Melatonin non-linearly modulates bull spermatozoa motility and physiology in capacitating and non-capacitating conditions

Fernández-alegre, Estela ; Álvarez-fernández, Indira ; Domínguez, Juan Carlos ; Casao, Adriana (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Martínez-pastor, Felipe

Resumen: Bull spermatozoa physiology may be modulated by melatonin. We washed ejaculated spermatozoa free of melatonin and incubated them (4 h, 38 °C) with 0-pM, 1-pM, 100-pM, 10-nM and 1-µM melatonin in TALP-HEPES (non-capacitating) and TALP-HEPES-heparin (capacitating). This range of concentrations encompassed the effects mediated by melatonin receptors (pM), intracellular targets (nM–µM) or antioxidant activity (µM). Treatment effects were assessed as motility changes by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) of motility and physiological changes by flow cytometry. Melatonin effects were more evident in capacitating conditions, with 100 pM reducing motility and velocity (VCL) while increasing a “slow” subpopulation. All concentrations decreased apoptotic spermatozoa and stimulated mitochondrial activity in viable spermatozoa, with 100 pM–1 µM increasing acrosomal damage, 10 nM–1 µM increasing intracellular calcium and 1 pM reducing the response to a calcium-ionophore challenge. In non-capacitating media, 1 µM increased hyperactivation-related variables and decreased apoptotic spermatozoa; 100 pM–1 µM increased membrane disorders (related to capacitation); all concentrations decreased mitochondrial ROS production. Melatonin concentrations had a modal effect on bull spermatozoa, suggesting a capacitation-modulating role and protective effect at physiological concentrations (pM). Some effects may be of practical use, considering artificial reproductive techniques.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082701

Año: 2020

Publicado en: International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21, 8 (2020), 2701 [20 pp.]
ISSN: 1661-6596

Factor impacto JCR: 5.923 (2020)

Categ. JCR: BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY rank: 67 / 297 = 0.226 (2020) - Q1 - T1
Categ. JCR: CHEMISTRY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY rank: 49 / 178 = 0.275 (2020) - Q2 - T1

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 1.455 - Catalysis (Q1) - Computer Science Applications (Q1) - Inorganic Chemistry (Q1) - Spectroscopy (Q1) - Molecular Biology (Q1) - Organic Chemistry (Q1) - Physical and Theoretical Chemistry (Q1) - Medicine (miscellaneous) (Q1)

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)