INVESTIGATING SPERM MATURATION DURING EPIDIDYMAL TRANSIT IN THE DOMESTIC CAT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNIQUES

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dc.contributor.advisorOttinger, Mary Annen_US
dc.contributor.advisorComizzoli, Pierreen_US
dc.contributor.authorRowlison, Tricia Marieen_US
dc.contributor.departmentAnimal Sciencesen_US
dc.contributor.publisherDigital Repository at the University of Marylanden_US
dc.contributor.publisherUniversity of Maryland (College Park, Md.)en_US
dc.date.accessioned2018-01-25T06:34:26Z
dc.date.available2018-01-25T06:34:26Z
dc.date.issued2017en_US
dc.description.abstractUnderstanding the physiological processes involved in the sperm maturation process is critical to elucidating mechanisms underlying male infertility. Maturation of the spermatozoa during epididymal transit is associated with the integration of specific proteins and acquisition of functionality. Many underlying processes are unclear thereby making it challenging to develop applications for assisted reproductive technologies. The goal of this research was to understand key phases in the sperm maturation process associated with functional effects of protein incorporation via epididymosome secretion on sperm cell motility and fertilization. Specific objectives were to (1) identify essential proteins that contribute to sperm centrosome maturation throughout epididymal transit, (2) characterize the transfer of key factors via epididymosomes between the epididymis and maturing sperm cells and (3) demonstrate the impact of such mechanisms on the acquisition of motility and fertilizing ability by the spermatozoa. Using the domestic cat model (Felis catus), we demonstrated that the secreted epididymal vesicles termed epididymosomes supply critical proteins to the developing spermatozoa and examined the effects of exposure of these vesicles on motility and ability to successfully fertilize an oocyte. Exposure of immature sperm cells to epididymosomes in vitro resulted in the significant incorporation of cenexin, critical for the maturation of the sperm centrosome, which then enables proper pronuclear syngamy and formation of the first mitotic spindle following oocyte penetration. Furthermore, this research focused on assessing the impact of malformed spermatozoa at the centrosome on fertilization success in the domestic cat. Findings revealed that improper maturation of the centrosome may be a source of infertility in this species as well as in wild felids. In summary, this research has provided insights into the sperm cell maturation process which will enhance the use of assisted reproductive techniques and reproductive success of many species including the human and wild felids.en_US
dc.identifierhttps://doi.org/10.13016/M2251FM8P
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/20432
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.subject.pqcontrolledAnimal sciencesen_US
dc.subject.pquncontrolledDomestic caten_US
dc.subject.pquncontrolledEpididymisen_US
dc.subject.pquncontrolledEpididymosomeen_US
dc.subject.pquncontrolledFeliden_US
dc.subject.pquncontrolledSpermatozoaen_US
dc.titleINVESTIGATING SPERM MATURATION DURING EPIDIDYMAL TRANSIT IN THE DOMESTIC CAT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNIQUESen_US
dc.typeDissertationen_US

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