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Review
. 2018 Jun;11(6):852-858.
doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.852-858. Epub 2018 Jun 26.

Insights into pH regulatory mechanisms in mediating spermatozoa functions

Abhishek Kumar Mishra  1 , Akshay Kumar  2 , Dilip Kumar Swain  3 , Sarvajeet Yadav  3 , Rajesh Nigam  1
Affiliations
Review

Insights into pH regulatory mechanisms in mediating spermatozoa functions

Abhishek Kumar Mishra et al. Vet World. 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Regulation of pH in spermatozoa is a complex and dynamic process as sperm cells encounter different pH gradients during their journey from testes to the site of fertilization in female genital tract. The precise regulations of pH in sperm cells regulate the sperm functions such as motility, hyperactivity, capacitation, and acrosome reaction. Electrophysiological, pharmacological, and molecular studies have revealed the presence of different ion channels and exchanger systems which regulate intracellular pH in sperm cells as well as regulate sperm functions. Recent studies also have shown the potential involvement of pH in the regulation of fertility competence of sperm cells, and alterations in pH have shown to impede sperm functions. This mini-review discusses the probable mechanisms involved in pH regulation in sperm cells and how pH is involved in regulation of various sperm functions.

Keywords: acrosome reaction; capacitation; fertilization; pH; sperm motility; spermatozoa.

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Figures

Figure-1
Figure-1
Different pH gradient in male and female genital tract implying a varying pH gradient for spermatozoa (Picture Courtesy: DKS, AKM and AK).
Figure-2
Figure-2
Schematic insight to regulation of pH in spermatozoa as well as dynamic signaling pathways in spermatozoa in terms of pH-dependent mechanism. Appropriate intracellular pH is required for sperm functions to achieve successful fertilization to achieve successful fertilization. Regulation of Η+ influx is mediated by HCO3−, influx. Voltage-gated proton channel, Na+/H+ exchanger Na+/HCO3−co-transport, and CI−/HCO3− exchanger (SLC26A3) are responsible for HCO3− influx, so Na+ and CI− are indirectly involved in pH regulation. Progesterone hormone binds to non-genomic receptor and is dependent on pH. With influx of HCO3− and Ca++, enzyme-soluble adenylyl cyclase is activated which leads to increased generation of cyclic adenosine 3’,5’-monophosphate and subsequent increased protein kinase A (PKA) activity. Increased PKA activity leads to phosphorylation of tyrosine-containing protein on spermatozoa which are the key players behind the induction of capacitation/hyperactivation. Eventually, these events mediate interaction of spermatozoa with oocyte resulting in fertilization. The action of progesterone is pH dependent and occurs in a dose-dependent manner (Picture Courtesy: AKM, AK and DKS).
Figure-3
Figure-3
Regulation of sperm intracellular pH through three different mechanisms (Picture Courtesy: AKM, AK and DKS).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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