[Molecular mechanism implicated in the initiation of capacitation].

The physiological changes that occur to sperm during the residence in the female tract are collectively referred to as "capacitation". The mechanism of action by which these compounds promote capacitation is poorly understood at the molecular level. However, some molecular events significant to the initiation of capacitation have been identified, such as the correlation of capacitation with cholesterol efflux from the sperm plasma membrane, increased membrane fluidity, modulations in intracellular ion concentrations, hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane and increased protein tyrosine phosphorylation. This review discusses recent progress in elucidation mechanisms which regulate sperm capacitation.