[Molecular identification of Ca2+ channels in human ejaculated sperm].
OBJECTIVE
To identify the types of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) in human ejaculated sperm using molecular technology.


METHODS
Based on the WHO criteria, the donated semen was screened by computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA), the sperm optimized by swim-up method, and the VDCCs' alpha1 subunits examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).


RESULTS
Such mRNA messages as alpha1H, alpha1G, alpha1E, alpha1B and alpha1C were detected, but alpha1A and alpha1D were not.


CONCLUSIONS
Human motile sperms express multiple VDCC RNAs, among which T-type and non-L-type channel messages are likely to be predominantly expressed. Not only T-type but also non-L-type calcium channels may be major gates for the external calcium influx, which helps regulate sperm motility and acrosome reaction.
Li
Lu
L
Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
Liu
Ji-Hong
JH
Li
Jia-Gui
JG
Ye
Zhang-Qun
ZQ
Wang
Xiu-Lai
XL
D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*
D015220:Calcium Channels; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D002118:Calcium