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1 August 2002 Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-2 and -5 in Equine Seminal Plasma: Association with Sperm Characteristics and Fertility
M. L. Macpherson, R. C. M. Simmen, F. A. Simmen, J. Hernandez, B. R. Sheerin, D. D. Varner, P. Loomis, M. E. Cadario, C. D. Miller, S. P. Brinsko, S. Rigby, T. L. Blanchard
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Abstract

The objectives of this study were 1) to determine whether insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) were present in seminal plasma of stallions; 2) to compare semen parameters (IGF proteins, sperm numbers, morphology, and motility) from stallions at sexual rest (SR) and when sexually active (SA); 3) to compare semen parameters between stallions with high and low seminal plasma IGF-I concentrations; and 4) to examine the relationship between seminal plasma IGF-I concentrations and fertility parameters of stallions. Ejaculates were collected from stallions at SR (n = 51) and SA (n = 46). Concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-2 in seminal plasma samples were determined by radioimmunoassay. Presence of IGFBPs in equine seminal plasma was verified using immunoprecipitation and Western ligand blot procedures. IGF-I, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-5 were present in equine seminal plasma. Concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-I/protein, total IGF-I, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-2/protein, and total IGFBP-2 were not significantly different (P ≥ 0.13) in seminal plasma between stallions at either SR or SA. At SR, stallions with higher seminal plasma IGF-I had more total IGFBP-2 per ejaculate (P < 0.01), more morphologically normal sperm (P = 0.05), and higher first-cycle pregnancy rates (P = 0.02). At SA, stallions with higher seminal plasma IGF-I had fewer cycles per pregnancy (P = 0.02). An association of seminal plasma IGF-I concentration with sperm motility, sperm morphology, and pregnancy rates in bred mares suggests that IGF-I may play a role in sperm function.

M. L. Macpherson, R. C. M. Simmen, F. A. Simmen, J. Hernandez, B. R. Sheerin, D. D. Varner, P. Loomis, M. E. Cadario, C. D. Miller, S. P. Brinsko, S. Rigby, and T. L. Blanchard "Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-2 and -5 in Equine Seminal Plasma: Association with Sperm Characteristics and Fertility," Biology of Reproduction 67(2), 648-654, (1 August 2002). https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod67.2.648
Received: 16 November 2001; Accepted: 1 March 2002; Published: 1 August 2002
KEYWORDS
growth factors
insulin-like growth factor receptor
male reproductive tract
male sexual function
sperm
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