In the early 1950s, Austin and Chang independently described the changes that are
required for the sperm to fertilize oocytes in vivo. These changes were originally grouped …

Mammalian sperm cells must respond to cues originating from along the female
reproductive tract and from the layers of the egg in order to complete their fertilization …

Steroid hormone progesterone released by cumulus cells surrounding the egg is a potent
stimulator of human spermatozoa. It attracts spermatozoa towards the egg and helps them …

At coitus, human sperm are deposited into the anterior vagina, where, to avoid vaginal acid
and immune responses, they quickly contact cervical mucus and enter the cervix. Cervical …

Reproduction is required for the survival of all mammalian species, and thousands of
essential'sex'genes are conserved through evolution. Basic research helps to define these …

A proper dialogue between spermatozoa and the egg is essential for conception of a new
individual in sexually reproducing animals. Ca2+ is crucial in orchestrating this unique event …

Testicular spermatozoa acquire fertility only after 1 or 2 weeks of transit through the
epididymis. At the end of this several meters long epididymal tubule, the male gamete is …

The cysteine-rich secretory proteins, antigen 5, and pathogenesis-related 1 proteins (CAP)
superfamily members are found in a remarkable range of organisms spanning each of the …

Mammalian spermatozoa become motile at ejaculation, but before they can fertilize the egg,
they must acquire more thrust to penetrate the cumulus and zona pellucida. The forceful …

Sexually reproducing animals require an orchestrated communication between
spermatozoa and the egg to generate a new individual. Capacitation, a maturational …