The research team labeled the protein in question “ovulation-inducing factor” or OIF and found that this particular protein is very similar in properties to nerve growth factor (NGF) — a protein responsible for the growth and maintenance of sympathetic and embryonic sensory neurons in our system.
“To our surprise, it turns out they [OIF and NGF] are the same molecule. Even more surprising is that the effects of NGF in the female were not recognized earlier, since it’s so abundant in seminal plasma,” Gregg Adams explained to the University of Saskatchewan.
Neuroscientist at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Sergio Ojeda told Science that once the protein in the semen gets into the bloodstream, it makes its way to the female brain, more specifically the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Once it gets there, it triggers the release of hormones needed for fertility, which in turn releases another set of hormones responsible for ovulation. Ovulation isn’t the only factor semen affects when it comes to the female body.