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Falvo S, Santillo A, Di Fiore MM, Venditti M, Grillo G, Latino D, Baccari I, Petito G, Chieffi Baccari G. New Insights into D-Aspartate Signaling in Testicular Activity. Cells 2024; 13:1400. [PMID: 39195288 DOI: 10.3390/cells13161400] [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: 07/20/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
D-aspartate (D-Asp) is an amino acid found in high concentrations in the testis and pituitary gland. Increasing evidence suggests that D-Asp promotes spermatogenesis by activating testosterone production in the Leydig cells via LH release from the pituitary gland. In vitro studies indicate that D-Asp may also influence steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis through autocrine and paracrine signals. D-Asp enhances StAR and steroidogenic enzyme expressions, facilitating testicular cell proliferation via the GluR/ERK1/2 pathway. Moreover, it supports spermatogenesis by enhancing the mitochondrial function in spermatocytes, aiding in the metabolic shift during meiosis. Enhanced mitochondrial function, along with improved MAM stability and reduced ER stress, has been observed in Leydig and Sertoli cells treated with D-Asp, indicating potential benefits in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis efficiency. Conversely, D-Asp exerts a notable anti-apoptotic effect in the testis via the AMPAR/AKT pathway, potentially mediated by antioxidant enzyme modulation to mitigate testicular oxidative stress. This review lays the groundwork for future investigations into the molecules promoting spermatogenesis by stimulating endogenous testosterone biosynthesis, with D-amino acids emerging as promising candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Falvo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giulia Grillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Debora Latino
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Isabella Baccari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Petito
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
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Palazzo E, Boccella S, Marabese I, Perrone M, Belardo C, Iannotta M, Scuteri D, De Dominicis E, Pagano M, Infantino R, Bagetta G, Maione S. Homo-AMPA in the periaqueductal grey modulates pain and rostral ventromedial medulla activity in diabetic neuropathic mice. Neuropharmacology 2022; 212:109047. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Momeni HR, Etemadi T, Alyasin A, Eskandari N. A novel role for involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors in sperm acrosome reaction. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14203. [PMID: 34378215 DOI: 10.1111/and.14203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionotropic glutamate receptors are expressed in mouse and human spermatozoa. However, the possible role of these receptors has not been reported in the sperm acrosome reaction. This study was conducted to demonstrate the function of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors in the acrosome reaction of mouse spermatozoa. Epididymal spermatozoa from adult mice were release in a culture medium. The sperm suspension was then divided into six groups: (1) spermatozoa at 0 min, (2) spermatozoa at 60 min (control), (3) spermatozoa treated with NMDA glutamate receptor agonist (L-glutamate, LG), (4) spermatozoa treated with α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)/kainite glutamate receptor agonist (kainic acid), (5) spermatozoa treated with NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist (MK-801)+LG and (6) spermatozoa treated with ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA, as a calcium chelator)+ LG. The sperm samples were examined for the acrosome reaction and intracellular calcium concentration. After 60 min, LG but not kainic acid significantly increased both the acrosome reaction and intracellular calcium levels in the spermatozoa compared with the control group. Co-administration of MK-801 or EGTA+LG could significantly reverse the effect of LG in the acrosome reaction and the level of intracellular calcium as compared to the LG group. The possibility that LG induced the acrosome reaction and elevated inter-cellular calcium concentration in mouse spermatozoa and that MK-801 could reverse the effects of LG, may suggest the involvement of NMDA glutamate receptors, at least in the initiation of the acrosome reaction in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tahereh Etemadi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - Atieh Alyasin
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - Najmeh Eskandari
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
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Trade‐offs between male fertility reduction and selected growth factors or the klotho response in a lipopolysaccharide-dependent mouse model. Toxicol Res 2021; 38:175-186. [PMID: 35415080 PMCID: PMC8960506 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-021-00098-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of depression cases leads to a greater need for new antidepressant treatment development. It is postulated that antidepressants may harm male fertility, but the cellular mechanism is still poorly understood. The role of growth factors and klotho protein in maintaining normal male reproductive function is well documented. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the effect of the antidepressant drug – imipramine (tricyclic AD), and other substances with antidepressant potential (ALS), administered in combination or in combination with LPS (an animal model of depression) on gene expression and protein synthesis of IGF-2 (insulin-like growth factor 2), TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor β1), NGF (nerve growth factor), KGF (keratinocyte growth factor) and protein synthesis of VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A), IGF-IR (insulin-like growth factor receptor 1), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and klotho in the testis of mice. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with selected ALS and LPS or 10% DMSO (controls) (n = 7/group) once a day for 14 days. Animals were decapitated and testes collected for RNA and protein purification. PCR and western blot methods were employed for the evaluation of growth factors and klotho expression. The results obtained indicated a decreased level of most of the analyzed genes and proteins, except KGF; its expression increased after treatment with MTEP and IMI administrated individually and after NS-398, and IMI in combination with LPS. Our results may suggest that the tested ALS and LPS can contribute to a reduction of male fertility, but NS-398, IMI, and IMI+NS-398 may also act as stimulants after LPS.
