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  • Title: Evidence in support of a role for Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in the hamster sperm acrosome reaction.
    Author: Llanos MN.
    Journal: J Exp Zool; 1994 Aug 01; 269(5):484-8. PubMed ID: 7520055.
    Abstract:
    The sperm acrosome reaction (AR) is a crucial step for mammalian fertilization. This work describes experiments to test the effect of the cesium ion (Cs+) and charybdotoxin (ChTX) on the Ca2+ or Na+/K+ ionophores stimulated hamster sperm AR in vitro. Cs+ and ChTX, a polypeptide toxin from the venom of the scorpion Leirus quinquestriatus, are considered blockers of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in several somatic cells. Both agents inhibited the AR by 55-66%. The inhibition was completely reversed by the Na+/K+ ionophore nigericin, but not by the Ca2+ ionophore A-23187. Results give evidence in support of a role for Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in K+ influx required for the occurrence of the hamster sperm acrosome reaction.
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