A Gradient of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Regulates Mouse Epididymal Sperm Cell Start-Up1

Cobellis, Gilda; Ricci, Giulia; Cacciola, Giovanna; Orlando, Pierangelo; Petrosino, Stefania; Cascio, Maria Grazia; Bisogno, Tiziana; Petrocellis, Luciano De; Chioccarelli, Teresa; Altucci, Lucia; Fasano, Silvia; Meccariello, Rosaria; Pierantoni, Riccardo; Ledent, Catherine; Marzo, Vincenzo Di

doi:10.1095/biolreprod.109.079210

Cited by 76 publications

(68 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…The involvement of the 'endocannabinoid system' in the development of sperm motility in the epididymis has recently been proposed (Cobellis et al 2010). The low levels of cAMP production induced by sAC from immature sperm may be related to the inhibitory effect on sAC exerted by the activated cannabinoid receptor CNR1 present on the sperm cell membrane.…”

Section: Sperm Protein Phosphorylation During Epididymal Transitmentioning

confidence: 99%

New insights into epididymal function in relation to sperm maturation

2014

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Testicular spermatozoa acquire fertility only after 1 or 2 weeks of transit through the epididymis. At the end of this several meters long epididymal tubule, the male gamete is able to move, capacitate, migrate through the female tract, bind to the egg membrane and fuse to the oocyte to result in a viable embryo. All these sperm properties are acquired after sequential modifications occurring either at the level of the spermatozoon or in the epididymal surroundings. Over the last few decades, significant increases in the understanding of the composition of the male gamete and its surroundings have resulted from the use of new techniques such as genome sequencing, proteomics combined with high-sensitivity mass spectrometry, and gene-knockout approaches. This review reports and discusses the most relevant new results obtained in different species regarding the various cellular processes occurring at the sperm level, in particular, those related to the development of motility and egg binding during epididymal transit.

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Section: Sperm Protein Phosphorylation During Epididymal Transitmentioning

confidence: 99%

New insights into epididymal function in relation to sperm maturation

2014

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“…In male, they act, directly and/or indirectly, at both central (hypothalamus and hypophysis) [16][17][18] and local levels (testis, epididymis and deferent ducts) via their cognate receptors [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. At a central level, CNR1 regulates GnRH synthesis and release in frogs and rats, respectively [17,27].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Low 17beta-Estradiol Levels in Cnr1 Knock-Out Mice Affect Spermatid Chromatin Remodeling by Interfering with Chromatin Reorganization

Cacciola¹,

Chioccarelli²,

Altucci³

et al. 2013

Biology of Reproduction

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The type 1-cannabinoid receptor, CNR1, regulates differentiation of spermatids. Indeed, we have recently reported that the genetic inactivation of Cnr1 in mice influenced chromatin remodeling of spermatids, by reducing histone displacement and then sperm chromatin quality indices (chromatin condensation and DNA integrity). Herein, we have studied, at both central and testicular levels, the molecular signals potentially involved in histone displacement. In particular, investigation of the neuroendocrine axis involved in estrogen production demonstrated down-regulation of the axis supporting FSH/estrogen secretion in Cnr1-knockout male mice. Conversely, Cnr1-knockout male mice treated with 17beta-estradiol showed a weak increase of pituitary Fsh-beta subunit mRNA levels and a rescue of sperm chromatin quality indices demonstrating that estrogens, possibly in combination with FSH secretion, play an important role in regulating chromatin remodeling of spermatids.

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“…An ECS has been demonstrated in human (Rossato et al 2005, Francavilla et al 2009), boar (Maccarrone et al 2005), mouse (Ricci et al 2007, Sun et al 2009), and bovine (Gervasi et al 2009). In mice, ECS modulates sperm motility during epididymal maturation, and high levels of endocannabinoids have been detected in mouse spermatozoa isolated from the caput of the epididymis, where they are functionally immotile, while low levels have been found in those isolated from the cauda where they acquire motility (Ricci et al 2007, Cobellis et al 2010. Inside the oviduct, the concentration of AEA is higher in the isthmus than in the ampulla.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is there a role for endocannabinoids in sperm–oviduct interaction?

Talevi¹,

Barbato²,

Iorio³

et al. 2010

Reproduction

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The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found in reproductive cells and tissues in several mammals. Spermatozoa are able to respond to anandamide, and the oviduct is able to synthesize and modulate the concentration of this endocannabinoid along the isthmic and ampullary regions. The main aim of this study was to understand whether the ECS has a role during sperm storage and release within the oviduct in cattle. Data showed that 1) the endocannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) are present in bovine spermatozoa both in the initial ejaculate and in spermatozoa bound to the oviduct in vitro; 2) CB1 receptor is still detectable in spermatozoa released from the oviduct through penicillamine but not in those released through heparin; 3) arachidonylethanolamide (AEA) does not affect sperm viability, whereas it depresses sperm progressive motility and kinetic values; 4) sperm-oviduct binding and release in vitro are not influenced by AEA; 5) AEA depresses sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding; 6) binding of heparin-capacitated spermatozoa to the ZP is not affected by AEA; 7) N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-selective phospholipase D, the main enzyme involved in anandamide synthesis, is expressed in oviductal epithelial cells. In conclusion, secretion of AEA from epithelial cells might contribute to the oviduct sperm-reservoir function, prolonging the sperm fertile life through the depression of motility and capacitation. Capacitation signals, such as heparin, that promote sperm release, might remodel the sperm surface and cause a loss of the sperm sensitivity to AEA.

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A Gradient of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Regulates Mouse Epididymal Sperm Cell Start-Up1

Cited by 76 publications

References 41 publications

New insights into epididymal function in relation to sperm maturation

New insights into epididymal function in relation to sperm maturation

Low 17beta-Estradiol Levels in Cnr1 Knock-Out Mice Affect Spermatid Chromatin Remodeling by Interfering with Chromatin Reorganization

Is there a role for endocannabinoids in sperm–oviduct interaction?

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