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IGF-1 as selected growth factor multi-response to antidepressant-like substances activity in C57BL/6J mouse testis model. Acta Histochem 2021; 123:151685. [PMID: 33556704 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) affects almost all cells in the body. Extremely important functions of this growth factor have been demonstrated in the brain and the reproductive system of both, females and males. Also, it is considered as a pro-inflammatory cytokine adjusting tissue homeostasis. However, it seems to play a special role in the male reproductive system and it may be disturbed by the application of antidepressants with different mechanisms of drug action during therapy. To date, the effect of antidepressant-like substances (ALS) on the course of physiological processes in male testicular cells is poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to determine the presence, localizationof IGF-1R (insulin-like growth factor 1 β receptor) and mRNA gene expression of IGF-1R and IGF-1 after administration of 3-[(2-methyl-1,3-tiazol-4-yl)ethynyl]-pyridine (MTEP) and N-[2-(Cyclohexyloxy)-4-nitrophenyl]-methanesulfonamide (NS-398) in the different scheme in the testis of mice. Imipramine was used as a reference drug having a documented interaction with the mGluR5 receptors. The immunohistochemical analyses showed the localization of IGF-1R in Sertoli, Leydig, and germinal cells after all used substances. Differences in receptor localization were observed depending on the drugs applied and the type of analyzed cells. In contrast, there was a significant increase in IGF-1 gene expression after IMI + NS-398 and in IGF-1R after MTEP + NS-398 and IMI + NS-398 administration. It can, therefore, be assumed that the use of a combination of NS-398 with some ALS may run different mechanisms of action and affect the regulation of reproductive function in mouse testis through maintaining homeostasis at the molecular and immunological levels related to IGF.
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Spontaneous Ejaculation: A Focused Review for the Clinicians. Sex Med Rev 2020; 9:406-422. [PMID: 33262094 DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The process of ejaculation has important meanings not only for its association with orgasm but also for the timing to ejaculate in the context of sexual activity. Spontaneous (involuntary) ejaculation (SE) without any sexual stimulation is a distressing symptom. Our understanding of SE is limited. Unfortunately, many physicians are not aware of these cases. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to describe the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment options for SE. METHODS We searched the literature for publications on "SE," "spontaneous emission" or "involuntary ejaculation," and factors influencing SE in the PUBMED/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Academic Search Complete database, Google Scholar, and CINAHL databases from inception to August 2020. RESULTS The literature search yielded 36 relevant publications reporting on 43 patients with SE. Attempts to explain the cause of pathologic SE have included 4 etiological groups (spinal cord lesions, psychological causes, rabies, and drug-induced). The underlying mechanisms responsible for induction of SE may include increased adrenergic activity, overactivity in dopaminergic system, decreased serotonergic activity, damage of descending inhibitory pathway, or penile hyperexcitability. SE may occur in the absence of an identifiable trigger or may be triggered by non-sexual circumstances (micturition, defecation, glans touch, anxiety, panic attack, or school examinations). Treatment options include psychoanalytic treatment, paroxetine, citalopram, sertraline, silodosin, and anxiolytics. In drug-induced SE, dose reduction and drug withdrawal with or without switching to another drug may relief SE. CONCLUSIONS SE is one of the least reported ejaculatory dysfunction. The key feature shared in common by these men is SE without any sexual thoughts or fantasies, may be triggered by non-sexual contexts, rarely associated with orgasm or erection. Treatment by psychoanalytic treatment and pharmacotherapy may be helpful. Further research might explore the definite underlying mechanisms. Abdel-Hamid IA, Ali OI. Spontaneous Ejaculation: A Focused Review for the Clinicians. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:406-422.
