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Does the Act of Copulation per se, without Considering Seminal Deposition, Change the Expression of Genes in the Porcine Female Genital Tract? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155477. [PMID: 32751869 PMCID: PMC7432858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Semen—through its specific sperm and seminal plasma (SP) constituents—induces changes of gene expression in the internal genital tract of pigs, particularly in the functional sperm reservoir at the utero-tubal junction (UTJ). Although seminal effects are similarly elicited by artificial insemination (AI), major changes in gene expression are registered after natural mating, a fact suggesting the act of copulation induces per se changes in genes that AI does not affect. The present study explored which pathways were solely influenced by copulation, affecting the differential expression of genes (DEGs) of the pre/peri-ovulatory genital tract (cervix, distal uterus, proximal uterus and UTJ) of estrus sows, 24 h after various procedures were performed to compare natural mating with AI of semen (control 1), sperm-free SP harvested from the sperm-peak fraction (control 2), sperm-free SP harvested from the whole ejaculate (control 3) or saline-extender BTS (control 4), using a microarray chip (GeneChip® porcine gene 1.0 st array). Genes related to neuroendocrine responses (ADRA1, ADRA2, GABRB2, CACNB2), smooth muscle contractility (WNT7A), angiogenesis and vascular remodeling (poFUT1, NTN4) were, among others, overrepresented with distal and proximal uterine segments exhibiting the highest number of DEGs. The findings provide novel evidence that relevant transcriptomic changes in the porcine female reproductive tract occur in direct response to the specific act of copulation, being semen-independent.
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van Son M, Tremoen NH, Gaustad AH, Våge DI, Zeremichael TT, Myromslien FD, Grindflek E. Transcriptome profiling of porcine testis tissue reveals genes related to sperm hyperactive motility. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:161. [PMID: 32456687 PMCID: PMC7249385 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm hyperactive motility has previously been shown to influence litter size in pigs, but little is known about the underlying biological mechanisms. The aim of this study was to use RNA sequencing to investigate gene expression differences in testis tissue from Landrace and Duroc boars with high and low levels of sperm hyperactive motility. Boars with divergent phenotypes were selected based on their sperm hyperactivity values at the day of ejaculation (day 0) (contrasts (i) and (ii) for Landrace and Duroc, respectively) and on their change in hyperactivity between day 0 and after 96 h liquid storage at 18 °C (contrast (iii)). RESULTS RNA sequencing was used to measure gene expression in testis. In Landrace boars, 3219 genes were differentially expressed for contrast (i), whereas 102 genes were differentially expressed for contrast (iii). Forty-one differentially expressed genes were identified in both contrasts, suggesting a functional role of these genes in hyperactivity regardless of storage. Zinc finger DNLZ was the most up-regulated gene in contrasts (i) and (iii), whereas the most significant differentially expressed gene for the two contrasts were ADP ribosylation factor ARFGAP1 and solute carrier SLC40A1, respectively. For Duroc (contrast (ii)), the clustering of boars based on their gene expression data did not reflect their difference in sperm hyperactivity phenotypes. No results were therefore obtained for this breed. A case-control analysis of variants identified in the Landrace RNA sequencing data showed that SNPs in NEU3, CHRDL2 and HMCN1 might be important for sperm hyperactivity. CONCLUSIONS Differentially expressed genes were identified in Landrace boars with high and low levels of sperm hyperactivity at the day of ejaculate collection and high and low change in hyperactivity after 96 h of sperm storage. The results point towards important candidate genes, biochemical pathways and sequence variants underlying sperm hyperactivity in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Hårdnes Tremoen
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2318 Hamar, Norway
- Centre for Integrative Genetics (CIGENE), Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Ann Helen Gaustad
- Norsvin SA, 2317 Hamar, Norway
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2318 Hamar, Norway
| | - Dag Inge Våge
- Centre for Integrative Genetics (CIGENE), Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway
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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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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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Kauffenstein G, Pelletier J, Lavoie EG, Kukulski F, Martín-Satué M, Dufresne SS, Frenette J, Ribas Fürstenau C, Sereda MJ, Toutain B, Henrion D, Sullivan R, Vial C, Sévigny J. Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 ectonucleotidase is required for normal vas deferens contraction and male fertility through maintaining P2X1 receptor function. