Role of V-ATPase-rich cells in acidification of the male reproductive tract.

摘要: Specialized proton-secreting cells play important physiological roles in a variety of tissues. On the basis immunocytochemical detection carbonic anhydrase and V-ATPase distinct epithelial epididymis vas deferens, we predicted that vacuolar is located on apical membrane these should be major contributor to luminal acidification parts male reproductive tract. Physiological studies using proton-selective vibrating probe deferens confirmed this hypothesis. As discussed recently, maintenance pH tract probably under tight control, by analogy with situation kidney. Manipulation might, therefore, provide point intervention for regulation fertility. In addition, it possible some cases unexplained infertility might result from defective acidification, resulting either pathological states or potentially environmental factors may inhibit proton secretory pathways.