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Pacini ESA, de Paula Moro R, Godinho RO. Extracellular cAMP elicits contraction of rat vas deferens: Involvement of ecto-5'-nucleotidase and adenosine A 1 receptors. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 491:117070. [PMID: 39151807 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.117070] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
AIMS It is well established that intracellular cAMP contributes to the relaxation of vas deferens smooth muscle. In many tissues, intracellular cAMP is actively transported to the extracellular space, where it exerts regulatory functions, via its metabolite adenosine. These actions take place through the cAMP conversion to adenosine by ectoenzymes, a process called "extracellular cAMP-adenosine pathway". Herein, we investigated whether, in addition to ATP, extracellular cAMP might be an alternative source of adenosine, influencing the contraction of vas deferens smooth muscle. MAIN METHODS The effects of cAMP, 8-Br-cAMP and adenosine were analyzed in the isometric contractions of rat vas deferens. cAMP efflux was analyzed by measuring extracellular cAMP levels after exposure of vas deferens segments to isoproterenol and forskolin in the presence or absence of MK-571, an inhibitor of MRP/ABCC transporters. KEY FINDINGS While 8-Br-cAMP, a cell-permeable cAMP analog, induced relaxation of KCl-precontracted vas deferens, the non-permeant cAMP increased the KCl-induced contractile response, which was mimicked by adenosine, but prevented by inhibitors of ecto-5'-nucleotidase or A1 receptors. Our results also showed that isoproterenol and forskolin increases cAMP efflux via an MRP/ABCC transporter-dependent mechanism, since it is inhibited by MK-571. SIGNIFICANCE Our data show that activation of β-adrenoceptors and adenylyl cyclase increases cAMP efflux from vas deferens tissue, which modulates the vas deferens contractile response via activation of adenosine A1 receptors. Assuming that inhibition of vas deferens contractility has been proposed as a strategy for male contraception, the extracellular cAMP-adenosine pathway emerges as a potential pharmacological target that should be considered in studies of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enio Setsuo Arakaki Pacini
- Division of Cellular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/Unifesp), São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Raíssa de Paula Moro
- Division of Cellular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/Unifesp), São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Rosely Oliveira Godinho
- Division of Cellular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/Unifesp), São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil.
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2
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Hanley PJ. Elusive physiological role of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP): generation of choline for sperm motility via auto-and paracrine cholinergic signaling. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1327769. [PMID: 38187135 PMCID: PMC10766772 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1327769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) exists as two splice variants, secreted PAP and transmembrane PAP, the latter of which is implicated in antinociceptive signaling in dorsal root ganglia. However, PAP is predominantly expressed in the prostate gland and the physiological role of seminal PAP, first identified in 1938, is largely unknown. Here, the author proposes that PAP, following ejaculation, functions to hydrolyze phosphocholine (PC) in seminal fluid and generate choline, which is imported by sperm via a choline transporter and converted to acetylcholine (ACh) by choline acetyltransferase. Auto- and paracrine cholinergic signaling, or choline directly, may subsequently stimulate sperm motility via α7 nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) and contractility of the female reproductive tract through muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs). Consistent with a role of PAP in cholinergic signaling, 1) seminal vesicles secrete PC, 2) the prostate gland secretes PAP, 3) PAP specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of PC into inorganic phosphate and choline, 4) seminal choline levels increase post-ejaculation, 5) pharmacological inhibition of choline acetyltransferase inhibits sperm motility, 6) inhibition or genetic deletion of α7 nAChRs impairs sperm motility, and 7) mAChRs are expressed in the uterus and oviduct (fallopian tube). Notably, PAP does not degrade glycerophosphocholine (GPC), the predominant choline source in the semen of rats and other mammals. Instead, uterine GPC phosphodiesterases may liberate choline from seminal GPC. In summary, the author deduces that PAP in humans, and uterine GPC phosphodiesterases in other mammals, function to generate choline for sperm cholinergic signaling, which promotes sperm motility and possibly contractility of the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Hanley
- IMM Institute for Molecular Medicine, HMU Health and Medical University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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3
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Chen ZH, Han YY, Shang YJ, Zhuang SY, Huang JN, Wu BY, Li CH. Cordycepin Ameliorates Synaptic Dysfunction and Dendrite Morphology Damage of Hippocampal CA1 via A1R in Cerebral Ischemia. