THE ROLE OF SEMINAL PLASMA IN FERTILIZATION

Seminal plasma modulates sperm function during their passage through t he male and female genital tract, having an effect on the post-testicu lar maturation process, capacitation and on the complex interactions o f gametes. Seminal plasma also exerts specific effects on sperm transp ort and on the female reproductive tl-act. These combined effects may regulate the timing of the fertilisation process to ensure that functi onal gametes meet at the site of fertilisation. The action of seminal plasma on the female reproductive tract is discussed together with the effects of three abundant protein families of the plasma, FN II type proteins, the spermadhesins and CRISP-proteins, on sperm function.