Protein kinase C is present in human sperm: possible role in flagellar motility

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1990 Sep;87(18):7305-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.87.18.7305.

Abstract

We report the presence of protein kinase C (PKC) in ejaculated human sperm as revealed by enzymatic activity assay and indirect immunohistochemistry. PKC is localized in the equatorial segment and in the principal piece of the tail. Addition of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate resulted in increased flagellar motility that was blocked by known PKC inhibitors such as sphingosine, staurosporine, and 1-(5-isoquinoylinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine. A very good correlation (r = 0.9, P less than 0.001) was found between the percentage of PKC-stained sperm cells and motility. We propose that PKC is involved in the regulation of flagellar motility in human sperm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine
  • Adult
  • Alkaloids / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Isoquinolines / pharmacology
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Piperazines / pharmacology
  • Protein Kinase C / analysis
  • Protein Kinase C / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protein Kinase C / metabolism*
  • Reference Values
  • Sperm Motility* / drug effects
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects
  • Spermatozoa / enzymology*
  • Spermatozoa / physiology
  • Sphingosine / pharmacology
  • Staurosporine
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / pharmacology

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Isoquinolines
  • Piperazines
  • 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine
  • Protein Kinase C
  • Staurosporine
  • Sphingosine
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate