Restraint stress of male mice triggers apoptosis in spermatozoa and spermatogenic cells via activating the TNF- α system.

Restraint stress of male mice triggers apoptosis in spermatozoa and spermatogenic cells via activating the TNF-α system. Zygote. 2020 Jan 14;:1-10 Authors: Zhang J, Kong DL, Xiao B, Yuan HJ, Kong QQ, Han X, Luo MJ, Tan JH Abstract Studies have indicated that psychological stress impairs human fertility and that various stressors can induce apoptosis of testicular cells. However, the mechanisms by which psychological stress on males reduces semen quality and stressors induce apoptosis in testicular cells are largely unclear. Using a psychological (restraint) stress mouse model, we tested whether male psychological stress triggers apoptosis of spermatozoa and spermatogenic cells through activating tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α signalling. Wild-type or TNF-α-/- male mice were restrained for 48 h before examination for apoptosis and expression of TNF-α and TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) in spermatozoa, epididymis, seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cells. The results showed that male restraint significantly decreased fertilization rate and mitochondrial membrane potential, while increasing levels of malondialdehyde, active caspase-3, TNF-α and TNFR1 in spermatozoa. Male restraint also increased apoptosis and expression of TNF-α and TNFR1 in caudae epididymides, seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cells. Sperm quality was also significantly impaired when spermatozoa were recovered 35 days after male restraint. The restraint-induced ...
Source: Zygote - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Zygote Source Type: research