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Cao H, Li L, Liu S, Wang Y, Liu X, Yang F, Dong W. The multifaceted role of extracellular ATP in sperm function: From spermatogenesis to fertilization. Theriogenology 2024; 214:98-106. [PMID: 37865020 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is a vital signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes within the body. In recent years, studies have revealed its significant role in male reproduction, particularly in sperm function. This review explores the multifaceted role of extracellular ATP in sperm function, from spermatogenesis to fertilization. We discuss the impact of extracellular ATP on spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and sperm-egg fusion, highlighting the complex regulatory mechanisms and potential clinical applications in the context of male infertility. By examining the latest research, we emphasize the crucial role of extracellular ATP in sperm function and propose future research directions to further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heran Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Long Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shujuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xianglin Liu
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Fangxia Yang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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Gao DD, Xu JW, Qin WB, Peng L, Qiu ZE, Wang LL, Lan CF, Cao XN, Xu JB, Zhu YX, Tang YG, Zhang YL, Zhou WL. Cellular Mechanism Underlying Hydrogen Sulfide Mediated Epithelial K + Secretion in Rat Epididymis. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1886. [PMID: 30666217 PMCID: PMC6330343 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
As a novel gasotransmitter, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) elicits various physiological actions including smooth muscle relaxation and promotion of transepithelial ion transport. However, the pro-secretory function of H2S in the male reproductive system remains largely unclear. The aim of this study is to elucidate the possible roles of H2S in modulating rat epididymal intraluminal ionic microenvironment essential for sperm storage. The results revealed that endogenous H2S-generating enzymes cystathionine β-synthetase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) were both expressed in rat epididymis. CBS located predominantly in epithelial cells whilst CSE expressed primarily in smooth muscle cells. The relative expression level of CBS and CSE escalated from caput to cauda regions of epididymis, which was paralleled to the progressively increasing production of endogenous H2S. The effect of H2S on epididymal epithelial ion transportation was investigated using short-circuit current (ISC), measurement of intracellular ion concentration and in vivo rat epididymal microperfusion. Our data showed that H2S induced transepithelial K+ secretion via adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel and large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel-mediated Ca2+ influx was implicated in the activation of BKCa channel. In vivo studies further demonstrated that H2S promoted K+ secretion in rat epididymal epithelium. Inhibition of endogenous H2S synthesis caused a significant decrease in K+ concentration of cauda epididymal intraluminal fluid. Moreover, our data demonstrated that high extracellular K+ concentration actively depressed the motility of cauda epididymal sperm in a pH-independent manner. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that H2S was vital to the formation of high K+ concentration in epididymal intraluminal fluid by promoting the transepithelial K+ secretion, which might contribute to the maintenance of the cauda epididymal sperm in quiescent dormant state before ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Dong Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Wen Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Bing Qin
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive and Genetics, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo-Er Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Long-Long Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chong-Feng Lan
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Nian Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Bang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Xin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Ge Tang
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive and Genetics, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Lin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Liang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang BL, Gao DY, Zhang XX, Shi S, Shum W. Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings of Isolated Primary Epithelial Cells from the Epididymis. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28809845 DOI: 10.3791/55700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is an essential organ for sperm maturation and reproductive health. The epididymal epithelium consists of intricately connected cell types that are distinct not only in molecular and morphological features but also in physiological properties. These differences reflect their diverse functions, which together establish the necessary microenvironment for the post-testicular sperm development in the epididymal lumen. The understanding of the biophysical properties of the epididymal epithelial cells is critical for revealing their functions in sperm and reproductive health, under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. While their functional properties have yet to be fully elucidated, the epididymal epithelial cells can be studied using the patch-clamp technique, a tool for measuring the cellular events and the membrane properties of single cells. Here, we describe the methods of cell isolation and whole-cell patch-clamp recording to measure the electrical properties of primary dissociated epithelial cells from the rat cauda epididymides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Li Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University; Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Da Yuan Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University; Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Xiao Xu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Shuo Shi