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Palazzo E, Boccella S, Marabese I, Pierretti G, Guida F, Maione S. The Cold Case of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 6: Unjust Detention in the Retina? Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 18:120-125. [PMID: 31573889 PMCID: PMC7324884 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666191001141849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
It is a common opinion that metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 6 (mGluR6) is expressed exclusively in the retina, and in particular in the dendrites of ON-bipolar cells. Glutamate released in darkness from photoreceptors activates mGluR6, which is negatively associated with a membrane non-selective cation channel, the transient receptor potential melanoma-related 1, TRPM1, resulting in cell hyperpolarization. The evidence that mGluR6 is expressed not only in the retina but also in other tissues and cell populations has accumulated over time. The expression of mGluR6 has been identified in microglia, bone marrow stromal and prostate cancer cells, B lymphocytes, melanocytes and keratinocytes and non-neural tissues such as testis, kidney, cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelid. The receptor also appears to be expressed in brain areas, such as the hypothalamus, cortex, hippocampus, nucleus of tractus solitarius, superior colliculus, axons of the corpus callosum and accessory olfactory bulb. The pharmacological activation of mGluR6 in the hippocampus produced an anxiolytic-like effect and in the periaqueductal gray analgesic potential. This review aims to collect all the evidence on the expression and functioning of mGluR6 outside the retina that has been accumulated over the years for a broader view of the potential of the receptor whose retinal confinement appears understimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Palazzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - S Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - I Marabese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - G Pierretti
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - F Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - S Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Masugi-Tokita M, Tomita K, Kobayashi K, Yoshida T, Kageyama S, Sakamoto H, Kawauchi A. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 7 Is Essential for Ejaculation. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:5208-5218. [PMID: 32865662 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02090-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 (mGluR7) is a member of the group III mGluRs, which are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase via Gi/Go proteins and localized to presynaptic active zones of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). To elucidate the mechanism of impaired reproductivity of mGluR7 knockout (KO) mice, we investigated sexual behavior in this line, which exhibits ejaculatory disorder, although with normal sexual motivation and erectile function. To identify the site of action within the CNS responsible for the effect of mGluR7 on ejaculation, we then used a para-chloroamphetamine (PCA)-induced ejaculation model. Intrathecal administration of the mGluR7-selective antagonist 6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-3-pyridin-4-ylisoxazolo[4,5-c]pyridin-4(5H)-one (MMPIP) into the lumbosacral spinal cord inhibited PCA-induced ejaculation. Immunohistochemistry revealed mGluR7-like immunoreactivity (LI) expressed in the same area where lumbar spinothalamic (LSt) cells regulate the parasympathetic ejaculatory pathway. At high magnification, the apposition of mGluR7-LI puncta and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-LI-positive putative parasympathetic preganglionic neurons was evident. These results indicate that mGluR7 in the lumbosacral spinal cord regulates ejaculation by potentiating the excitability of parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. The ejaculatory disorder is a major issue in the field of male reproductive function. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be treated by phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra®), but the ejaculatory disorder cannot. Lack of understanding of the ejaculatory mechanism hinders the development of therapies for ejaculatory problems. This study is the first to demonstrate that mGluR7 regulates ejaculation and the results provide insight into the mechanism of ejaculation as well as a strategy for future therapies to treat ejaculatory disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwako Masugi-Tokita
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan. .,World Premier International Research Center Initiative-Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. .,Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Keiji Tomita
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Kenichi Kobayashi
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yoshida
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Susumu Kageyama
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Setouchi, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kawauchi
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
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Santillo A, Falvo S, Di Fiore MM, Di Giacomo Russo F, Chieffi P, Usiello A, Pinelli C, Baccari GC. AMPA receptor expression in mouse testis and spermatogonial GC-1 cells: A study on its regulation by excitatory amino acids. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:11044-11055. [PMID: 30762900 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Excitatory amino acids (EAAs) are found present in the nervous and reproductive systems of animals. Numerous studies have demonstrated a regulatory role for Glutamate (Glu), d-aspartate ( d-Asp) and N-methyl- d-aspartate (NMDA) in the control of spermatogenesis. EAAs are able to stimulate the Glutamate receptors, including the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR). Here in, we assess expression of the main AMPAR subunits, GluA1 and GluA2/3, in the mouse testis and in spermatogonial GC-1 cells. The results showed that both GluA1 and GluA2/3 were localized in mouse testis prevalently in spermatogonia. The subunit GluA2/3 was more highly expressed compared with GluA1 in both the testis and the GC-1 cells. Subsequently, GC-1 cells were incubated with medium containing l-Glu, d-Glu, d-Asp or NMDA to determine GluA1 and GluA2/3 expressions. At 30 minutes and 2 hours of incubation, EAA-treated GC-1 cells showed significantly higher expression levels of both GluA1 and GluA2/3. Furthermore, p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p-Akt, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Aurora B expressions were assayed in l-Glu-, d-Glu-, and NMDA-treated GC-1 cells. At 30 minutes and 2 hours of incubation, treated GC-1 cells showed significantly higher expression levels of p-ERK and p-Akt. A consequent increase of PCNA and Aurora B expressions was induced by l-Glu and NMDA, but not by d-Glu. Our study demonstrates a direct effect of the EAAs on spermatogonial activity. In addition, the increased protein expression levels of GluA1 and GluA2/3 in EAA-treated GC-1 cells suggest that EAAs could activate ERK and Akt pathways through the AMPAR. Finally, the increased PCNA and Aurora B levels may imply an enhanced proliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Santillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria M Di Fiore