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:783478. [PMID: 35002628 PMCID: PMC8740211 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.783478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin exerted significant neuroprotective effects and protected against cerebral ischemic damage. Learning and memory impairments after cerebral ischemia are common. Cordycepin has been proved to improve memory impairments induced by cerebral ischemia, but its underlying mechanism has not been revealed yet. The plasticity of synaptic structure and function is considered to be one of the neural mechanisms of learning and memory. Therefore, we investigated how cordycepin benefits dendritic morphology and synaptic transmission after cerebral ischemia and traced the related molecular mechanisms. The effects of cordycepin on the protection against ischemia were studied by using global cerebral ischemia (GCI) and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) models. Behavioral long-term potentiation (LTP) and synaptic transmission were observed with electrophysiological recordings. The dendritic morphology and histological assessment were assessed by Golgi staining and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, respectively. Adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) and adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) were evaluated with western blotting. The results showed that cordycepin reduced the GCI-induced dendritic morphology scathing and behavioral LTP impairment in the hippocampal CA1 area, improved the learning and memory abilities, and up-regulated the level of A1R but not A2AR. In the in vitro experiments, cordycepin pre-perfusion could alleviate the hippocampal slices injury and synaptic transmission cripple induced by OGD, accompanied by increased adenosine content. In addition, the protective effect of cordycepin on OGD-induced synaptic transmission damage was eliminated by using an A1R antagonist instead of A2AR. These findings revealed that cordycepin alleviated synaptic dysfunction and dendritic injury in ischemic models by modulating A1R, which provides new insights into the pharmacological mechanisms of cordycepin for ameliorating cognitive impairment induced by cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Hui Chen
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Han
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Jie Shang
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si-Yi Zhuang
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Ni Huang
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bao-Yan Wu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chu-Hua Li
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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4
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Lopes CR, Lourenço VS, Tomé ÂR, Cunha RA, Canas PM. Use of knockout mice to explore CNS effects of adenosine. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 187:114367. [PMID: 33333075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The initial exploration using pharmacological tools of the role of adenosine receptors in the brain, concluded that adenosine released as such acted on A1R to inhibit excitability and glutamate release from principal neurons throughout the brain and that adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) were striatal-'specific' receptors controlling dopamine D2R. This indicted A1R as potential controllers of neurodegeneration and A2AR of psychiatric conditions. Global knockout of these two receptors questioned the key role of A1R and instead identified extra-striatal A2AR as robust controllers of neurodegeneration. Furthermore, transgenic lines with altered metabolic sources of adenosine revealed a coupling of ATP-derived adenosine to activate A2AR and a role of A1R as a hurdle to initiate neurodegeneration. Additionally, cell-selective knockout of A2AR unveiled the different roles of A2AR in different cell types (neurons/astrocytes) in different portions of the striatal circuits (dorsal versus lateral) and in different brain areas (hippocampus/striatum). Finally, a new transgenic mouse line with deletion of all adenosine receptors seems to indicate a major allostatic rather than homeostatic role of adenosine and may allow isolating P2R-mediated responses to unravel their role in the brain, a goal close to heart of Geoffrey Burnstock, to whom we affectionately dedicate this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia R Lopes
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vanessa S Lourenço
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ângelo R Tomé
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Paula M Canas
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
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Zhang D, Wang Y, Lin H, Sun Y, Wang M, Jia Y, Yu X, Jiang H, Xu W, Sun JP, Xu Z. Function and therapeutic potential of G protein-coupled receptors in epididymis. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5489-5508. [PMID: 32901914 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility rates for both females and males have increased continuously in recent years. Currently, effective treatments for male infertility with defined mechanisms or targets are still lacking. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of drug targets, but their functions and the implications for the therapeutic development for male infertility largely remain elusive. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that several members of the GPCR superfamily play crucial roles in the maintenance of ion-water homeostasis of the epididymis, development of the efferent ductules, formation of the blood-epididymal barrier and maturation of sperm. Knowledge of the functions, genetic variations and working mechanisms of such GPCRs, along with the drugs and ligands relevant to their specific functions, provide future directions and a great arsenal for new developments in the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daolai Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.,Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yujing Sun
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingli Jia
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University West China Second University Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin-Peng Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.,Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.,Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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Xiao C, Liu N, Jacobson KA, Gavrilova O, Reitman ML. Physiology and effects of nucleosides in mice lacking all four adenosine receptors. