Influence of mGluR7 gene knockout and behavioral changes which its causes on male mice fertility

Abstract

Background Metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) belongs to third group of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu) together with receptors mGlu4, 6 and 8. A recent study suggests that the glutamatergic system may be a relevant therapeutic target for such disorders like stress or depression. Various dates described that mGluR7 is expressed in brain and its function is implicated in emotional learning, working memory and behavioral connecting with fear. Aim Our studies are designed to see how mGluR7 gene knockout and behavioral changes which it causes affect fertility in male mice. Methods For this purpose, we focused on checking the six main sperm parameters: sperm count, motility, viability (eosin test), maturity, sperm head morphology and cytoplasmic membrane integrity of sperm tail. Analysis of these parameters was performed in two groups of male mice from a strain of C57BL: mGluR7 (+/+) and mGluR7 (−/−) and the parameters are tested at a standard assessment of human semen. Conclusions During breeding our mice with mGluR7 gene knockout, we found that these animals are more susceptible to stress, and their behavior manifests anhedonia. An important observation is that these animals have reduced fertility.