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Wong SL, Shih CL, Cho HY, Wu SN. Effective suppression of I h and I Na caused by capsazepine, known to be a blocker of TRPV1 receptor. Brain Res 2024; 1839:149008. [PMID: 38761846 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149008] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
A synthetic inhibitor of capsaicin-induced TRPV1 channel activation is called capsazepine (CPZ). In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of CPZ on hyperpolarization-activated cationic current (Ih) and voltage-gated Na + current (INa) in pituitary tumor (GH3) cells. Through patch-clamp recordings, we found that CPZ concentration-dependently inhibited Ih amplitude and slowed its activation time course. The IC50 and KD values were 3.1 and 3.16 μM, respectively. CPZ also shifted the steady-state activation curve of Ih towards a more hyperpolarized potential. However, there was no change in the gating charge of the curve. A modified Markovian model predicted the CPZ-induced decrease in the voltage-dependent hysteresis of Ih. CPZ suppressed INa in GH3 cells, without altering its activation or inactivation time course. Additionally, exposure to CPZ reduced spontaneous firing. These findings suggest that CPZ's inhibitory effects on Ih and INa are direct and not dependent on vanilloid receptor binding. This could provide light on an unidentified ionic mechanism influencing the membrane excitability of neurons and endocrine or neuroendocrine cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-Lee Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lung Shih
- Clinical Research Center, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan.
| | - Hsin-Yen Cho
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Wu
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; Department of Research and Education, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709040, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804201 Taiwan.
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2
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Ricci G, Guillou F, Catizone A, Mele VG, Moggio M, Chioccarelli T, Diano N, Meccariello R, Pierantoni R, Fasano S, Cobellis G, Chianese R, Manfrevola F. KISS1R and ANKRD31 Cooperate to Enhance Leydig Cell Gene Expression via the Cytoskeletal-Nucleoskeletal Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:877270. [PMID: 35813201 PMCID: PMC9260857 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.877270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins are involved in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, Leydig cell functions, and testosterone secretion, acting as endogenous ligands of the KISS1 receptor. ANKRD31 protein participates in male fertility, regulating meiotic progression, and epididymal sperm maturation. Here, we show that in Leydig cells, KISS1 receptor and ANKRD31 proteins physically interact; the formation of this protein complex is enhanced by Kisspeptin-10 that also modulates F-actin synthesis, favoring histone acetylation in chromatin and gene expression via the cytoskeletal–nucleoskeletal pathway. Kp/KISS1R system deregulation, expression impairment of cytoskeletal–nucleoskeletal mediators, Leydig gene targets, and the decreased testosterone secretion in Ankrd31−/− testis strongly supported our hypothesis. Furthermore, cytochalasin D treatment subverted the gene expression induction dependent on Kisspeptin-10 action. In conclusion, the current work highlights a novel role for the Kisspeptin-10 in the induction of the cytoskeletal–nucleoskeletal route, downstream a physical interaction between KISS1 receptor and ANKRD31, with gene expression activation as final effect, in Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ricci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Florian Guillou
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Angela Catizone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Anatomiche, Istologiche, Medico Legali e dell’Apparato Locomotore, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Moggio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Diano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Rosanna Chianese,
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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The Complex Interplay between Endocannabinoid System and the Estrogen System in Central Nervous System and Periphery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020972. [PMID: 33478092 PMCID: PMC7835826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid cell signaling system involved in the physiology and homeostasis of the brain and peripheral tissues. Synaptic plasticity, neuroendocrine functions, reproduction, and immune response among others all require the activity of functional ECS, with the onset of disease in case of ECS impairment. Estrogens, classically considered as female steroid hormones, regulate growth, differentiation, and many other functions in a broad range of target tissues and both sexes through the activation of nuclear and membrane estrogen receptors (ERs), which leads to genomic and non-genomic cell responses. Since ECS function overlaps or integrates with many other cell signaling systems, this review aims at updating the knowledge about the possible crosstalk between ECS and estrogen system (ES) at both central and peripheral level, with focuses on the central nervous system, reproduction, and cancer.
