Function of Platelet-Activating Factor in Spermatozoa Motility and Fertility Potential

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent signaling phospholipid (alkyl acetyl glycerol phosphocholine) and has been found to have a variety of reproductive roles, including but not limited to sperm function, and early pre implantation development. PAF functions via a G-protein coupled receptor mediated pathway, which ultimately increases intracellular calcium levels. Since its discovery, PAF has been positively linked with fertility, i.e. reproductive outcomes. Roudebush et al. [1] found that boars with high fertility have a significantly more endogenous PAF in sperm than boars with low fertility [1]. Roudebush et al. reported that PAF levels in sperm were significantly higher during the breeding season of squirrel monkeys in comparison to the nonbreeding season [2]. Additionally, Sengoku et al. [2] demonstrated how a PAF antagonist (CV-3988) will decrease the fertilization ability of human sperm in vitro by both decreasing sperm penetration ability as well as its acrosome reaction [3].