Defining the roles of Ca2+ — permeable channels in sperm

Abstract

Ion channels exert a vital role in the dialogue between male and female gametes and thus in the generation of new individuals in many species. Intracellular Ca 2+ is possibly the key messenger between gametes. Different Ca 2+ -permeable channels have been detected in the plasma membrane and in the organelle-like acrosome membrane of sperm, which play vital roles in determining sperm fertilizing ability. Recent reports from several laboratories have adequately documented that the Ca 2+ -permeable channels of a sperm control a variety of functions ranging from motility to the acrosome reaction. In this article, we have reviewed the data from our and other laboratories, and have documented the mechanisms of different Ca 2+ -permeable channels involved in the fertilization event.