From brain to sperm: how psychoactive contaminants can affect fish sperm function

Psychoactive drugs specifically act on neurotransmitters or neuroreceptors in the nervous system, both in humans and fish. Sperm function is similarly regulated by signals, several of which involve neurotransmitters. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of common neurotransmitters in the fish brain, gonads, and sperm to investigate whether methamphetamine alters their levels and sperm function. Methamphetamine was found to bioaccumulate in the brain, sperm, and gonads, leading to changes in certain neurotransmitter concentrations as well as sperm motility and velocity. These findings suggest that psychoactive drugs, designed to alter behavior, may also impair sperm function, posing potential threats to fish reproduction and aquatic ecosystems.