1. pH Homeodynamics and Male Fertility: A Coordinated Regulation of Acid-Based Balance during Sperm Journey to Fertilization.
- Author
-
Dai P, Zou M, Cai Z, Zeng X, Zhang X, and Liang M
- Subjects
- Male, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Humans, Animals, Fertility physiology, Female, Spermatogenesis physiology, Homeostasis, Sperm Motility physiology, Spermatozoa metabolism, Spermatozoa physiology, Fertilization physiology
- Abstract
pH homeostasis is crucial for spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, sperm physiological function, and fertilization in mammals. HCO
3 - are the most significant factors involved in regulating pH homeostasis in the male reproductive system. Multiple pH-regulating transporters and ion channels localize in the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa, such as HCO+ are the most significant factors involved in regulating pH homeostasis in the male reproductive system. Multiple pH-regulating transporters and ion channels localize in the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa, such as HCO3 - transporters (solute carrier family 4 and solute carrier family 26 transporters), carbonic anhydrases, and H+ -transport channels and enzymes (e.g., Na+ -H+ exchangers, monocarboxylate transporters, H+ -ATPases, and voltage-gated proton channels). Hormone-mediated signals impose an influence on the production of some HCO3 - (SLO3) are directly or indirectly regulated by pH, exerting specific actions on spermatozoa. The slightly alkaline testicular pH is conducive to spermatogenesis, whereas the epididymis's low HCO+ concentration and acidic lumen are favorable for sperm maturation and storage. Spermatozoa pH increases substantially after being fused with seminal fluid to enhance motility. In the female reproductive tract, sperm are subjected to increasing concentrations of HCO2+ (CatSper) and K+ ) of spermatozoa, leading to hyperpolarization of sperm plasma membranes, capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and ultimately fertilization. The physiological regulation initiated by SLC26A3, SLC26A8, NHA1, sNHE, and CFTR localized in sperm is proven for certain to be involved in male fertility. This review intends to present the key factors and characteristics of pH3 - concentration and acidic lumen are favorable for sperm maturation and storage. Spermatozoa pH increases substantially after being fused with seminal fluid to enhance motility. In the female reproductive tract, sperm are subjected to increasing concentrations of HCO3 - in the uterine and fallopian tube, causing a rise in the intracellular pH (pHi ) of spermatozoa, leading to hyperpolarization of sperm plasma membranes, capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and ultimately fertilization. The physiological regulation initiated by SLC26A3, SLC26A8, NHA1, sNHE, and CFTR localized in sperm is proven for certain to be involved in male fertility. This review intends to present the key factors and characteristics of pHi regulation in the testes, efferent duct, epididymis, seminal fluid, and female reproductive tract, as well as the associated mechanisms during the sperm journey to fertilization, proposing insights into outstanding subjects and future research trends.- Published
- 2024
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