This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Felix, R. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Felix, R.

Molecular physiology and pathology of Ca²⁺-conducting channels in the plasma membrane of mammalian sperm

Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neuroscience, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (Cinvestav-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico

Correspondence should be addressed to R Felix, Departamento de Fisiología Biofísica y Neurociencias, Cinvestav-IPN, Avenida IPN #2508, Colonia Zacatenco, México D.F., CP 07300; Email: rfelix{at}fisio.cinvestav.mx

Current evidence indicates that mechanisms controlling the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration play pivotal roles in determining sperm fertilizing ability. Multiple Ca²⁺-permeable channels have been identified and characterized in the plasma membrane and in the acrosome membrane of mammalian sperm. This review summarizes the recent findings and assesses the evidence suggesting that these channels play roles in controlling a host of sperm functions ranging from motility to the acrosome reaction, and describes recent advances in the identification of the underlying gene defects of inherited sperm Ca²⁺ channelopathies.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. Ramalho-Santos, S. Varum, S. Amaral, P. C. Mota, A. P. Sousa, and A. Amaral Mitochondrial functionality in reproduction: from gonads and gametes to embryos and embryonic stem cells Hum. Reprod. Update, May 4, 2009; (2009) dmp016v1. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. A. Anderson, K. A. Feathergill, C. J. Chany II, S. Jain, and A. Krunic Nitric Oxide-Dependent Human Acrosomal Loss Induced by PPCM (SAMMA) and by Nitric Oxide Donors Occurs by Independent Pathways: Basis for Synthesis of an Improved Contraceptive Microbicide J Androl, March 1, 2009; 30(2): 168 - 182. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. E. Edwards, M. G. Buffone, G. R. Knee, M. Rossato, G. Bonanni, S. Masiero, S. Ferasin, G. L. Gerton, S. B. Moss, and C. J. Williams Effects of Extracellular Adenosine 5'-Triphosphate on Human Sperm Motility Reproductive Sciences, October 1, 2007; 14(7): 655 - 666. [Abstract] [PDF]

				H.-G. Li, X.-F. Ding, A.-H. Liao, X.-B. Kong, and C.-L. Xiong Expression of CatSper family transcripts in the mouse testis during post-natal development and human ejaculated spermatozoa: relationship to sperm motility Mol. Hum. Reprod., May 1, 2007; 13(5): 299 - 306. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				Y. Ni, K. Li, W. Xu, L. Song, K. Yao, X. Zhang, H. Huang, Y. Zhang, and Q.-X. Shi Acrosome Reaction Induced by Recombinant Human Zona Pellucida 3 Peptides rhuZP3a22~176 and rhuZP3b177~348 and Their Mechanism J Androl, May 1, 2007; 28(3): 381 - 388. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				B. Nilius, G. Owsianik, T. Voets, and J. A. Peters Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channels in Disease Physiol Rev, January 1, 2007; 87(1): 165 - 217. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				X. Zhang, X. Zeng, and C. J. Lingle Slo3 K+ Channels: Voltage and pH Dependence of Macroscopic Currents J. Gen. Physiol., August 28, 2006; 128(3): 317 - 336. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. A. Anderson, K. A. Feathergill, D. P. Waller, and L. J. D. Zaneveld SAMMA Induces Premature Human Acrosomal Loss by Ca2+ Signaling Dysregulation J Androl, July 1, 2006; 27(4): 568 - 577. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]