Cav2.3 (α1E) Ca2+ channel participates in the control of sperm function

To know the function of the Ca2+ channel containing a, 2 3 (alpha(1E)) subunit (Ca(v)2.3 channel) in spermatozo we analyzed Ca2+ transients and sperm motility using a mouse strain lacking Ca(v)2.3 channel. The averaged rising rates of Ca2+ transients induced by alpha-D-mannose-bovine serum albumin in the head region of Ca(v)2.3-/- sperm were significantly lower than those of Ca(v)2.3+/+ sperm. A computer-assisted sperm motility assay revealed that straight-line velocity and linearity were greater in Ca(v)2.3-/- sperm than those in Ca(v)2.3+/+ sperm. These results suggest that the Ca(v)2.3 channel plays some roles in Ca2+ transients and the control of flagellar movement. (C) 2002 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.