Dataset Information

Melatonin MT? and MT? Receptors in the Ram Reproductive Tract.

ABSTRACT: Some melatonin functions in mammals are exerted through MT? and MT? receptors. However, there are no reports of their presence in the reproductive tract of the ram, a seasonal species. Thus, we have investigated their existence in the ram testis, epididymis, accessory glands and ductus deferens. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed higher levels of m-RNA for both receptors in the testis, ampulla, seminal vesicles, and vas deferens, than in the other organs of the reproductive tract (p < 0.05). Western blot analyses showed protein bands compatible with the MT? in the testis and cauda epididymis, and for the MT? in the cauda epididymis and deferent duct. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed the presence of MT? receptors in spermatogonias, spermatocytes, and spermatids, and MT? receptors in the newly-formed spermatozoa in the testis, whereas both receptors were located in the epithelial cells of the ampulla, seminal vesicles, and ductus deferens. Indirect immunofluorescence showed significant differences in the immunolocation of both receptors in spermatozoa during their transit in the epididymis. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that melatonin receptors are present in the ram reproductive tract. These results open the way for new studies on the molecular mechanism of melatonin and the biological significance of its receptors.

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez-Arto M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5372674 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Melatonin MT₁ and MT₂ Receptors in the Ram Reproductive Tract.

González-Arto Marta M Aguilar David D Gaspar-Torrubia Elena E Gallego Margarita M Carvajal-Serna Melissa M Herrera-Marcos Luis V LV Serrano-Blesa Edith E Hamilton Thais Rose Dos Santos TR Pérez-Pé Rosaura R Muiño-Blanco Teresa T Cebrián-Pérez José A JA Casao Adriana A

International journal of molecular sciences 20170319 3

Some melatonin functions in mammals are exerted through MT₁ and MT₂ receptors. However, there are no reports of their presence in the reproductive tract of the ram, a seasonal species. Thus, we have investigated their existence in the ram testis, epididymis, accessory glands and ductus deferens. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed higher levels of m-RNA for both receptors in the testis, ampulla, seminal vesicles, and vas deferens, than in the other organs of the reproductive trac ...[more]

PMID: 28335493

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Project description:Governed by melatonin, ovine reproductive seasonality limits production outcomes due to periods of decreased reproductive efficiency. Though it is established that slow-release melatonin implants improve out of season reproductive performance in the ewe, the comprehensive effects of exogenous melatonin in the ram remain inconclusive. This study aimed to ultimately clarify the ability of exogenous melatonin to alter ram reproductive function during the non-breeding season and the subsequent breeding season. Hence, we investigated the effect of exogenous melatonin on reproductive endocrinology, semen quality and production, testicular size and libido in Merino and Poll Dorset rams (n = 31, using a subset of 18 rams for analysis of semen production and quality). Melatonin treatment resulted in elevation of melatonin in seminal plasma from 1-8 weeks post-implantation and in blood plasma at 6 weeks post-implantation. The blood plasma testosterone of implanted rams was greater than controls at both 6 weeks post-implantation and during the following breeding season. Implanted rams exhibited increased testicular size and number of sperm per ejaculate from 3-12 weeks post-implantation but did not demonstrate any change in sperm motility or morphology in response to treatment. Compared to their control counterparts, melatonin-treated Poll Dorset rams exhibited a lower percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation during several weeks of the non-breeding season. Though melatonin increased the likelihood of ejaculate collection in Poll Dorset rams (P < 0.05), libido was otherwise unaffected by treatment. Melatonin did not alter seminal plasma concentrations of inhibin A or Anti-Mullerian hormone, however, for the first time in the ram we have shown Anti-Mullerian hormone to be positively correlated with the number of sperm per ejaculate and sperm motility (r = 0.464 and 0.3242 respectively, P < 0.001), and inhibin A to be correlated to the number of sperm per ejaculate (r = 0.1786, P = 0.0135). These results indicate that melatonin is able to both systemically upregulate reproduction and act directly upon testicular function in the ram.

Dataset Information

Melatonin MT? and MT? Receptors in the Ram Reproductive Tract.

Publications

Melatonin MT₁ and MT₂ Receptors in the Ram Reproductive Tract.

Similar Datasets

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