H Wolff1, A Panhans, W Stolz, M Meurer. 1. Dermatologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of adherence between Escherichia coli and sperm. DESIGN: Experimental study performed with donor sperm and male genital tract-derived E. coli. SETTING: Andrology unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: None. INTERVENTIONS: Monitoring of sperm-E. coli agglutination; addition of sugars to block adherence; electron microscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Sperm-E. coli agglutination. RESULTS: Escherichia coli readily adhered to and agglutinated sperm. The phenomenon was observed at E. coli to sperm ratios as low as 1:20; maximum sperm agglutination involving approximately 90% of spermatozoa was seen with ratios of 1:5 or higher. By transmission electron microscopy, E. coli adherence was observed both on sperm heads and tails. Heteroagglutination could be blocked by D-mannose and alpha-methyl-mannopyranoside but not by other sugars. Preincubation of sperm or E. coli with mannose resulted in block of agglutination, indicating mannose-binding structures both on sperm and E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence of E. coli to sperm is mediated by mannose and mannose-binding structures present on both cell types. Agglutination of sperm by E. coli may be relevant in male and female infertility.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of adherence between Escherichia coli and sperm. DESIGN: Experimental study performed with donor sperm and male genital tract-derived E. coli. SETTING: Andrology unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: None. INTERVENTIONS: Monitoring of sperm-E. coli agglutination; addition of sugars to block adherence; electron microscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Sperm-E. coli agglutination. RESULTS:Escherichia coli readily adhered to and agglutinated sperm. The phenomenon was observed at E. coli to sperm ratios as low as 1:20; maximum sperm agglutination involving approximately 90% of spermatozoa was seen with ratios of 1:5 or higher. By transmission electron microscopy, E. coli adherence was observed both on sperm heads and tails. Heteroagglutination could be blocked by D-mannose and alpha-methyl-mannopyranoside but not by other sugars. Preincubation of sperm or E. coli with mannose resulted in block of agglutination, indicating mannose-binding structures both on sperm and E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence of E. coli to sperm is mediated by mannose and mannose-binding structures present on both cell types. Agglutination of sperm by E. coli may be relevant in male and female infertility.
Authors: A Saleh Younes; Márta Csire; Beatrix Kapusinszky; Katalin Szomor; Mária Takács; György Berencsi Journal: Pathol Oncol Res Date: 2009-09 Impact factor: 3.201