Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa
Published on: December 30, 2014
Melatonin regulates rabbit sperm motility and kinematics via the MT1/PKC signaling pathway
Chongchong Wang1,2, Yanyan Zhang1, Shiwen He1
1School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Hainan, China.
Objective:
Melatonin, a highly conserved molecule, plays an essential role in various physiological functions. Research suggests that incorporating melatonin into semen extender enhances livestock sperm viability. However, the effect of melatonin on rabbit sperm and the molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin-regulated rabbit sperm motility and kinematics remain unclear. This study aimed to reveal the molecular mechanism by which melatonin regulates rabbit sperm motility and kinematics.
Methods:
This study investigated the expression and localization of melatonin-related proteins in rabbit testis and epididymis. Rabbit sperm was incubated at different concentrations of melatonin for 60 min or 90 min at 37°C, followed by an evaluation of sperm motility parameters using IVOS II computer assisted sperm analyzer system (CASA). Then we examined the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane, mitochondrial membrane potentials and intracellular reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, melatonin receptor antagonists were added to the extender and investigated the involvement of the melatonin receptors in the regulation of sperm motility parameters. We carried out phosphoproteomics analysis and verified regulation of rabbit sperm kinematics by melatonin via the inhibition of potential signaling pathway.
Results:
Melatonin-related proteins were expressed and localized in testes and epididymis of rabbits. Melatonin (5 mM) markedly increased rabbit sperm motility, kinematics, and overall sperm quality. Melatonin regulated rabbit sperm motility and kinematics via the MT1 receptor. Phosphoproteomics combined with GPS 5.0 software revealed the potential signaling pathway by which melatonin regulates sperm kinematics. Moreover, the inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) markedly reduced rabbit sperm kinematics, whereas the inhibition of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, PKG and JNKs using kinase inhibitors did not result in obvious changes in sperm kinematics. In addition, inhibition of the MT1 receptor significantly weakened PKC activity, suggesting that PKC is downstream of MT1.
Conclusion:
We conclude that melatonin regulates rabbit sperm kinematics through the MT1/PKC signaling pathway.
More Related Videos
09:32Light-mediated Reversible Modulation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway during Cell Differentiation and Xenopus Embryonic Development
Published on: June 15, 2017
04:29Pregnancy and Nursing Management for Embryo-Transferred and Genetically Modified Rabbits
Published on: December 13, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Cell Migration
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
Smooth Muscle Contraction
The onset of contraction is triggered by an increase in calcium ions within the sarcoplasm, similar to the process in striated muscle. However, smooth muscles have a relatively smaller reservoir of the sarcoplasmic...