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Melatonin-enhanced hyperactivation of hamster sperm

Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan

Correspondence should be addressed to M Fujinoki; Email: fujinoki{at}dokkyomed.ac.jp

The effects of melatonin on reproductive function were examined using hamster spermatozoa. When 1 pM to 1 µM melatonin was added to the mTALP medium, hyperactivation was significantly enhanced. Antagonists and agonists of the melatonin receptor (i.e., MT1 and MT2) were added to the medium. Luzindole, an MT1 and MT2 competitive antagonist, significantly inhibited melatonin-induced hyperactivation, whereas the MT2-specific antagonists, 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin and N-pentanoyl-2-benzyltryptamine, had no effect. Moreover, hyperactivation was significantly enhanced when non-specific agonists, such as 6-chloromelatonin and 2-iodomelatonin, were added to the medium. 8-Methoxy-2-propionamidotetralin, which is a strong MT2 agonist and a weak MT1 agonist, significantly increased hyperactivation, although the effect was weak. Therefore, it is likely that melatonin enhances sperm hyperactivation via the MT1 receptor.