Semen selenium content and sperm mitochondrial volume in human and some animal species

Abstract

Selenium (Se) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined from the seminal plasma samples and spermatozoa of human and four different animal species. The human sperm Se concentration was 1.8 +/- 0.8 micrograms/g dry weight, which was about half of that in the bull. Abnormal sperm morphology and motility correlated with low sperm Se content. The volume of sperm mitochondrial sheath in human, bull and stallion was measured using transmission electron microscopy. In these species the sperm Se content was highly correlated with the volume of mitochondria. Among the five species studied, the seminal plasma level of Se was lowest in human male and stallion, while the highest levels were encountered in the bull. No correlation was obtained between human semen quality and seminal plasma Se concentration. The seminal plasma GSH-Px activity was low in man and ram, absent in boar and stallion but very high in the bull. The amount of structural sperm Se as well as seminal plasma Se and GSH-Px activity appears to be highly variable in different species.

Levels of antioxidant defenses are decreased in bovine spermatozoa after a cycle of freezing and thawing

“…The elevated levels of GPx activity found in seminal plasma may also help to reduce lipid peroxidation. In fact, bovine seminal plasma possesses more than tenfold the GPx activity present in seminal plasma of human, ram, and stallion (Kantola et al, 1988;Saaranen et al, 1989).…”

Influence of inorganic Se + vitamin E and organic Se + vitamin E on reproductive performance of young boars

“…GSH-Px is present both in a number of tissues and in the body fluids. Its high activity has been observed both in the organs of the reproductive system and in the fluids secreted thereby (Saaranen et al 1989).…”

“…High concentration of Se in testes and epididymides of the boars implies that this element is essential for the process of production and maturation of spermatozoa (Heimann et al 1984, Saaranen et al 1989, Marin-Guzman et al 1997. Selenium is a component of mitochondrial capsule selenoprotein, which maintains the stability of spermatozoa mitochondria (Calvin et al 1981, Kleene 1993, Marin-Guzman et al 1997.…”

Effect of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on reproductive performance of young boars

“…GSH-Px is present both in a number of tissues and in the body fluids. Its high activity has been observed both in the organs of the reproductive system and in the fluids secreted thereby (SAARANEN et al, 1989). GSH-Px existing in seminal plasma is probably first of all synthetised in accessory sexuale glands, whereas activity of this enzyme in mature sperm is low (SMITH et al, 1979).…”

“…Selenium also regulates male reproductive processes. High concentration of Se in testes and epididymides of the boars implies that his element is essential for the process of production and maturation of spermatozoa (HEIMANN et al, 1984;SAARANEN et al, 1989;MARIN-GUZMAN et al, 1997). Selenium is a component of mitochondrial capsule selenoprotein, which maintains the stability of spermatozoa mitochondria (KLEENE, 1993;MARIN-GUZMAN et al, 1997).…”