Sperm–uterine interactions: a review

The uterus of domestic animals, including the horse, has a dual role in the interaction of the uterus and sperm. On one hand, uterine contractions carry sperm toward the oviduct, and on the other hand the uterus eliminates excessive sperm. The selection of sperm for the small numbers of “good” cells...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Animal reproduction science 2001-12, Vol.68 (3), p.267-272
Main Author: Katila, T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Female
Horse
Horses - physiology
Insemination
Insemination - physiology
Male
Sperm
Sperm Motility - physiology
Spermatozoa - physiology
Uterine Contraction - physiology
Uterus
Uterus - physiology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The uterus of domestic animals, including the horse, has a dual role in the interaction of the uterus and sperm. On one hand, uterine contractions carry sperm toward the oviduct, and on the other hand the uterus eliminates excessive sperm. The selection of sperm for the small numbers of “good” cells that gain access to the oviduct and for the majority of sperm that will be destroyed takes place in the uterus. The sperm–uterine interaction works both ways; sperm and seminal plasma also have several effects on the uterus. Sperm and seminal plasma probably provoke uterine contractions. Sperm induce leukocytosis in the equine uterus by activating complement. Seminal plasma has immuno-suppressive effects in the uterus. The sperm–uterine interaction can be modified by the type of the inseminate: concentration, numbers, motility/viability of sperm, volume, and absence or presence of seminal plasma. In mares, relaxation of the cervix, myometrial contractions, lymphatic drainage, and stallion contact affect elimination of sperm.
ISSN:0378-4320
1873-2232
DOI:10.1016/S0378-4320(01)00162-2