摘要
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFIR) or the small conductance cAMP-activated chlo-ride channel encoded by the CFTR gene has been shown to play an important role in the formation of the epididymalfluid microenvironment. Recent work in our laboratory has shown that this protein is also expressed by developing germcells indicating a role of this protein in spermatogenesis. In view of the fact that the CFTR gene has a far reaching andwidespread effect on human reproduction, understanding the role of CFTR in the male reproductive tissues and its inter-vention by pharmacological agents can open a new avenue of research into the development of novel male contracep-tives. (Asian J Androl 2000; 2: 39 - 45 )
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFIR) or the small conductance cAMP-activated chlo-ride channel encoded by the CFTR gene has been shown to play an important role in the formation of the epididymalfluid microenvironment. Recent work in our laboratory has shown that this protein is also expressed by developing germcells indicating a role of this protein in spermatogenesis. In view of the fact that the CFTR gene has a far reaching andwidespread effect on human reproduction, understanding the role of CFTR in the male reproductive tissues and its inter-vention by pharmacological agents can open a new avenue of research into the development of novel male contracep-tives. (Asian J Androl 2000; 2: 39 - 45 )
