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Xiong X, Zhang S, Zang L, Xin Y, Pang Y, Zhang S, Yang Y, Tu R, Zhang L, Du Y, Yang J. Cell apoptosis in the testis of male rats is elevated by intervention with β-endorphin and the mu opioid receptor. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100789. [PMID: 37499346 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100789] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
β-endorphin (β-EP) is involved in the regulation of male germ cells; however, little is known about the effect of β-EP on primary germ cells via opioid receptors. In this study, we first revealed significant cell apoptosis in the testis of male rats after β-EP intervention. Subsequently, the expression of the mu opioid receptor (MOR) was detected in both Leydig cells (LCs) and spermatogonia (SGs) by fluorescence colocalization; overlapping signals were also detected in apoptotic cells. In addition, LCs and SGs were separated from the testis of male rats and primary cells were treated with β-EP; this increased the mRNA levels of MOR and was accompanied by acute cell apoptosis. Our findings provide a foundation for the further study of apoptosis in reproductive cells regulated by β-EP and the MOR receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Xiong
- Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port in Precision Medicine Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis & Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port in Precision Medicine Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Lulu Zang
- Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port in Precision Medicine Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis & Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yanlong Xin
- Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port in Precision Medicine Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis & Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yixin Pang
- Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port in Precision Medicine Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Shuting Zhang
- Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port in Precision Medicine Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yu Yang
- Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port in Precision Medicine Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Rongfu Tu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Lingyu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, PR China
| | - Yuefeng Du
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China.
| | - Juan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, PR China.
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Vassoler FM, Wimmer ME. Consequences of Parental Opioid Exposure on Neurophysiology, Behavior, and Health in the Next Generations. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:a040436. [PMID: 32601130 PMCID: PMC8485740 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a040436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Substance abuse and the ongoing opioid epidemic represents a large societal burden. This review will consider the long-term impact of opioid exposure on future generations. Prenatal, perinatal, and preconception exposure are reviewed with discussion of both maternal and paternal influences. Opioid exposure can have long-lasting effects on reproductive function, gametogenesis, and germline epigenetic programming, which can influence embryogenesis and alter the developmental trajectory of progeny. The potential mechanisms by which preconception maternal and paternal opioid exposure produce deleterious consequences on the health, behavior, and physiology of offspring that have been identified by clinical and animal studies will be discussed. The timing, nature, dosing, and duration of prenatal opioid exposure combined with other important environmental considerations influence the extent to which these manipulations affect parents and their progeny. Epigenetic inheritance refers to the transmission of environmental insults across generations via mechanisms independent of the DNA sequence. This topic will be further explored in the context of prenatal, perinatal, and preconception opioid exposure for both the maternal and paternal lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fair M Vassoler
- Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, USA
| | - Mathieu E Wimmer
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA
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van der Kolk JH, Fouché N, Gross JJ, Gerber V, Bruckmaier RM. A comparison between the equine and bovine hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2016; 56 Suppl:S101-11. [PMID: 27345307 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we address the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis with special emphasis on the comparison between the bovine and equine species. The pars intermedia of the pituitary gland is particularly well developed in horses and cattle. However, its function is not well appreciated in cattle yet. The Wulzen's cone of the adenohypophysis is a special feature of ruminants. Total basal cortisol concentration is much higher in horses than that in cows with similar free cortisol fractions. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) concentrations in equine pituitary venous blood are lower compared with other species, whereas plasma ACTH concentrations in cows are higher than those in horses. A CRF challenge test induced a more pronounced cortisol response in horses compared with cattle, whereas regarding ACTH challenge testing, the opposite seems true. Based on data from literature, the bovine species is characterized by relatively high basal blood CRF and ACTH and low cortisol and glucose concentrations. Obviously, further lowering of blood cortisol in cattle is easily prevented by the high sensitivity to ACTH, and as a consequence, subsequent increased gluconeogenesis prevents imminent hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is less likely in horses given their high muscle glycogen content and their relatively high cortisol concentration. When assessing HPA axis reactivity, response patterns to exogenous ACTH or CRH might be used as a reliable indicator of animal welfare status in cows and horses, respectively, although it is emphasized that considerable caution should be exercised in using measures of HPA activity solely to assess animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H van der Kolk
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern and Agroscope, Bern 3012, Switzerland.
