New insight on the role of melatonin receptors in reproductive processes of seasonal breeders on the example of mature male European bison (Bison bonasus, Linnaeus 1758).
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) | neutral | reproductive system | seasonally breeding animals | - | regulate proper functioning | #1 |
melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) | increase | MT1 and MT2 mRNA and protein levels | adult male European bisons | - | highest expression | #2 |
melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) | increase | gene expression | adult male European bisons | - | highest expression | #3 |
melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) | no change | protein amounts | adult male European bisons | - | comparable | #4 |
melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) | no change | both receptors in arteries and veins of spermatic cord | adult male European bisons | - | same amount | #5 |
melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) | increase | Leydig, Sertoli and germ cells | adult male European bisons | - | increased amounts | #6 |
testicular melatonin | decrease | spermatogenesis | adult male European bisons | - | confirms the inhibition | #7 |
testicular melatonin | increase | anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory protection | adult male European bisons | - | increased | #8 |
melatonin in spermatic cord vessels | decrease | age-related changes due to the overexploitation | adult male European bisons | - | may prevent | #9 |
melatonin in spermatic cord vessels | no change | temperature | adult male European bisons | - | ensure a constant temperature | #10 |
Melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) were shown to regulate proper functioning of reproductive system, especially in seasonally breeding animals. European bison is a unique endangered seasonal breeder and knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of its reproduction is crucial for the survival of the species. The aim of this study was to assess gene expression, protein synthesis and immunohistochemical localization of MT1 and MT2 receptors in testicular and spermatic cord vessels tissues collected in pre-rut (June) and post-rut (December) seasons from adult male European bisons in Bialowieza National Park. We confirmed the highest expression of MT1 and MT2 mRNA and protein levels in testis in December, while in spermatic cord gene expression was also highest in December, but protein amounts were comparable in both analyzed periods. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining revealed the same amount of both receptors in arteries and veins of spermatic cord in both periods and increased amounts in December in Leydig, Sertoli and germ cells. The high level of testicular melatonin in December confirms the inhibition of spermatogenesis and increased anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory protection. In spermatic cord vessels, it may prevent from age-related changes due to the overexploitation and ensure a constant temperature regardless of changing environmental conditions. This knowledge can contribute to finding a solution of problems associated with male infertility in general and also further explore the mechanisms regulating the proper functions of the male reproductive system.