Melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors in the ram reproductive tract

González-Arto, M. ; Aguilar, D. ; Gaspar-Torrubia, E. ; Gallego, M. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Carvajal-Serna, M. ; Herrera-Marcos, L. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Serrano-Blesa, E. ; Dos, Santos Hamilton ; Pérez-Pé, R. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Muiño-Blanco, T. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Cebrián-Pérez, J. A. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Casao, A. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: 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 tract (p < 0.05). Western blot analyses showed protein bands compatible with the MT1 in the testis and cauda epididymis, and for the MT2 in the cauda epididymis and deferent duct. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed the presence of MT1 receptors in spermatogonias, spermatocytes, and spermatids, and MT2 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.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030662

Año: 2017

Publicado en: International Journal of Molecular Sciences 18, 3 (2017), 662 [15 pp.]
ISSN: 1661-6596

Factor impacto JCR: 3.687 (2017)

Categ. JCR: CHEMISTRY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY rank: 52 / 169 = 0.308 (2017) - Q2 - T1
Categ. JCR: BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY rank: 90 / 292 = 0.308 (2017) - Q2 - T1

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 1.26 - Medicine (miscellaneous) (Q1) - Physical and Theoretical Chemistry (Q1) - Computer Science Applications (Q1) - Inorganic Chemistry (Q1) - Spectroscopy (Q1) - Organic Chemistry (Q1) - Molecular Biology (Q2) - Catalysis (Q2)

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/A26
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MINECO-FEDER/AGL2013-43328-P

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Zoología (Dpto. Bioq.Biolog.Mol. Celular)
Área (Departamento): Área Sanidad Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)
Área (Departamento): Área Bioquímica y Biolog.Mole. (Dpto. Bioq.Biolog.Mol. Celular)