Abstract:Context Apart from the canonical cAMP-PKA pathway, ram sperm capacitation can be achieved by the MAPK ERK1/2 signalling cascade, activated by epidermal growth factor (EGF). Aims This study aims to investigate the effect of melatonin and nitric oxide (NO·) on capacitation and apoptotic-like changes in EGF-capacitated ram spermatozoa. Methods In vitro capacitation was induced by EGF in the absence or presence of melatonin (100 pM or 1 μM). Also, a NO· precursor, L-arginine, or a NOS inhibitor, NG-n… Show more
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