Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | |
Nitric oxide involvement in the acrosome reaction triggered by leptin in pig sperm | |
关键词: acrosome reaction; leptin; nitric oxide; NOSs; pig spermatozoa; | |
DOI : 10.1186/1477-7827-9-133 | |
来源: DOAJ |
【 摘 要 】
Abstract
Background
Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule produced by intracellular nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes. This free radical appears to affect sperm capacitation, a maturation step preceding acrosome reaction. Recent studies have reported leptin ability to promote capacitation and acrosome reaction in pig male gametes.
Methods
This study has investigated nitric oxide production in leptin-treated pig spermatozoa by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, while the intracellular NOS isoforms were assessed by Western blot analysis. In addition, acrosome status of treated-spermatozoa was evaluated by FITC-PNA staining.
Results
Significant increases of nitric oxide levels and acrosome reaction extent were detected in leptin-treated spermatozoa, but both the effects were reversed in presence of
Conclusions
The identification of the three intracellular NOS isoforms suggests that pig spermatozoa could produce NO, while the augmented nitric oxide levels in leptin-treated male gametes indicates the capacity of the hormone to induce nitric oxide production. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of
【 授权许可】
Unknown