New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Key Proteins Identified In The Quest For Male Contraceptive

Date:
September 23, 2008
Source:
American Chemical Society
Summary:
In an advance toward a long-sought new male contraceptive, researchers in China have identified key proteins in men that suppress production of sperm and could become new targets for a future male birth control pill.
Share:
FULL STORY

In an advance toward a long-sought new male contraceptive, researchers in China have identified key proteins in men that suppress production of sperm and could become new targets for a future male birth control pill.

Jiahao Sha and colleagues point out that scientists do not understand one effect of the male sex hormone, testosterone — how injections of the hormone suppress production of sperm. Building on a previous study showing almost total sperm suppression with an injectable testosterone combined with a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel (LNG), the researchers sought new insights into how hormones affect sperm-producing cells in the testicles.

In a new study on men, they found that testosterone combined with LNG changed the body's production of 31 proteins compared to only 13 proteins for men given only testosterone. The scientists identified proteins that could serve as both targets for new male contraceptives as well as medications for treating infertility.


Story Source:

Materials provided by American Chemical Society. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Cui et al. Proteomic Analysis of Testis Biopsies in Men Treated with Injectable Testosterone Undecanoate Alone or in Combination with Oral Levonorgestrel as Potential Male Contraceptive. Journal of Proteome Research, 2008; 7 (9): 3984 DOI: 10.1021/pr800259t

Cite This Page:

American Chemical Society. "Key Proteins Identified In The Quest For Male Contraceptive." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 September 2008. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922095433.htm>.
American Chemical Society. (2008, September 23). Key Proteins Identified In The Quest For Male Contraceptive. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922095433.htm
American Chemical Society. "Key Proteins Identified In The Quest For Male Contraceptive." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922095433.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES