The Physiology of Bicarbonate Transporters in Mammalian Reproduction

• Published in: Biology of reproduction Vol. 86; no. 4; p. 99
• Main Authors: YING LIU, WANG, Deng-Ke, CHEN, Li-Ming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Madison, WI Society for the Study of Reproduction 01.04.2012
• Subjects: Acid-Base Equilibrium - physiology; Animals; Anion Transport Proteins - metabolism; Bicarbonates - metabolism; Biological and medical sciences; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator - metabolism; Epithelium - metabolism; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genitalia - metabolism; Humans; Ion Channels - metabolism; Ion Pumps - metabolism; Ion Transport; Male; Mammals - metabolism; Membrane Transport Proteins - metabolism; Reproduction - physiology; Sodium-Bicarbonate Symporters - metabolism; Vertebrates: reproduction; Spermatozoa; sperm capacitation; Germinal cell; Fecundation; pH regulation; Male genital system; Hydrogencarbonates; Vertebrata; Spermatozoid capacitation; Reproduction; Mammalia; pH; male reproductive tract; epithelia; Carrier protein; acid-base transporter
• ISSN: 0006-3363; 1529-7268
• DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.096826

HCO(3)(-) plays critically important roles during virtually the entire process of reproduction in mammals, including spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, fertilization, and development of early stage embryos. Therefore, the acid-base balance in the male and female reproductive tracts must be finely modulated. The fluid milieu in the epididymis is acidic, containing very low concentration of HCO(3)(-). In this acidic low HCO(3)(-) environment, mature sperm are rendered quiescent in the epididymis. In contrast, the luminal fluid in the female uterus and oviduct is alkaline, with very high concentration of HCO(3)(-) that is essential for sperm to fulfill fertilization. HCO(3)(-) transporter of solute carrier 4 (SLC4) and SLC26 families represent the major carriers for HCO(3)(-) transport across the plasma membrane. These transporters play critical roles in intracellular pH regulation and transepithelial HCO(3)(-) transport. The physiological roles of these transporters in mammalian reproduction are of fundamental interest to investigators. Here we review recent progress in understanding the expression of HCO(3)(-) transporters in reproductive tract tissues as well as the physiological roles of these transporters in mammalian reproduction.