1
|
Zhou YF, Hou YY, Ban Q, Zhang ML, Huang T, Ma B, Shi L, Zhang Q. Metabolomics profiling of seminal plasma in obesity-induced asthenozoospermia. Andrology 2023; 11:1303-1319. [PMID: 36841993 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthenozoospermia is one of the essential causes of male infertility, and its incidence is significantly higher in obese men. Due to its complex etiology and unknown pathomechanism, the diagnosis and treatment of obesity-induced asthenozoospermia is a prevalent problem in reproductive medicine. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore major differential metabolites and metabolic pathways in seminal plasma and pathological mechanisms for obesity-induced asthenozoospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed non-target metabolomic studies on the seminal plasma of healthy men with normal semen parameters (HN group, n = 20), obese men with normal semen parameters (ON group, n = 20), and men with obesity-induced asthenozoospermia (OA group, n = 20) based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Metabolic profilings and related pathway analyses were conducted to discriminate differential metabolites and metabolic pathways. RESULTS A total of 20 differential metabolites including fructose, succinic acid, aconitic acid, methylmaleic acid, glucopyranose, serine, valine, leucine, phenylalanine, glycine, glutamic acid, alanine, proline and threonine were identified in HN group and ON group; 24 differential metabolites including glucose, fructose, pyruvic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, aconitic acid, glucopyranose, glutamic acid, valine, leucine, glycine, phenylalanine, lysine, citrulline, proline and alanine were produced in OA group and ON group; and 28 differential metabolites including glucose, fructose, citric acid, succinic acid, glucopyranose, valine, glycine, serine, leucine, phenylalanine, alanine, threonine, proline, glutamic acid, citrulline, lysine and tyrosine were produced in OA group and HN group. In addition, abnormal energy metabolism including carbohydrate metabolism (TCA cycle, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and pyruvate metabolism) and amino acid metabolism (phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism; phenylalanine metabolism, etc.) were found in ON group and OA group. CONCLUSION Obesity could affect the metabolite composition in seminal plasma and abnormal energy metabolism in seminal plasma mainly including carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism were closely related to obesity-induced asthenozoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fen Zhou
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Yang Hou
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Ban
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng-Ling Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Huang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Ma
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Selected metabolites found in equine oviductal fluid do not modify the parameters associated to capacitation of the frozen-thawed equine spermatozoa in vitro. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 111:103875. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
3
|
Mateo-Otero Y, Fernández-López P, Gil-Caballero S, Fernandez-Fuertes B, Bonet S, Barranco I, Yeste M. 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Pig Seminal Plasma Reveals Intra-Ejaculate Variation in Metabolites. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E906. [PMID: 32549232 PMCID: PMC7355445 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In pigs, ejaculate is expelled in fractions, mainly the sperm-rich fraction (SRF) and the post-SRF (PSRF), which differ in both sperm content and origin. In addition, intra-ejaculate variability between fractions in terms of sperm reproductive characteristics has been previously reported, the highest sperm quality being observed in the first 10 mL of the SRF (SRF-P1). As seminal plasma (SP) composition has been purported to influence sperm physiology, the aim of this study was to profile pig SP metabolite composition and to find putative differences between the ejaculate portions (SRF-P1, the rest of SRF [SRF-P2], PSRF) and entire ejaculate (EE). To this end, ejaculates (n = 8, one per boar) were collected in fractions and SP was analyzed using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. We identified 19 metabolites present in all ejaculate portions and the EE, and reported correlations between the metabolites. Additionally, and for the first time in mammals, we found intra-ejaculate variability in the SP metabolites, observing different relative abundances in choline, glycerophosphocholine and glycine. Regarding their influence in sperm physiology, we hypothesize that these metabolites may explain the specific reproductive characteristics of each ejaculate portion. Finally, the reported SP metabolites could serve as a first steppingstone in the study of quality, functionality, and fertility biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Pol Fernández-López
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology Group, Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), E-17300 Girona, Spain;
| | - Sergi Gil-Caballero
- NMR Facility, Research Technical Services (STR), University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
