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Male contraception via simultaneous knockout of alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors and P2X1-purinoceptors in mice

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posted on 2015-05-28, 13:52 authored by C. W. White, Y-T. Choong, J. L. Short, B. Exintaris, D. T. Malone, A. M. Allen, Richard J. E Evans, S. Ventura
Therapeutic targets for male contraception are associated with numerous problems due to their focus on disrupting spermatogenesis or hormonal mechanisms to produce dysfunctional sperm. Here we describe the dual genetic deletion of α1A-adrenergic G protein-coupled receptors (adrenoceptors) and P2X1-purinoceptor ligand gated ion channels in male mice, thereby blocking sympathetically mediated sperm transport through the vas deferens during the emission phase of ejaculation. This modification produced 100% infertility without effects on sexual behavior or function. Sperm taken from the cauda epididymides of double knockout mice were microscopically normal and motile. Furthermore, double knockout sperm were capable of producing normal offspring following intracytoplasmic sperm injection into wild-type ova and implantation of the fertilized eggs into foster mothers. Blood pressure and baroreflex function was reduced in double knockout mice, but no more than single knockout of α1A-adrenoceptors alone. These results suggest that this autonomic method of male contraception appears free of major physiological and behavioral side effects. In addition, they provide conclusive proof of concept that pharmacological antagonism of the P2X1-purinoceptor and α1A-adrenoceptor provides a safe and effective therapeutic target for a nonhormonal, readily reversible male contraceptive.

Funding

This article contains supporting information online at www.pnas.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1073/pnas.1318624110/-/DCSupplemental

History

Citation

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2013, 110 (51), pp. 20825-20830 (6)

Author affiliation

/Organisation/COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND PSYCHOLOGY/School of Biological Sciences/Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology

Version

  • VoR (Version of Record)

Published in

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Publisher

National Academy of Sciences

issn

0027-8424

eissn

1091-6490

Available date

2015-05-28

Publisher version

http://www.pnas.org/content/110/51/20825.short

Language

en