High expression and activity of ecto-5′-nucleotidase/CD73 in the male murine reproductive tract

Extracellular ATP and its hydrolysis product adenosine modulate various reproductive functions such as those requiring contraction, steroidogenesis, and maintenance of fluid composition. Interestingly, adenosine might act as a key capacitative effector for mammalian spermatozoa to acquire the capacity for fertilisation. Extracellular nucleotide levels are affected by cell surface ectonucleotidases, amongst which the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) family regroups the most abundant and effective enzymes to hydrolyse ATP and ADP to AMP in physiological conditions. In the male reproductive tract three members of this family have been indentified: NTPDase1, NTPDase2 and NTPDase3 (Martín-Satué et al. in Histochem Cell Biol 131:615-628, 2009). The purpose of the present study was to characterize in the male reproductive tract the expression profile of the main enzyme responsible for the generation of adenosine from AMP, namely the ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73). The enzyme was identified by immunological techniques and by in situ enzymatic assays, including inhibition experiments with alpha,beta-methylene-ADP, a specific CD73 inhibitor. High levels of ecto-5'-nucleotidase were detected in testes in association with both germinal and somatic cells, in smooth muscle cells throughout the tract, in secretory epithelia from exocrine glands, and remarkably, in principal cells of epididymis, where co-localization with NTPDase3 was found. The relevance of this co-expression on nucleotide hydrolysis in these cells directly involved in the control of sperm fluid composition was addressed biochemically. This study suggests close regulation of extracellular nucleoside and nucleotide levels in the genital tract by ecto-5'-nucleotidase that, in concurrence with NTPDases, may impact male fertility.