González-Fernández L, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Calle-Guisado V, García-Marín LJ, Bragado MJ, Fernández-Hernández P, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Macías-García B. Stage-specific metabolomic changes in equine oviductal fluid: New insights into the equine fertilization environment. Theriogenology 2019; 143:35-43. [PMID: 31835098 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A repeatable protocol for equine in vitro fertilization (IVF) has remained elusive. This is likely, in part, due to suboptimal composition of capacitation or IVF media that are currently in use. Hence, we aimed to analyse the metabolome of equine oviductal fluid (OF) at the pre- (PRE) and immediate post-ovulatory (PST) stages using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). Oviductal fluid from eight PRE and six PST mares were used to prepare a total of five samples per group. A total of 18 metabolites were identified. The five metabolites with the highest concentrations in the OF samples were lactate, myoinositol, creatine, alanine and carnitine. Only fumarate and glycine showed significant differences in their concentrations between PRE and PST OF samples, with higher concentrations in the PST samples. In a preliminary study, stallion spermatozoa (n = 3 ejaculates) were incubated with different concentrations of PST OF from one mare (0, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 or 1%; v:v). After 4 h of sperm incubation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PY) by western blotting, sperm motility, and acrosomal status were evaluated. An increase of PY was observed in sperm from two stallions when treated with 0.0625% and 0.125% of OF; however no change in PY was noted in the other stallion. There were no effects of OF on spermatozoa motility or acrosome status. These results provide the first information on the metabolomics of equine OF at different stages of the estrus cycle, and present the possibility that OF may affect PY in stallion spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauro González-Fernández
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute of Biotechnology in Livestock and Cynegetic (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Jesús Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Madrid, Spain; Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University Complutense of Madrid, Spain
| | - Violeta Calle-Guisado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute of Biotechnology in Livestock and Cynegetic (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Luis Jesús García-Marín
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute of Biotechnology in Livestock and Cynegetic (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Julia Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute of Biotechnology in Livestock and Cynegetic (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Pablo Fernández-Hernández
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Beatriz Macías-García
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute of Biotechnology in Livestock and Cynegetic (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ramírez-Reveco A, Villarroel-Espíndola F, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Concha II. Neuronal signaling repertoire in the mammalian sperm functionality. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:505-524. [PMID: 28339693 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.144154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The common embryonic origin has been a recurrent explanation to understand the presence of "neural receptors" in sperm. However, this designation has conditioned a bias marked by the classical neurotransmission model, dismissing the possibility that neurotransmitters can play specific roles in the sperm function by themselves. For instance, the launching of acrosome reaction, a fundamental sperm function, includes several steps that recall the process of presynaptic secretion. Unlike of postsynaptic neuron, whose activation is mediated by molecular interaction between neurotransmitter and postsynaptic receptors, the oocyte activation is not mediated by receptors, but by cytosolic translocation of sperm phospholipase (PLCζ). Thus, the sperm has a cellular design to access and activate the oocyte and restore the ploidy of the species by an "allogenic pronuclear fusion." At subcellular level, the events controlling sperm function, particularly the capacitation process, are activated by chemical signals that trigger ion fluxes, sterol oxidation, synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, protein kinase A activation, tyrosine phosphorylations and calcium signaling, which correspond to second messengers similar to those associated with exocytosis and growth cone guidance in neurons. Classically, the sperm function associated with neural signals has been analyzed as a unidimensional approach (single ligand-receptor effect). However, the in vivo sperm are exposed to multidimensional signaling context, for example, the GABAergic, monoaminergic, purinergic, cholinergic, and melatoninergic, to name a few. The aim of this review is to present an overview of sperm functionality associated with "neuronal signaling" and possible cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in their regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ramírez-Reveco
- Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Franz Villarroel-Espíndola
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Department of Pathology and Pediatric Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joan E Rodríguez-Gil
- Unitat de Reproducció Animal, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ilona I Concha
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
To succeed in fertilization, spermatozoa must decode environmental cues which require a set of ion channels. Recent findings have revealed that K(+) and Cl(-) channels participate in some of the main sperm functions. This work reviews the evidence indicating the involvement of K(+) and Cl(-) channels in motility, maturation, and the acrosome reaction, and the advancement in identifying their molecular identity and modes of regulation. Improving our insight on how these channels operate will strengthen our ability to surmount some infertility problems, improve animal breeding, preserve biodiversity, and develop selective and secure male contraceptives.
