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17beta-Estradiol and environmental estrogens significantly affect mammalian sperm function
S A Adeoya-Osiguwa1, S Markoulaki, V Pocock
1Centre for Reproduction, Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|January 15, 2003
Summary
Environmental estrogens and 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) significantly enhance sperm capacitation and fertilizing ability in vitro. Environmental estrogens are more potent, and classical estrogen receptors may not be involved.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Environmental toxicology
Background:
- Estrogenic compounds can disrupt mammalian reproductive functions.
- Investigated effects of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and environmental estrogens on sperm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of E(2) and environmental estrogens on mammalian sperm capacitation and fertilizing ability.
- To compare the potency of E(2) and environmental estrogens on sperm function.
Main Methods:
- Mouse sperm suspensions (uncapacitated and capacitated) were incubated with E(2), genistein, 8-prenylnaringenin, and nonylphenol.
- Sperm capacitation and acrosome reactions were assessed using chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescence.
- Fertilizing ability of treated sperm was evaluated in vitro.
Main Results:
- E(2) and environmental estrogens significantly stimulated capacitation and acrosome reactions in uncapacitated sperm.
- Environmental estrogens were more potent stimulators than E(2).
- Treated sperm showed significantly enhanced fertilizing ability compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- E(2) and environmental estrogens stimulate mammalian sperm capacitation, acrosome reactions, and fertilizing ability.
- Environmental estrogens are more potent than E(2); classical estrogen receptors may not mediate these effects.
- Further research is needed to determine in vivo effects and mechanisms of action.