title: Mechanism of action of L-arginine on the vitality of spermatozoa is primarily through increased biosynthesis of nitric oxide.
abstract: The ability of sperm to fertilize the egg is primarily dependent on sperm motility and membrane integrity. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a decisive role in regulating multiple functions within the male reproductive system. The aim of the present study is to determine the mechanism by which L-arginine confers a protective action on spermatozoa obtained from the goat epididymis. NO is synthesized from L-arginine by the enzyme nitric oxide-synthase (NOS) present in spermatozoa. A possible participation of NO and NOS in arginine action has been suggested.
authors.affiliation: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Colaba, Mumbai-5, India.
authors.forename: Sudha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.forename: Prashant
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Desai
authors.forename: Evans
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Coutinho
authors.forename: Girjesh
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Govil
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000502:physiology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D006041:Goats; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D008297:Male; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D009569:Nitric Oxide; D001120:Arginine