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 motilit y, acrosome reaction and fertilizing ability of the goat sperm as a co nsequence of inhibition of GST activity. That these functional impairm ents mere due to membrane changes was evident from the alteration in t he lipid peroxidation status of these cells after GST inhibitor treatm ent, Increased reactive oxygen species production by the cell which oc curred when CST activity was suppressed ma be the mediator for membran e damage, The data argue for a role of GST in maintaining sperm membra ne status. (C) 1998 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.