Collapse
|
7
|
Lahnsteiner F. A comparative study on the composition and importance of free amino acids in semen of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, and perch, Perca fluviatilis. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2010; 36:1297-1305. [PMID: 20924668 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-010-9442-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
A comparative study was conducted on the free amino acid composition of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, and perch, Perca fluviatilis. Also the effect of 21 free amino acids on sperm motility was investigated. Spermatozoa were incubated in species-specific motility-inhibiting saline solution containing the different amino acids for 48 h. Thereafter, the motility was activated and investigated using computer-assisted cell motility analysis. Twelve free amino acids, respectively, were detected in S. aurata and P. fluviatilis semen. Arginine, cysteine, glutamic acid, leucine, and methionine occurred in semen of both species. In S. aurata, arginine, glycine, hydroxyproline, lysine, and phenylalanine in concentrations of 1.25 and 2.50 mmol/l, methionine in a concentration of 2.5 mmol/l, and serine in a concentration of 1.25 mmol/l had a positive effect on the motility of spermatozoa. In P. fluviatilis, alanine, asparagine, cysteine, glycine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, serine, threonine, and valine in concentrations of 2.50 mmol/l positively affected motility. From these data, it can be concluded that the amino acid composition and the effect on motility are species specific. Possible consequences for spermatozoa functionality are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Lahnsteiner
- Department of Organismic Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
den Eynden JV, Ali SS, Horwood N, Carmans S, Brône B, Hellings N, Steels P, Harvey RJ, Rigo JM. Glycine and glycine receptor signalling in non-neuronal cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2009; 2:9. [PMID: 19738917 PMCID: PMC2737430 DOI: 10.3389/neuro.02.009.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Accepted: 07/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter acting mainly in the caudal part of the central nervous system. Besides this neurotransmitter function, glycine has cytoprotective and modulatory effects in different non-neuronal cell types. Modulatory effects were mainly described in immune cells, endothelial cells and macroglial cells, where glycine modulates proliferation, differentiation, migration and cytokine production. Activation of glycine receptors (GlyRs) causes membrane potential changes that in turn modulate calcium flux and downstream effects in these cells. Cytoprotective effects were mainly described in renal cells, hepatocytes and endothelial cells, where glycine protects cells from ischemic cell death. In these cell types, glycine has been suggested to stabilize porous defects that develop in the plasma membranes of ischemic cells, leading to leakage of macromolecules and subsequent cell death. Although there is some evidence linking these effects to the activation of GlyRs, they seem to operate in an entirely different mode from classical neuronal subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Van den Eynden
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hasselt University and transnationale Universiteit LimburgDiepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sheen Saheb Ali
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hasselt University and transnationale Universiteit LimburgDiepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nikki Horwood
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Charing Cross CampusLondon, UK
| | - Sofie Carmans
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hasselt University and transnationale Universiteit LimburgDiepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Bert Brône
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hasselt University and transnationale Universiteit LimburgDiepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Niels Hellings
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hasselt University and transnationale Universiteit LimburgDiepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Paul Steels
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hasselt University and transnationale Universiteit LimburgDiepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Robert J. Harvey
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of LondonLondon, UK
| | - Jean-Michel Rigo
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hasselt University and transnationale Universiteit LimburgDiepenbeek, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kumar P, Meizel S. Identification and spatial distribution of glycine receptor subunits in human sperm. Reproduction 2008; 136:387-90. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The human sperm surface glycine receptor (GLR) plays a role in an important fertilization event, the sperm acrosome reaction. Here, by western blot analysis, we report the presence of GLRA1, GLRA2, GLRA3, and GLRB subunits in human sperm. Immunolocalization studies showed that the GLRA1 and GLRA2 subunits are present in the equatorial region, the GLRA3 subunit in the flagellar principal piece, and the GLRB subunit in the acrosomal region of sperm. This first demonstration of isoforms of the sperm GLRA subunit and of a differential spatial distribution of the α and β subunits on the surface of mammalian sperm suggests the possibility that human sperm GLRs have more than one function.
Collapse
|
10
|
Tareq KMA, Hossain MS, Akter QS, Sawada T, Afrose S, Hamano KI, Tsujii H. Effect of amino acids and dipeptides on the acrosome reaction and accumulation of ammonia in porcine spermatozoa. Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7:123-131. [PMID: 29699293 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0578.2008.00209.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of amino acids and their dipeptides in the medium related to the urea cycle on the motility, viability, acrosome reaction (AR) and accumulation of ammonia in the medium over different incubation periods in porcine spermatozoa and to assess the utilization of glucose. Methods: Porcine spermatozoa were washed, swim-up and incubated at 37°C for 0-4 h in mTALP medium supplemented with 75-600 µmol/L ammonia. Amino acids (1.0 mmol) or their dipeptides (2.0 mmol) were added individually to the mTALP medium containing either no ammonia or 300 µmol/L of ammonia. The viability and AR of porcine spermatozoa were assessed using the triple-staining technique and the accumulation of ammonia in the medium was measured using the indophenol method. Results: The motility, viability and AR were adversely affected (P < 0.05) by concentrations of ammonia ≥300 µmol/L compared with the control. Supplementation of l-alanyl-l-glutamine (AlaGln), l-glycyl-l-glutamine (GlyGln) and AlaGln + GlyGln in the presence of 300 µmol/L ammonia significantly increase (P < 0.05) the rate of motility, viability, AR, incorporation, accumulation of ammonia and oxidation of 14C(U)-glucose compared with the ammonia supplement control. Conclusion: AlaGln and GlyGln in mTALP medium were more stable and effective than the individual amino acids in reducing the accumulation of ammonia, and subsequently increasing the rate of AR and the utilization of glucose in porcine spermatozoa. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 123-131).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K M A Tareq
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology and
| | - Md Sharoare Hossain
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology and
| | - Quzi Sharmin Akter
- Laboratory of Reproductive Function in Mammals, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, Nagano-ken, and
| | - Tomio Sawada
- The Sawada Women's Clinic, Nagoya Reproduction Center, Nagaya, Japan
| | - Sadia Afrose
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology and
| | - Koh-Ichi Hamano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Function in Mammals, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, Nagano-ken, and
| | - Hirotada Tsujii
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology and
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Meizel S. The sperm, a neuron with a tail: 'neuronal' receptors in mammalian sperm. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2005; 79:713-32. [PMID: 15682867 DOI: 10.1017/s1464793103006407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
A number of plasma membrane receptor types originally thought to be specific to neurons have been found in other somatic cells. More surprisingly, the mammalian sperm and neuron appear to share many of these 'neuronal' receptors. The morphology, chromosome number, genomic activity, and functions of those two cell types are as unlike as any two cells in the body, but they both achieve their highly disparate goals with the aid of a number of the same receptors. Exocytosis in neurons and sperm is essential to the functions of these cells and is strongly influenced by similar receptors. 'Neuronal' receptor types in sperm may also play a role in the control of sperm motility (a function of course not shared by neurons). This review will consider the evidence for the presence of sperm plasma membrane 'neuronal' receptors and for their significance to mammalian sperm function. The persuasiveness of the evidence varies depending on the receptor being considered, but there is strong experimental support for the presence and importance of a number of 'neuronal' receptors in sperm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Meizel
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Meizel S, Son JH. Studies of sperm from mutant mice suggesting that two neurotransmitter receptors are important to the zona pellucida-initiated acrosome reaction. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 72:250-8. [PMID: 15948184 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Two sperm neurotransmitter receptor/channels, the glycine receptor (GlyR) and a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor containing an alpha7 subunit (alpha7nAChR) were previously shown to be important to the mouse acrosome reaction (AR) initiated by solubilized egg zona pellucida (ZP). Here, we investigated whether sperm from homozygous mutant mice with a single amino acid mutation in the alpha subunit of their GlyR and sperm from homozygous mutant mice with an engineered disruption of the gene for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha7 subunit could undergo the AR on ZP-intact eggs. Wild-type and mutant sperm were treated with 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB), known to be an inhibitor of the ZP-initiated AR (but shown in the present work not to inhibit the acetylcholine-initiated AR). The ZP-initiated AR on ZP-intact eggs should occur only in sperm not treated with QNB. The absence of such an increase in the untreated mutant sperm would demonstrate that such sperm were unable to respond to the intact ZP. The results demonstrated for the first time that GlyR mutant sperm do