24th Annual Student Research Conference
Protein Analysis of Fractionated Equine Seminal Plasma
Nicole A. Reindl* and Shaina M. Dochterman
Dr. Abdo Alghamdi, Faculty Mentor
When seminal plasma from the stallion is deposited into the female reproductive tract, an influx of polymorphonuclear nuetrophils (PMN) ensues. PMNs decrease sperm ability to reach the oviduct by binding to sperm, which results in reduced fertility. Seminal Plasma proteins block the PMNs binding to sperm and help reverse this action. The goal of this research was to examine fractionated ejaculate to determine whether the target protein comes from a specific accessory sex gland and if we can reduce the number of proteins in the mix to facilitate isolation and identification. Isolation of these proteins is needed for formulations of better media and for studies on their mechanism of action. Proteins from fractionated seminal plasma was precipitated by ammonium sulfate, dialyzed and standardized for protein concentration, and then separated by electrophoresis. Preliminary results are encouraging but are not yet conclusive and will be finalized in the coming couple of weeks.
Keywords: PMNs, seminal plasma, protein, concentration, fertility, fractionated, ejaculate, electrophoresis
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 1-1
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 4:30