Possible ability of bovine follicular fluid to attract migrating bull spermatozoa

AimTo examine the potential of bovine follicular fluid (BFF) to attract bull spermatozoa. MethodsThe ability of the BFF to attract bull sperm was evaluated by observing changes in sperm migration after being placed in a cross-column chamber. The movement parameters of the heads and flagella of the sperm that were attracted to the BFF were analyzed by using the Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis system. ResultsIt was observed that 61.6% of the bull sperm migrated toward the BFF when the BFF was used at a concentration of 0.1%, but 67.2% of the sperm did not migrate toward the BFF at a concentration of 10%. Relatively larger numbers of both precapacitated and postcapacitated bull sperm migrated toward the BFF (0.1%). The ability of the 0.1% BFF to attract sperm probably affected both the normal artificial insemination (AI) fertility sperm and the poor AI fertility spermatozoa. The flagellar curvilinear ratio of the sperm winding to the 0.1% BFF was significantly higher than that of the prewinding sperm. ConclusionThese results could suggest that BFF potentially attracts bull sperm at a certain concentration, irrespective of the capacitation status of the sperm. Although the mechanism by which this attraction occurs remains unclear, these data imply that it could be related to BFF-dependent changes in the sperm flagellar curvilinear ratio.ArticleREPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY.16(2):133-138(2017)journal articl

Involvement of calcium channels and intracellular calcium in bull sperm thermotaxis

Thermotaxis that sperm migrate to higher temperature area has been confirmed in rabbit and human. In this study, we examined the migration ability of bull sperm in a temperature gradient to confirm thermotaxis and elucidate the involvement of calcium in such theimotaxis, as well as the relation between sperm capacitation and bull fertility. Thermotaxis was evaluated in a temperature gradient of 34-12 degrees C using a cross-type column 22-mm long, 40-mm wide, and 100-mu m deep. Significantly more sperm migrated to the high-temperature area of 39 degrees C in a 2 degrees C temperature gradient, and to 40 degrees C in a 1 degrees C temperature gradient. In calcium-free, BAPTA containing medium, and EGTA containing medium, the migrated sperm ratio in the two temperature areas was almost the same. In media containing lanthanum, ruthenium red, and 2APB, we could not confirm thermotaxis. Pre- and post-capacitated sperm migrated to the high-temperature area, expressing thermotaxis. The sperm from high-fertility bulls showed clear thermotaxis. Based on these results, thermotaxis of bull sperm was confirmed and the involvement of both calcium channels and intracellular stored calcium in thermotaxis was suggested. Although the sample size of bulls was quite small, the difference in thermotaxis may have been associated with bull fertility. Sperm thermotaxis evaluation has potential as a predictor of bull fertility.ArticleJOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT.63(2):143-148(2017)journal articl

EMG activity of trunk muscles and torque output during isometric axial rotation exertion: a comparison between back pain patients and matched controls

Abnormal patterns of trunk muscle activity could affect the biomechanics of spinal movements and result in back pain. The present study aimed to examine electromyographic (EMG) activity of abdominal and back muscles as well as triaxial torque output during isometric axial rotation at different exertion levels in back pain patients and matched controls. Twelve back pain patients and 12 matched controls performed isometric right and left axial rotation at 100%, 70%, 50%, and 30% maximum voluntary contractions in a standing position. Surface EMG activity of rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, latissimus dorsi, iliocostalis lumborum and multifidus were recorded bilaterally. The primary torque in the transverse plane and the coupling torques in sagittal and coronal planes were measured. Results showed that there was a trend (P = 0.08) of higher flexion coupling torque during left axial rotation exertion in back pain patients. Higher activity for external oblique and lower activity for multifidus was shown during left axial rotation exertion in back pain group when compared to the control group. In right axial rotation, back pain patients exhibited lesser activity of rectus abdominis at higher levels of exertion when compared with matched controls. These findings demonstrated that decreased activation of one muscle may be compensated by overactivity in other muscles. The reduced levels of activity of the multifidus muscle during axial rotation exertion in back pain patients may indicate that spinal stability could be compromised. Future studies should consider these alternations in recruitment patterns in terms of spinal stability and internal loading. The findings also indicate the importance of training for coordination besides the strengthening of trunk muscles during rehabilitation process. (C) 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

Infiltration of COX-2–expressing macrophages is a prerequisite for IL-1β–induced neovascularization and tumor growth

Inflammatory angiogenesis is a critical process in tumor progression and other diseases. The inflammatory cytokine IL-1β promotes angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis, but its mechanisms remain unclear. We examined the association between IL-1β–induced angiogenesis and cell inflammation. IL-1β induced neovascularization in the mouse cornea at rates comparable to those of VEGF. Neutrophil infiltration occurred on day 2. Macrophage infiltration occurred on days 4 and 6. The anti–Gr-1 Ab-induced depletion of infiltrating neutrophils did not affect IL-1β– or VEGF-induced angiogenesis. The former was reduced in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1–deficient (MCP-1(–/–)) mice compared with wild-type mice. After day 4, clodronate liposomes, which kill macrophages, reduced IL-1β–induced angiogenesis and partially inhibited VEGF-induced angiogenesis. Infiltrating macrophages near the IL-1β–induced neovasculature were COX-2 positive. Lewis lung carcinoma cells expressing IL-1β (LLC/IL-1β) developed neovasculature with macrophage infiltration and enhanced tumor growth in wild-type but not MCP-1(–/–) mice. A COX-2 inhibitor reduced tumor growth, angiogenesis, and macrophage infiltration in LLC/IL-1β. Thus, macrophage involvement might be a prerequisite for IL-1β–induced neovascularization and tumor progression