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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
08:58
Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes
Published on: November 28, 2018
Metal ions and human sperm mannose receptors
S Benoff1, G W Cooper, G M Centola
1Center for Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Shore University Hospital-New York University School of Medicine, Manhasset 11030, USA. sbenoff@nshs.edu
Andrologia
|October 6, 2000
Summary
Mannose receptor expression on sperm is a biomarker for metal and toxicant effects on fertility. Higher zinc levels boost expression, while lead decreases it, impacting sperm function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Seminal plasma metal and toxicant levels can impact sperm function and fertility.
- Mannose receptor expression on sperm is a potential indicator of cellular stress and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between seminal plasma zinc and lead levels and mannose receptor expression in human spermatozoa.
- To explore the effects of various metal ions and toxicants on mannose receptor expression and sperm channel localization.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of zinc and lead in seminal plasma from fertile and infertile men.
- In vitro incubation of spermatozoa with metal ions and toxicants.
- Correlation analysis of mannose receptor expression with metal/toxicant levels.
- Localization studies of ion channels in relation to metal ions.
Main Results:
- Mannose receptor expression increased with seminal plasma zinc and decreased with lead.
- Nickel showed a concentration-dependent biphasic effect on mannose receptor expression.
- Dibromoethane and dibromochloropropane affected mannose receptor expression in low-cholesterol spermatozoa.
- Potassium channels co-localized with lead ions, while calcium channels co-localized with zinc ions.
Conclusions:
- Mannose receptor expression serves as a biomarker for the impact of metals and toxicants on sperm fertility potential.
- Metal ion and toxicant exposure significantly influences sperm membrane properties and receptor expression.
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