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Di Fiore MM, Santillo A, Falvo S, Pinelli C. Celebrating 50+ years of research on the reproductive biology and endocrinology of the green frog: An overview. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 298:113578. [PMID: 32739437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This issue is dedicated to the late Professor Giovanni Chieffi, and this article is an overview of the research on Comparative Endocrinology of reproduction using Rana esculenta (alias Pelophylax esculentus) as a model system. Starting from the early 1970s till today, a large quantity of work have been conducted both in the fields of experimental endocrinology and in the definition of the diffuse neuroendocrine system, with a major focus on the increasing role of regulatory peptides. The various aspects investigated concerned the histological descriptions of principal endocrine glands of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the localization and distribution in the HPG of several different substances (i.e. neurosteroids, hypothalamic peptide hormones, pituitary gonadotropins, gonadal sex steroids, and other molecules), the determination of sex hormone concentrations in both serum and tissues, the hormone manipulations, as well as the gene and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes and their respective receptors. All together these researches, often conducted considering different periods of the annual reproductive cycle of the green frog, allowed to understand the mechanism of cascade control/regulation of the HPG axis of R. esculenta, characterizing the role of different hormones in the two sexes, and testing the hypotheses about the function of single hormones in different target organs. It becomes evident from the review that, in their simplest form, several features of this species are specular as compared to those of other vertebrate species and that reproduction in this frog species is either under endogenous multi-hormonal control or by a wide array of different factors. Our excursus of this research, spanning almost five decades, shows that R. esculenta has been intensively and successfully used as an animal model in reproductive endocrinology as well as several field studies such as those involving environmental concerns that focus on the effects of endocrine disruptors and other environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Claudia Pinelli
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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Chianese R, Coccurello R, Viggiano A, Scafuro M, Fiore M, Coppola G, Operto FF, Fasano S, Laye S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Impact of Dietary Fats on Brain Functions. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1059-1085. [PMID: 29046155 PMCID: PMC6120115 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171017102547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate dietary intake and nutritional status have important effects on brain functions and on brain health. Energy intake and specific nutrients excess or deficiency from diet differently affect cognitive processes, emotions, behaviour, neuroendocrine functions and synaptic plasticity with possible protective or detrimental effects on neuronal physiology. Lipids, in particular, play structural and functional roles in neurons. Here the importance of dietary fats and the need to understand the brain mechanisms activated by peripheral and central metabolic sensors. Thus, the manipulation of lifestyle factors such as dietary interventions may represent a successful therapeutic approach to maintain and preserve brain health along lifespan. METHODS This review aims at summarizing the impact of dietary fats on brain functions. RESULTS Starting from fat consumption, nutrient sensing and food-related reward, the impact of gut-brain communications will be discussed in brain health and disease. A specific focus will be on the impact of fats on the molecular pathways within the hypothalamus involved in the control of reproduction via the expression and the release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone. Lastly, the effects of specific lipid classes such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and of the "fattest" of all diets, commonly known as "ketogenic diets", on brain functions will also be discussed. CONCLUSION Despite the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms is still a work in progress, the clinical relevance of the manipulation of dietary fats is well acknowledged and such manipulations are in fact currently in use for the treatment of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Coccurello
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council (C.N.R.), Rome, Italy.,Fondazione S. Lucia (FSL) IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Marika Scafuro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council (C.N.R.), Rome, Italy.,Fondazione S. Lucia (FSL) IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,UO Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Medical School, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sophie Laye
- INRA, Bordeaux University, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR, Bordeaux, France
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement and Wellness Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghum Alfulaij
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
| | - Franziska Meiners
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
| | - Justin Michalek
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
| | | | - Helen C Turner
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI
| | - Alexander J Stokes
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
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Chianese R, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Kisspeptin regulates steroidogenesis and spermiation in anuran amphibian. Reproduction 2018; 154:403-414. [PMID: 28878091 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (Kp) system has a recognized role in the control of gonadotropic axis, at multiple levels. Recently, a major focus of research has been to assess any direct activity of this system on testis physiology. Using the amphibian anuran, Pelophylax esculentus, as animal model, we demonstrate - for the first time in non-mammalian vertebrate - that testis expresses both Kiss-1 and Gpr54 proteins during the annual sexual cycle and that ex vivo 17B-estradiol (E2, 10-6 M) increases both proteins over control group. Since the interstitium is the main site of localization of both ligand and receptor, its possible involvement in the regulation of steroidogenesis has been evaluated by ex vivo treatment of testis pieces with increasing doses of Kp-10 (10-9-10-6 M). Treatments have been carried out in February - when a new wave of spermatogenesis occurs - and affect the expression of key enzymes of steroidogenesis inducing opposite effects on testosterone and estradiol intratesticular levels. Morphological analysis of Kp-treated testes reveals higher number of tubules with spermatozoa detached from Sertoli cells than control group and the expression of connexin 43, the main junctional protein in testis, is deeply affected by the treatment. In spite of the effects on spermatozoa observed ex vivo, in vivo administration of Kp-10 has been unable to induce sperm release in cloacal fluid. In conclusion, we demonstrate Kp-10 effects on steroidogenesis with possible involvement in the balance between testosterone and estradiol levels, and report new Kp-10 activities on spermatozoa-Sertoli cell interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez 'F. Bottazzi'Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento Medico-Chirurgico di Internistica Clinica e Sperimentale 'F. Magrassi-L. Lanzara'Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez 'F. Bottazzi'Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez 'F. Bottazzi'Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del BenessereUniversità di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