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:28629-39. [PMID: 25160621 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.604082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, we report that Entpd1(-/-) mice, deficient for the ectonucleotidase nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase1), produce smaller litters (27% reduction) compared with wild-type C57BL6 animals. This deficit is linked to reduced in vivo oocyte fertilization by Entpd1(-/-) males (61 ± 11% versus 88 ± 7% for Entpd1(+/+)). Normal epididymal sperm count, spermatozoa morphology, capacitation, and motility and reduced ejaculated sperm number (2.4 ± 0.5 versus 3.7 ± 0.4 million for Entpd1(+/+)) pointed to vas deferens dysfunction. NTPDase1 was localized by immunofluorescence in the tunica muscularis of the vas deferens. Its absence resulted in a major ATP hydrolysis deficiency, as observed in situ by histochemistry and in primary smooth muscle cell cultures. In vitro, Entpd1(-/-) vas deferens displayed an exacerbated contraction to ATP, a diminished response to its non-hydrolysable analog αβMeATP, and a reduced contraction to electrical field stimulation, suggesting altered P2X1 receptor function with a propensity to desensitize. This functional alteration was accompanied by a 3-fold decrease in P2X1 protein expression in Entpd1(-/-) vas deferens with no variation in mRNA levels. Accordingly, exogenous nucleotidase activity was required to fully preserve P2X1 receptor activation by ATP in vitro. Our study demonstrates that NTPDase1 is required to maintain normal P2X1 receptor functionality in the vas deferens and that its absence leads to impaired peristalsis, reduced spermatozoa concentration in the semen, and, eventually, reduced fertility. This suggests that alteration of NTPDase1 activity affects ejaculation efficacy and male fertility. This work may contribute to unveil a cause of infertility and open new therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Kauffenstein
- From the Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et d'Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada, the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada, the Unité mixte de recherche CNRS 6214 INSERM U1083, Université d'Angers, 49045 Angers, France,
| | - Julie Pelletier
- the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Elise G Lavoie
- From the Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et d'Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada, the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Filip Kukulski
- From the Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et d'Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada, the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Mireia Martín-Satué
- From the Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et d'Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada, the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada, the Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sébastien S Dufresne
- the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada, the Département de Réadaptation, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jérôme Frenette
- the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada, the Département de Réadaptation, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Cristina Ribas Fürstenau
- From the Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et d'Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada, the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Michal J Sereda
- the Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, United Kingdom, and
| | - Bertrand Toutain
- the Unité mixte de recherche CNRS 6214 INSERM U1083, Université d'Angers, 49045 Angers, France
| | - Daniel Henrion
- the Unité mixte de recherche CNRS 6214 INSERM U1083, Université d'Angers, 49045 Angers, France
| | - Robert Sullivan
- the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada, the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Catherine Vial
- the Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, United Kingdom, and
| | - Jean Sévigny
- From the Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et d'Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada, the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada,
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Ricart MC, Breininger E, Rodriguez PC, Beconi MT. Participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase in heparin-induced capacitation in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Andrologia 2014; 47:30-6. [PMID: 24387203 DOI: 10.1111/and.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study the participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase in heparin-induced capacitation in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Sperm suspensions were incubated in Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate medium in the presence of heparin (10 IU ml(-1) ) or forskolin (1-75 μm), a well-known membrane adenylyl cyclase activator. The participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase was confirmed using a specific inhibitor, 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (6-25 μm). Spermatozoa capacitated with forskolin (25 μm) were incubated with bovine follicular fluid to evaluate their ability to undergo acrosome reaction. Capacitation percentages were determined by the fluorescence technique with chlortetracycline, and true acrosome reaction was determined by trypan blue and differential interferential contrast. The forskolin concentrations employed had no effect on progressive motility or sperm viability. Capacitation values induced by 25-μm forskolin treatment (27.80 ± 2.59%) were significantly higher respect to the control (4.80 ± 1.30%). The inhibitor 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine prevented forskolin-induced capacitation and significantly diminished capacitation induced by heparin. Follicular fluid induced physiological acrosome reaction in spermatozoa previously capacitated with 25-μm forskolin (P < 0.05). Forskolin acts as a capacitation inducer and involves the participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase as part of the intracellular mechanisms that lead to capacitation in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Ricart