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000161. [PMID: 30822301 PMCID: PMC6415873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is a constituent of many molecules of life; increased free extracellular adenosine indicates cell damage or metabolic stress. The importance of adenosine signaling in basal physiology, as opposed to adaptive responses to danger/damage situations, is unclear. We generated mice lacking all four adenosine receptors (ARs), Adora1−/−;Adora2a−/−;Adora2b−/−;Adora3−/− (quad knockout [QKO]), to enable investigation of the AR dependence of physiologic processes, focusing on body temperature. The QKO mice demonstrate that ARs are not required for growth, metabolism, breeding, and body temperature regulation (diurnal variation, response to stress, and torpor). However, the mice showed decreased survival starting at about 15 weeks of age. While adenosine agonists cause profound hypothermia via each AR, adenosine did not cause hypothermia (or bradycardia or hypotension) in QKO mice, indicating that AR-independent signals do not contribute to adenosine-induced hypothermia. The hypothermia elicited by adenosine kinase inhibition (with A134974), inosine, or uridine also required ARs, as each was abolished in the QKO mice. The proposed mechanism for uridine-induced hypothermia is inhibition of adenosine transport by uridine, increasing local extracellular adenosine levels. In contrast, adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)–induced hypothermia was attenuated in QKO mice, demonstrating roles for both AR-dependent and AR-independent mechanisms in this process. The physiology of the QKO mice appears to be the sum of the individual knockout mice, without clear evidence for synergy, indicating that the actions of the four ARs are generally complementary. The phenotype of the QKO mice suggests that, while extracellular adenosine is a signal of stress, damage, and/or danger, it is less important for baseline regulation of body temperature. A study of mice lacking all four adenosine receptors shows that while they mediate effects of uridine, inosine and adenosine, these receptors are dispensable for growth, metabolism, breeding, and body temperature regulation. This suggests that extracellular adenosine is a damage or danger signal, rather than a major regulator of baseline physiology. Elevated extracellular adenosine generally indicates metabolic stress or cell damage and regulates many aspects of physiology. We studied “QKO” mice lacking all four adenosine receptors. Young QKO mice do not appear obviously ill, but do show decreased survival later in life. QKO mice demonstrate that adenosine receptors are not required for growth, metabolism, breeding, and body temperature regulation. QKO mice are missing the pharmacologic effects of adenosine on body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Therefore, all of these effects are mediated by the four adenosine receptors. We also determined that the hypothermic effects of a pharmacologic adenosine kinase inhibitor (A134974), uridine, or inosine each requires adenosine receptors. The uridine-induced hypothermia is likely due to its inhibition of adenosine uptake into cells. QKO mouse physiology appears to be the sum of the individual knockout mice, without evidence for synergy, indicating that the actions of the four adenosine receptors are generally complementary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiying Xiao
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Naili Liu
- Mouse Metabolism Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kenneth A. Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Oksana Gavrilova
- Mouse Metabolism Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Marc L. Reitman
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Alonso CAI, Osycka-Salut CE, Castellano L, Cesari A, Di Siervi N, Mutto A, Johannisson A, Morrell JM, Davio C, Perez-Martinez S. Extracellular cAMP activates molecular signalling pathways associated with sperm capacitation in bovines. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:521-534. [PMID: 28521061 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is extracellular cAMP involved in the regulation of signalling pathways in bovine sperm capacitation? SUMMARY ANSWER Extracellular cAMP induces sperm capacitation through the activation of different signalling pathways that involve phospholipase C (PLC), PKC/ERK1-2 signalling and an increase in sperm Ca2+ levels, as well as soluble AC and cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signalling. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In order to fertilize the oocyte, ejaculated spermatozoa must undergo a series of changes in the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. This correlates with a number of membrane and metabolic modifications that include an increased influx of bicarbonate and Ca2+, activation of a soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) to produce cAMP, PKA activation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the development of hyperactivated motility. We previously reported that cAMP efflux by Multidrug Resistance Protein 4 (MRP4) occurs during sperm capacitation and the pharmacological blockade of this inhibits the process. Moreover, the supplementation of incubation media with cAMP abolishes the inhibition and leads to sperm capacitation, suggesting that extracellular cAMP regulates crucial signalling cascades involved in this process. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Bovine sperm were selected by the wool glass column method, and washed by centrifugation in BSA-Free Tyrode's Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (sp-TALP). Pellets were resuspended then diluted for each treatment. For in vitro capacitation, 10 to 15 × 106 SPZ/ml were incubated in 0.3% BSA sp-TALP at 38.5°C for 45 min under different experimental conditions. To evaluate the role of extracellular cAMP on different events associated with sperm capacitation, 10 nM cAMP was added to the incubation medium as well as different inhibitors of enzymes associated with signalling transduction pathways: U73122 (PLC inhibitor, 10 μM), Gö6983 (PKC inhibitor, 10 μM), PD98059 (ERK-1/2 inhibitor, 30 μM), H89 and KT (PKA inhibitors, 50 μM and 100 nM, respectively), KH7 (sAC inhibitor, 10 μM), BAPTA-AM (intracellular Ca2+ chelator, 50 μM), EGTA (10 μM) and Probenecid (MRPs general inhibitor, 500 μM). In addition, assays for binding to oviductal epithelial cells and IVF were carried out to test the effect of cAMP compared with other known capacitant agents such as heparin (60 μg/ml) and bicarbonate (40 mM). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Straws of frozen bovine semen (20-25 × 106 spermatozoa/ml) were kindly provided by Las Lilas, CIALE and CIAVT Artificial Insemination Centers. The methods used in this work include western blot, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, computer-assisted semen analysis, live imaging of Ca2+ and fluorescence scanning. At least three independent assays with bull samples of proven fertility were carried. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the present study, we elucidate the molecular events induced by extracellular cAMP. Our results showed that external cAMP induces sperm capacitation, depending upon the action of PLC. Downstream, this enzyme increased ERK1-2 activation through PKC and elicited a rise in sperm Ca2+ levels (P < 0.01). Moreover, extracellular cAMP-induced capacitation also depended on the activity of sAC and PKA, and increased tyrosine phosphorylation, indicating that the nucleotide exerts a broad range of responses. In addition, extracellular cAMP-induced sperm hyperactivation and concomitantly increased the proportion of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial activity (P < 0.01). Finally, cAMP increased the in vitro fertilization rate compared to control conditions (P < 0.001). LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study performed with bovine cryopreserved spermatozoa. Studies in other species and with fresh samples are needed to extrapolate these data. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings strongly suggest an important role of extracellular cAMP in the regulation of the signalling pathways involved in the acquisition of bull sperm fertilizing capability. The data presented here indicate that not only a rise, but also a regulation of cAMP levels is necessary to ensure sperm fertilizing ability. Thus, exclusion of the nucleotide to the extracellular space might be essential to guarantee the achievement of a cAMP tone, needed for all capacitation-associated events to take place. Moreover, the ability of cAMP to trigger such broad and complex signalling events allows us to hypothesize that cAMP is a self-produced autocrine/paracrine factor, and supports the emerging paradigm that spermatozoa do not compete but, in fact, communicate with each other. A precise understanding of the functional competence of mammalian spermatozoa is essential to generate clinical advances in the treatment of infertility and the development of novel contraceptive strategies. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas [PIP0 496 to S.P.-M.], Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecológica [PICT 2012-1195 and PICT2014-2325 to S.P.-M., and PICT 2013-2050 to C.D.], Boehringer Ingelheim Funds, and the Swedish Farmers Foundation [SLF-H13300339 to J.M.]. The authors declare there are no conflicts of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Agustín I Alonso
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Medicina (CONICET-UBA), Paraguay 2155 (C1121ABG), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia E Osycka-Salut
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (IIB/UNTECH-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Matheu 3910 (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Castellano
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Medicina (CONICET-UBA), Paraguay 2155 (C1121ABG), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andreína Cesari
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (IIB-CONICET-UNMDP), Funes 3250 (7600), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Di Siervi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Junín 954 (C1113AAD) Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrián Mutto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (IIB/UNTECH-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Matheu 3910 (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE-750 07), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE-750 07), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carlos Davio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Junín 954 (C1113AAD) Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Perez-Martinez
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Medicina (CONICET-UBA), Paraguay 2155 (C1121ABG), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Bellezza I, Minelli A. Adenosine in sperm physiology. Mol Aspects Med 2017; 55:102-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Beltrán C, Treviño CL, Mata-Martínez E, Chávez JC, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Baker M, Darszon A. Role of Ion Channels in the Sperm Acrosome Reaction. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:35-69. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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11
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Shpakov AO, Derkach KV. Functional role of membrane-bound adenylyl cyclases and coupled to them receptors and G-proteins in regulation of fertility of spermatozoa. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093014040024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Burnstock G. Purinergic signalling in the reproductive system in health and disease. Purinergic Signal 2014; 10:157-87. [PMID: 24271059 PMCID: PMC3944041 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-013-9399-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are multiple roles for purinergic signalling in both male and female reproductive organs. ATP, released as a cotransmitter with noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves, contracts smooth muscle via P2X1 receptors in vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and uterus, as well as in blood vessels. Male infertility occurs in P2X1 receptor knockout mice. Both short- and long-term trophic purinergic signalling occurs in reproductive organs. Purinergic signalling is involved in hormone secretion, penile erection, sperm motility and capacitation, and mucous production. Changes in purinoceptor expression occur in pathophysiological conditions, including pre-eclampsia, cancer and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK,
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13