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Cobellis G, Meccariello R, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S, Pierantoni R. Effects of Neuroendocrine CB1 Activity on Adult Leydig Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:47. [PMID: 27375550 PMCID: PMC4891325 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids control male reproduction acting at central and local level via cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid receptor CB1 has been characterized in the testis, in somatic and germ cells of mammalian and non-mammalian animal models, and its activity related to Leydig cell differentiation, steroidogenesis, spermiogenesis, sperm quality, and maturation. In this short review, we provide a summary of the insights concerning neuroendocrine CB1 activity in male reproduction focusing on adult Leydig cell ontogenesis and steroid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
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Ciaramella V, Meccariello R, Chioccarelli T, Sirleto M, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. Anandamide acts via kisspeptin in the regulation of testicular activity of the frog, Pelophylax esculentus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 420:75-84. [PMID: 26586207 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the frog Pelophylax esculentus, the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) modulates Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) system in vitro and down-regulates steroidogenic enzymes in vivo. Thus, male frogs were injected with AEA ± SR141716A, a cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist, to evaluate possible effects on GnRH and Kiss1/Gpr54 systems, gonadotropin receptors and steroid levels. In frog diencephalons, AEA negatively affected both GnRH and Kiss1/Gpr54 systems. In testis, AEA induced the expression of gonadotropin receptors, cb1, gnrh2 and gnrhr3 meanwhile reducing gnrhr2 mRNA and Kiss1/Gpr54 proteins. Furthermore, aromatase (Cyp19) expression increased in parallel to testosterone decrease and estradiol increase. In vitro treatment of testis with AEA revealed direct effects on Cyp19 and induced the expression of the AEA-degrading enzyme Faah. Lastly, AEA effects on Faah were counteracted by the antiestrogen ICI182780, indicating estradiol mediated effect. In conclusion, for the first time we show in a vertebrate that AEA regulates testicular activity through kisspeptin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Monica Sirleto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
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Bovolin P, Cottone E, Pomatto V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Meccariello R. Endocannabinoids are Involved in Male Vertebrate Reproduction: Regulatory Mechanisms at Central and Gonadal Level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:54. [PMID: 24782832 PMCID: PMC3995072 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are natural lipids regulating a large array of physiological functions and behaviors in vertebrates. The eCB system is highly conserved in evolution and comprises several specific receptors (type-1 and type-2 cannabinoid receptors), their endogenous ligands (e.g., anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), and a number of biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. In the last few years, eCBs have been described as critical signals in the control of male and female reproduction at multiple levels: centrally, by targeting hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-secreting neurons and pituitary, and locally, with direct effects on the gonads. These functions are supported by the extensive localization of cannabinoid receptors and eCB metabolic enzymes at different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in mammals, as well as bonyfish and amphibians. In vivo and in vitro studies indicate that eCBs centrally regulate gonadal functions by modulating the gonadotropin-releasing hormone-gonadotropin-steroid network through direct and indirect mechanisms. Several proofs of local eCB regulation have been found in the testis and male genital tracts, since eCBs control Sertoli and Leydig cells activity, germ cell progression, as well as the acquisition of sperm functions. A comparative approach usually is a key step in the study of physiological events leading to the building of a general model. Thus, in this review, we summarize the action of eCBs at different levels of the male reproductive axis, with special emphasis, where appropriate, on data from non-mammalian vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Bovolin
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute of Turin, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Patrizia Bovolin, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy e-mail:
| | - Erika Cottone
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Pomatto
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
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11
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Meccariello R, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Intra-testicular signals regulate germ cell progression and production of qualitatively mature spermatozoa in vertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:69. [PMID: 24847312 PMCID: PMC4021137 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, a highly conserved process in vertebrates, is mainly under the hypothalamic-pituitary control, being regulated by the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, in response to stimulation exerted by gonadotropin releasing hormone from hypothalamic neurons. At testicular level, gonadotropins bind specific receptors located on the somatic cells regulating the production of steroids and factors necessary to ensure a correct spermatogenesis. Indeed, besides the endocrine route, a complex network of cell-to-cell communications regulates germ cell progression, and a combination of endocrine and intra-gonadal signals sustains the production of high quality mature spermatozoa. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the area of the intra-gonadal signals supporting sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Pierantoni, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, Naples 80138, Italy e-mail:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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