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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca2+-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm

Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca²⁺-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm

Published on: March 1, 2019

PACAP-mediated sperm-cumulus cell interaction promotes fertilization.

Ichiro Tanii¹, Tadashi Aradate, Kouhei Matsuda

¹Department of Medical Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.

Reproduction (Cambridge, England)

|November 13, 2010

Summary

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in sperm enhances fertilization. PACAP stimulates cumulus cells to release factors that improve sperm motility and the acrosome reaction, promoting successful fertilization.

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Published on: January 22, 2020

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Molecular Endocrinology
Cellular Signaling

Background:

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is present in developing spermatids but its role in mature sperm is unclear.
Previous studies have not detected acrosomal PACAP in mature sperm, leaving its function at fertilization unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the presence and function of PACAP in sperm and its role in the fertilization process.
To determine if PACAP influences cumulus-oocyte complexes and sperm function.

Main Methods:

Immunolabeling and RT-PCR to detect PACAP and its receptor in sperm and cumulus cells.
Fertilization assays using pretreated cumulus-oocyte complexes and low sperm concentrations.
Measurement of sperm motility, zona pellucida penetration, and progesterone secretion.

Main Results:

PACAP was detected in the anterior acrosome of epididymal sperm.
PACAP significantly enhanced fertilization rates in a dose-dependent manner at low sperm concentrations.
PACAP promoted sperm penetration through cumulus layers and zona pellucida, likely by enhancing motility and the acrosome reaction.

Conclusions:

PACAP in sperm plays a crucial role in promoting fertilization.
PACAP acts on cumulus cells, stimulating the release of factors that enhance sperm function.
This PACAP-mediated signaling pathway is vital for successful sperm-oocyte interaction.