Effect of anion channel blockers on l-arginine action in spermatozoa from asthenospermic men

Abstract

In earlier studies, we have established that l-arginine enhances motility and metabolic rate in spermatozoa of goat, bull and mouse. In the present study this work was extended to human sperm cells obtained from the semen samples of asthenospermic patients, which are characterised by low motility. The metabolic rate was followed by monitoring the glucose consumption (1-(13)C glucose as substrate) and the production of lactate in sperm cells, using (13)C NMR. The stimulatory effect of l-arginine was neutralised on adding an NO-synthase inhibitor like N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. On the other hand, the inactive d-enantiomorph did not affect the stimulatory effect of l-arginine. This strongly suggests that L-arginine acts through the NO signal pathway. We also demonstrated that the stimulatory effect of L-arginine was inhibited in the presence of anion channel inhibitors like 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid, 2,4-dinitrophenol and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone. Furthermore, bicarbonate supplementation was found to be essential for the action of L-arginine. These observations indicate that L-arginine induces NO synthesis and stimulates motility and metabolism only when an active anion transport system is present.

Variability in the protein profiles in spermatozoa of two sturgeon species

“…Exogenous lactate and pyruvate play a vital role in stallion spermatozoa mitochondrial functionality and motility in a dose-dependent manner, as spermatozoa in these media operate at a very high level of bioenergetic capability due to their high rate of energy metabolism [ 26 ]. Supplementation with arginine stimulates metabolic the activity of spermatozoa in goats [ 31 ] and motility in rabbits [ 32 ] and human spermatozoa in vitro [ 33 – 34 ]. Arginine also serves as a source of NO, inducing capacitation and an acrosome reaction in bull spermatozoa [ 35 ].…”

Nutraceutical in male reproduction

“…Some studies have reported that daily supplementation of arginine improves semen concentration and sperm motility (Holt & Albanese, 1944;Tanimura, 1967;Schachter et al, 1973;De-Aloysio et al, 1982;Scibona et al, 1994), while other authors did not succeed on showing any improvement in sperm characteristics or pregnancy rate (Mroueh, 1970;Pryor et al, 1978). There are also studies that have shown that arginine in excessive concentrations results in decrease on sperm function (Srivastava & Agarwal, 2010).…”

Ameliorative Effect of L-Arginine as Antioxidant Agent on Hematological and Testicular Functions in Lead-Induced Toxicity in Male Rats

“…So, L-Arginine acts as free radical scavenger (reduce the harmful effect of lead) and prophylacting the hormonal and cellular damage in the testis of toxic rats (Table 2). It was pointed to L-Arginine administration as therapeutic or prophylactic beneficial, agent against the harmful effects of toxic compounds on testicular function of rats [39][40][41][42][43].…”