Decapacitation factors in semen.
Decapacitation factors are components of seminal plasma which modulate the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa. This activity arises from the interaction between cholesterol, phospholipids and a fibronectin-like substance and is delivered via small vesicles in seminal plasma. Its function is to prevent the premature onset of the cascade mechanism known as capacitation and this is achieved through spermatozoal membrane stabilization by maintaining a physiological cholesterol/phospholipid ratio. The study of decapacitation factors may throw light on the aetiology of some forms of hitherto unexplained male infertility and may provide the basis of a specific and reversible method of male contraception.
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000032:analysis*; D013075:Sperm Capacitation; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology