The Effect of Interaction NGF/p75<sup>NTR</sup> in Sperm Cells: A Rabbit Model
Cesare Castellini,
Simona Mattioli,
Elisa Cotozzolo,
Alessandra Pistilli,
Mario Rende,
Desirée Bartolini,
Gabriele Di Sante,
Laura Menchetti,
Alessandro Dal Bosco,
Anna Maria Stabile
Affiliations
Cesare Castellini
Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100 Perugia, Italy
Simona Mattioli
Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100 Perugia, Italy
Elisa Cotozzolo
Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100 Perugia, Italy
Alessandra Pistilli
Department of Medicine, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, P.le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132 Perugia, Italy
Mario Rende
Department of Medicine, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, P.le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132 Perugia, Italy
Desirée Bartolini
Department of Medicine, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, P.le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132 Perugia, Italy
Gabriele Di Sante
Department of Medicine, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, P.le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132 Perugia, Italy
Laura Menchetti
Department of Agricultural and Agri-Food Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 46, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Alessandro Dal Bosco
Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100 Perugia, Italy
Anna Maria Stabile
Department of Medicine, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, P.le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132 Perugia, Italy
Background: Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) plays an important role in the reproductive system through its receptor’s interaction (p75NTR). This paper aims to analyze the impact of NGF p75NTR in epididymal and ejaculated rabbit semen during in vitro sperm storage. Methods: Semen samples from 10 adult rabbit bucks were collected four times (n = 40) and analyzed. NGF was quantified in seminal plasma, and the basal expression of p75NTR in sperm was established (time 0). Moreover, we evaluated p75NTR, the apoptotic rates, and the main sperm parameters, at times 2–4 and 6 h with or without the administration of exogenous NGF. Results: Based on the level of p75NTR, we defined the threshold value (25.6%), and sperm were divided into High (H) and Normal (N). During sperm storage, p75NTR of H samples significantly modulated some relevant sperm parameters. Specifically, comparing H samples with N ones, we observed a reduction in motility and non-capacitated cell number, together with an increased percentage of dead and apoptotic cells. Notably, the N group showed a reduction in dead and apoptotic cells after NGF treatment. Conversely, the NGF administration on H sperm did not change either the percentage of dead cells or the apoptotic rate. Conclusion: The concentration of p75NTR on ejaculated sperm modulates many semen outcomes (motility, apoptosis, viability) through NGF interaction affecting the senescence of sperm.
