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Asgharzadeh F, Roshan-Milani S, Fard AA, Ahmadi K, Saboory E, Pourjabali M, Chodari L, Amini M. The protective effect of zinc on morphine-induced testicular toxicity via p53 and Akt pathways: An in vitro and in vivo approach. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2021; 67:126776. [PMID: 33984544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic use of morphine is associated with reproductive complications, such as hypogonadism and infertility. While the side effects of morphine have been extensively studied in the testis, much less is known regarding the effects of morphine on Sertoli cells and the effects of zinc on morphine-induced testicular injury as well as their underlying mechanisms. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of morphine (alone and co-administered with zinc) on cell viability and apoptosis of the testicular (Sertoli) cells as well as the tumor suppressor p53 and phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-Akt) protein levels in both in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS Cultured Sertoli cells were exposed to morphine (23 μM), zinc (8 μM), and zinc prior to morphine and their effects on Sertoli cell viability and apoptosis were investigated. Morphine (3 mg/kg) and zinc (5 mg/kg, 1 h before morphine) were also injected intraperitoneally to rats and then the apoptotic changes in the testis were evaluated. RESULTS Cell viability and p-Akt protein levels decreased in morphine-treated cells, while apoptosis and p53 protein expression increased in these cells. Pretreatment with zinc recovered morphine-induced apoptotic effects, as well as over-expression of p53 and down-regulation of p-Akt. These findings were supported by a subsequent animal study. CONCLUSION The present data indicated the protective effect of zinc against morphine-induced testicular (Sertoli) cell toxicity via p53/Akt pathways in both in vivo and in vitro models and suggested the clinical importance of zinc on infertility among chronic opioid users and addicted men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Asgharzadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Shiva Roshan-Milani
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Amin Abdollahzade Fard
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Kimia Ahmadi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Saboory
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Masoumeh Pourjabali
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Leila Chodari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Amini
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Ojaghi M, Kastelic J, Thundathil J. Testis-specific isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) is involved in the regulation of bovine sperm capacitation. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:376-388. [PMID: 28244620 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that the testis-specific isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) is released during bovine sperm capacitation, and its peptidase activity is required for capacitation. Specific objectives of this study were to (i) develop an anti-tACE antibody; (ii) characterize expression of tACE in bovine testes and sperm; and (iii) determine the role of tACE in capacitation. A 110-kDa protein, consistent with the mass of tACE, was detected in sperm extract by our anti-tACE immunoserum. This immunotarget localized at the acrosomal region and principal piece, but was only expressed in testis of mature bulls. When bull sperm were incubated in Sp-TALP (0 and 4 hr) plus 10 µg/ml heparin (capacitation group) or 10 µg/ml heparin + 10 µM captopril (an ACE inhibitor) for 4 hr, the number of acrosome-reacted (40.1 vs. 24.0%, respectively) and hyperactivated (15.0 vs. 9.7%) sperm increased, and tyrosine phosphoprotein content were higher (p < 0.05) for sperm in heparin alone. tACE activity was also higher (0.04 U/ml; p < 0.01) in incubation medium of sperm exposed to heparin compared to 0- and 4-hr incubation controls or heparin + captopril conditions (0, 0.005, and 0.009 U/ml, respectively). Furthermore, capacitation-associated shedding of a portion of tACE into the medium decreased sperm content of the 110-kDa tACE, but concurrently increased the abundance of a 60-kDa tACE variant. Thus, a portion of the extracellular region of tACE (containing its catalytic site) is released from bovine sperm during capacitation, and tACE activity may be required for sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Ojaghi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - John Kastelic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jacob Thundathil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Irazusta J, Valdivia A, Fernández D, Agirregoitia E, Ochoa C, Casis L. Enkephalin-Degrading Enzymes in Normal and Subfertile Human Semen. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 25:733-9. [PMID: 15292103 DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.2004.tb02848.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Opioid peptides have been reported to have important functions in human reproduction. Indeed, very high concentrations of enkephalins and their degrading enzymes have been reported in human semen. In the present paper, we compare the activity of two enkephalin-degrading enzymes, aminopeptidase N and neutral endopeptidase 24.11, in different fractions of semen from normozoospermic, fertile men and from subfertile patients with different abnormalities revealed by spermiogram analysis (asthenozoospermia, necrozoospermia, and teratozoospermia). High levels of activity of aminopeptidase N were found in the soluble and particulate sperm fractions of semen from patients presenting asthenozoospermia with necrozoospermia. In contrast, lower aminopeptidase N activity was measured in the soluble sperm fraction of asthenozoospermic semen. The percentage of dead spermatozoa was positively correlated with aminopeptidase N activity in both soluble and particulate sperm fractions. In contrast, the percentage of immobile spermatozoa was negatively correlated with aminopeptidase activity in soluble and particulate sperm, and in prostasome fractions. Levels of activity of neutral endopeptidase were found to be unaltered among the different conditions. In summary, the results of the present study indicate that alterations in the activity of aminopeptidase N may be one of the molecular components that contribute to male human subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Irazusta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, PO Box 699, E-48080, Bilbao, Spain.
