Using an Extracellular Flux Analyzer to Measure Changes in Glycolysis and Oxidative Phosphorylation during Mouse Sperm Capacitation.

TitleUsing an Extracellular Flux Analyzer to Measure Changes in Glycolysis and Oxidative Phosphorylation during Mouse Sperm Capacitation.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsBalbach M, Buck J, Levin LR
JournalJ Vis Exp
Issue155
Date Published2020 01 22
ISSN1940-087X
KeywordsAnimals, Glycolysis, Male, Metabolic Flux Analysis, Mice, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Sperm Capacitation
Abstract

Mammalian sperm acquire fertilization capacity in the female reproductive tract in a process known as capacitation. Capacitation-associated processes require energy. There remains an ongoing debate about the sources generating the ATP which fuels sperm progressive motility, capacitation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction. Here, we describe the application of an extracellular flux analyzer as a tool to analyze changes in energy metabolism during mouse sperm capacitation. Using H- and O2- sensitive fluorophores, this method allows monitoring glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in real-time in non-capacitated versus capacitating sperm. Using this assay in the presence of different energy substrates and/or pharmacological activators and/or inhibitors can provide important insights into the contribution of different metabolic pathways and the intersection between signaling cascades and metabolism during sperm capacitation.

DOI10.3791/60815
Alternate JournalJ Vis Exp
PubMed ID32065141