- Biological Chemistry, INITRA, School of Veterinary Science, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Burnett LA, Blais EM, Unadkat JD, Hille B, Tilley SL, Babcock DF. Testicular expression of Adora3i2 in Adora3 knockout mice reveals a role of mouse A3Ri2 and human A3Ri3 adenosine receptors in sperm. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:33662-70. [PMID: 20732875 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.156075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is a candidate modulator of sperm motility in the female reproductive tract that increases sperm flagellar beat frequency in vitro. Past work suggested that this acceleration may involve equilibrative (ENT) and concentrative (CNT) nucleoside transporters. Here we show that Slc29a1 (ENT-1) is the predominant nucleoside transporter expressed in the mouse testis. Unexpectedly, the beat of Slc29a1-null sperm still accelerates in response to 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine (Cl-dAdo). Moreover, in wild-type sperm neither blockade of CNTs by removal of external Na(+), nor inhibition of ENTs with nitrobenzylthioionosine, prevents acceleration of the sperm beat by Cl-dAdo. In contrast, pertussis toxin produces strong blockade, indicating involvement of a Gα(i/o)-coupled adenosine receptor. Although agonists selective for adenosine receptors A1R, A2aR, and A2bR are ineffective, A3R-selective agonists Cl-IB-MECA and IB-MECA do accelerate the beat. Consistent with this pharmacological profile, the predominant Adora transcripts in the testis are products of the nested Adora3i1 and Adora3i2 genes. Surprisingly, Cl-IB-MECA and Cl-dAdo still accelerate the beat of Adora3i1-null sperm indicating that the remaining Adora3i2 transcript produces an A3R that functions in sperm. When cloned Adora3i2 is heterologously expressed in tsA-201 cells, Cl-dAdo decreases forskolin-evoked accumulation of cAMP, indicating that Adora3i2 specifies a functional A3Ri2 adenosine receptor that couples through Gα(i). Database mining reveals that mouse Adora3i2 is expressed primarily in testis, almost exclusively in spermatids. Expression of the orthologous ADORA3i3 transcript also is most prominent in human testis; presumably producing an A3Ri3 receptor that is functional in sperm and that may be a target for development of male-directed contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Burnett
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195-7290, USA
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 3: developmental changes in spermatid flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet and interaction of sperm with the zona pellucida and egg plasma membrane. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:320-63. [PMID: 19941287 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis constitutes the steps involved in the metamorphosis of spermatids into spermatozoa. It involves modification of several organelles in addition to the formation of several structures including the flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet. The flagellum is composed of a neck region and middle, principal, and end pieces. The axoneme composed of nine outer microtubular doublets circularly arranged to form a cylinder around a central pair of microtubules is present throughout the flagellum. The middle and principal pieces each contain specific components such as the mitochondrial sheath and fibrous sheath, respectively, while outer dense fibers are common to both. A plethora of proteins are constituents of each of these structures, with each playing key roles in functions related to the fertility of spermatozoa. At the end of spermiogenesis, a portion of spermatid cytoplasm remains associated with the released spermatozoa, referred to as the cytoplasmic droplet. The latter has as its main feature Golgi saccules, which appear to modify the plasma membrane of spermatozoa as they move down the epididymal duct and hence may be partly involved in male gamete maturation. The end product of spermatogenesis is highly streamlined and motile spermatozoa having a condensed nucleus equipped with an acrosome. Spermatozoa move through the female reproductive tract and eventually penetrate the zona pellucida and bind to the egg plasma membrane. Many proteins have been implicated in the process of fertilization as well as a plethora of proteins involved in the development of spermatids and sperm, and these are high lighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
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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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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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Fraser LR. The "switching on" of mammalian spermatozoa: molecular events involved in promotion and regulation of capacitation. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:197-208. [PMID: 19908247 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Following the discovery of mammalian sperm capacitation and its fundamental importance for the acquisition of fertilizing potential, it has gradually become possible to identify some specific molecules and molecular events that play pivotal roles in the "switching on" of spermatozoa. These are discussed in the context of the promotion and regulation of capacitation, emphasizing differences between commonly used conditions in vitro and the environment in vivo where spermatozoa normally undergo capacitation. Although typical culture media used in vitro do support capacitation, they do not prevent capacitated cells from undergoing spontaneous acrosome reactions and so losing fertilizing potential. This is not a problem in vitro, but could be in vivo where few spermatozoa reach the site of fertilization. Several small molecules, known to be present in vivo, have been shown in vitro to bind to spermatozoa and to regulate capacitation, first accelerating capacitation and then inhibiting spontaneous acrosome reactions, by regulating cAMP production. Since spermatozoa would contact these molecules during and after ejaculation, it is plausible that they serve a similar function in vivo. The mechanisms whereby the presence or absence of decapacitation factors might alter plasma membrane architecture and so alter functionality of a number of membrane-associated enzymes involved in capacitation are also considered. Finally, several unresolved issues relating to events during capacitation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn R Fraser
