Adrenomedullin in human male reproductive system.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate adrenomedullin (AM) localization and distribution in human male reproductive system and to determine whether seminal fluid AM concentration correlates with sperm parameters.


METHODS
Plasma and semen samples (n = 19) obtained from healthy volunteers with normal seminal fluid parameters were assayed for AM using a specific RIA. AM immunostaining was sought on sections of penile cavernous bodies and testicular tissues obtained postmortem from four young males after accidental death using a polyclonal antibody to AM 1-52.


RESULTS
Mean AM concentration in seminal plasma was 209.4+/-46.6 pg/ml, 8-9-fold higher than in circulating plasma and correlated with sperm motility (r = 0.715, p < 0.01). Endothelial cells of cavernous vessels stained for AM. Intense AM immunostaining was found in germinal cells and in peritubular myocytes and Leydig cells in the testis.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings demonstrated for the first time that AM is localized in human male reproductive system. The local secretion of AM suggests that AM may contribute either in the penile erection and in the regulation of testicular function and sperm motility.
Marinoni
Emanuela
E
Institute of Gynecology, Perinatology and Child Health, University La Sapienza, Viale Regina Elena 324, I-00161 Rome, Italy. emanuelamarinoni@hotmail.com
Di Iorio
Romolo
R
Villaccio
Barbara
B
Vellucci
Olga
O
Di Netta
Tiziana
T
Sessa
Mariateresa
M
Letizia
Claudio
C
Cosmi
Ermelando V
EV
D053607:Adrenomedullin; D000328:Adult; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D032342:Muscle Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D010410:Penile Erection; D010413:Penis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010455:Peptides / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D012661:Semen / Q000378:metabolism*; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013090:Spermatocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
D010455:Peptides; D053607:Adrenomedullin