[Effect of platelet-activating factor on sperm function]

Abstract

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a unique and novel signaling phospholipid that has pleiotropic biologic properties in addition to platelet activation. Recent studies show that this novel compound plays a significant role in male reproduction and sperm function. PAF binds surface special receptors inducing the formation of inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) and increasing intracellular calcium. The concentrations of sperm-derived PAF may help predict sperm motility and fertilization potential, which may serve as a valuable marker for assessing male fertility. Exogenous PAF can improve sperm motility, acrosome reaction and pregnancy rates in human intrauterine inseminations.