1
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Quintana GR, Mac Cionnaith CE, Pfaus JG. Behavioral, Neural, and Molecular Mechanisms of Conditioned Mate Preference: The Role of Opioids and First Experiences of Sexual Reward. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8928. [PMID: 36012194 PMCID: PMC9409009 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mechanisms of mate preference are thought to be relatively hard-wired, experience with appetitive and consummatory sexual reward has been shown to condition preferences for partner related cues and even objects that predict sexual reward. Here, we reviewed evidence from laboratory species and humans on sexually conditioned place, partner, and ejaculatory preferences in males and females, as well as the neurochemical, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms putatively responsible. From a comprehensive review of the available data, we concluded that opioid transmission at μ opioid receptors forms the basis of sexual pleasure and reward, which then sensitizes dopamine, oxytocin, and vasopressin systems responsible for attention, arousal, and bonding, leading to cortical activation that creates awareness of attraction and desire. First experiences with sexual reward states follow a pattern of sexual imprinting, during which partner- and/or object-related cues become crystallized by conditioning into idiosyncratic "types" that are found sexually attractive and arousing. These mechanisms tie reward and reproduction together, blending proximate and ultimate causality in the maintenance of variability within a species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo R. Quintana
- Departamento de Psicología y Filosofía, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000007, Chile
| | - Conall E. Mac Cionnaith
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B1R6, Canada
| | - James G. Pfaus
- Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Division of Sexual Neuroscience, Center for Sexual Health and Intervention, Czech National Institute of Mental Health, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
This paper is the forty-first consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2018 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (2), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (3) and humans (4), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (5), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (6), stress and social status (7), learning and memory (8), eating and drinking (9), drug abuse and alcohol (10), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (11), mental illness and mood (12), seizures and neurologic disorders (13), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (14), general activity and locomotion (15), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (16), cardiovascular responses (17), respiration and thermoregulation (18), and immunological responses (19).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Effects of mu opioid receptors in paraventricular nucleus on ejaculation through mediating sympathetic nerve system activity. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107709. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|