Effect of HeNe laser on calcium signals in sperm cells

Rachel Lubart; Harry Friedmann; Natalie Cohen; Haim Brietbart

doi:10.1117/12.334383

29 December 1998 Effect of HeNe laser on calcium signals in sperm cells

Rachel Lubart, Harry Friedmann, Natalie Cohen, Haim Brietbart

Proceedings Volume 3569, Effects of Low-Power Light on Biological Systems IV; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.334383
Event: BiOS Europe '98, 1998, Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract

Irradiation of mouse spermatozoa by 630 nm HeNe laser was found to enhance calcium transport in these cells. The change in Ca transport was investigated through two approaches, the first employing the fluorescent Ca indicator, Fluo-3 AM and a fluorescence microscopic system, and the second the radiolabeled Ca uptake. In both approaches the effect of light on Ca transport was abrogated in the absence of Ca during the irradiation time, indicating that the effect of light is Ca-dependent. The stimulatory effect of light on Ca uptake was inhibited by treatment with catalase, suggesting H₂O₂ to be involved in light stimulated Ca²⁺ uptake. The stimulatory effect of light on Ca uptake was abolished in the presence of a voltage-dependent Ca-channel inhibitor, nifedipine, indicating the involvement of a plasma membrane, voltage- dependent Ca-channel. In contrast, addition of nifedipine prior to the HeNe laser irradiation did not affect the light-induced rise in intracellular Ca levels, as measured with Fluo-3 loaded sperm cells. Therefore, it can be concluded that this Ca influx occurs via a voltage- insensitive Ca-channel. The stimulatory effect of light on Ca uptake was almost completely abolished by the mitochondrial uncoupler FCCP. These data imply that light affects the mitochondrial Ca transport mechanisms. It is well known that Ca influx from an extracellular environment is an essential component of a signaling cascade leading to fertilization.

Citation Download Citation

Rachel Lubart, Harry Friedmann, Natalie Cohen, and Haim Brietbart "Effect of HeNe laser on calcium signals in sperm cells", Proc. SPIE 3569, Effects of Low-Power Light on Biological Systems IV, (29 December 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.334383

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available