pH稳态对精子发生至关重要,精子成熟,精子生理功能,哺乳动物的受精。HCO3-和H是调节男性生殖系统pH稳态的最重要因素。多个pH调节转运蛋白和离子通道位于睾丸中,附睾,精子,如HCO3-转运蛋白(溶质载体家族4和溶质载体家族26转运蛋白),碳酸酐酶,和H+转运通道和酶(例如,Na+-H+交换器,单羧酸盐转运蛋白,H+-ATP酶,和电压门控质子通道)。激素介导的信号对某些HCO3-或H+转运蛋白的产生有影响,如NBCe1、SLC4A2、MCT4等。此外,离子通道,包括精子特异性阳离子通道Ca2+(CatSper)和K+(SLO3)直接或间接受pH调节,对精子施加特定作用。微碱性的睾丸酸碱度有利于精子发生,而附睾的低HCO3-浓度和酸性管腔有利于精子成熟和储存。精子与精液融合后,pH值大大增加,以增强运动性。在女性生殖道,精子在子宫和输卵管中的HCO3-浓度增加,导致精子的细胞内pH(pHi)升高,导致精子质膜超极化,获能,过度激活,顶体反应,最终受精。由SLC26A3,SLC26A8,NHA1,sNHE,而位于精子中的CFTR被证明与男性生育能力有关。本文旨在介绍睾丸中pHi调控的关键因素和特点,输出管,附睾,精液,和女性生殖道,以及精子受精过程中的相关机制,提出对优秀学科和未来研究趋势的见解。
pH homeostasis is crucial for spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, sperm physiological function, and fertilization in mammals. HCO3- and H+ are the most significant factors involved in regulating pH homeostasis in the male reproductive system. Multiple pH-regulating transporters and ion channels localize in the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa, such as HCO3- transporters (solute carrier family 4 and solute carrier family 26 transporters), carbonic anhydrases, and H+-transport channels and enzymes (e.g., Na+-H+ exchangers, monocarboxylate transporters, H+-ATPases, and voltage-gated proton channels). Hormone-mediated signals impose an influence on the production of some HCO3- or H+ transporters, such as NBCe1, SLC4A2, MCT4, etc. Additionally, ion channels including sperm-specific cationic channels for Ca2+ (CatSper) and K+ (SLO3) are directly or indirectly regulated by pH, exerting specific actions on spermatozoa. The slightly alkaline testicular pH is conducive to spermatogenesis, whereas the epididymis\'s low HCO3- concentration and acidic lumen are favorable for sperm maturation and storage. Spermatozoa pH increases substantially after being fused with seminal fluid to enhance motility. In the female reproductive tract, sperm are subjected to increasing concentrations of HCO3- in the uterine and fallopian tube, causing a rise in the intracellular pH (pHi) of spermatozoa, leading to hyperpolarization of sperm plasma membranes, capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and ultimately fertilization. The physiological regulation initiated by SLC26A3, SLC26A8, NHA1, sNHE, and CFTR localized in sperm is proven for certain to be involved in male fertility. This review intends to present the key factors and characteristics of pHi regulation in the testes, efferent duct, epididymis, seminal fluid, and female reproductive tract, as well as the associated mechanisms during the sperm journey to fertilization, proposing insights into outstanding subjects and future research trends.