Premium
Melatonin reduces lipid peroxidation and apoptotic‐like changes in stallion spermatozoa
Author(s) -
Balao da Silva Carolina M.,
MacíasGarcía Beatriz,
MiróMorán Alvaro,
GonzálezFernández Lauro,
MorilloRodriguez Antolín,
OrtegaFerrusola Cristina,
GallardoBolaños Juan M.,
Stilwell George,
Tapia Jose A.,
Peña Fernando J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of pineal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1600-079X
pISSN - 0742-3098
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2011.00873.x
Subject(s) - melatonin , sperm , lipid peroxidation , sperm motility , andrology , biology , membrane permeability , antioxidant , motility , endocrinology , medicine , chemistry , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , membrane
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 p m , 100 p m , 200 p m , or 1 μ m ). 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 Δ ψm ) ( 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.