Loss of calcium in human spermatozoa via EPPIN, the semenogelin receptor.

ABSTRACT: The development of a new male contraceptive requires a transition from animal model to human and an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the target's inhibition of human spermatozoan fertility. We now report that semenogelin (SEMG1) and anti-EPPIN antibodies to a defined target site of 21 amino acids on the C terminal of EPPIN cause the loss of intracellular calcium, as measured by Fluo-4. The loss of intracellular calcium explains our previous observations of an initial loss of progressive motility and eventually the complete loss of motility when spermatozoa are treated with SEMG1 or anti-EPPIN antibodies. Thimerosal can rescue the effects of SEMG1 on motility, implying that internal stores of calcium are not depleted. Additionally, SEMG1 treatment of spermatozoa decreases the int

SUBMITTER: O'Rand MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3290672 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature