The antidepressant Sertraline inhibits CatSper Ca2+ channels in human sperm

AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONDo selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants affect the function of human sperm?SUMMARY ANSWERThe SSRI antidepressant Sertraline (e.g. Zoloft) inhibits the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper and affects human sperm functionin vitro.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYIn human sperm, CatSper translates changes of the chemical microenvironment into changes of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and swimming behavior. CatSper is promiscuously activated by oviductal ligands, but also by synthetic chemicals that might disturb the fertilization process. It is well known that SSRIs have off-target actions on Ca2+, Na+ and K+ channels in somatic cells. Whether SSRIs affect the activity of CatSper is, however, unknown.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONWe studied the action of the seven drugs belonging to the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants, SSRIs, on resting [Ca2+]i and Ca2+ influx via CatSper in human sperm. The SSRI Sertraline was selected for in-depth analysis of its action on steroid-, prostaglandin-, pH- and voltage-activation of human CatSper. Moreover, the action of Sertraline on sperm acrosomal exocytosis and penetration into viscous media was evaluated.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSThe activity of CatSper was investigated in sperm of healthy volunteers, using kinetic Ca2+ fluorimetry and patch-clamp recordings. Acrosomal exocytosis was investigated usingPisum sativum agglutinin and image cytometry. Sperm penetration...
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research