title: Regulation of male fertility by the opioid system.
abstract: Endogenous opioid peptides are substances involved in cell communication. They are present in various organs and tissues of the male and female reproductive tract, suggesting that they may regulate some of the processes involved in reproductive function. In fact, the opioid system that operates as a multi-messenger system can participate in the regulation of reproductive physiology at multiple levels, for example, at the levels of the central nervous system, at the testes level and at sperm level. A better understanding of the implication of the opioid system in reproductive processes may contribute to clarifying the etiology of many cases of infertility and the effect of opiate abuse on fertility. Indeed, a novel biochemical tool for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility could be based upon components of the opioid system. The presence of the opioid system in sperm cells also represents a novel opportunity for reproductive management, for either enhancing the probability of fertilization or reducing it through the development of novel targeted contraceptives.
authors: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, Vizcaya, Spain. nerea.subiran@ehu.es
authors: Nerea
authors: N
authors: Subirán
authors: Luis
authors: L
authors: Casis
authors: Jon
authors: J
authors: Irazusta
mesh_terms: D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D018847:Opioid Peptides / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D018847:Opioid Peptides