Calcium channels: Unisex contraceptives?

An unusual sperm cation channel has been characterized. CatSper (cation channel of sperm) is located in the sperm tail, and targeted elimination of its gene results in poor sperm motility and infertility. The CatSper gene is a possible target for male infertility screening and treatment. And, as the gene is expressed only in sperm, a specific blocker might be an effective and safe contraceptive. Uniquely, this contraceptive might be taken by either men or women.

A sperm ion channel required for sperm motility and male fertility
DEJIAN REN, BETSY NAVARRO, GLORIA PEREZ, ALEXANDER C. JACKSON, SHYUEFANG HSU, QING SHI, JONATHAN L. TILLY & DAVID E. CLAPHAM
Nature 413, 603-609 (11 October 2001)
| Summary | Full Text | PDF (550 K) |

Ion channels: Swimming with sperm
DAVID L. GARBERS
Mice become infertile if they lack the gene encoding a newly discovered sperm-specific ion channel. Sperm are produced in normal quantities, but have trouble moving.
Nature 413, 579-582 (11 October 2001)
| Full Text | PDF (207 K) |

Unisex contraceptive tailed

11 October 2001 table of contents