- Division of Reproduction and Endocrinology, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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Young C, Grasa P, Coward K, Davis LC, Parrington J. Phospholipase C zeta undergoes dynamic changes in its pattern of localization in sperm during capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Fertil Steril 2008; 91:2230-42. [PMID: 18710717 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2007] [Revised: 05/02/2008] [Accepted: 05/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the localization of phospholipase C zeta (PLC zeta) in non-capacitated, capacitated, and ionophore-treated sperm. DESIGN Phospholipase C zeta was cloned from the hamster, an important model organism for studying fertilization. Next, we used hamster and mouse models to investigate the localization of PLC zeta in non-capacitated and capacitated sperm and in sperm treated with ionophore to induce the acrosome reaction. SETTING University laboratory. ANIMAL(S) Male mice and hamsters, 4-6 weeks old. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Phospholipase C zeta localization in non-capacitated, capacitated, and ionophore-treated sperm. RESULT(S) Full-length hamster PLC zeta complementary DNA is 1953 base pairs in size, encoding an open reading frame of 651 amino acids, sharing 85% amino acid similarity with the mouse. Phospholipase C zeta was localized in acrosomal and post-acrosomal regions of sperm. The post-acrosomal localization, which became more evident after capacitation and was maintained after ionophore treatment, is in line with PLC zeta being the endogenous agent of egg activation. However, the acrosomal PLC zeta population, which was lost after ionophore treatment, suggests that PLC zeta could have other functions besides egg activation. CONCLUSION(S) Phospholipase C zeta is localized to acrosomal and post-acrosomal regions and undergoes dynamic changes during capacitation and the acrosome reaction, indicating a potential role regulating not only egg activation but other sperm functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Young
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Fini C, Coli M, Angelini A, Brusco G, Pasqualucci P, Tiziani F. 5'-Nucleotidase activity is decreased in seminal plasma and spermatozoa from varicocele patients. J Endocrinol Invest 2008; 31:666-71. [PMID: 18787389 DOI: 10.1007/bf03345622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
5'-Nucleotidase is involved in sperm capacitation via the cAMP-adenosine pathway and in sperm motility via direct adenosine production from AMP. Since these functions are reduced in varicocele, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the enzyme levels were altered in sperm from varicocele patients. The mean (SD) international units (IU) of 5'-nucleotidase activity in seminal plasma from 35 varicocele III patients was 0.16(0.09) IU ml(-1) vs 0.35(0.13) IU ml(-1) in 53 controls, this decrease being statistically significant at p < or = 0.001. A significant decrease in activity, expressed as international units per mg of protein concentration in spermatozoa homogenates, was also observed with spermatozoa: 0.0018(0.0017) IU mg(-1) in varicocele III vs 0.0081(0.0060) IU mg(-1) in controls, at p < or = 0.001. Compared to controls, the activity decrease observed both in spermatozoa and seminal plasma from 45 men with varicocele I was not statistically significant at p < or = 0.05. To determine the diagnostic value of 5'-nucleotidase in assessing sperm fertility in varicocele III, we used the likelihood ratios method and best cut-offs were identified in receiver operating characteristic curves. With a prevalence of 36%, the post-test probability of infertility was 91% in spermatozoa and 78% in seminal plasma. The cut-off values of 5'-nucleotidase activity discriminating for fertile/unfertile semen were 0.2 IU ml(-1) in seminal plasma and 0.003 IU mg(-1) of protein in spermatozoa. Overall, determination of 5'-nucleotidase activity, especially in spermatozoa, can be useful to characterize different varicocele degrees as well as the sperm fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fini
- Department of Internal Medicine, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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Schuh SM, Hille B, Babcock DF. Adenosine and Catecholamine Agonists Speed the Flagellar Beat of Mammalian Sperm by a Non-Receptor-Mediated Mechanism1. Biol Reprod 2007; 77:960-9. [PMID: 17761644 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.062562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of rapid motility apparently is one of the first steps of sperm capacitation and can be studied in vitro. Previously we found that 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine or the catecholamine isoproterenol activates mouse sperm motility in vitro via a pathway mediated by cAMP that requires extracellular Ca2+, the atypical sperm adenylyl cyclase, and sperm-specific protein kinase A. We now show that several other adenosine analogs and catecholamines accelerate the flagellar beat of mouse and human sperm. Unexpectedly, the potent adenosine receptor agonist CGS21680 does not accelerate the beat, and the adenosine receptor antagonist DPCPX does not diminish the accelerating action of 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine. The pharmacological profile for activation by catecholamines is also unusual. Both agonists and antagonists of beta-adrenergic receptors elevate the beat frequency. Moreover, both l-(-) and d-+ isomers of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and isoproterenol produce similar acceleration of the beat. In contrast, inhibitors of equilibrative nucleoside transporters effectively slow the onset of the accelerating action of adenosine analogs. Replacement of external Na+ with Li+ also diminishes the accumulation of cAMP and slows the resultant accelerating action of 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine, suggesting the involvement of a Na+-dependent concentrative nucleoside transporter. Our results show that adenosine and catecholamine agonists act in a novel signaling pathway that does not involve G protein-coupled cell-surface receptors that link to conventional adenylyl cyclases. Instead, adenosine and analogs may be transported into sperm via equilibrative and concentrative nucleoside transporters to act on unknown intracellular targets.