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Osycka-Salut C, Diez F, Burdet J, Gervasi MG, Franchi A, Bianciotti LG, Davio C, Perez-Martinez S. Cyclic AMP efflux, via MRPs and A1 adenosine receptors, is critical for bovine sperm capacitation. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 20:89-99. [PMID: 23907162 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm capacitation has been largely associated with an increase in cAMP, although its relevance in the underlying mechanisms of this maturation process remains elusive. Increasing evidence shows that the extrusion of cAMP through multidrug resistance associated protein 4 (MRP4) regulates cell homeostasis not only in physiological but also in pathophysiological situations and studies from our laboratory strongly support this assumption. In the present work we sought to establish the role of cAMP efflux in the regulation of sperm capacitation. Sperm capacitation was performed in vitro by exposing bovine spermatozoa to bicarbonate 40 and 70 mM; cAMP; probenecid (a MRPs general inhibitor) and an adenosine type 1 receptor (A1 adenosine receptor) selective antagonist (DPCPX). Capacitation was assessed by chlortetracycline assay and lysophosphatidylcholine-induced acrosome reaction assessed by PSA-FITC staining. Intracellular and extracellular cAMP was measured by radiobinding the regulatory subunit of PKA under the same experimental conditions. MRP4 was detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry assays. Results showed that the inhibition of soluble adenylyl cyclase significantly inhibited bicarbonate-induced sperm capacitation. Furthermore, in the presence of 40 and 70 mM bicarbonate bovine spermatozoa synthesized and extruded cAMP. Interestingly, in the absence of IBMX (a PDEs inhibitor) cAMP efflux still operated in sperm cells, suggesting that cAMP extrusion would be a physiological process in the spermatozoa complementary to the action of PDE. Blockade of MRPs by probenecid abolished the efflux of the cyclic nucleotide resulting not only in the accumulation of intracellular cAMP but also in the inhibition of bicarbonate-induced sperm capacitation. The effect of probenecid was abolished by exposing sperm cells to cAMP. The high-affinity efflux pump for cAMP, MRP4 was expressed in bovine spermatozoa and localized to the midpiece of the tail as previously reported for soluble adenylyl cyclase and A1 adenosine receptor. Additionally, blockade of A1 adenosine receptor abolished not only bicarbonate-induced sperm capacitation but also that stimulated by cAMP. Present findings strongly support that cAMP efflux, presumably through MRP4, and the activation of A1 adenosine receptor regulate some events associated with bicarbonate-induced sperm capacitation, and further suggest a paracrine and/or autocrine role for cAMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Osycka-Salut
- Lab. de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CONICET-UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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Aliagas E, Vidal A, Torrejón-Escribano B, Taco MDR, Ponce J, de Aranda IG, Sévigny J, Condom E, Martín-Satué M. Ecto-nucleotidases distribution in human cyclic and postmenopausic endometrium. Purinergic Signal 2012; 9:227-37. [PMID: 23225236 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-012-9345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular ATP and its hydrolysis product, adenosine, acting through specific receptors collectively named purinergic receptors, regulate female fertility by influencing the endometrial fluid microenvironment. There are four major groups of ecto-nucleotidases that control the levels of extracellular ATP and adenosine and thus their availability at purinergic receptors: ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (E-NTPDases), ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phospho-diesterases (E-NPPs), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (5'NT), and alkaline phosphatases (APs). The aim of the present work is to characterize the expression and distribution of ecto-nucleotidases in human endometrium along the menstrual cycle and after menopause, to evaluate their potential utility as fertility markers. We examined proliferative, secretory and atrophic endometria from women without endometrial pathology undergoing hysterectomy. We show that the ecto-nucleotidases are mainly present at endometrial epithelia, both luminal and glandular, and that their expression fluctuates along the cycle and also changes after menopause. An important result was identifying NPP3 as a new biological marker of tubal metaplasia. Our results emphasize the relevance of the study of purinergic signaling in human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Aliagas
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Membrane-initiated actions of thyroid hormones on the male reproductive system. Life Sci 2011; 89:507-14. [PMID: 21557952 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2011.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The presence of specific nuclear receptors to thyroid hormones, described in prepubertal Sertoli cells, implies the existence of an early and critical influence of these hormones on testis development. Although the mechanism of action thyroid hormones has been classically established as a genomic action regulating testis development, our research group has demonstrated that these hormones exert several effects in Sertoli cells lacking nuclear receptor activation. These findings led to the identification of non-classical thyroid hormone binding elements in the plasma membrane of testicular cells. Through binding to these sites, thyroid hormones could exert nongenomic effects, including those on ion fluxes at the plasma membrane, on signal transduction via kinase pathways, on amino acid accumulation, on modulation of extracellular nucleotide levels and on vimentin cytoskeleton. The evidence of the participation of different K(+), Ca(2+) and Cl(-) channels in the mechanism of action of thyroid hormones, characterizes the plasma membrane as an important microenvironment able to coordinate strategic signal transduction pathways in rat testis. The physiological responses of the Sertoli cells to hormones are dependent on continuous cross-talking of different signal transduction pathways. Apparently, the choice of the signaling pathways to be activated after the interaction of the hormone with cell surface binding sites is directly related to the physiological action to be accomplished. Yet, the enormous complexity of the nongenomic actions of thyroid hormones implies that different specific binding sites located on the plasma membrane or in the cytosol are believed to initiate specific cell responses.