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Federica Di Giacomo Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Paolo Chieffi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Claudia Pinelli
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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Masugi-Tokita M, Yoshida T, Kageyama S, Kawata M, Kawauchi A. Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 has critical roles in regulation of the endocrine system and social behaviours. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12575. [PMID: 29377390 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 (mGluR7) is one of the group III mGluRs, which are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase via Gi/Go proteins and localised to presynaptic active zones of the mammalian central nervous system. We previously reported that mGluR7 is essential for intermale aggression and amygdala-dependent fear learning. To elucidate the role of mGluR7 in the neuroendocrine system, we performed biochemical analyses and found a significant reduction of testosterone levels in mGluR7 knockout (KO) mice. Testosterone replacement restored intermale aggressive behaviour in castrated wild-type mice to the level of gonadally intact wild-type mice. However, given the same dosage of testosterone replacement, mGluR7 KO mice showed almost no aggressive behaviour. These results indicate that reduction of plasma testosterone is unrelated to the deficit in intermale aggression in mGluR7 KO mice. Social investigating behaviour of intact mGluR7 KO mice also differed from that of wild-type mice; e.g. the KO mice showing less frequent anogenital sniffing and more frequent grooming behaviour. Testosterone replacement increased anogenital sniffing and grooming behaviour in castrated mGluR7 KO mice, while the differences were still present between castrated wild-type mice and KO mice after both underwent testosterone replacement. These results imply that reduction of plasma testosterone may partially inhibit social investigating behaviours in intact mGluR7 KO mice. Furthermore, castrated mGluR7 KO mice have smaller seminal vesicles than those of castrated wild-type mice, although seminal vesicle weights were normal in intact mice. These observations suggest that, besides testicular testosterone, some other hormone levels may be dysregulated in mGluR7 KO mice, and indicate a critical role of mGluR7 in the endocrine system. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that mGluR7 is essential for the regulation of the endocrine system, in addition to innate behaviours such as intermale aggression and fear response.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Masugi-Tokita
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
- World Premier International Research Center Initiative-Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - T Yoshida
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - S Kageyama
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - M Kawata
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- School of Health Sciences, Bukkyo University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - A Kawauchi
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
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11
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Pig sperm preincubation and gamete coincubation with glutamate enhance sperm-oocyte binding and in vitro fertilization. Theriogenology 2017; 95:149-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Davis BW, Seabury CM, Brashear WA, Li G, Roelke-Parker M, Murphy WJ. Mechanisms Underlying Mammalian Hybrid Sterility in Two Feline Interspecies Models. Mol Biol Evol 2015; 32:2534-46. [PMID: 26006188 PMCID: PMC4592343 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of male sterility in interspecies hybrids has been observed for over a century, however, few genes influencing this recurrent phenotype have been identified. Genetic investigations have been primarily limited to a small number of model organisms, thus limiting our understanding of the underlying molecular basis of this well-documented "rule of speciation." We utilized two interspecies hybrid cat breeds in a genome-wide association study employing the Illumina 63 K single-nucleotide polymorphism array. Collectively, we identified eight autosomal genes/gene regions underlying associations with hybrid male sterility (HMS) involved in the function of the blood-testis barrier, gamete structural development, and transcriptional regulation. We also identified several candidate hybrid sterility regions on the X chromosome, with most residing in close proximity to complex duplicated regions. Differential gene expression analyses revealed significant chromosome-wide upregulation of X chromosome transcripts in testes of sterile hybrids, which were enriched for genes involved in chromatin regulation of gene expression. Our expression results parallel those reported in Mus hybrids, supporting the "Large X-Effect" in mammalian HMS and the potential epigenetic basis for this phenomenon. These results support the value of the interspecies feline model as a powerful tool for comparison to rodent models of HMS, demonstrating unique aspects and potential commonalities that underpin mammalian reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian W Davis
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University
| | - Christopher M Seabury
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University
| | - Wesley A Brashear
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University
| | - Gang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University
| | - Melody Roelke-Parker
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - William J Murphy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University
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