
pmid: 16772431
We have previously demonstrated that the amount of HE1/NPC2 mRNA and protein expressed in the human epididymis is decreased under vasectomy. In this study, western blot analyses showed that many vasovasostomized men are characterized by high HE1/NPC2 levels in spermatozoa when compared with fertile donors. HE1/NPC2 association with sperm from vasovasostomized men was not related to low motility per se as spermatozoa from asthenospermic men have HE1/NPC2 levels similar to those in normal fertile semen samples. Spermatozoa from vasovasostomized men with high amount of HE1/NPC2 are characterized by higher concentration of cholesterol and more lipid raft domains. HE1/NPC2 is secreted in different glycoforms by different tissues of human male reproductive tract. These forms are due to variation in N-glycosylation, and only the deglycosylated form is associated with spermatozoa from some vasovasostomized men. Compared with normal men, seminal plasma of vasectomized men is characterized by a major decrease in immunodetectable HE1/NPC2 without change in the glycosylation pattern. Following surgical vasectomy reversal, seminal plasma HE1/NPC2 was found in similar amounts to the ones characterizing normal men. Considering the potential role of HE1/NPC2 in cholesterol transport during sperm maturation, unusual high levels of this protein associated with spermatozoa of vasovasostomized men may reflect epididymal sequelae occurring when the vas deferens is obstructed.
Male, VASECTOMIE, Blotting, Western, Vesicular Transport Proteins, G(M1) Ganglioside, HE1, Semen, Vasectomy, Humans, [SDV.BDLR] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Reproductive Biology, EPIDIDYME, Glycoproteins, Epididymis, CHOLESTEROL, MATURATION DU SPERME, [SDV.BDLR]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Reproductive Biology, Middle Aged, NPC2, Spermatozoa, Ejaculatory Ducts, Cholesterol, Fertility, VASOVASOSTOMIE, Carrier Proteins, RAFT, Densitometry
Male, VASECTOMIE, Blotting, Western, Vesicular Transport Proteins, G(M1) Ganglioside, HE1, Semen, Vasectomy, Humans, [SDV.BDLR] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Reproductive Biology, EPIDIDYME, Glycoproteins, Epididymis, CHOLESTEROL, MATURATION DU SPERME, [SDV.BDLR]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Reproductive Biology, Middle Aged, NPC2, Spermatozoa, Ejaculatory Ducts, Cholesterol, Fertility, VASOVASOSTOMIE, Carrier Proteins, RAFT, Densitometry
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 39 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
