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Biology of Reproduction 67, 648-654 (2002)
© 2002 Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

Regular Article

Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-2 and -5 in Equine Seminal Plasma: Association with Sperm Characteristics and Fertility1

M.L. Macpherson2, R.C.M. Simmena, F.A. Simmena, J. Hernandez, B.R. Sheerin, D.D. Varnerb, P. Loomisc, M.E. Cadario, C.D. Millerd, S.P. Brinskob, S. Rigbyb, and T.L. Blanchardb

a Departments of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and b Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610 c Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843 d Select Breeders Services Inc., Colora, Maryland 21917 e Equine Medical Center of Ocala, Ocala, Florida 34474

The objectives of this study were 1) to determine whether insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) were present in seminal plasma of stallions; 2) to compare semen parameters (IGF proteins, sperm numbers, morphology, and motility) from stallions at sexual rest (SR) and when sexually active (SA); 3) to compare semen parameters between stallions with high and low seminal plasma IGF-I concentrations; and 4) to examine the relationship between seminal plasma IGF-I concentrations and fertility parameters of stallions. Ejaculates were collected from stallions at SR (n = 51) and SA (n = 46). Concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-2 in seminal plasma samples were determined by radioimmunoassay. Presence of IGFBPs in equine seminal plasma was verified using immunoprecipitation and Western ligand blot procedures. IGF-I, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-5 were present in equine seminal plasma. Concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-I/protein, total IGF-I, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-2/protein, and total IGFBP-2 were not significantly different (P >= 0.13) in seminal plasma between stallions at either SR or SA. At SR, stallions with higher seminal plasma IGF-I had more total IGFBP-2 per ejaculate (P < 0.01), more morphologically normal sperm (P = 0.05), and higher first-cycle pregnancy rates (P = 0.02). At SA, stallions with higher seminal plasma IGF-I had fewer cycles per pregnancy (P = 0.02). An association of seminal plasma IGF-I concentration with sperm motility, sperm morphology, and pregnancy rates in bred mares suggests that IGF-I may play a role in sperm function.

First decision: 7 December 2001.

1 This work was funded by a grant from the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Inc. and published as Journal Series R- from the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station.

2 Correspondence. FAX: 352 392 8289; macphersonm{at}mail.vetmed.ufl.edu






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