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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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15
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Vadnais ML, Galantino-Homer HL, Althouse GC. Current concepts of molecular events during bovine and porcine spermatozoa capacitation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 53:109-23. [PMID: 17612869 DOI: 10.1080/01485010701329386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are required to undergo the processes of capacitation before they obtain fertilizing ability. The molecular changes of capacitation are still not fully understood. However, it is accepted that capacitation is a sequential process involving numerous physiological changes including destabilization of the plasma membrane, alterations of intracellular ion concentrations and membrane potential, and protein phosphorylation. There are no known morphological changes that occur to the spermatozoon during capacitation. The purpose of this review is to summarize current evidence on the molecular aspects of capacitation both in vivo and in vitro in bovine and porcine spermatozoa. For the purpose of this review, the process of sperm capacitation will encompass maturational events that occur following ejaculation up to binding to the zona pellucida, that triggers acrosomal exocytosis and initiates fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Vadnais
- Department of Urologic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Nedambale TL, Du F, Xu J, Chaubal SA, Dinnyes A, Groen W, Faber D, Dobrinsky JR, Yang X, Tian XC. Prolonging bovine sperm-oocyte incubation in modified medium 199 improves embryo development rate and the viability of vitrified blastocysts. Theriogenology 2006; 66:1951-60. [PMID: 16787658 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2005] [Accepted: 04/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of four in vitro fertilization (IVF) media: Bracket and Oliphant's medium (BO), modified medium 199 (IVF-M199), modified Tyrode's medium (MTM), and modified KSOM (m-KSOM) on fertilization efficiency and blastocyst formation rate. In addition, we wanted to investigate the benefit of prolonging the IVF period (from 6 to 18 h) using the two most effective IVF media determined in our initial experiment; subsequently, blastocyst viability was assessed following vitrification. A higher incidence of polyspermic fertilization was observed in the MTM (6%) and in BO, in both the 6 and 18 h (7% and 11%, respectively) groups, than in the m-KSOM (1%) or in the IVF-M199 6 or 18 h (1 and 3%, respectively) groups. Cleavage rates were similar in BO, IVF-M199, and MTM 48 h post-fertilization; however, the lowest cleavage rate was observed for m-KSOM. A greater proportion of zygotes developed into 8-cell embryos in IVF-M199 than in other IVF media. Subsequently, a greater proportion of blastocyst formation and hatching was achieved in IVF-M199 (40% and 79%, respectively) or BO (35% and 74%, respectively) than in m-KSOM (18% and 58%, respectively) or MTM (22% and 66%, respectively). Prolonging IVF to 18 h did not alter cleavage rates; however, the highest rate of overall blastocyst formation was achieved in the IVF-M199 18 h (49%), rather than in the BO 18 h (20%) group. Vitrified/thawed blastocysts from IVF-M199 groups re-expanded and developed better, as compared to the BO 18 h group, and hatching rate and total cell number in IVF-M199 18 h group was comparable to the control groups (non-vitrified). Vitrification reduced survival compared to controls. In conclusion, IVF-M199 was successfully used for IVF, compared favorably to BO medium, and offered the advantage of an extended IVF period for up to 18 h that requires only one-half a dose of semen, and resulted in better quality blastocysts that endured vitrification with a hatching rate comparable to that of control groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Nedambale
- Center for Regenerative Biology/Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, 1392 Storrs Rd., U-4243, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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17
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Brewis IA, Moore HD, Fraser LR, Holt WV, Baldi E, Luconi M, Gadella BM, Ford WCL, Harrison RAP. Molecular mechanisms during sperm capacitation. HUM FERTIL 2006; 8:253-61. [PMID: 16393825 DOI: 10.1080/14647270500420178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Brewis
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit & Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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18
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Adeoya-Osiguwa SA, Gibbons R, Fraser LR. Identification of functional alpha2- and beta-adrenergic receptors in mammalian spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2006; 21:1555-63. [PMID: 16488904 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/del016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A recent study of several compounds, structurally related to amphetamine, provided evidence that mammalian spermatozoa might have adrenergic receptors able to regulate cAMP production. The present study investigated this possibility using physiological and immunochemical analyses of mouse and human spermatozoa. METHODS Antibodies specific for different receptor subtypes were used for Western blotting of mouse and human sperm lysates and for immunocytochemical evaluation of whole mouse and human spermatozoa. Uncapacitated and capacitated mouse spermatozoa were incubated with specific agonists and antagonists for alpha2-, beta1-, beta2- and beta3-adrenergic receptors for approximately 35 min and then assessed using chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescence. RESULTS Western blotting revealed proteins of the correct size for all these receptors; immunolocalization indicated their presence on the head, especially acrosomal and neck regions, and flagellum of both mouse and human spermatozoa. CTC results indicated significant responses to agonists for all of the beta-receptors in uncapacitated cells, with agonist effectiveness being beta1 > beta2 > beta3; relevant antagonists blocked responses. In contrast, an agonist and antagonist for alpha2-receptors acted only on capacitated spermatozoa. CONCLUSION These experiments provide the first good evidence that mammalian spermatozoa have both beta-adrenergic receptors, known to stimulate cAMP production by membrane-associated adenylyl cyclases (mACs), and alpha2-adrenergic receptors, known to inhibit cAMP production by mACs. Responses are capacitation state dependent and provide a mechanism for inhibiting spontaneous acrosome reactions and helping to maintain fertilizing ability. These results suggest that the use of amphetamine-related compounds, either for medical or for social reasons, might have an unexpected positive impact on fertility.
