Renin-Angiotensin System on Reproductive Biology

Abstract

In the female reproductive system, angiotensin II (ANG II) is a potential signaling molecule involved in ovarian follicle development, which acts through two transmembrane receptors. Within the ovarian follicle, there appear to be species differences in the precise pattern of localization of AGTR2 protein and it has an important role in in vitro maturation of oocytes in mammals. The infusion of ANG II induced ovulation in rabbits and the use of ANG II antagonists inhibited ovulation in rabbits, rats, and cattle. In fetal ovaries, AGTR2 protein was detected in ovigerous cords and preantral follicles throughout porcine and bovine gestation. In the oviduct, ANG II is responsible for the orchestration of the transport of gametes. In the male reproductive system, there is considerable evidence for the local synthesis of components of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in male reproductive tissues. The roles of RAS in local processes at these sites are still uncertain, although there is evidence for involvement in tubular contractility, spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, capacitation, acrosomal exocytosis, and fertilization.

Renin Angiotensin System, COVID-19 and Male Fertility: Any Risk for Conceiving?

“…The role of a local RAS in the male reproductive system has been demonstrated, although its relevance to fertility needs further investigation [ 47 ]. The male human reproductive tract and the testes express all components of the RAS pathway [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ], including ACE2 producing Ang 1–7 and its receptor MAS [ 52 , 53 , 54 ].…”

“…This supports the evidence for the local synthesis of RAS components in the epididymis, prostate, testes, seminal fluid and spermatozoa, as shown in Table 1 [ 55 ]. Renin is supposed to be produced in the Leydig cells, where Ang I and Ang II have also been detected [ 47 ].…”

Regulation of Male Fertility by the Renin-Angiotensin System

“…Therefore, RAS plays important roles in numerous physiological events, such as renal, neuronal, cardiac, pancreatic, vascular, adrenal, pituitary, cognitive, ageing-related, inflammatory and reproductive processes [16]. Notably, one of the most relevant functions of the RAS is its participation in various processes related to male fertility [7,8,17,18]. Along with the local synthesis and uptake of RAS elements by tissues, there is increasing evidence that both synthesis and uptake also occur at the cellular level, which suggests a new mechanism of action for a physiological system called the intracellular RAS [14].…”

“…Therefore, RAS plays important roles in numerous physiological events, such as renal, neuronal, cardiac, pancreatic, vascular, adrenal, pituitary, cognitive, ageing-related, inflammatory and reproductive processes [16]. Notably, one of the most relevant functions of the RAS is its participation in various processes related to male fertility [7,8,17,18].…”

“…In fact, numerous components of this system have been described in many organs and tissues of the male reproductive tract, including the epididymis [23,24], vas deferens [25], prostate [26], seminal fluid [27][28][29], testes [9,30], and spermatozoa [8,[31][32][33]. In addition, accumulating data from in vitro, animal and clinical studies have indicated that this peptide system is involved in the correct functioning of the human male reproductive system and is frequently altered or deregulated in pathological conditions [8,18,22,29,[31][32][33].…”