| | - N Fouché
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern and Agroscope, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - J J Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - V Gerber
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern and Agroscope, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - R M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
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Expression and Localization of Opioid Receptors in Male Germ Cells and the Implication for Mouse Spermatogenesis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152162. [PMID: 27031701 PMCID: PMC4816522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of endogenous opioid peptides in different testicular cell types has been extensively characterized and provides evidence for the participation of the opioid system in the regulation of testicular function. However, the exact role of the opioid system during the spermatogenesis has remained controversial since the presence of the mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors in spermatogenic cells was yet to be demonstrated. Through a combination of quantitative real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry approaches, we report for the first time the presence of active mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors in mouse male germ cells. They show an exposition time-dependent response to opioid agonist, hence suggesting their active involvement in spermatogenesis. Our results contribute to understanding the role of the opioid receptors in the spermatogenesis and could help to develop new strategies to employ the opioid system as a biochemical tool for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Subirán N, Casis L, Irazusta J. Regulation of male fertility by the opioid system. Mol Med 2011; 17:846-53. [PMID: 21431247 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2010.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous opioid peptides are substances involved in cell communication. They are present in various organs and tissues of the male and female reproductive tract, suggesting that they may regulate some of the processes involved in reproductive function. In fact, the opioid system that operates as a multi-messenger system can participate in the regulation of reproductive physiology at multiple levels, for example, at the levels of the central nervous system, at the testes level and at sperm level. A better understanding of the implication of the opioid system in reproductive processes may contribute to clarifying the etiology of many cases of infertility and the effect of opiate abuse on fertility. Indeed, a novel biochemical tool for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility could be based upon components of the opioid system. The presence of the opioid system in sperm cells also represents a novel opportunity for reproductive management, for either enhancing the probability of fertilization or reducing it through the development of novel targeted contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Subirán
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, Vizcaya, Spain.
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Roser JF. Regulation of testicular function in the stallion: An intricate network of endocrine, paracrine and autocrine systems. Anim Reprod Sci 2008; 107:179-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Abstract
This paper is the 29th consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, now spanning 30 years of research. It summarizes papers published during 2006 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurological disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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Ruggeri B, Soverchia L, Mosconi G, Franzoni MF, Cottone E, Polzonetti-Magni AM. Changes of gonadal CB1 cannabinoid receptor mRNA in the gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, during sex reversal. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2007; 150:263-9. [PMID: 17078952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2006.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2006] [Revised: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Two cannabinoid receptor-like genes (CB1-like), named CB1A and CB1B, have been isolated in teleost fish, specifically in the puffer fish, Fugu rubripes. However, information on the physiological roles, such as the control of reproduction and development in fish is still scarce. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of CB1-like mRNA in the gonads of a marine teleost species, the gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, a hermaphrodite species in which the gonadal tissues first develop as testes, and then as functional ovary. We isolated an 890 bp fragment (GenBank accession number ); that corresponded to the open reading frame of the teleost CB1 receptor gene, encoding for the central portion of the protein, which was aligned with the other bony fish sequence. Using "in situ" hybridization, CB1-like mRNA was localized in both mature and sex-reversing gonads, and relative changes in CB1-like expression levels were detected through semi-quantitative RT-PCR. In the mature testis and in the testicular part of the sex-reversing gonad, CB1 expression levels were found to be much higher compared to the ovarian portion. This suggests that the CB1 signaling is likely involved in the process of testicular regression of the S. aurata, but its actual role has yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ruggeri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologiche e Biochimiche Comparate, Università degli Studi di Camerino, via Camerini 2, 62032 Camerino (MC), Italy
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