Secretory pathway Ca(2+)-ATPase (SPCA1) Ca(2)+ pumps, not SERCAs, regulate complex [Ca(2+)](i) signals in human spermatozoa

Claire Harper, Laura Wootton, Francesco Michelangeli, Linda Lefièvre, Christopher Barratt, Stephen Publicover

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitors thapsigargin (0.1-1 microM) and cyclopiazonic acid (10 microM), failed to affect resting [Ca(2+)] in human spermatozoa. Slow progesterone-induced [Ca(2+ i)](i) oscillations in human spermatozoa, which involve cyclic emptying-refilling of an intracellular Ca(2+) store were also insensitive to these inhibitors. Non-selective doses of thapsigargin (5-30 microM, 50-300 times the saturating dose for SERCA inhibition), caused elevation of resting [Ca(2+)](i) and partial, dose-dependent disruption of oscillations. A 10-40 microM concentration of bis(2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-phenyl)methane (bis-phenol), which inhibits both thapsigargin-sensitive and -insensitive microsomal Ca(2+) ATPases, caused elevation of resting [Ca(2+)](i) and inhibition of [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations at doses consistent with inhibition of thapsigargin-resistant, microsomal ATPase and liberation of stored Ca(2+). Low doses of bis-phenol had marked effects on [Ca(2+)](i) oscillation kinetics. Application of the drug to cells previously stimulated with progesterone had effects very similar to those observed when it was applied to unstimulated cells, suggesting that the sustained Ca(2+) influx induced by progesterone is not mediated via mobilisation of Ca(2+) stores. Western blotting for human sperm proteins showed expression of secretory pathway Ca(2+) ATPase (SPCA1). Immunolocalisation studies revealed expression of SPCA1 in all cells in an area behind the nucleus, extending into the midpiece. Staining for SERCA, carried out in parallel, detected no expression with either technique. We conclude that: (1) intracellular Ca(2+) store(s) and store-dependent [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in human spermatozoa rely primarily on a thapsigargin/cyclopiazonic acid-insensitive Ca(2+) pump, which is not a SERCA as characterised in somatic cells; (2) effects of high-dose thapsigargin on spermatozoa primarily reflect non-specific actions on non-SERCAs and; (3) secretory pathway Ca(2+) ATPases contribute at least part of this non-SERCA Ca(2+) pump activity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1673-85
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Cell Science
Volume118
Issue numberPt 8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Apr 2005

Keywords

  • Butylated Hydroxytoluene/analogs & derivatives
  • Calcium/metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling/drug effects
  • Calcium-Transporting ATPases/antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cell Compartmentation/drug effects
  • Cell Membrane/drug effects
  • Cytoplasm/metabolism
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Intracellular Fluid/metabolism
  • Male
  • Manganese/metabolism
  • Progesterone/pharmacology
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases
  • Spermatozoa/drug effects
  • Thapsigargin/pharmacology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Secretory pathway Ca(2+)-ATPase (SPCA1) Ca(2)+ pumps, not SERCAs, regulate complex [Ca(2+)](i) signals in human spermatozoa'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this