Progesterone receptors in extratesticular ducts of the Amazonian stingray Potamotrygon wallacei: A potential role in sperm maturation and aggregate formation

Abstract

In cururu stingray (Potamotrygon wallacei Carvalho, Rosa and Araújo 2016) males, plasma progesterone (P4) levels appear to be associated with spermiation events. However, the specific contribution of P4 in sperm maturation via extratesticular ducts in this stingray species is unknown. With the aim of filling this knowledge gap, this study examined the morphology and the presence of progesterone receptors (PR) in the ducts, and analyzed the relationship of progesterone (P4) with sperm maturation and formation of aggregates. Morphological analysis showed that a columnar pseudostratified epithelium with stereocilia lined all the attached ducts. In active males, the secretory cells of the epididymis and the Leydig glands presented PR; however, these receptors were not found in the distal region of the epididymis (essential for nurturing and capacitation events) of regressing males. In the seminal vesicles of active males, the spermatozoa are parallelly aligned and embedded in a matrix to form the spermatozeugmata. The matrixes are formed by proteins secreted by the ducts and Sertoli cell cytoplasts. These structures presented PR, which suggests that P4 engages in sperm metabolism during storage. Our findings allude to the potential role of P4 in regulating the development and function of the attached ducts in different reproductive phases. Furthermore, P4 seems to be an essential component for regulating sperm progress, protein secretion, aggregate formation, and maintenance of sperm during storage in this freshwater stingray.