Male Contraception/Fundamental Mechanisms and Application
Session: Poster Session C
Ngozi O. Ibadin, MSc.
Graduate Student
Penn State University
University park, Pennsylvania, United States
This study explores the effects of potassium channel modulators on mouse sperm motility and function, focusing on two potassium channel inhibitors tetraethylammonium chloride (TEAC), pentamidine analogue-6 (PA-6) and a potassium ionophore (valinomycin). The results presented as mean ± SEM reveal a complex interplay between these modulators and various aspects of sperm function. Valinomycin emerged as the most potent inhibitor, significantly reducing both progressive (9.67±2.71, p=0.0066) and total motility (23.95±3.60, p=0.0303). While TEAC and PA-6 did not significantly affect these parameters (p= 0.3484 and p= 0.3389 respectively), all three modulators decreased sperm curvilinear velocity (TEAC, 38.71±5.61μm/s p=0.0277; PA-6, 33.85±4.00μm/s, p=0.0067; Valinomycin, 22.28±1.14μm/s, p=0.0002). Additionally, PA-6 and valinomycin reduced sperm hyperactivity (PA-6, 0.97±0.95, p=0.488 and Valinomycin 0.48±0.48, p= 0.0336), with valinomycin also compromising sperm membrane integrity (11.68±5.14, p=0.0254). These findings underscore the intricate role of potassium channels in regulating sperm function and motility. The differential effects observed among the modulators suggest that various types of potassium channels may contribute differently to sperm physiology. For example, PA-6 is a selective inhibitor of the KCNJX family of inward rectifier potassium channels which regulate membrane polarity. This research not only enhances our understanding of sperm biology but also has potential implications for addressing fertility issues and developing novel contraceptive approaches. By elucidating the specific impacts of potassium channel modulators on sperm function, this study paves the way for further investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm motility and fertilization capacity.