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Author Spotlight: A Live Cell Imaging Technique to Study Calcium Signaling and Acrosome Exocytosis in Mouse Sperm
Published on: October 13, 2023
Effect of Akti-2 on sperm motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction in a mouse model
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the Akt inhibitor, Akti-2, on the sperm motility and acrosome reaction in mice. Mature sperms from the adult mice, aged 8 weeks, were co-incubated with Akti-2 for ~30 min at 37°C in 5% CO2, and the sperm viability was assessed by eosin-nigrosin staining. The sperm total and progressive motility were analyzed by computer-aided sperm analysis. In addition, the acrosome reaction of sperms was detected by the acid phosphatase assay, Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining and fluorescein-isothiocyanate conjugated pisum sativum lectin staining, respectively. Compared with the control (dimethyl sulfoxide), Akti-2 had no effect on sperm viability, but it suppressed the total and progressive motility significantly. Furthermore, the capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the acrosome reaction induced by calcium ionophore A23187 could be suppressed by Akti-2. These experiments confirmed that Akti-2 significantly impaired the sperm functions, including motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction, and provide the proof for its potential in male reproductive toxicity.
Insights
The Akt inhibitor Akti-2 significantly impairs mouse sperm motility and acrosome reaction without affecting viability. This suggests Akti-2 has potential for male reproductive toxicity, impacting sperm function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sperm function is crucial for male fertility.
- Understanding molecular mechanisms affecting sperm is vital for reproductive health.
- Akt signaling pathways play a role in sperm function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of the Akt inhibitor, Akti-2, on mouse sperm motility and acrosome reaction.
- To assess the potential of Akti-2 in causing male reproductive toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Sperm from adult mice were co-incubated with Akti-2.
- Sperm viability was assessed using eosin-nigrosin staining.
- Motility was analyzed via computer-aided sperm analysis.
- Acrosome reaction was detected using acid phosphatase assay and specific staining techniques.
Main Results:
- Akti-2 did not affect sperm viability.
- Akti-2 significantly suppressed total and progressive sperm motility.
- Akti-2 inhibited capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation.
- Akti-2 suppressed the acrosome reaction induced by calcium ionophore A23187.
Conclusions:
- Akti-2 significantly impairs key sperm functions, including motility, capacitation, and acrosome reaction.
- These findings provide evidence for the potential male reproductive toxicity of Akti-2.
- Further research into Akt inhibitors is warranted for reproductive health assessment.
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