publications regarding the physiological functions of male accessory glands were summarized. Main findings (Results): The functions of accessory glands have been studied using male rodents surgically removed coagulating glands (CG), prostates (PR), or seminal vesicles (SV). CG‐removed males are fertile or subfertile, while the fe‐ cundity of PR‐removed males is controversial. SV‐removed males show copula‐ tory plug defects, leading to fewer sperm in the uterus and severe subfertility. TGM4, SVS2, and PATE4 were identified as essential factors for copulatory plug formation. When the sufficient number of epididymal spermatozoa was artificially injected into a uterus (AI method), they could efficiently fertilize oocytes, implicat‐ ing that accessory gland secretions are not essential. Seminal vesicle secretions (SVSs) improved fertilization rates only when low numbers of spermatozoa were used for AI. The changes of uterine environment by SVSs could not improve the pregnancy rate. Conclusion: Accessory gland factors are critical for copulatory plug formation and support sperm fertilizing ability.

【 授权许可】

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