Mouse spermatozoa can synthesize PGE2 and 5-HETE in vitro : stimulatory action of nitric oxide

• Published in: Prostaglandins, leukotrienes and essential fatty acids leukotrienes and essential fatty acids, 1995-11, Vol.53 (5), p.347-350
• Main Authors: HERRERO, M. B, FRANCHI, A. M, GIMENO, M. A. F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Arachidonic Acid - metabolism; Biological and medical sciences; Dinoprostone - biosynthesis; Epididymis - cytology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hemoglobins - pharmacology; Hormone metabolism and regulation; Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acids - biosynthesis; Lipoxygenase - metabolism; Male; Mammalian male genital system; Mice; Mice, Inbred C3H; Nitric Oxide - pharmacology; Nitroprusside - pharmacology; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases - metabolism; Spermatozoa - drug effects; Spermatozoa - metabolism; Vertebrates: reproduction
• ISSN: 0952-3278; 1532-2823
• DOI: 10.1016/0952-3278(95)90054-3

Cauda epididymal spermatozoa were examined for their capacity to synthesize prostaglandins (PGs) and hydroxy acids and the role of nitric oxide (NO) on cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzyme activity was determined. Sperm suspensions were incubated in the presence or absence of 300 microM sodium nitroprusside (NP) and 20 micrograms/ml hemoglobin (Hb) and then incubated with [14C]arachidonic acid (AA) for 60 min. The cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products of AA metabolism were measured for their radioactivity. It was found that mouse spermatozoa could synthesize PGE2 and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) under these experimental conditions. The synthesis of these two metabolites was 100% stimulated by NP, the releaser of NO, and the response to NP was completely prevented by Hb, a scavenger of NO. These data provide evidence that mouse spermatozoa can synthesize PGE2 and 5-HETE in the presence of AA in vitro and that NO is involved in the production of AA metabolites in the male gamete.