Matrine compromises mouse sperm functions by a [Ca(2+)]i-related mechanism

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Toxicology
• Male Reproductive Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Matrine is a bioactive alkaloid found in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Previous in vitro studies indicated matrine inhibits mouse sperm function.
• The in vivo reproductive toxicity of matrine in male mice requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vivo reproductive toxicity of matrine in male mice.
• To determine the effects of matrine on sperm function and related molecular mechanisms.
• To assess matrine's impact on male fertility parameters.

Main Methods:

• Male C57BL/6J mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of 0, 1, 10, or 50 mg/kg matrine for 30 days.
• Evaluated testis size, weight, sperm count, and sperm viability.
• Assessed sperm motility parameters, capacitation, acrosome reaction, intracellular calcium levels, and CatSper gene expression.

Main Results:

• Matrine did not significantly alter testis size, weight, sperm count, or viability.
• Matrine significantly reduced total motility, progressive motility, linear velocity, capacitation, and acrosome reaction.
• Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) and CatSper channel expression were decreased in sperm from matrine-exposed mice.

Conclusions:

• Matrine impairs male mouse sperm function, specifically motility and capacitation, in vivo.
• The mechanism involves a reduction in intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) mediated by the CatSper channel.
• Matrine exhibits reproductive toxicity in male mice by affecting sperm function through calcium signaling pathways.