Human Sperm Remain Motile After a Temporary Energy Restriction but do Not Undergo Capacitation-Related Events

• DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.777086
• Publication Date: 2021-11-12T05:39:47Z
• Authors: Clara I. Marín-Br...; Guillermina M. Luque; María G. Gervasi; Natalia Oscoz-Susino; Jessica M. Sierra; Carolina Mondillo; Ana M. Salicioni; Darío Krapf; Pablo E. Visconti; Mariano G. Buffone
• Keywords: Hyperactivation; Capacitation

To acquire fertilization competence, mammalian sperm must undergo several biochemical and physiological modifications known as capacitation. Despite its relevance, the metabolic pathways that regulate capacitation-related events, including development of hyperactivated motility, are still poorly described. Previous studies from our group have shown temporary energy restriction in mouse enhanced hyperactivation, vitro fertilization, early embryo pregnancy rates after transfer, it improved intracytoplasmic injection results bovine model. However, effects starvation recovery protocols on human function not yet been established. In present work, were incubated for different periods time medium containing glucose, pyruvate lactate (NUTR) or devoid nutrients starving condition (STRV). Sperm maintained STRV displayed reduced percentages motility kinematic parameters compared to cells NUTR medium. Moreover, they did hyperactivation showed levels ATP, cAMP protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Similar with sperm, induced increased intracellular Ca 2+ concentrations. Starved capable continue moving more than 27 h, but incubation a mitochondrial uncoupler inhibitors oxidative phosphorylation led complete loss. When exogenous added back (sperm (SER) treatment), was rescued there rise ATP 1 min, decrease concentration no changes The finding can remain motile hours under due use endogenous metabolites implies other may play role production. addition, full capacitation SER suggests this treatment might be used modulate fertilizing ability .