scholarly journals Conserved Mechanism of Bicarbonate-Induced Sensitization of CatSper Channels in Human and Mouse Sperm

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan J. Ferreira ◽  
Pascale Lybaert ◽  
Lis C. Puga-Molina ◽  
Celia M. Santi
Keyword(s):  
Human Sperm ◽  
Membrane Depolarization ◽  
Concentration Increase ◽  
Epididymal Sperm ◽  
Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Mouse Sperm ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Sperm Membrane ◽  
Human And Mouse ◽  
Kinase A

To fertilize an egg, mammalian sperm must undergo capacitation in the female genital tract. A key contributor to capacitation is the calcium (Ca2+) channel CatSper, which is activated by membrane depolarization and intracellular alkalinization. In mouse epididymal sperm, membrane depolarization by exposure to high KCl triggers Ca2+ entry through CatSper only in alkaline conditions (pH 8.6) or after in vitro incubation with bicarbonate (HCO3–) and bovine serum albumin (capacitating conditions). However, in ejaculated human sperm, membrane depolarization triggers Ca2+ entry through CatSper in non-capacitating conditions and at lower pH (< pH 7.4) than is required in mouse sperm. Here, we aimed to determine the mechanism(s) by which CatSper is activated in mouse and human sperm. We exposed ejaculated mouse and human sperm to high KCl to depolarize the membrane and found that intracellular Ca2+ concentration increased at pH 7.4 in sperm from both species. Conversely, intracellular Ca2+ concentration did not increase under these conditions in mouse epididymal or human epididymal sperm. Furthermore, pre-incubation with HCO3– triggered an intracellular Ca2+ concentration increase in response to KCl in human epididymal sperm. Treatment with protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors during exposure to HCO3– inhibited Ca2+ concentration increases in mouse epididymal sperm and in both mouse and human ejaculated sperm. Finally, we show that soluble adenylyl cyclase and increased intracellular pH are required for the intracellular Ca2+ concentration increase in both human and mouse sperm. In summary, our results suggest that a conserved mechanism of activation of CatSper channels is present in both human and mouse sperm. In this mechanism, HCO3– in semen activates the soluble adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A pathway, which leads to increased intracellular pH and sensitizes CatSper channels to respond to membrane depolarization to allow Ca2+ influx. This indirect mechanism of CatSper sensitization might be an early event capacitation that occurs as soon as the sperm contact the semen.

scholarly journals Soluble adenylyl cyclase inhibition prevents human sperm functions essential for fertilization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Balbach ◽  
Lubna Ghanem ◽  
Thomas Rossetti ◽  
Navpreet Kaur ◽  
Carla Ritagliati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Acrosome Reaction ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Multiple Points ◽  
Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Mouse Sperm ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Sperm Functions

AbstractSoluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC: ADCY10) is essential for activating dormant sperm. Studies of freshly dissected mouse sperm identified sAC as needed for initiating capacitation and activating motility. We now use an improved sAC inhibitor, TDI-10229, for a comprehensive analysis of sAC function in human sperm. Unlike dissected mouse sperm, human sperm are collected post-ejaculation, after sAC activity has already been stimulated. Even in ejaculated human sperm, TDI-10229 interrupts stimulated motility and capacitation, and it prevents acrosome reaction in capacitated sperm. At present, there are no non-hormonal, pharmacological methods for contraception. Because sAC activity is required post-ejaculation at multiple points during the sperm’s journey to fertilize the oocyte, sAC inhibitors define candidates for non-hormonal, on-demand contraceptives suitable for delivery via intravaginal devices in females.

scholarly journals Human Sperm Remain Motile After a Temporary Energy Restriction but do Not Undergo Capacitation-Related Events

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara I. Marín-Briggiler ◽  
Guillermina M. Luque ◽  
María G. Gervasi ◽  
Natalia Oscoz-Susino ◽  
Jessica M. Sierra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tyrosine Phosphorylation ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Energy Recovery ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Energy Restriction ◽  
Protein Tyrosine Phosphorylation ◽  
Mouse Sperm ◽  
Protein Tyrosine ◽  
Intracellular Ca

To acquire fertilization competence, mammalian sperm must undergo several biochemical and physiological modifications known as capacitation. Despite its relevance, the metabolic pathways that regulate the capacitation-related events, including the development of hyperactivated motility, are still poorly described. Previous studies from our group have shown that temporary energy restriction in mouse sperm enhanced hyperactivation, in vitro fertilization, early embryo development and pregnancy rates after embryo transfer, and it improved intracytoplasmic sperm injection results in the bovine model. However, the effects of starvation and energy recovery protocols on human sperm function have not yet been established. In the present work, human sperm were incubated for different periods of time in medium containing glucose, pyruvate and lactate (NUTR) or devoid of nutrients for the starving condition (STRV). Sperm maintained in STRV displayed reduced percentages of motility and kinematic parameters compared to cells incubated in NUTR medium. Moreover, they did not undergo hyperactivation and showed reduced levels of ATP, cAMP and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Similar to our results with mouse sperm, starvation induced increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Starved human sperm were capable to continue moving for more than 27 h, but the incubation with a mitochondrial uncoupler or inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation led to a complete motility loss. When exogenous nutrients were added back (sperm energy recovery (SER) treatment), hyperactivated motility was rescued and there was a rise in sperm ATP and cAMP levels in 1 min, with a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and no changes in sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The finding that human sperm can remain motile for several hours under starvation due to mitochondrial use of endogenous metabolites implies that other metabolic pathways may play a role in sperm energy production. In addition, full recovery of motility and other capacitation parameters of human sperm after SER suggests that this treatment might be used to modulate human sperm fertilizing ability in vitro.

