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Insulin affects sperm capacity in pig through nitric oxide
Saveria Aquila1, Francesca Giordano, Carmela Guido
11] Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza 87036, Italy [2] Health Centre, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende Cosenza 87036, Italy.
Asian Journal of Andrology
|June 4, 2013
Summary
Insulin enhances pig sperm capacitation by increasing nitric oxide (NO) production. Inhibiting NO or insulin receptors blocks these effects, suggesting a key role for NO signaling in insulin-induced sperm maturation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Sperm Physiology
Background:
- Sperm capacitation is essential for fertilization in mammals.
- Nitric oxide (NO) signaling is implicated in sperm capacitation across species.
- Insulin (Ins) has been shown to induce capacitation in pig spermatozoa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of NO production in insulin-induced pig sperm capacitation.
- To determine if NO signaling mediates the effects of insulin on sperm maturation.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to measure intrasperm NO levels.
- Chlortetracycline staining to assess sperm capacitation.
- Analysis of protein tyrosine phosphorylation patterns.
- Evaluation of acrosomal status.
- Use of NO synthase inhibitor (N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) and anti-Insulin Receptor beta (IRβ) antibody.
Main Results:
- Insulin treatment significantly increased intrasperm NO levels.
- Insulin significantly enhanced three key indices of sperm capacitation.
- Inhibition of NO synthase or insulin receptors reversed insulin-induced capacitation.
Conclusions:
- Insulin enhances intracellular NO concentrations in pig spermatozoa.
- NO signaling plays a crucial role in insulin-mediated sperm capacitation.
- Targeting the insulin-NO pathway may offer new strategies for reproductive technologies.
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