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Anion channels in the sea urchin sperm plasma membrane
Author(s) -
Morales Ezequiel,
De La Torre Lucia,
Moy Gary W.,
Vacquier Victor D.,
Darszon Alberto
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.1080360208
Subject(s) - biology , sea urchin , sperm , microbiology and biotechnology , zoology , botany
Ionic fluxes in sea urchin sperm plasma membrane regulate cell motility and the acrosome reaction (AR). Although cationic channels mediate some of the ionic movements, little is known about anion channels in these cells. The fusion of sperm plasma membranes into lipid bilayers allowed identification of a 150 pS anion channel. This anion channel was enriched from detergent‐solubilized sperm plasma membranes using a wheat germ agglutinin Sepharose column. Vesicles formed from this preparation were fused into black lipid membranes (BLM), yielding single channel anion‐selective activity with the properties of those found in the sperm membranes. The following anion selectivity sequence was found: NO 3 − > CNS − > Br − > CI − . This anion channel has a high open probability at the holding potentials tested, it is partially blocked by 4,4′‐diisothiocyano‐2,2′ ‐stilbendisulfonic acid (DIDS), and it often displays substates. The sperm AR was also inhibited by DIDS. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.