scholarly journals Cytochemical detection of hyaluronidase activity in single human and mouse sperm by an improved substrate-film technique.

1984 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Waibel ◽  
L C Ginsberg ◽  
G Ficsor
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Mouse Sperm ◽  
Hyaluronidase Activity ◽  
Film Method ◽  
Human And Mouse ◽  
Substrate Film

A substrate-film method is described that allows the detection of hyaluronidase activity in nearly 100% of single human and mouse sperm. The level of hyaluronidase activity as determined by halo diameters was greater in mouse than in human sperm. This simple method may have use as a screening method for identifying compounds that cause developmental or genetic defects in male germ cells, or for the diagnosis of infertility due to decreased hyaluronidase activity.

scholarly journals Soluble adenylyl cyclase inhibition prevents human sperm functions essential for fertilization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Balbach ◽  
Lubna Ghanem ◽  
Thomas Rossetti ◽  
Navpreet Kaur ◽  
Carla Ritagliati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Mouse Sperm ◽  
Acrosomal Exocytosis ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
First Time ◽  
Sperm Functions

Abstract Soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC: ADCY10) has been genetically confirmed to be essential for male fertility in mice and humans. In mice, ex vivo studies of dormant, caudal epididymal sperm demonstrated that sAC is required for initiating capacitation and activating motility. We now use an improved sAC inhibitor, TDI-10229, for a comprehensive analysis of sAC function in mouse and human sperm. In contrast to caudal epididymal mouse sperm, human sperm are collected post-ejaculation, after sAC activity has already been stimulated. In addition to preventing the capacitation-induced stimulation of sAC and protein kinase A activities, tyrosine phosphorylation, alkalinization, beat frequency, and acrosome reaction in dormant mouse sperm, sAC inhibitors interrupt each of these capacitation-induced changes in ejaculated human sperm. Furthermore, we show for the first time that sAC is required during acrosomal exocytosis in mouse and human sperm. These data define sAC inhibitors as candidates for non-hormonal, on-demand contraceptives suitable for delivery via intravaginal devices in women.

Effect of Lamotrigine on the Ca2+-Sensing Cation Current in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons

2001 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 2520-2526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-Gang Xiong ◽  
Xiang-Ping Chu ◽  
J. F. MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Action Potentials ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Neuronal Excitability ◽  
Membrane Depolarization ◽  
Slow Inward Current ◽  
Calcium Sensing ◽  
Cation Current ◽  
Imaging Experiment ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Cultured Hippocampal Neurons

Concentrations of extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]e) in the CNS decrease substantially during seizure activity. We have demonstrated previously that decreases in [Ca2+]e activate a novel calcium-sensing nonselective cation (csNSC) channel in hippocampal neurons. Activation of csNSC channels is responsible for a sustained membrane depolarization and increased neuronal excitability. Our study has suggested that the csNSC channel is likely involved in generating and maintaining seizure activities. In the present study, the effects of anti-epileptic agent lamotrigine (LTG) on csNSC channels were studied in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons using patch-clamp techniques. At a holding potential of −60 mV, a slow inward current through csNSC channels was activated by a step reduction of [Ca2+]e from 1.5 to 0.2 mM. LTG decreased the amplitude of csNSC currents dose dependently with an IC50 of 171 ± 25.8 (SE) μM. The effect of LTG was independent of membrane potential. In the presence of 300 μM LTG, the amplitude of csNSC current was decreased by 31 ± 3% at −60 mV and 29 ± 2.9% at +40 mV ( P > 0.05). LTG depressed csNSC current without affecting the potency of Ca2+ block of the current (IC50 for Ca2+block of csNSC currents in the absence of LTG: 145 ± 18 μM; in the presence of 300 μM LTG: 136 ± 10 μM. n = 5, P > 0.05). In current-clamp recordings, activation of csNSC channel by reducing the [Ca2+]e caused a sustained membrane depolarization and an increase in the frequency of spontaneous firing of action potentials. LTG (300 μM) significantly inhibited csNSC channel-mediated membrane depolarization and the excitation of neurons. Fura-2 ratiometric Ca2+imaging experiment showed that LTG also inhibited the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by csNSC channel activation. The effect of LTG on csNSC channels may partially contribute to its broad spectrum of anti-epileptic actions.

