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Journal of pineal research2011; 51(2); 172-179; doi: 10.1111/j.1600-079X.2011.00873.x

Melatonin reduces lipid peroxidation and apoptotic-like changes in stallion spermatozoa.

Abstract: Lipid peroxidation (LPO) has been claimed as a major factor involved in stallion damage during storage or cryopreservation. Because melatonin is a well-known potent antioxidant, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of melatonin during in vitro incubation. Furthermore, we investigated the presence of specific melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) using specific polyclonal antibodies and western blotting. Stallion spermatozoa were incubated up to 3 hr at 37°C in the presence of different concentrations of melatonin (0, 50 pm, 100 pm, 200 pm, or 1 μm). At the beginning and at the end of the incubation period, sperm motility (using computer-assisted sperm analysis), membrane integrity and permeability, fluidity of the sperm membrane, LPO, and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were flow cytometrically evaluated. Melatonin reduced changes in the spermatozoa related to apoptosis (increased sperm membrane permeability and lowered Δψm) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, LPO was dramatically reduced (P < 0.01) while no effect was observed on sperm motility or kinematics. Interestingly, melatonin helped maintain a more fluid sperm plasmalemma (P < 0.05). Our results clearly show the absence of MT1 and MT2 receptors in the stallion spermatozoa. It is concluded that melatonin is a useful tool to improve the quality of stored stallion sperm, increasing their life span and reducing premature aging, this likely relates to melatonin's antioxidant properties.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
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Publication Date: 2011-04-12 PubMed ID: 21486367DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079X.2011.00873.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research studies the impact of the antioxidant, melatonin, in maintaining the wellbeing of stallion sperm cells during storage or cryopreservation. The researchers find that melatonin can combat the harmful effects that usually occur in these cells during storage, such as lipid peroxidation and apoptosis-like changes, thereby prolonging their lifespan and reducing premature aging.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers incubated stallion sperm cells at 37°C for up to three hours. They varied the conditions by adding different concentrations of melatonin (0, 50 pm, 100 pm, 200 pm, or 1 μm).
  • At the start and end of the incubation period, the scientists conducted several assessments on the sperm cells. They measured the sperm motility, membrane integrity and permeability, fluidity of the sperm membrane, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and the potential of the mitochondrial membrane (Δψm), using methods like flow cytometry and computer-assisted sperm analysis.
  • They also attempted to locate specific melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) on the sperm cells using specific antibodies and a method known as western blotting.

Key Findings

  • The study reveals that melatonin lessens changes related to apoptosis, a kind of programmed cell death. This manifests in forms such as increased permeability of the sperm membrane and lowered mitochondrial membrane potential. These effects are statistically significant.
  • Lipid peroxidation, a process that can damage cell structures, is significantly decreased by the presence of melatonin.
  • The addition of melatonin has no impact on the motility or movement patterns of the sperm cells.
  • Interestingly, melatonin was found to maintain a more fluid sperm plasmalemma, the delicate membrane that encloses the sperm cell’s cytoplasm. This effect is also statistically significant.
  • The study found no evidence of MT1 and MT2 receptors in the stallion sperm cells.

Conclusions

  • The researchers concluded that melatonin can be an effective tool in improving the quality of stored stallion sperm cells, as it can increase their lifespan and delay premature aging. This is likely attributed to the antioxidant properties of melatonin.

Cite This Article

APA
da Silva CM, Macías-García B, Miró-Morán A, González-Fernández L, Morillo-Rodriguez A, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Gallardo-Bolaños JM, Stilwell G, Tapia JA, Peña FJ. (2011). Melatonin reduces lipid peroxidation and apoptotic-like changes in stallion spermatozoa. J Pineal Res, 51(2), 172-179. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-079X.2011.00873.x

Publication

Journal of pineal research
ISSN: 1600-079X
NlmUniqueID: 8504412
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 51
Issue: 2
Pages: 172-179

Researcher Affiliations

da Silva, Carolina M Balao
  • Laboratory of Equine Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Macías-García, Beatriz
    Miró-Morán, Alvaro
      González-Fernández, Lauro
        Morillo-Rodriguez, Antolín
          Ortega-Ferrusola, Cristina
            Gallardo-Bolaños, Juan M
              Stilwell, George
                Tapia, Jose A
                  Peña, Fernando J

                    MeSH Terms

                    • Animals
                    • Antioxidants / pharmacology
                    • Apoptosis / drug effects
                    • Cell Membrane / metabolism
                    • Cellular Senescence / drug effects
                    • Horses
                    • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
                    • Male
                    • Melatonin / pharmacology
                    • Membrane Fluidity / drug effects
                    • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / drug effects
                    • Receptors, Melatonin / metabolism
                    • Semen Preservation
                    • Spermatozoa / cytology
                    • Spermatozoa / metabolism

                    Citations

                    This article has been cited 22 times.
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