Acidification of the male reproductive tract by a proton pumping(H+)-ATPase

Abstract

An acidic luminal pH (ref. 1–3) is involved in sperm maturation, and in maintaining sperm in an immotile state in the epididymis and vas deferens2,4–6. Neutralization by prostatic fluid is one of a complex series of events that triggers sperm motility2,7,8. Failure of the acidification mechanism might, therefore, result in poor sperm maturation, premature motility and infertility. We have shown that a vacuolar (H+)–ATPase is expressed at high levels on the luminal plasma membrane of specialized cells in the epididymis9, which closely resemble acid–secreting kidney intercalated cells10,11. We now show that similar cells are also present in the vas deferens, and that a bafilomycin–sensitive proton flux can be detected using a noninvasive proton–selective vibrating probe. Up to 80% of the net proton secretion in the vas deferens is inhibited by bafilomycin, consistent with a major role of a vacuolar–type (H+)–ATPase in this process. This acidification mechanism is a potential target for novel strategies aimed at modulating the acidification capacity of parts of the male reproductive tract and, therefore, in regulating male fertility.

Cite this article

Breton, S., Smith, P., Lui, B. et al. Acidification of the male reproductive tract by a proton pumping(H⁺)-ATPase. Nat Med 2, 470–472 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1038/nm0496-470

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