Intravascular pressure regulates local and global Ca2+ signaling in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells

2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (2) ◽  
pp. C439-C448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan H. Jaggar
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Membrane Depolarization ◽  
Wave Frequency ◽  
Current Frequency ◽  
Frequency Wave ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Intravascular Pressure

The regulation of intracellular Ca2+ signals in smooth muscle cells and arterial diameter by intravascular pressure was investigated in rat cerebral arteries (∼150 μm) using a laser scanning confocal microscope and the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fluo 3. Elevation of pressure from 10 to 60 mmHg increased Ca2+spark frequency 2.6-fold, Ca2+ wave frequency 1.9-fold, and global intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) 1.4-fold in smooth muscle cells, and constricted arteries. Ryanodine (10 μM), an inhibitor of ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release channels, or thapsigargin (100 nM), an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, abolished sparks and waves, elevated global [Ca2+]i, and constricted pressurized (60 mmHg) arteries. Diltiazem (25 μM), a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) blocker, significantly reduced sparks, waves, and global [Ca2+]i, and dilated pressurized (60 mmHg) arteries. Steady membrane depolarization elevated Ca2+ signaling similar to pressure and increased transient Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel current frequency e-fold for ∼7 mV, and these effects were prevented by VDCC blockers. Data are consistent with the hypothesis that pressure induces a steady membrane depolarization that activates VDCCs, leading to an elevation of spark frequency, wave frequency, and global [Ca2+]i. In addition, pressure induces contraction via an elevation of global [Ca2+]i, whereas the net effect of sparks and waves, which do not significantly contribute to global [Ca2+]i in arteries pressurized to between 10 and 60 mmHg, is to oppose contraction.

scholarly journals Terbutaline, forskolin and cAMP reduce secretion of aqueous humour in the isolated bovine eye

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244253
Author(s):  
Mohammad Shahidullah ◽  
William Stuart Wilson ◽  
Kazi Rafiq ◽  
Mahmudul Hasan Sikder ◽  
Jannatul Ferdous ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Cyclic Amp ◽  
Protein Kinase A ◽  
Aqueous Humour ◽  
Calcium Release ◽  
Drug Effects ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Plateau Phase ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Kinase A

In order to elucidate involvement of cyclic AMP and intracellular Ca2+,[Ca2+]i, in the modulation of aqueous humour formation (AHF), we studied the effects of terbutaline, forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP in the isolated bovine eye. We also studied the interaction of cAMP on calcium signaling in cultured ciliary epithelial (CE) cells. Drug effects on AHF were measured by fluorescein dilution. Drug effects on [Ca2+]i were studied by the fura-2 fluorescence ratio technique. Terbutaline (100 nmol-100 M), forskolin (30 nM-100 M) or 8-Br-cAMP (100 nM– 10 μM), administered in the arterial perfusate produced significant reductions in AHF. The AH reducing effect of terbutaline was blocked by a selective inhibitor of protein kinase A (KT-5720). ATP (100 M) caused a rapid, transient (peak) increase in [Ca2+]i followed by a sustained plateau phase lasting more than 5 minutes. Preincubation of the cells (6 min) with terbutaline, forskolin or 8-Br-cAMP significantly reduced the peak calcium response to ATP. The sustained plateau phase of the response, on the other hand, was augmented by each of the agents. KT-5720 partially reversed the inhibitory effect of terbutaline on the peak and totally inhibited its effect on the plateau phase. These data indicate: (a) that AHF in the bovine eye can be manipulated through cyclic AMP, operating via protein kinase A, (b) that protein kinase A can affect [Ca2+]i homeostasis, (c) that calcium release from the intracellular store, not the entry, affects AHF, and (d) that interaction of [Ca2+]i with cAMP plays a role in modulating AH secretion.

Oxidative burst and NO generation as initial response to ischemia in flow-adapted endothelial cells

2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (5) ◽  
pp. H2126-H2135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yefim Manevich ◽  
Abu Al-Mehdi ◽  
Vladimir Muzykantov ◽  
Aron B. Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Oxidative Burst ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Membrane Depolarization ◽  
No Synthase ◽  
Potential Production ◽  
Perfusion Chamber ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Static Conditions

Shear stress modulates endothelial physiology, yet the effect(s) of flow cessation is poorly understood. The initial metabolic responses of flow-adapted bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells to the abrupt cessation of flow (simulated ischemia) was evaluated using a perfusion chamber designed for continuous spectroscopy. Plasma membrane potential, production of reactive O2 species (ROS), and intracellular Ca2+ and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured with fluorescent probes. Within 15 s after flow cessation, flow-adapted cells, but not cells cultured under static conditions, showed plasma membrane depolarization and an oxidative burst with generation of ROS that was inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium. EGTA-inhibitable elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and NO were observed at ∼30 and 60 s after flow cessation, respectively. NO generation was decreased in the presence of inhibitors of NO synthase and calmodulin. Thus flow-adapted endothelial cells sense the altered hemodynamics associated with flow cessation and respond by plasma membrane depolarization, activation of NADPH oxidase, Ca2+ influx, and activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent NO synthase. This signaling response is unrelated to cellular anoxia.

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