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16
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Hübner S, Efthymiadis A. Histochemistry and cell biology: the annual review 2010. Histochem Cell Biol 2011; 135:111-40. [PMID: 21279376 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-011-0781-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes recent advances in histochemistry and cell biology which complement and extend our knowledge regarding various aspects of protein functions, cell and tissue biology, employing appropriate in vivo model systems in conjunction with established and novel approaches. In this context several non-expected results and discoveries were obtained which paved the way of research into new directions. Once the reader embarks on reading this review, it quickly becomes quite obvious that the studies contribute not only to a better understanding of fundamental biological processes but also provide use-oriented aspects that can be derived therefrom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hübner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstrasse 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
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17
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Abstract
Reproduction is the process by which organisms create descendants. In human reproduction, two kinds of sex cells, or gametes, are involved. Sperm, the male gamete, and egg egg , or ovum ovum Vedi egg , the female gamete, must meet in the female reproductive system to create a new individual and both the female and the male reproductive systems are essential to the occurrence of reproduction. Scientific reports dealing with the effects of methylxanthines on reproduction are mostly centred on the use of these compounds as phosphodiesterase inhibitors that, by maintaining high intracellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) cyclic AMP , will affect the gametes differently. High cAMP levels will sustain sperm sperm maturation while they hold the oocytes in mitotic arrest. Caffeine caffeine , being the methylxanthine most widely consumed by every segment of the population, has been the subject of greatest interest among health professionals and researchers. Conflicting results still seem to characterize the association between male/female caffeine caffeine consumption in adult life and semen quality/fertility fertility , although moderate daily caffeine consumption of levels up to 400-450 mg/day (5.7-6.4 mg/kg/day in a 70-kg adult) do not seem to be associated with adverse effects, i.e. general toxicity, effects on bone status and calcium balance, cardiovascular effects, behavioural changes, increased incidence of cancer, or effects on male fertility. A clear stimulation of egg-laying by the coffee leaf pest Leucoptera coffeella was recently reported, providing support for the hypothesis that caffeine, in a dose-dependent way, in insects stimulates egg-laying, thus leading to the death of coffee trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Minelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
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18
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Wei CJ, Li W, Chen JF. Normal and abnormal functions of adenosine receptors in the central nervous system revealed by genetic knockout studies. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2010; 1808:1358-79. [PMID: 21185258 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2010.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2010] [Revised: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous adenosine is a widely distributed upstream regulator of a broad spectrum of neurotransmitters, receptors, and signaling pathways that converge to contribute to the expression of an array of important brain functions. Over the past decade, the generation and characterization of genetic knockout models for all four G-protein coupled adenosine receptors, the A1 and A2A receptors in particular, has confirmed and extended the neuromodulatory and integrated role of adenosine receptors in the control of a broad spectrum of normal and abnormal brain functions. After a brief introduction of the available adenosine receptor knockout models, this review focuses on findings from the genetic knockout approach, placing particular emphasis on the most recent findings. This review is organized into two sections to separately address (i) the role of adenosine receptors in normal brain processes including neuroplasticity, sleep-wake cycle, motor function, cognition, and emotion-related behaviors; and (ii) their role in the response to various pathologic insults to brain such as ischemic stroke, neurodegeneration, or brain dysfunction/disorders. We largely limit our overview to the prominent adenosine receptor subtypes in brain-the A1 and A2A receptors-for which numerous genetic knockout studies on brain function are available. A1 and A2A receptor knockouts have provided significant new insights into adenosine's control of complex physiologic (e.g., cognition) and pathologic (e.g., neuroinflammation) phenomena. These findings extend and strengthen the support for A1 and A2A receptors in brain as therapeutic targets in several neurologic and psychiatric diseases. However, they also emphasize the importance of considering the disease context-dependent effect when developing adenosine receptor-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Wei
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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19
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Aliagas E, Torrejón-Escribano B, Lavoie EG, de Aranda IG, Sévigny J, Solsona C, Martín-Satué M. Changes in expression and activity levels of ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 along the mouse female estrous cycle. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2010; 199:191-7. [PMID: 20136797 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2010.02095.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Extracellular ATP and its hydrolysis product adenosine modulate various reproductive functions such as those requiring contraction, hormone synthesis and maintenance of fluid composition. Moreover, adenosine is a key molecule for sperm capacitation. Extracellular nucleotide and nucleoside levels are affected by cell surface ectonucleotidases, amongst which the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) family is the most abundant and effective to hydrolyse ATP and ADP to AMP. In the female reproductive tract three members of this family have been recently identified: NTPDase1, NTPDase2 and NTPDase3 (Histochem. Cell Biol.131, 2009, 615). The purpose of the present study was to characterize in this system the expression profile of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73), the enzyme generating adenosine from AMP. METHODS Immunological techniques and in situ enzymatic assays were used to characterize the ecto-5'-nucleotidase expression in the mouse female reproductive tract along the four stages of the estrous cycle, that were determined by vaginal smear examination. RESULTS Ecto-5'-nucleotidase was abundantly detected in the corpora lutea of the ovaries, as well as in several epithelia, such as that of oviducts, uterus and endometrial glands. Marked changes in endometrial ecto-5'-nucleotidase expression and activity along the estrous cycle are described, these being maximum at estrus phase, coinciding with optimal female sexual receptivity. CONCLUSION The adenosine generated thereby, besides other functions, might contribute to sperm capacitation, thus significantly influencing fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Aliagas
