Studio di componenti funzionali dell’apparato riproduttore e dei gameti maschili nelle piccole specie e possibilità di miglioramento con manipolazione alimentare

Title: Study of functional components in the male reproductive tract and in spermatozoa of small domestic animals and possibility of improvement by diet manipulation Lipids are a basic component of semen; they contribute to the structure of spermatozoan membrane and are involved in sperm metabolism and functions. Spermatozoa are characterized by high proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the phospholipid fraction of their membranes. These PUFA can not be synthesized by vertebrates and must be provided by the diet in the form of either the 18-Carbon plant precursor or its long chain derivatives found in animal tissues. This lipid composition is associated with increased susceptibility of spermatozoa to free radical attack and lipid peroxidation. The delicate balance between free radical production and antioxidant defence is considered to be an important determinant of semen quality and in particular its fertilizing ability. In these thesis, the relationship between fatty acid profile and antioxidant protection in avian and rabbit semen as well as the possibility of modulating these parameters by diet manipulation with PUFA n-3 and vitamin E was considered. Moreover in these thesis, the presence of Aquaporins, using immunocytochemistry technique in the epididymal region and sperm storage tubules (SST) in turkey was investigated.