Inhibition of sperm glutathione S-transferase leads to functional impairment due to membrane damage.

The role of glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the defense mechanisms of sperm is not known. We report here interference with normal motility, acrosome reaction and fertilizing ability of the goat sperm as a consequence of inhibition of GST activity. That these functional impairments were due to membrane changes was evident from the alteration in the lipid peroxidation status of these cells after GST inhibitor treatment. Increased reactive oxygen species production by the cell which occurred when GST activity was suppressed may be the mediator for membrane damage. The data argue for a role of GST in maintaining sperm membrane status.