Opioids and cannabinoids act on sperm cells

2008/09/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Biokimika
• Biologia
• Medikuntza

Studies carried out so far have concluded that opioids and cannabinoids may influence reproductive function. It is known that both external opioids (heroin, methadone) and cannabinoids (hashish), and those that the body itself generates, regulate reproductive function through the central nervous system. However, according to a doctoral thesis presented in the UPV, opioid and cannabinoid receptors located in the sperm can also control this function. It is the first time that all types of opioid and cannabinoid receptors are found in human sperm.

La Dra. Ekaitz Agirregoitia of the UPV/EHU has analyzed the expression and location of opioid and cannabinoid receptors and their activation in the mobility of sperm. According to his study, to maintain the movement of sperm it is necessary that at least some DELTA opioid receptors are activated, while the activation of the MU opioid receptor inhibits the mobility of sperm and the KAPPA opioid receptor does not affect mobility. As for the cannabinoid system, the activation of the CB1 and CB2 receptors represents a decrease in the percentage of sperm with rapid and progressive movement.

This work can open the long/medium term door for the diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies. For example, the fertility problems suffered by sperm and the female reproductive apparatus without known causes can be better understood by analyzing the components of the opioid system and the cannabinoid.