- Departament Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Wang Y, Yang JN, Arner A, Boels PJM, Fredholm BB. Adenosine A(1) receptors and vascular reactivity. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2010; 199:211-20. [PMID: 20132147 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2010.02093.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Blood pressure is higher in A(1) receptor knock-out (A(1)R-/-) mice than in wild type litter mates (A(1)R+/+) and we have examined if this could be related to altered vascular functions. METHODS Contraction of aortic rings and mesenteric arteries were examined. To examine if the adenosine A(1) receptor-mediated contraction of aortic muscle was functionally important we examined pulse pressure (PP) and augmentation index (AIX) using a sensor that allows measurements of rapid pressure transients. RESULTS Contraction of aortic rings to phenylephrine and relaxation to acetylcholine were similar between genotypes. The non-selective adenosine receptor agonist N-ethyl carboxamido adenosine (NECA) enhanced the contractile response, and this was eliminated in aortas from A(1)R-/- mice. However, in mesenteric arteries no contractile response was seen and adenosine-mediated relaxation was identical between studied genotypes. A(2B) adenosine receptors, rather than A(2A) receptors, may be mainly responsible for the vasorelaxation induced by adenosine analogues in the examined mouse vessels. PP was higher in A(1)R-/- mice, but variability was unaltered. AIX was not different between genotypes, but the NECA-induced fall was larger in A(1)R-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS The role of adenosine A(1) receptors in regulating vessel tone differs between blood vessels. Furthermore, contractile effects on isolated vessels cannot explain the blood pressure in A(1) knock-out mice. The A(1) receptor modulation of blood pressure is therefore mainly related to extravascular factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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Martín-Satué M, Lavoie EG, Fausther M, Lecka J, Aliagas E, Kukulski F, Sévigny J. High expression and activity of ecto-5′-nucleotidase/CD73 in the male murine reproductive tract. Histochem Cell Biol 2010; 133:659-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-010-0704-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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Muratori M, Luconi M, Marchiani S, Forti G, Baldi E. Molecular markers of human sperm functions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 32:25-45. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2008.00875.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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23
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Promiscuous coupling and involvement of protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in the adenosine A1 receptor signalling in mammalian spermatozoa. Biochem Pharmacol 2008; 75:931-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2007.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2007] [Revised: 10/19/2007] [Accepted: 10/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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24
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Zamoner A, Bruno AN, Casali EA, Corbelini PF, Diniz GP, Barreto-Chaves MLM, Silva FRMB, Sarkis JJF, Pessoa-Pureur R. Genomic-independent action of thyroid hormones on NTPDase activities in Sertoli cell cultures from congenital hypothyroid rats. Life Sci 2006; 80:51-8. [PMID: 16978660 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2006.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2006] [Revised: 08/01/2006] [Accepted: 08/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Sertoli cells play an essential role in the maintenance and control of spermatogenesis. The ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) and 5'-nucleotidase activities can modulate the extracellular adenine nucleotide levels, controlling nucleotide-mediated signaling events in Sertoli cells. Since thyroid hormones (TH) and adenine nucleotides and nucleosides play important modulatory roles in Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of hypothyroidism upon the NTPDase and 5'-nucleotidase activities in Sertoli cell cultures, as well as to verify whether these effects may be reversed by short and long-term supplementation with TH. Congenital hypothyroidism was induced by adding 0.02% methimazole in the drinking water from day 9 of gestation and continually until 18 days of age. Hypothyroidism significantly decreased the extracellular ATP and ADP hydrolysis and this effect was significantly reversed when cell cultures were supplemented with 1 microM T3 or 0.1 microM T4 for 30 min. In contrast, AMP hydrolysis was not altered by hypothyroidism, but was increased by T4 supplementation for 24 h. The presence of the enzymes NTPDase 1, 2 and 3 was detected by RT-PCR in Sertoli cell cultures, however, hypothyroidism was not able to alter the expression of these enzymes. These findings demonstrate that TH modify NTPDase activities in hypothyroid Sertoli cells, probably via nongenomic mechanisms and, consequently, may influence the reproductive function throughout development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Zamoner
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil
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25
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Invited Lectures : Overviews Purinergic signalling: past, present and future. Purinergic Signal 2006; 2:1-324. [PMID: 18404494 PMCID: PMC2096525 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-006-9006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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26
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O'Bryan MK, de Kretser D. Mouse models for genes involved in impaired spermatogenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 29:76-89; discussion 105-8. [PMID: 16466527 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2005.00614.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Since the introduction of molecular biology and gene ablation technologies there have been substantial advances in our understanding of how sperm are made and fertilization occurs. There have been at least 150 different models of specifically altered gene function produced that have resulted in male infertility spanning virtually all aspects of the spermatogenic, sperm maturation and fertilization processes. While each has, or potentially will reveal, novel aspects of these processes, there is still much of which we have little knowledge. The current review is by no means a comprehensive list of these mouse models, rather it gives an overview of the potential for such models which up to this point have generally been 'knockouts'; it presents alternative strategies for the production of new models and emphasizes the importance of thorough phenotypic analysis in order to extract a maximum amount of information from each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K O'Bryan
- Monash Institute of Medical Research and The ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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27
