Ion channels regulate the membrane potential and intracellular ionic concentration and thus
serve a central role in various cellular processes. Several ion channels have been identified …

Ion channels control the sperm ability to fertilize the egg by regulating sperm maturation in
the female reproductive tract and by triggering key sperm physiological responses required …

BACKGROUND Intensive research on sperm ion channels has identified members of
several ion channel families in both mouse and human sperm. Gene knock-out studies have …

Mammalian sperm cells must respond to cues originating from along the female
reproductive tract and from the layers of the egg in order to complete their fertilization …

Sperm motility is linked to the activation of signaling pathways that trigger movement. These
pathways are mainly dependent on Ca2+, which acts as a secondary messenger. The …

Sexually reproducing animals require an orchestrated communication between
spermatozoa and the egg to generate a new individual. Capacitation, a maturational …

Investigation of ion channel biology continues to be an ever-expanding field of research.
The ability of ion channels to regulate membrane potential and intracellular ionic milieu …

Fertilization is a matter of life or death. In animals of sexual reproduction, the appropriate
communication between mature and competent male and female gametes determines the …

Upon ejaculation, mammalian spermatozoa have to undergo a sequence of physiological
transformations within the female reproductive tract that will allow them to reach and fertilize …

Elevations of sperm intracellular pH and Ca2+ regulate sperm motility, chemotaxis,
capacitation and the acrosome reaction, and play a vital role in the ability of the sperm cell to …