MONTREAL, July 23, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Why does only one sperm cell out of 100 million get through to fertilize the egg? According to the investigations of Jackson C. Kirkman-Brown, from the Reproductive Biology and Genetics Research Team at the University of Birmingham, UK, multiple physical factors can affect the behaviour and success of the sperm in fertilizing the egg. Kirkman-Brown will present a talk on this subject this week at the 46th annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
Many reproductive biologists have proposed the chemotactic or "attractive egg" hypothesis for fertilization, for which there is little concrete evidence. Most have neglected to consider the role played by the viscosity of the mucous layers (which coat the entire genital tract and through which sperm must swim) in both sperm selection and ongoing modulation of their behaviour. Dr. Kirkman-Brown addresses this topic in his research, which focuses upon a greater understanding of physical, physiological, and cell signaling processes that regulate the function of sperm and eggs. This covers everything from understanding how a sperm recognizes an egg and other crucial events in fertilization, to how the sperm negotiates the physical obstacle course it faces in the female body.
The presentation will take place during the 46th Annual Meeeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, hosted in Montréal by the Réseau Québécois en Reproduction, from July 22 to July 26 in the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. http://www.ssr.org
INTERVIEWS AND ACCREDITATION: The speakers and experts present will make themselves available to discuss their research. Media wishing to schedule an interview or obtain accreditation are asked to contact Bruce D. Murphy, Ph.D., Co-Chair of the SSR Local Arrangement Committee ([email protected]).
About the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR)
The SSR's purpose is to promote the study of the biological and medical aspects of fertility and reproduction by fostering interdisciplinary communication. It holds an annual conference and publishes the journal Biology of Reproduction on a monthly basis.
For more information visit http://www.ssr.org/
About the 46th Annual Meeting of the SSR
Reproductive Health: Nano to Global
22-26 July 2013
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Montréal, Québec, Canada
Hosted by Réseau Québécois en Reproduction
Over 1,200 delegates from five continents will participate in this meeting.
About the Réseau Québécois en reproduction (RQR)
The wide range of expertise in reproductive biology, allows this Quebec strategic group to contribute to the understanding of important clinical topics in reproduction, particularly those related to assisted reproductive technology and to reinforce the competitiveness of the Quebec animal and agricultural industry.
For more information visit: www.rqr.umontreal.ca
SOURCE: Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR)
Susan S. Suarez, Ph.D.
President - Society for the Study of Reproduction
607-253-3589
607-351-5067
[email protected]
Bruce D. Murphy, Ph.D.
Co-Chair - SSR Local Arrangement Committee
450-773-8521 ext.: 8382
450-779-9315
[email protected]
Eliane Auger, M.Sc.
Manager - Réseau Québécois en reproduction
450-733-8521 ext.: 8286
514-243-0139
[email protected]
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