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Gelain DP, Casali EA, de Oliveira RB, de Souza LF, Barreto F, Dal-Pizzol F, Moreira JCF. Effects of follicle-stimulating hormone and vitamin A upon purinergic secretion by rat Sertoli cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2006; 278:185-94. [PMID: 16180104 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-005-7500-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2005] [Accepted: 05/18/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and vitamin A (retinol) are two of the main regulators of the male reproductive system. Recently, it has been described that extracellular purines can affect some important reproductive-related functions in Sertoli cells and germinative cells, by activating specific purinergic receptors. In this work, we report that both FSH and retinol are able to induce changes in the levels of extracellular purines of cultured rat Sertoli cells. FSH induced an increase in adenosine, mainly caused by enhanced ecto-ATPase activity, while retinol increased xanthine and hypoxanthine levels, and decreased uric acid concentration by an unknown mechanism. These data indicate that purinergic signaling may be involved in the control and/or regulation of some of the reproductive-related actions of these hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pens Gelain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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28
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Cotton L, Gibbs GM, Sanchez-Partida LG, Morrison JR, de Kretser DM, O'Bryan MK. FGFR-1 [corrected] signaling is involved in spermiogenesis and sperm capacitation. J Cell Sci 2005; 119:75-84. [PMID: 16352663 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.02704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cloning of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) adaptor Snt-2 cDNA and the identification of FGFR-1 protein in association with sperm tails, suggested that FGFR-1 signaling was involved in either sperm tail development or function. This hypothesis was tested by the creation of transgenic mice that specifically expressed a dominant-negative variant of FGFR-1 in male haploid germ cells. Mating of transgenic mice showed a significant reduction in pups per litter compared with wild-type littermates. Further analysis demonstrated that this subfertility was driven by a combination of reduced daily sperm output and a severely compromised ability of those sperm that were produced to undergo capacitation prior to fertilization. An analysis of key signal transduction proteins indicated that FGFR-1 is functional on wild-type sperm and probably signals via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway. FGFR-1 activation also resulted in the downstream suppression of mitogen activated protein kinase signaling. These data demonstrate the FGFR-1 is required for quantitatively and qualitatively normal spermatogenesis and has a key role in the regulation of the global tyrosine phosphorylation events associated with sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Cotton
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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29
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Schuh SM, Carlson AE, McKnight GS, Conti M, Hille B, Babcock DF. Signaling pathways for modulation of mouse sperm motility by adenosine and catecholamine agonists. Biol Reprod 2005; 74:492-500. [PMID: 16291925 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.047837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Capacitation of mammalian sperm, including alterations in flagellar motility, is presumably modulated by chemical signals encountered in the female reproductive tract. This work investigates signaling pathways for adenosine and catecholamine agonists that stimulate sperm kinetic activity. We show that 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine and isoproterenol robustly accelerate flagellar beat frequency with EC50s near 10 and 0.05 microM, respectively. The several-fold acceleration is maximal by 60 sec. Although extracellular Ca2+ is required for agonist action on the flagellar beat, agonist treatment does not elevate sperm cytosolic [Ca2+] but does increase cAMP content. Acceleration does not require the conventional transmembrane adenylyl cyclase ADCY3, since it persists in sperm of ADCY3 knockout mice and in wild-type sperm in the presence of the inhibitors of conventional adenylyl cyclases SQ-22536, MDL-12330A, or 2', 5'-dideoxyadenosine. In contrast, the acceleration by these agents is absent in sperm that lack the predominant atypical adenylyl cyclase, SACY. Responses to these agonists are also absent in sperm from mice lacking the sperm-specific Calpha2 catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PRKACA). Agonist responses also are strongly suppressed in wild-type sperm by the protein kinase inhibitor H-89. These results show that adenosine and catecholamine analogs activate sperm motility by mechanisms that require extracellular Ca2+, the atypical sperm adenylyl cyclase, cAMP, and protein kinase A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya M Schuh
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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30
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Fredholm BB, Chen JF, Masino SA, Vaugeois JM. ACTIONS OF ADENOSINE AT ITS RECEPTORS IN THE CNS: Insights from Knockouts and Drugs. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2005; 45:385-412. [PMID: 15822182 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.pharmtox.45.120403.095731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine and its receptors have been the topic of many recent reviews ( 1 – 26 ). These reviews provide a good summary of much of the relevant literature—including the older literature. We have, therefore, chosen to focus the present review on the insights gained from recent studies on genetically modified mice, particularly with respect to the function of adenosine receptors and their potential as therapeutic targets. The information gained from studies of drug effects is discussed in this context, and discrepancies between genetic and pharmacological results are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertil B Fredholm
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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31
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Georgiou AS, Sostaric E, Wong CH, Snijders APL, Wright PC, Moore HD, Fazeli A. Gametes alter the oviductal secretory proteome. Mol Cell Proteomics 2005; 4:1785-96. [PMID: 16105986 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m500119-mcp200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian oviduct provides an optimal environment for the maturation of gametes, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Secretory cells lining the lumen of the mammalian oviduct synthesize and secrete proteins that have been shown to interact with and influence the activities of gametes and embryos. We hypothesized that the presence of gametes in the oviduct alters the oviductal secretory proteomic profile. We used a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to identify oviductal protein secretions that were altered in response to the presence of gametes in the oviduct. The oviductal response to spermatozoa was different from its response to oocytes as verified by Western blotting. The presence of spermatozoa or oocytes in the oviduct altered the secretion of specific proteins. Most of these proteins are known to have an influence on gamete maturation, viability, and function, and there is evidence to suggest these proteins may prepare the oviductal environment for arrival of the zygote. Our findings suggest the presence of a gamete recognition system within the oviduct capable of distinguishing between spermatozoa and oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stephen Georgiou
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom
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