Intracellular pH in sperm physiology

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2014 Aug 1;450(3):1149-58. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.05.100. Epub 2014 Jun 2.

Abstract

Intracellular pH (pHi) regulation is essential for cell function. Notably, several unique sperm ion transporters and enzymes whose elimination causes infertility are either pHi dependent or somehow related to pHi regulation. Amongst them are: CatSper, a Ca(2+) channel; Slo3, a K(+) channel; the sperm-specific Na(+)/H(+) exchanger and the soluble adenylyl cyclase. It is thus clear that pHi regulation is of the utmost importance for sperm physiology. This review briefly summarizes the key components involved in pHi regulation, their characteristics and participation in fundamental sperm functions such as motility, maturation and the acrosome reaction.

Keywords: Intracellular pH; Sperm; Sperm chemotaxis; Sperm motility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acrosome Reaction / physiology
  • Adenylyl Cyclases / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Carbonic Anhydrases / metabolism
  • Chemotaxis / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Intracellular Fluid / metabolism
  • Ion Channels / metabolism
  • Ion Pumps / metabolism
  • Male
  • Models, Biological
  • Sea Urchins / physiology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Sperm Capacitation / physiology
  • Sperm Motility / physiology
  • Spermatozoa / physiology*

Substances

  • Ion Channels
  • Ion Pumps
  • Carbonic Anhydrases
  • Adenylyl Cyclases