not undergo the AR on ZP-intact mouse eggs, and that their ability to fertilize is inhibited by 63% in vitro. Moreover, we found that GlyR mutant sperm exhibited normal capacitation and confirmed that they not undergo the AR initiated by solubilized mouse ZP. Our studies demonstrated for the first time that sperm from mutant alpha7nAChR mice exhibit normal capacitation, do not undergo the AR in response to acetylcholine, solubilized ZP or on ZP-intact eggs, and display a 25% reduction in fertilization in vitro. This is the first genetic evidence for the importance of the alpha7nAChR in the ZP-initiated AR. While defects in either the GlyR or the alpha7nAChR completely inhibit the ZP-initiated AR, fertilization by these mutant sperm can still occur in vitro, probably due to sperm that complete spontaneous AR on the ZP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Meizel
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Darszon A, Nishigaki T, Wood C, Treviño CL, Felix R, Beltrán C. Calcium Channels and Ca2+ Fluctuations in Sperm Physiology. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2005; 243:79-172. [PMID: 15797459 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(05)43002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Generating new life in animals by sexual reproduction depends on adequate communication between mature and competent male and female gametes. Ion channels are instrumental in the dialogue between sperm, its environment, and the egg. The ability of sperm to swim to the egg and fertilize it is modulated by ion permeability changes induced by environmental cues and components of the egg outer layer. Ca(2+) is probably the key messenger in this information exchange. It is therefore not surprising that different Ca(2+)-permeable channels are distinctly localized in these tiny specialized cells. New approaches to measure sperm currents, intracellular Ca(2+), membrane potential, and intracellular pH with fluorescent probes, patch-clamp recordings, sequence information, and heterologous expression are revealing how sperm channels participate in fertilization. Certain sperm ion channels are turning out to be unique, making them attractive targets for contraception and for the discovery of novel signaling complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Darszon
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico 62210
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
He S, Woods LC. Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide and glycine on cryopreservation induced damage of plasma membranes and mitochondria to striped bass (Morone saxatilis) sperm. Cryobiology 2004; 48:254-62. [PMID: 15157774 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2004.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2003] [Accepted: 01/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Intact plasma membrane and functional mitochondria are important attributes for the fertilization capacity of fish sperm. In the present study, dimethyl sulfoxide (Me(2)SO) and glycine were investigated in an effort to improve plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial function in cryopreserved striped bass (Morone saxatilis) sperm. Prior to freezing, no concentration of Me(2)SO (2.5, 5 or 10%) was found to affect (P>0.05) the integrity of plasma membranes after sperm were exposed for 10 min. However, mitochondrial function decreased (P>0.05) with increasing Me(2)SO concentration. Both fluorescent staining and microscopic examination of the ultrastructure of post-thaw plasma membranes indicated that with increasing Me(2)SO concentration, plasma membranes were better protected, and 10% Me(2)SO had the highest percentage of sperm with plasma membranes intact. However, sperm mitochondrial function decreased (P>0.05) with increasing Me(2)SO concentration. The inverse relationship between plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial function, given the Me(2)SO concentration, suggests that care must be taken to select Me(2)SO concentration that will maximize the protection of both plasma membranes and mitochondrial function. The addition of glycine to the cryomedia increased (P<0.05) the percentage of sperm with post-thaw functional mitochondria and ATP content. However glycine did not provide (P<0.05) protection to post-thaw plasma membrane integrity. The highest percentage of sperm with both intact plasma membranes and functional mitochondria was obtained with 7.5% Me(2)SO and 75 mM glycine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyang He
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
The glycine receptor chloride channel (GlyR) is a member of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor family of ligand-gated ion channels. Functional receptors of this family comprise five subunits and are important targets for neuroactive drugs. The GlyR is best known for mediating inhibitory neurotransmission in the spinal cord and brain stem, although recent evidence suggests it may also have other physiological roles, including excitatory neurotransmission in embryonic neurons. To date, four alpha-subunits (alpha1 to alpha4) and one beta-subunit have been identified. The differential expression of subunits underlies a diversity in GlyR pharmacology. A developmental switch from alpha2 to alpha1beta is completed by around postnatal day 20 in the rat. The beta-subunit is responsible for anchoring GlyRs to the subsynaptic cytoskeleton via the cytoplasmic protein gephyrin. The last few years have seen a surge in interest in these receptors. Consequently, a wealth of information has recently emerged concerning GlyR molecular structure and function. Most of the information has been obtained from homomeric alpha1 GlyRs, with the roles of the other subunits receiving relatively little attention. Heritable mutations to human GlyR genes give rise to a rare neurological disorder, hyperekplexia (or startle disease). Similar syndromes also occur in other species. A rapidly growing list of compounds has been shown to exert potent modulatory effects on this receptor. Since GlyRs are involved in motor reflex circuits of the spinal cord and provide inhibitory synapses onto pain sensory neurons, these agents may provide lead compounds for the development of muscle relaxant and peripheral analgesic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Lynch