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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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20
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Gibbons R, Adeoya-Osiguwa SA, Fraser LR. A mouse sperm decapacitation factor receptor is phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1. Reproduction 2005; 130:497-508. [PMID: 16183867 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Capacitation is a pivotal event for mammalian spermatozoa, involving the loss of surface proteins known as decapacitation factors (DF) and consequent acquisition of fertilizing ability. Earlier studies showed that a mouse sperm DF binds to a receptor, DF-R, whose attachment to the sperm plasma membrane appears to involve a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. In the present study, purification and subsequent sequencing of DF-R has identified this ~23 kDa protein as phosphatidyletha-nolamine-binding protein 1 (PEBP 1). To obtain functional evidence that supports sequence homology data, purified recombinant PEBP 1 and PEBP 2 were evaluated for biological activity. While PEBP 1 was able to remove DF activity in solution at concentrations above ~1 nmol/l, PEBP 2 was ineffective, even at 600 nmol/l; this confirmed that DF-R is PEBP 1. Anti-PEBP 1 antiserum recognized recombinant PEBP 1 and a ~23 kDa protein in both mouse and human sperm lysates. Immunolocalization studies revealed that DF-R/PEBP 1 is located on the acrosomal cap, the post-acrosomal region and the flagellum of both mouse and human spermatozoa, with epitope accessibility being capacitation state-dependent and reversible. Treatment of cells with a phospholipase able to cleave GPI anchors essentially abolished immunostaining, thus confirming the extracellular location of DF-R/PEBP 1. We suggest that DF-R/PEBP 1 plays its fundamental role in capacitation by causing alterations in the sperm plasma membrane in both head and flagellum, with functional consequences for membrane-associated proteins. Obtaining more detail about DF ↔ DF-R interactions could lead to useful applications in both fertility treatments and new contraceptive approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gibbons
- Reproduction and Rhythms Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
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21
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Fraser LR, Adeoya-Osiguwa S, Baxendale RW, Mededovic S, Osiguwa OO. First messenger regulation of mammalian sperm function via adenylyl cyclase/cAMP. J Reprod Dev 2005; 51:37-46. [PMID: 15750295 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.51.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
When released into an appropriate environment, mammalian spermatozoa begin to capacitate and then continue until fully capacitated and able to fertilize. During capacitation in vitro, some cells 'over-capacitate' and undergo spontaneous acrosome reactions; this would be highly undesirable in vivo since already acrosome-reacted spermatozoa are non-fertilizing. Recent studies have revealed that seminal plasma contains several small molecules that bind to specific receptors on the sperm plasma membrane and act as 'first messengers', causing biologically important changes in availability of the 'second messenger' cAMP. Fertilization promoting peptide (FPP), calcitonin and adenosine all regulate cAMP production, stimulating it in uncapacitated spermatozoa and then inhibiting it in capacitated cells; in contrast, angiotensin II stimulates cAMP throughout capacitation. The molecules that regulate cAMP appear to do so via G protein-modulated changes in membrane associated adenylyl cyclases (mACs). Both mouse and human spermatozoa have been shown to have Galphas and Galphai2, as well as several isoforms of mAC, located in the same regions as the specific receptors. Thus spermatozoa possess the required elements for several separate signal transduction pathways, many of which regulate mAC/cAMP and so maintain sperm fertilizing ability. In vivo, such responses could increase the chances of successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn R Fraser
- Reproduction and Rhythms Group, Centre for Reproduction, Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK.
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Meizel
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, USA.
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Breitbart H, Cohen G, Rubinstein S. Role of actin cytoskeleton in mammalian sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Reproduction 2005; 129:263-8. [PMID: 15749953 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In order to fertilize, the mammalian spermatozoa should reside in the female reproductive tract for several hours, during which they undergo a series of biochemical modifications collectively called capacitation. Only capacitated sperm can undergo the acrosome reaction after binding to the egg zona pellucida, a process which enables sperm to penetrate into the egg and fertilize it. Polymerization of globular (G)-actin to filamentous (F)-actin occurs during capacitation, depending on protein kinase A activation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and phospholipase D activation. F-actin formation is important for the translocation of phospholipase C from the cytosol to the sperm plasma membrane during capacitation. Prior to the occurrence of the acrosome reaction, the F-actin should undergo depolymerization, a necessary process which enables the outer acrosomal membrane and the overlying plasma membrane to come into close proximity and fuse. The binding of the capacitated sperm to the zona pellucida induces a fast increase in sperm intracellular calcium, activation of actin severing proteins which break down the actin fibers, and allows the acrosome reaction to take place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haim Breitbart
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel.
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24
