Experts have delved into the unique capability of a woman’s uterus to ‘taste’ sperm, shedding light on the scientific processes involved.
A study titled ‘Bitter Taste Receptors in the Reproductive System: Function and Therapeutic Implications’, published in the National Library of Medicine in 2024, explores how a woman’s uterus can seemingly ‘taste’ undesirable sperm.
This ability is attributed to Type 2 taste receptors (TAS2Rs) which are located in both the fallopian tubes and uterus, according to the researchers.
These receptors are believed to assess sperm quality and may even identify ‘bitter’ bacterial toxins. Consequently, the body initiates an immune response to cleanse the area when necessary.
Discussing their findings, the study authors noted: “The investigation of TAS2Rs in the human and mouse uterus has been largely focused on the myometrium, an area to which our research group has actively contributed.”
“We were the first to identify a subset of TAS2Rs expressed in the human myometrium, the human myometrial cell line hTERT-HM, and the mouse myometrium.”
“In addition, we observed that bitter tastants, such as chloroquine, induced relaxation in precontracted uterine smooth muscle strips, a relaxation effect superior to that of currently used tocolytics.”
The researchers studied ‘single smooth muscle cells’ and discovered that ‘bitter tastants triggered the activation of classical TAS2R downstream’.
Essentially, the receptors help assess sperm quality and detect specific bacterial responses, prompting an immune response to eliminate any ‘bad’ sperm.
Research into the role of type 2 taste receptors in the uterus is ongoing, as scientists have found they contribute to ‘uterine relaxation and hold potential as therapeutic targets for preventing preterm birth’.
Commenting on TAS2Rs in the female reproductive system, researchers noted: “In female reproduction, it is speculated that TAS2Rs influence the ovarian milieu, shaping the functions of granulosa and cumulus cells and their interactions with oocytes.”
In the male reproductive system, these receptors are thought to play a significant role in fertility.
“Genetic insights from mouse models and human polymorphism studies provide some evidence for their contribution to male infertility,” researchers added.