Resumen:
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The PDC-109 is an heparin binding protein from the seminal vesicles; at ejaculation, it binds to sperm surface phospholipids. At present, evidences indicate that it could play a modulator role on several aspects of sperm activity. Here we investigated: 1) in the presence or in the absence of heparin, the effects of exogenous PDC-109 upon bovine sperm motility (Makler chamber), viability (Hoechst 33258) and membrane functional integrity (hypoosmotic swelling test); 2) the possible role of PDC-109 as a capacitating factor and 3) its potential ability to induce the acrosome reaction (AR) (FICT-PSA). After 4 h capacitation in the presence of heparin, the addition of PDC-109 (0.5, 1.5 or 3.0 mg/ml) elicited a significant decrease in the percentages of motile, progressive or viable cells. These effects were also detected in the a