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Mededovic S, Fraser LR. Angiotensin II stimulates cAMP production and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse spermatozoa. Reproduction 2004; 127:601-12. [PMID: 15129016 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (AII), found in seminal plasma, has been shown to stimulate capacitation in uncapacitated mammalian spermatozoa. The present study investigated the location of AII receptors on spermatozoa and AII's mechanism of action. AT1 type receptors for AII are present on the acrosomal cap region and along the whole of the flagellum of both mouse and human spermatozoa. Because combinations of low concentrations of AII and either calcitonin or fertilization-promoting peptide (FPP), both known to regulate the adenylyl cyclase (AC)/cAMP signal transduction pathway, elicited a significant response, this study investigated the hypothesis that these peptides act on the same pathway. AII was shown to significantly stimulate cAMP production in both uncapacitated and capacitated mouse spermatozoa and this was associated with increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Using an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody to visualize the location of tyrosine phosphoproteins within individual cells, AII significantly stimulated phosphorylation within 20 min in both the head, especially in the acrosomal cap region, and the flagellum, especially in the principal piece, of uncapacitated mouse spermatozoa; combined AII + FPP was stimulatory within 5 min. In addition, Western blotting revealed that AII stimulation increased phosphorylation in a number of tyrosine phosphoproteins in both uncapacitated and capacitated mouse spermatozoa, with some being altered only in the latter category of cells. These results support the hypothesis that AII stimulates AC/cAMP in mammalian spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samra Mededovic
- Centre for Reproduction, Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
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25
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Esposito G, Jaiswal BS, Xie F, Krajnc-Franken MAM, Robben TJAA, Strik AM, Kuil C, Philipsen RLA, van Duin M, Conti M, Gossen JA, Jaiswal BS. Mice deficient for soluble adenylyl cyclase are infertile because of a severe sperm-motility defect. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:2993-8. [PMID: 14976244 PMCID: PMC365733 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0400050101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To acquire the ability to fertilize, spermatozoa undergo complex, but at present poorly understood, activation processes. The intracellular rise of cAMP produced by the bicarbonate-dependent soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) has been suggested to play a central role in initiating the cascade of the events that culminates in spermatozoa maturation. Here, we show that targeted disruption of the sAC gene does not affect spermatogenesis but dramatically impairs sperm motility, leading to male sterility. sAC mutant spermatozoa are characterized by a total loss of forward motility and are unable to fertilize oocytes in vitro. Interestingly, motility in sAC mutant spermatozoa can be restored on cAMP loading, indicating that the motility defect observed is not caused by a structural defect. We, therefore, conclude that sAC plays an essential and nonredundant role in the activation of the signaling cascade controlling motility and, therefore, in fertility. The crucial role of sAC in fertility and the absence of any other obvious pathological abnormalities in sAC-deficient mice may provide a rationale for developing inhibitors that can be applied as a human male contraceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Esposito
- Department of Pharmacology and Lead Discovery Unit, NV Organon, P.O. Box 20, 5340 BH, Oss, The Netherlands
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Cohen G, Rubinstein S, Gur Y, Breitbart H. Crosstalk between protein kinase A and C regulates phospholipase D and F-actin formation during sperm capacitation. Dev Biol 2004; 267:230-41. [PMID: 14975729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2003.10.034] [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: 07/06/2003] [Revised: 10/01/2003] [Accepted: 10/22/2003] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa should reside in the female reproductive tract for a certain time before gaining the ability to fertilize. During this time, the spermatozoa undergo a series of biochemical processes collectively called capacitation. We recently demonstrated that actin polymerization is a necessary step in the cascade leading to capacitation. We demonstrate here for the first time a role for phospholipase D (PLD) in the induction of actin polymerization and capacitation in spermatozoa. The involvement of PLD is supported by specific inhibition of F-actin formation during sperm capacitation by PLD inhibitors and the stimulation of fast F-actin formation by exogenous PLD or phosphatidic acid (PA). Moreover, PLD activity is enhanced during capacitation before actin polymerization. Protein kinase A (PKA), known to be active in sperm capacitation, and protein kinase C (PKC), involved in the acrosome reaction, can both activate PLD and actin polymerization. We suggest that PKA- and PKC-dependent signal transduction pathways can potentially lead to PLD activation; however, under physiological conditions, actin polymerization depends primarily on PKA activity. Activation of PKA during capacitation causes inactivation of phospholipase C, and as a result, PKC activation is prevented. It appears that PKA activation promotes sperm capacitation whereas early activation of PKC during capacitation would jeopardize this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cohen
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
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Baxendale RW, Fraser LR. Evidence for multiple distinctly localized adenylyl cyclase isoforms in mammalian spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 66:181-9. [PMID: 12950106 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In addition to a bicarbonate-regulated soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), mammalian spermatozoa, like somatic cells, appear to contain receptor/G protein-regulated AC activity that contributes to the modulation of specialized cell processes. This study provides evidence that agents, known to influence somatic membrane-associated AC (mAC) but apparently not germ cell sAC, can modulate cAMP production and functional state in mouse spermatozoa. Specifically, forskolin significantly enhanced cAMP production and capacitation, while inclusion of 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine significantly blocked these responses. Furthermore, GTPgammaS and NaF stimulated cAMP, but GDPbetaS and mastoparan had no apparent effect, consistent with recent evidence that G(s), but not G(i), contributes to AC/cAMP regulation in uncapacitated cells. In addition, intact mouse spermatozoa were screened for all known mAC isoforms by immunolocalization, using commercially available specific antibodies. The most abundant isoforms appeared to be AC2, AC3, and AC8, each with distinct distributions in the acrosomal and flagellar regions; AC1 and AC4 also appeared to be present, although less abundantly, in the midpiece and acrosomal cap regions, respectively. Intriguingly, however, Western blotting revealed that the major immunoreactive proteins in mouse sperm lysates were considerably smaller (approximately 50-60 kDa) than their somatic cell counterparts, suggesting that mature spermatozoa contain multiple mACs which may function in a shortened form. Of particular interest were AC3 and AC8, located in the same regions as, and hence possibly directly associated with, specific cell surface receptors and G proteins that are able to regulate the spermatozoon's acquisition and maintenance of fertilizing ability via changes in AC/cAMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhona W Baxendale
