Mammalian sperm contain a Ca(2+)-sensitive phospholipase C activity that can generate InsP(3) from PIP(2) associated with intracellular organelles.

Journal article

We have previously described a phospholipase C (PLC) activity in mammalian sperm cytosolic extracts. Here we have examined the Ca(2+) dependency of the enzyme, whether there is enough in a single sperm to account for Ca(2+) release at fertilization, and finally where in the egg is the phosphatidyl 4,5-bisphosphate, the substrate for the enzyme. As for all PLCs examined so far in vitro, we found that the boar sperm PLC activity was Ca(2+) dependent. Specific activity increased when free Ca(2+)...

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Authors: Rice, A; Parrington, J; Jones, K; Swann, K

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Developmental biology
• Volume: 228
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 125-135
• Publication date: 2000-12-01
• DOI: 10.1006/dbio.2000.9929
• EISSN: 1095-564X
• ISSN: 0012-1606
• Language: English
• Keywords: Biological Factors; Male; Xanthenes; Sea Urchins; Microscopy, Electron; Calcium; Oocytes; Cell Extracts; Spermatozoa; Aniline Compounds; Type C Phospholipases; Cell Fractionation; Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate; Swine; Organelles; Animals; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Calcium Signaling; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate