Role of C-type natriuretic peptide in the function of normal human sperm.
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a newly discovered type of local regulatory factor that mediates its biological effects through the speciﬁc, membrane-bound natriuretic peptide receptor-B (NPR-B). Recent studies have established that CNP is closely related to male reproductive function. The aims of this study were to determine the distribution of CNP/NPR-B in human ejaculated spermatozoa through different methods (such as immunolocalization, real time polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot), and then to evaluate the influence of CNP on sperm function i n vitro, such as motility and acrosome reaction. Human semen samples were collected from consenting donors who met the criteria of the World Health Organization for normozoospermia. Our results show that the speciﬁc receptor NPR-B of CNP is localized in the acrosomal region of the head and the membrane of the front-end tail of the sperm, and there is no signal of CNP in human sperm. Compared with the control, CNP can induce a signiﬁcant dose-dependent increase in spermatozoa motility and acrosome reaction. In summary, CNP/NPR-B can affect sperm motility and acrosome reaction, thus regulating the reproductive function of males. CNP may be a new key factor in regulating sperm function.
Hui
H
Xia
Yao
Y
Chen
Ke-Jia
KJ
Wu
Hu
H
Zhao
Cheng-Liang
CL
Xiong
Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
Dong-Hui
DH
Huang
D020101:Acrosome Reaction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020098:Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*
D020098:Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type