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Univ. of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Llanos MN, Ronco AM, Aguirre MC. Specific strychnine binding sites on acrosome-associated membranes of golden hamster spermatozoa. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2003; 306:376-81. [PMID: 12804573 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(03)00981-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study demonstrates for the first time, that membrane vesicles originated from the hamster sperm head after the occurrence of the acrosome reaction, possess specific strychnine binding sites. [3H]Strychnine binding was saturable and reversible, being displaced by unlabeled strychnine (IC(50)=26.7+/-2.3 microM). Kinetic analysis revealed one binding site with K(d)=120nM and B(max)=142fmol/10(6) spermatozoa. Glycine receptor agonists beta-alanine and taurine inhibited strychnine binding by 20-30%. Surprisingly, glycine stimulated binding by about 40-50%. Results obtained in this study strongly suggest the presence of glycine receptors-with distinctive kinetic properties on the periacrosomal plasma membrane of hamster spermatozoa. Localization of this receptor fits well with its previously proposed role in acrosomal exocytosis during mammalian fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel N Llanos
- Unidad de Hormonas y Receptores, INTA, Universidad de Chile, Casilla # 138-11, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bray C, Son JH, Kumar P, Harris JD, Meizel S. A role for the human sperm glycine receptor/Cl(-) channel in the acrosome reaction initiated by recombinant ZP3. Biol Reprod 2002; 66:91-7. [PMID: 11751269 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod66.1.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we have demonstrated an essential role for the neuronal glycine receptor (GlyR) in the acrosome reaction (AR) of mouse and porcine sperm initiated by the egg zona pellucida (ZP). In the present study, we have demonstrated presence of the GlyR in human sperm by immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis, investigated the potential of a recombinant human ZP3 (rhZP3) preparation as an alternative research tool to solubilized human ZP, and shown that the human sperm GlyR is essential to the human AR initiated by rhZP3. Additionally, we have been able to demonstrate that rhZP3 possesses biological activity, because it is able to rapidly stimulate the AR in capacitated human sperm and its action is blocked by the addition of pertussis toxin. Moreover, spectrofluorometric studies using fura-2-loaded human sperm have shown that rhZP3 triggers a peak-and-plateau rise in intracellular Ca(2+) levels similar to that seen with solubilized mammalian ZP. These results suggest that the actions of rhZP3 and solubilized ZP are elicited via the same signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, incubation of human sperm with an antibody directed against the alpha1 subunit of the human spinal cord GlyR or with 50 nM strychnine caused significant inhibition in the rhZP3-initated AR. Finally, studies using fura-2-loaded human sperm showed that 50 nM strychnine was also able to inhibit the Ca(2+) influx associated with addition of rhZP3. These results further support the view that rhZP3 and the ZP work through the same mechanisms, show that the GlyR is involved in rhZP3-initiated AR, and suggest that the GlyR may also play a role in the early signal transduction cascades associated with ZP-initiated AR in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Bray
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, California 95616-8643, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Ion channels and transporters, key elements in sperm-egg signaling and environmental sensing, are essential for fertilization. External cues and components from the outer envelopes of the egg influence sperm ion permeability and behavior. Combining in vivo measurements of membrane potential, intracellular ions, and second messengers with new molecular approaches and reconstitution strategies are revealing how sperm ion channels participate in motility, sperm maturation, and the acrosome reaction. Sperm are tiny differentiated terminal cells unable to synthesize proteins and difficult to characterize electrophysiologically. Spermatogenic cells, the progenitors of sperm, have become useful tools for probing sperm ion channels since they are larger and molecular biology techniques can be applied. These complementary strategies are opening new avenues to determine how sperm ion channels function in gamete signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Darszon
- Departamento de Genética y Fisiología Molecular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62250, México.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|