- Centre for Reproduction Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kings College London, Guys Campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
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Cometti B, Dubey RK, Imthurn B, Jackson EK, Rosselli M. Oviduct cells express the cyclic AMP-adenosine pathway. Biol Reprod 2003; 69:868-75. [PMID: 12724271 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.017962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular cAMP-adenosine pathway refers to the local production of adenosine mediated by cAMP egress into the extracellular space, conversion of cAMP to AMP by ectophosphodiesterase (PDE), and the metabolism of AMP to adenosine by ecto-5'-nucleotidase. The goal of this study was to assess whether the cAMP-adenosine pathway is expressed in oviduct cells. Studies were conducted in cultured bovine oviduct cells (mixed cultures of fibroblasts and epithelial cells, 1:1 ratio). Confluent monolayers of oviduct cells were exposed to cAMP (0.01-100 micromol/L) in the presence and absence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX, 1 mmol/L, an inhibitor of both extracellular and intracellular PDE activity), 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine (DPSPX, 100 micromol/L, a xanthine that can inhibit extracellular or ecto-PDE activity at high concentrations), or alpha,beta-methylene-adenosine-5'-diphosphate (AMPCP, 100 micromol/L, an ecto-5'-nucleotidase inhibitor) for 0-60 min. The medium was then sampled and assayed for AMP, adenosine, and inosine. Addition of exogenous cAMP to oviduct cells increased extracellular levels of AMP, adenosine, and inosine in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This effect was attenuated by blockade of total (extracellular and intracellular) PDE activity (IBMX), ecto-PDE activity (DPSPX), or ecto-5'-nucleotidase (AMPCP). The functional relevance of the cAMP-adenosine pathway is supported by the findings that treatment with adenylyl cyclase stimulants (forskolin plus isoproterenol) resulted in the egress of cAMP (97% extracellular) into the extracellular space and its conversion into adenosine. The extracellular cAMP-adenosine pathway exists in oviduct cells and may play an important role in regulating the biology and physiology of the oviduct. This pathway also may play a critical role in regulating sperm function, fertilization, and early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Cometti
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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Adeoya-Osiguwa SA, Fraser LR. Calcitonin acts as a first messenger to regulate adenylyl cyclase/cAMP and mammalian sperm function. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 65:228-36. [PMID: 12704735 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Calcitonin stimulates capacitation in uncapacitated mouse spermatozoa and then inhibits spontaneous acrosome loss in capacitated cells, responses similar to those elicited by fertilization promoting peptide (FPP), a peptide known to regulate the adenylyl cyclase/cAMP pathway. This study investigated the hypothesis that calcitonin also modulates this pathway. Calcitonin significantly stimulated cAMP production in uncapacitated spermatozoa and then inhibited it in capacitated cells; the magnitude of both stimulatory and inhibitory changes was similar to that obtained with FPP but the inhibitory responses to FPP preceded those of calcitonin. This possibly reflects the involvement of two different adenosine receptors in response to FPP compared with one calcitonin receptor. Calcitonin receptors were located on the acrosomal cap and the flagellum, the midpiece having a greater abundance than the principal piece. Although both calcitonin and adenosine receptors are found in the head and flagellum, there was no evidence for cross-talk between them. Chlortetracycline investigations to determine the minimum extracellular Ca(2+) requirement for responses to calcitonin revealed that calcitonin significantly stimulated capacitation in Ca(2+)-deficient medium but FPP did not. Calcitonin also significantly stimulated cAMP production under these conditions, and similarly preincubated suspensions, when diluted into +Ca(2+) medium, were significantly more fertile in vitro than untreated controls. These results indicate that calcitonin, like FPP, acts as a first messenger to regulate the production of cAMP and mammalian sperm function, but the differences in Ca(2+) requirements suggest that calcitonin and FPP may regulate different isoforms of adenylyl cyclase.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Adeoya-Osiguwa
- Centre for Reproduction, Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
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Baxendale RW, Fraser LR. Immunolocalization of multiple Galpha subunits in mammalian spermatozoa and additional evidence for Galphas. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 65:104-13. [PMID: 12658639 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Like somatic cells, mammalian spermatozoa appear to contain several different heterotrimeric G protein alpha-subunits that could mediate specialized cell responses. However, the precise Galpha subunits present, their subcellular location and their possible roles are still incompletely defined. In this study, using commercially available specific antibodies, we have shown by immunoblotting that Galpha(s) is present in human and mouse sperm lysates. Immunolocalization using intact spermatozoa from both species revealed this protein to be in the acrosomal cap region and the flagellum, particularly the principal piece. Treatment of permeabilized mouse spermatozoa with cholera toxin led to enhanced ADP-ribosylation of a protein the same size as Galpha(s), as well as an increase in cAMP, providing further proof for Galpha(s). Evidence for the presence and distinct localizations of Galpha(i2), Galpha(i3), Galpha(o), Galpha(q/11), and Galpha(olf) was also obtained. Of particular interest was Galpha(i2) which, like Galpha(s), was present in the acrosomal cap region and flagellum, the same regions where stimulatory and inhibitory adenosine receptors are localized. These observations are consistent with our hypothesis that G proteins mediate adenosine receptor modulation of adenylyl cyclase, with consequent alterations in cAMP production, apparently crucial for the spermatozoon's acquisition and maintenance of fertilizing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhona W Baxendale
- Centre for Reproduction, Endocrinology & Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, United Kingdom
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