Luminal fluid of epididymis and vas deferens contributes to sperm chromatin fragmentation.

ABSTRACT:

Study question

Do the luminal fluids of the epididymis and the vas deferens contribute to sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF) in mice?

Summary answer

The luminal fluids of both organs are required for activating SCF in mice, but the vas deferens luminal fluid does this more efficiently than that of the epididymis.

What is known already

Mice sperm have the ability to degrade their DNA in an apoptotic-like fashion when treated with divalent cations in a process termed SCF. SCF has two steps: the induction of reversible double-strand DNA breaks at the nuclear matrix attachment sites, followed by the irreversible degradation of DNA by nuclease. Single stranded DNA breaks accompany SCF.

Study design, size, duration

Luminal fluids from two reproductive organs of the

SUBMITTER: Gawecka JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4643531 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature