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Calcium antagonists modulate oxidative stress and acrosomal reaction in rat spermatozoa

Ayodele Morakinyo1, Bolanle Iranloye, Olufeyisipe Adegoke

  • 1Department of Physiology, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Archives of Medical Science : AMS
|February 1, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Calcium antagonists induce male infertility by causing oxidative stress in sperm, impairing the acrosome reaction. This study investigated nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem effects on sperm oxidative balance and acrosomal function.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Toxicology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Calcium ions are crucial intracellular messengers involved in numerous biological processes.
  • Drugs interfering with calcium ions can have diverse biological effects.
  • Calcium antagonists (CA) may induce male infertility, even with normal semen parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of specific calcium antagonists (nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem) on sperm oxidative balance.
  • To examine the impact of these CA on the sperm acrosome reaction.
  • To understand the cellular mechanisms underlying CA-induced male infertility.

Main Methods:

  • Sperm samples from rats were analyzed for lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione).
  • The acrosome reaction was assessed in sperm samples.
  • Effects of nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem were compared to a control group.

Main Results:

  • Calcium antagonists significantly increased oxidative stress in epididymal sperm, evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde levels.
  • Antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase) were decreased in CA-treated sperm.
  • The percentage of acrosomal-reacted sperm was significantly reduced in rats treated with nifedipine (41%), verapamil (39%), and diltiazem (42%) compared to controls (86%).

Conclusions:

  • Calcium antagonists induce oxidative modification of sperm, leading to functional inhibition of the acrosome reaction.
  • Suppression of the sperm acrosome reaction has adverse implications for male fertility and fertilization.
  • These findings highlight a potential mechanism for CA-induced infertility.
Keywords:
acrosomal reactioncalcium antagonistlipid peroxidationreactive oxygen speciessperm

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