Seminal plasma proteins and fertility indexes in the bull: The case for osteopontin

摘要: The ability to select high fertility sires results in the production of semen samples with optimal quality that will, ultimately improve conception rates. Currently, routine analysis based on motility and morphology provide useful, but limited information about indexes male. Proven, high-use bulls from artificial insemination centers still show differences non-return rates by as much 20 25 %. existence subfertile apparent normal is an important observation has stimulated search for other markers fertility. Killian et al. (1993) reported presence four “fertility-associated proteins” Holstein seminal plasma, one them later identified osteopontin (OPN). same protein, detected accessory sex gland fluid, was associated dairy bulls. Osteopontin first described mineralized bone tissues a cell adhesion component its functions include migration, chemotaxis, calcification, tumor growth, macrophage activation. This ubiquitous protein expressed ampullae, vesicles possibly epididymis, well oviduct. In seminiferous tubules, where it synthesized Sertoli germ cells, OPN potentially involved migration. review, therefore, summarizes key aspects structure expression male, supports notion plays role sperm-egg binding fertilization.