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Subirán N, Candenas L, Pinto FM, Cejudo-Roman A, Agirregoitia E, Irazusta J. Autocrine regulation of human sperm motility by the met-enkephalin opioid peptide. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:617-625.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Agirregoitia E, Subiran N, Valdivia A, Gil J, Zubero J, Irazusta J. Regulation of human sperm motility by opioid receptors. Andrologia 2011; 44 Suppl 1:578-85. [PMID: 21919945 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01230.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The endogenous opioid system has been reported to have important functions in human reproduction. Practically all the components of this peptide system have been discovered in human sperm cells, but their functions in these cells are far from being well understood. In the present work, we report the effects of opioid agonism and antagonism on human sperm motility, a parameter which is crucially associated with male fertility. Morphine (10(-7) M), a μ- opioid receptor agonist, decreased both the percentage of motile progressive sperm and three measured velocities without altering the linearity, straightness or vigour of sperm cells. This effect was reversed by naloxone. Higher doses of morphine did not have further effects on the measured parameters. The incubation of sperm cells with the δ-opioid receptor agonist D-penicillamine (2,5)-enkephalin did not affect sperm cell motility. However, naltrindole, a specific δ-receptor antagonist, reduced the linear and curvilinear velocities, as well as linearity, straightness and the amplitude of head displacement, and beat frequency. In summary, our results indicate that the endogenous opioid system may regulate opioid motility in vitro. These finding suggest that the endogenous opioid system could be useful as a biochemical tool for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Agirregoitia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
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Subirán N, Casis L, Irazusta J. Regulation of male fertility by the opioid system. Mol Med 2011; 17:846-53. [PMID: 21431247 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2010.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous opioid peptides are substances involved in cell communication. They are present in various organs and tissues of the male and female reproductive tract, suggesting that they may regulate some of the processes involved in reproductive function. In fact, the opioid system that operates as a multi-messenger system can participate in the regulation of reproductive physiology at multiple levels, for example, at the levels of the central nervous system, at the testes level and at sperm level. A better understanding of the implication of the opioid system in reproductive processes may contribute to clarifying the etiology of many cases of infertility and the effect of opiate abuse on fertility. Indeed, a novel biochemical tool for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility could be based upon components of the opioid system. The presence of the opioid system in sperm cells also represents a novel opportunity for reproductive management, for either enhancing the probability of fertilization or reducing it through the development of novel targeted contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Subirán
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, Vizcaya, Spain.
