Spermatozoon maturation in vertebrates with internal fertilization

Abstract

Sperm maturation occurs in the mammalian spermatozoon during its passage through the epididymis. Maturation comprises a series of morpho-physiological changes, which includes the acquisition of the fertilizing capacity in the gamete. This maturative process has been particularly studied in mammals, but different data reveal that birds, reptiles and some kind of fish have a similar characteristic. Anatomical and histological analyses of mammalian epididymis and of Wolffian ducts of some birds and reptiles show the predominance of a secretory cell system. Proteins secreted by the male ducts seem to be an important factor involved in the acquisition of motility, as well as in the changes in the molecular organization of the plasma membrane. Changes occurring in the plasma membrane of the mammalian spermatozoon are related to the acquisition of foreign proteins (of epididymal origin). Some of these membrane changes seem to be connected with the capacitation phenomena and also with gamete interaction during fertilization. The use of antibodies against Wolffian duct proteins has shown that spermatozoa birds and reptiles also acquire proteins during their passage through the male duct. Nevertheless, in birds, and probably in reptiles, capacitation is not a pre-requisite for fertilization and some testicular spermatozoa are able to fertilize the egg. Then, what is the real significance of the membrane maturative changes in these subtherian vertebrates? Proteins acquired during maturation in such species must have different functions from those in mammals, to support spermatozoon survival and/or transport in the female tract, where spermatozoa are stored for a long time. Surface changes in mammals would possibly have similar roles when the gametes are in the female tract.