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University
| | - Winnie Shum
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University;
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Burnstock G. Purinergic signalling in the reproductive system in health and disease. Purinergic Signal 2014; 10:157-87. [PMID: 24271059 PMCID: PMC3944041 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-013-9399-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are multiple roles for purinergic signalling in both male and female reproductive organs. ATP, released as a cotransmitter with noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves, contracts smooth muscle via P2X1 receptors in vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and uterus, as well as in blood vessels. Male infertility occurs in P2X1 receptor knockout mice. Both short- and long-term trophic purinergic signalling occurs in reproductive organs. Purinergic signalling is involved in hormone secretion, penile erection, sperm motility and capacitation, and mucous production. Changes in purinoceptor expression occur in pathophysiological conditions, including pre-eclampsia, cancer and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK,
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Zuo WL, Li S, Huang JH, Yang DL, Zhang G, Chen SL, Ruan YC, Ye KN, Cheng CHK, Zhou WL. Sodium coupled bicarbonate influx regulates intracellular and apical pH in cultured rat caput epididymal epithelium. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22283. [PMID: 21887217 PMCID: PMC3159570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The epithelium lining the epididymis provides an optimal acidic fluid microenvironment in the epididymal tract that enable spermatozoa to complete the maturation process. The present study aims to investigate the functional role of Na+/HCO3− cotransporter in the pH regulation in rat epididymis. Method/Principal Findings Immunofluorescence staining of pan cytokeratin in the primary culture of rat caput epididymal epithelium showed that the system was a suitable model for investigating the function of epididymal epithelium. Intracellular and apical pH were measured using the fluorescent pH sensitive probe carboxy-seminaphthorhodafluor-4F acetoxymethyl ester (SNARF-4F) and sparklet pH electrode respectively to explore the functional role of rat epididymal epithelium. In the HEPES buffered Krebs-Henseleit(KH) solution, the intracellular pH (pHi) recovery from NH4Cl induced acidification in the cultured caput epididymal epithelium was completely inhibited by amiloride, the inhibitor of Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE). Immediately changing of the KH solution from HEPES buffered to HCO3− buffered would cause another pHi recovery. The pHi recovery in HCO3− buffered KH solution was inhibited by 4, 4diisothiocyanatostilbene-2, 2-disulfonic acid (DIDS), the inhibitor of HCO3− transporter or by removal of extracellular Na+. The extracellular pH measurement showed that the apical pH would increase when adding DIDS to the apical side of epididymal epithelial monolayer, however adding DIDS to the basolateral side had no effect on apical pH. Conclusions The present study shows that sodium coupled bicarbonate influx regulates intracellular and apical pH in cultured caput epididymal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu-Lin Zuo
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie-Hong Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Deng-Liang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Geng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si-Liang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye-Chun Ruan
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke-Nan Ye
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Christopher H. K. Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
- * E-mail: (WLZ); (CHKC)
| | - Wen-Liang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (WLZ); (CHKC)
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Bertog M, Smith DJ, Bielfeld-Ackermann A, Bassett J, Ferguson DJ, Korbmacher C, Harris A. Ovine male genital duct epithelial cells differentiate in vitro and express functional CFTR and ENaC. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2000; 278:C885-94. [PMID: 10794662 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.2000.278.5.c885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the biology of the male genital duct epithelium, we have established cell cultures from the ovine vas deferens and epididymis epithelium. These cells develop tight junctions, high transepithelial electrical resistance, and a lumen-negative transepithelial potential difference as a sign of active transepithelial ion transport. In epididymis cultures the equivalent short-circuit current (I(sc)) averaged 20.8+/-0.7 microA/cm(2) (n = 150) and was partially inhibited by apical application of amiloride with an inhibitor concentration of 0.64 microM. In vas deferens cultures, I(sc) averaged 14.4+/-1.1 microA/cm(2) (n = 18) and was also inhibited by apical application of amiloride with a half-maximal inhibitor concentration (K(i)) of 0.68 microM. The remaining amiloride-insensitive I(sc) component in epididymis and vas deferens cells was partially inhibited by apical application of the Cl(-) channel blocker diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid (1 mM). It was largely dependent on extracellular Cl(-) and, to a lesser extent, on extracellular HCO(-)(3). It was further stimulated by basolateral application of forskolin (10(-5) M), which increased I(sc) by 3.1+/-0.3 microA/cm(2) (n = 65) in epididymis and 0.9+/-0.1 microA/cm(2) (n = 11) in vas deferens. These findings suggest that cultured ovine vas deferens and epididymis cells absorb Na(+) via amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na(+) channels (ENaC) and secrete Cl(-) and HCO(-)(3) via apical cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl(-) channels. This interpretation is supported by RT-PCR data showing that vas deferens and epididymis cells express CFTR and ENaC mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bertog
- University Laboratory of Physiology, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
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