The effect of 12-myristate 13-acetate phorbol ester on human sperm hyperactivation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether 12-myristate 13-acetate phorbol ester (PMA) can increase hyperactivated motility of human sperm.


METHODS
A controlled pharmacological study using computer-assisted semen analysis.


METHODS
Andrology laboratory in a medical research institution.


METHODS
Normal semen was obtained from 48 men.


METHODS
Washed sperm were exposed to different concentrations of PMA alone or with P and pentoxifylline (PTX) for up to 2 hours and sperm motility measured by a computer-assisted semen analyzer.


METHODS
The percentage of sperm with hyperactivated motility was determined from the motility parameters: curvilinear velocity, linearity, and maximum amplitude of lateral head displacement.


RESULTS
Phorbol ester PMA increased hyperactivated motility in a dose- and time-dependent manner. At 1 hour, the average increases in hyperactivated motility were as follows: 2 microM, 4.8% +/- 1.5%; 6 microM, 9.6% +/- 1.5%; and 20 microM, 11.3% +/- 2.2%. The PMA effect was not altered when P or PTX were added although each separately had a positive effect on hyperactivation.


CONCLUSIONS
Phorbol ester PMA stimulates human sperm hyperactivated motility, indicating the involvement of protein kinase C in the signal transduction pathway.
Zhang
Z
Z
Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton.
Baker
H W
HW
D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000378:metabolism; D012016:Reference Values; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
D011493:Protein Kinase C; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; D010431:Pentoxifylline