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7
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Subirán N, Agirregoitia E, Valdivia A, Ochoa C, Casis L, Irazusta J. Expression of enkephalin-degrading enzymes in human semen and implications for sperm motility. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:1571-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.06.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2007] [Revised: 06/18/2007] [Accepted: 06/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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8
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Agirregoitia E, Valdivia A, Carracedo A, Casis L, Gil J, Subiran N, Ochoa C, Irazusta J. Expression and localization of delta-, kappa-, and mu-opioid receptors in human spermatozoa and implications for sperm motility. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006; 91:4969-75. [PMID: 16984994 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2006-0599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Endogenous opioid peptides signal through delta-, kappa-, and mu-opioid receptors. Some of these peptides such as endorphins and enkephalins are present in the male reproductive tract, but the presence of the corresponding receptors in human sperm cells has not yet been reported. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to study the expression and localization of delta-, kappa-, and mu-opioid receptors on human spermatozoa and the implication in sperm motility. METHODS The expression of receptors was studied by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence techniques. We evaluated the effects of activation of each opioid receptor by specific agonist and antagonist. RESULTS Human spermatozoa express delta-, kappa-, and mu-opioid receptors. These receptors were located in different parts of the head, in the middle region, and in the tail of the sperm. Progressive motility of spermatozoa, an important parameter to evaluate male fertility, was found to be significantly reduced after incubation with the mu-receptor agonist morphine, whereas this effect was antagonized in the presence of the corresponding antagonist naloxone. The delta-receptor antagonist naltrindole significantly reduced progressive motility immediately after its addition. However, the delta-receptor agonist DPDPE had no significant effect. Finally, neither the kappa-receptor agonist U50488 nor its antagonist nor-binaltorphimine significantly affected the progressive motility of human spermatozoa. CONCLUSION We report for first time the presence of functional delta-, kappa-, and mu-opioid receptors in human sperm membranes. These findings are indicative of a role for the opioid system in the regulation of sperm physiology.
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MESH Headings
- 3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide, (trans)-Isomer/pharmacology
- Adult
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Humans
- Male
- Morphine/pharmacology
- Naloxone/pharmacology
- Naltrexone/analogs & derivatives
- Naltrexone/pharmacology
- Narcotic Antagonists/pharmacology
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/physiology
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/physiology
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/physiology
- Sperm Motility/drug effects
- Sperm Motility/physiology
- Spermatozoa/cytology
- Spermatozoa/metabolism
- Tissue Distribution
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaitz Agirregoitia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, PO Box 699, Bilbao, 48080 Bizkaia, Spain.
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9
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Enkephalin is one of the opioids, which is expressed widely in reproductive organs. However, the function of enkephalin in male reproduction is not completely understood. The effect of metenkephalin on sperm motility remains especially controversial. In this study we examined the level of metenkephalin in seminal plasma from men with normal sperm production and patients with asthenospermia, oligospermia, and azoospermia to investigate the role of metenkephalin in seminal plasma on sperm function. We also investigated the effect of metenkephalin on sperm motility in vitro. METHODS Sixty nine infertile patients (31 oligospermic, 21 asthenospermic, and 17 azoospermic) were included in this study. The level of metenkephalin in seminal plasma of these men was measured and the effect of the peptide on the motility of human sperm was examined in vitro. Seventeen men with normal seminograms were a control group. RESULTS The level of metenkephalin in the seminal plasma of semen from asthenospermic men was significantly lower than that from the controls (P < 0.05). No significant correlations between the level of metenkephalin and the mean pathing or progressive velocity of sperm, or serum hormone levels were observed. In the in vitro study, which used semen from the controls, treatment of sperm with metenkephalin (50-200 pg/mL) maintained sperm motility for 4 hours. On the other hand, motility of sperm incubated without metenkephalin began to decrease at 3 hours. Metenkephalin levels of 50 pg/ mL in seminal plasma is considered to be necessary for maintaining sperm motility. CONCLUSION These results suggest that metenkephalin in seminal plasma is an important clue in the investigation of decreased sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fujisawa
- Department of Urology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Japan
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10
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Foresta C, Mioni R, Rossato M, Varotto A, Zorzi M. Evidence for the involvement of sperm angiotensin converting enzyme in fertilization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 1991; 14:333-9. [PMID: 1665481 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.1991.tb01101.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recently it has been observed that ejaculated human sperm possess high angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity and that this enzyme is released during the process of capacitation. This observation raises the possibility that ACE may be involved in the fertilization process. To verify this hypothesis, we tested the effects of a potent ACE inhibitor, Captopril, on acrosome reaction induced by capacitating medium (3.5% HSA-added BWW) and on ability of human capacitated spermatozoa to penetrate zona-free hamster oocytes. Addition of Captopril (100 nmol l-1) modified neither sperm motility nor viability at any time considered, but significantly reduced the acrosome reaction percentages of sperm incubated in capacitating medium. Furthermore, Captopril significantly reduced the percentage of penetrated oocytes. The mean penetration rates both in the absence and presence of Captopril were 65.5 +/- 4.9% and 26.9 +/- 2.3% (P less than 0.001) respectively. These findings provide evidence that sperm release of ACE during capacitation may have a physiological role in the regulation of the mechanisms that allow sperm acrosome reaction and thus fertilizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Foresta
- III Cattedra of Patologia Medica, University of Padua, Italy
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11
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Roy AC, Ratnam SS. Oxytocinase activity in human spermatozoa and its possible role in fertilization. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 1990; 25:1-4. [PMID: 2389986 DOI: 10.3109/01485019008987586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human spermatozoa were extracted with 1% Triton X-100 and analyzed for oxytocinase (E.C. 3.4.11.3) activity by means of two synthetic peptides. S-benzyl-L-cysteine-p-nitroanilide (BCN) and L-leucine-p-nitroanilide (LN), separately as substrates. The specific activity (mean +/- SD) of this proteolytic enzyme at Vmax in eight different extracts was 0.150 +/- 0.072 and 1.392 +/- 0.602 mIU/10(6) cells using BCN and LN, respectively. The enzyme showed optimal activity at pH 7.2 when BCN was the substrate, and at pH 7.4 with LN as the substrate. Spermatozoal oxytocinase activity may be involved directly or indirectly in the reproductive mechanisms leading to sperm acrosome reaction and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Roy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, National University Hospital
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Singer R, Bruchis S, Sagiv M, Allalouf D, Levinsky H, Kaufman H. Beta-endorphin and calcitonin in human semen. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 1989; 23:77-81. [PMID: 2528946 DOI: 10.3109/01485018908986792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The levels of beta-endorphin (beta-E) and calcitonin were estimated in 36 samples of seminal plasma from semen of normospermic, oligozoospermic, and azoospermic origins and in pools of isolated sperm. The mean levels in plasma calculated for all samples examined were 192 +/- 224 pg/ml for beta-E and 754 +/- 397 pg/ml for calcitonin. The amounts in sperm were as follows: for beta-E in pools with sperm counts of 0.1-10 x 10(6)/ml, 157.2 +/- 99.7 pg/10(8) and 27.9 +/- 23.6 pg/ml protein; in pools of greater than 10-30 x 10(6)/ml, 71.2 +/- 41.5 pg/10(8) and 6.5 +/- 1.2 pg/mg protein; in pools of greater than 30-200 x 10(6)/ml, 24.9 +/- 9.7 pg/10(8) and 61 +/- 1.9 pg/mg protein. For calcitonin the amounts were: 501.2 +/- 170.8 pg/10(8) and 27.4 +/- 21.5 pg/mg protein, correspondingly. It was suggested that beta-E and calcitonin present in seminal plasma are synthesized mostly in a compartment of the male reproductive system. The high cellular beta-E and calcitonin levels would be involved in the process of motility through their effect on calcium transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Singer
- Male Fertility Laboratory, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
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Abstract
In the past few years it has become evident that neuropeptides may be direct mediators in the modulation of the immune response and the unspecific defense by the brain. Lymphocytes have been thought to have opioid receptors and to respond to opioids with an increase in blastogenesis, cytotoxicity and factor release. Lymphocytes are said to release various neuropeptides. Furthermore, there are some unexplained effects of morphine on the immune system and of the immune system on morphine withdrawal. The purpose of this paper is to review what has been previously published in this field. The well established modulation of phagocyte functions by opioids will only be scanned.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G Fischer
- Dept. of Pathology, RWTH-Klinkum, Aachen, Fed. Rep. Germany
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Foresta C, Caretto A, Indino M, Betterle C, Scandellari C. Localization of met-enkephalin on human spermatozoa and evidence for its physiological role. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 1986; 17:19-24. [PMID: 3539053 DOI: 10.3109/01485018608986952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pro-opio-melano-cortino-derived peptides have been identified in rat testicular extracts and in human seminal plasma, but their physiological role is still unknown. We report that met-enkephalin is localized on human spermatozoa, by means of an indirect immunofluorescent technique. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a met-enkephalin analog (D-Ala2-Mephe4-Met-(o)-ol-enkephalin, FK 33-824, Sandoz, Basel, Switzerland: DAMME) inhibits in a dose-dependent manner the acrosome reaction induction. The hypothesis of a physiological role of seminal met-enkephalin on human spermatozoa fertilizing ability is briefly discussed.
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