Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
1-2
pubmed:dateCreated
2005-7-26
pubmed:abstractText
Spermatozoa are almost unique among cells in that they must survive transplantation into a foreign host in order to perform their physiological role. The biggest hurdle to overcome is innate immune defence that will target the invaders in the female genital tract. Complement is a major player in innate immunity and is present in the female genital tract. Spermatozoa must therefore evade complement attack if they are to reach their goal. Complement evasion is achieved by the presence of complement regulators both in seminal plasma and on the spermatozoa. Here we discuss the parts played by complement and complement regulators in permitting spermatozoa to survive long enough to reach the oocyte, in clearance of the excess spermatozoa that have outlived their usefulness and in aiding activation of spermatozoa to engage the oocyte. In particular, we focus on the unique distribution patterns of complement regulators on spermatozoa, patterns that strongly suggest roles in spermatozoal development and oocyte binding. An understanding of these roles will inform studies of their contribution to fertility and infertility in man.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jan
pubmed:issn
0161-5890
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
43
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
57-67
pubmed:dateRevised
2008-11-21
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2006
pubmed:articleTitle
Complement and complement regulators in the male reproductive system.
pubmed:affiliation
Complement Biology Group, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Health park, Cardiff CF 14 4XN, UK.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't