Effect of exogenous platelet-activating factor on sperm capacitation

ABSTRACT

Background: Freshly ejaculated spermatozoa in female reproductive system are not able to fertilize the egg. Spermatozoa first get capacitated by having some physiological changes and then become acrosome reacted to get this ability. Capacitating factors are present in female reproductive system and semen. Among capacitating factors a unique and potent signaling phospholipid is found in spermatozoa called Platelet Activating Factor [PAF]. ,Apart from the activation of platelets, PAF has numerous other effects related to reproduction like sperm motility, sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, implantation, embryo development and parturition