Adrenergic Stimulation of Fertilizing Ability in Hamster Spermatozoa

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Abstract
Hamster spermatozoa, preincubated for 3 h in a culture medium containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) and a protein-free ultrafiltrate of a bovine adrenal cortex preparation, were unable to fertilize cumulus-free eggs. In contrast, if the culture medium also contained a protein-free ultrafiltrate of a bovine adrenal medulla preparation, 92% of the inseminated eggs were fertilized within 2 h. Replacement of the adrenal medulla preparation with 20.0 .mu.M (-)-epinephrine [E] (BSA and the adrenal cortex preparation also present) resulted in 85% of the inseminated eggs being fertilized. If 20.0 .mu.M (-)-phenylephrine, an .alpha.-adrenergic agonist of 20.0 .mu.M (-)-isoproterenol, a .beta.-adrenergic agonist, was used in place of E, the percentage of fertilized eggs was 11% and 50%, respectively. With both phenylephrine and isoproterenol present, 90% of the eggs were fertilized. Furthermore, fertilization in the presence of 20.0 .mu.M (-)-E could be inhibited by equimolar concentrations of either phentolamine, and .alpha.-adrenergic antagonist, (0% fertilization) or (-)-propranolol, a .beta.-adrenergic antagonist, (18% fertilization). Adrenergic receptors are apparently involved in the development of the fertilizing ability of hamster spermatozoa in vitro.
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