Abstract

To succeed in fertilization, spermatozoa must decode environmental cues which require a set of ion channels. Recent findings have revealed that K+ and Cl- channels participate in some of the main sperm functions. This work reviews the evidence indicating the involvement of K+ and Cl- channels in motility, maturation, and the acrosome reaction, and the advancement in identifying their molecular identity and modes of regulation. Improving our insight on how these channels operate will strengthen our ability to surmount some infertility problems, improve animal breeding, preserve biodiversity, and develop selective and secure male contraceptives.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCurrent Topics in Developmental Biology
PublisherAcademic Press Inc.
Pages385-421
Number of pages37
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

Publication series

NameCurrent Topics in Developmental Biology
Volume102
ISSN (Print)0070-2153

Keywords

  • Capacitation
  • Chloride
  • Hyperpolarization
  • Ionic currents
  • Potassium
  • Sperm

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