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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
05:44
Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca2+-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm
Published on: March 1, 2019
8.8K
Ketamine inhibits human sperm function by Ca(2+)-related mechanism
Yuanqiao He1, Qianxing Zou2, Bingda Li3
1Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China; Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China.
Summary
Ketamine abuse negatively impacts human sperm function, reducing motility and acrosome reaction by decreasing intracellular calcium via CatSper channel inhibition.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ketamine, an anesthetic, is misused recreationally, causing organ damage.
- Known effects include nervous and urinary system damage.
- Potential impairment of the male reproductive system requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of ketamine on human sperm functions.
- To elucidate the mechanism underlying ketamine's impact on sperm.
Main Methods:
- Human sperm were treated in vitro with varying ketamine concentrations (0-1 g/L).
- Sperm motility, viability, capacitation, and acrosome reaction were assessed.
- Intracellular calcium concentration and CatSper channel currents were measured.
Main Results:
- Ketamine (0.25-1 g/L) inhibited sperm motility and velocity dose-dependently.
- Sperm penetration ability and progesterone-induced acrosome reaction were significantly reduced.
- Ketamine decreased intracellular calcium and inhibited CatSper channel currents dose-dependently.
Conclusions:
- Ketamine impairs human sperm function, affecting motility and acrosome reaction.
- The mechanism involves reduced intracellular calcium due to CatSper channel inhibition.
- This highlights ketamine's potential toxicity to male fertility.
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