Browsing by Author "Gregory, Joana"

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    Horse Seminal Plasma proteins (HSP-1 and HSP-2) concentration: a possible marker for poor fertility?
    Garcia, Luisa A. D.; Brito, Enio L. R.; Serpa, Priscila B. S.; Gregory, Joana; Natalini, Claudio Corrêa; Mottos, Rodrigo C.; Jobim, Maria Ines M. (Hippiatrika Verlag, 2014-09-01)
    Seminal plasma (SP) proteins have been assessed in relation to reproductive fertility levels or infertility, in several species of mammals, particularly domestic animals. Horse seminal plasma proteins 1 (HSP-1) and 2 (HSP-2) are the most abundant proteins in equine seminal plasma. The aim of this study was to investigate in adult stallions the concentrations of seminal plasma HSP-1/2 and total protein in the breeding season and non-breeding season and to determine if these concentrations were related with fertility. Seminal plasma was obtained from 42 ejaculates of 11 adult stallions (3-25 yrs). Stallions were allocated into two groups (good and poor fertility) according to pregnancy rates of mares, and to their semen viability data in the first collection day. Seminal plasma HSP-1/2 concentrations (mg/mL) were measured and analyzed by an Ultra High Performance Liquid Cromatography using a UHPLC column. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in total protein and HSP1/2 concentration (mg/mL, meanplusmn;SD) in the ejaculates from good and poor fertility stallions. The HSP1/2 concentration did not show differences in the first and second ejaculates of good fertility stallions in both the non-breeding and breeding season. Seminal plasma of stallions classified as poor fertility showed significant difference (P<0.05) in HSP-1/2 concentration between the first and second ejaculate in both the non-breeding and breeding season. In conclusion, the concentration of the major proteins of stallion seminal plasma HSP1/2 was higher in ejaculates from stallions with poor fertility, is not influenced by the season and could serve as biomarker for poor fertility in stallions.