ISSN:
0886-1544
Keywords:
motion analysis
;
sperm activation
;
K+inhibition
;
Fluo-3
;
eukaryotic flagella
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
We investigated the swimming patterns of trout sperm using computer-assisted analyses of video microscopy. Under full activation conditions, in which 80-100% of sperm activate their motility, sperm swim in circular paths for 2-5 sec, followed by 30-60 sec of a more linear swimming, and, finally, cessation of movement, with a straightening of the flagella. Threshold activation, in which 50% of the sperm activate, is characterized by circular patterns of swimming for less than 20 sec, with straightened flagella upon cessation. Full activation and threshold activation are observed in low-K+ solution or in an Mg++ -supplemented K+ solution. Similarities in swimming patterns in low-K+ solution and in a Mg++ -supplemented K+ solution suggest a common underlying mechanism of activation. Initiation of movement in solutions with high Ca++ to K+ ratio is similar to activation in K+ -free solution. However, sperm in Ca++ -supplemented media resume circular swimming within 20-25 sec after activation, and, upon cessation of movement, the flagella are frequently cane shaped or bent. Differences in swimming patterns upon activation by high Ca++ concentration suggest additional effects of Ca++ on regulating swimming patterns. We used the fluorescent Ca++ indicator Fluo-3 to measure changes in intracellular Ca++ concentration upon activation. Intracellular Ca++ concentration transiently increases upon activation, with peak Ca++ concentration coinciding with the period of circular swimming. This transient increase in Ca++ concentration is seen in the absence of external Ca++, providing strong evidence for the released of Ca++ from intracellular stores upon activation.
Additional Material:
5 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cm.970210109
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