Gelatinases in Boar Seminal Plasma and Their Relation to Semen Indicators

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases were detected in reproductive tissues and seminal plasma of various animal species. The aim of this study was to determine for the first time the presence of gelatinases and metalloproteases in boar seminal plasma and to correlate the results with semen indicators. Gelatin zymography was used for simultaneous identification and measurement of gelatinase enzyme activity associated with their molecular weights. Several gelatinase forms were identified in seminal plasma of boars. Those that were stimulated by CaCl2 and inhibited by EDTA and phenanthroline were considered as metalloproteases. Negative correlation between semen indicators (sperm index, sperm concentration and concentration of progressive motile sperm) and the concentrations of metalloprotease at 78 kDa and 66 kDa means that higher values of semen indicators correlate with lower concentrations of these metaloproteases in seminal plasma. Gelatinases with molecular weight of 225, 78 and 66 kDa correlated with higher levels of acrosome damage. Samples with sperm index above 110 M/ml contained gelatinases of significantly lower band intensities at 78 and 66 kDa compared to samples with SI less than 110 M/ml. Bands with 225, 78 and 66 kDa are suggested to belong to a dimer of MMP-9, proMMP-2 and mature MMP-2.