A new role of anandamide in human sperm: focus on metabolism.

Full Abstract

The endocannabinoid system and the presence of CB1 receptor (CB1-R) target of the anandamide were identified in human sperm, however the anandamide action in this context needs to be further elucidated. At this purpose we analyzed the effects of anandamide on human sperm capacitation and motility. Afterwards, we focused on lipid and glucose sperm metabolism and also investigated the interrelationship between anandamide and insulin secretion by sperm. By intracellular free Ca(2+) content assay and proteins tyrosine phosphorylation, we evidenced that anandamide did not induce capacitation process and a negative effect was obtained on sperm motility. The blockage of CB1-R by the specific antagonist SR141716 increased both capacitation and sperm motility suggesting an involvement of the CB1-R in the acquisition of sperm fertilizing activity. The evaluation of the triglycerides content, lipase and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase activities, suggest that anandamide exerts a lipogenetic effect on human sperm lipid metabolism. Concerning the glucose metabolism, anandamide increases GSK3 phosphorylation indicating that it is involved in the accumulation of energy substrates. G6PDH activity was not affected by anandamide. Interestingly, AEA is involved in insulin secretion by sperm. As insulin had been demonstrated to be an autocrine factor that triggers capacitation, the endocannabinoid might be inserted in the signaling cascade that induces this process. Altogether these findings highlight a pivotal involvement of the CB1-R in the control of sperm energy homeostasis and propose a new site of action for endocannabinoids in the control of energy metabolism. Copyright 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Author information

Author/s: Aquila, Saveria (S); Guido, Carmela (C); Laezza, Chiara (C); Santoro, Antonietta (A); Pezzi, Vincenzo (V); Panza, Salvatore (S); Andò, Sebastiano (S); Bifulco, Maurizio (M);

Affiliation: Department of Pharmaco-Biology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of cellular physiology (J Cell Physiol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 221 (issue 1) : pp 147-53

Dates: Created 2009/07/29; Completed 2009/08/28;

PMID: 19492411, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 8/28/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase - metabolism
Arachidonic Acids - metabolism; pharmacology
Calcium - metabolism
Glucose - metabolism
Humans
Insulin - secretion
Intracellular Space - drug effects; metabolism
Lipase - metabolism

Male
Phosphorylation - drug effects
Phosphotyrosine - metabolism
Polyunsaturated Alkamides - metabolism; pharmacology
Proteins - metabolism
Sperm Motility - drug effects
Spermatozoa - drug effects; enzymology; metabolism; secretion
Triglycerides - metabolism

Associated Chemicals: 2-methylarachidonyl-2'-fluoroethylamide (0) ; Arachidonic Acids (0) ; Polyunsaturated Alkamides (0) ; Proteins (0) ; Triglycerides (0) ; Insulin (11061-68-0) ; Phosphotyrosine (21820-51-9) ; Glucose (50-99-7) ; Calcium (7440-70-2) ; anandamide (94421-68-8) ; Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.99.3) ; Lipase (EC 3.1.1.3)

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