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The Acrosome Reaction: A Historical Perspective

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Part of the book series: Advances in Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology ((ADVSANAT,volume 220))

Abstract

Acrosome reaction is often referred to as acrosomal exocytosis, but it differs significantly from normal exocytosis. While the vesicle membrane initially holding excreting molecules remains on the cell surface during exocytosis, the outer acrosomal membrane and plasma membrane are lost by forming vesicles during acrosome reaction. In this context, the latter process resembles a release of exosome. However, recent experimental data indicate that the most important roles of acrosome reaction lie not in the release of acrosomal contents (or “vesiculated” plasma and outer acrosomal membrane complexes) but rather in changes in sperm membrane. This review describes the mechanism of fertilization vis-a-vis sperm membrane change, with a brief historical overview of the half-century study of acrosome reaction.

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Correspondence to Masaru Okabe .

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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Okabe, M. (2016). The Acrosome Reaction: A Historical Perspective. In: Buffone, M. (eds) Sperm Acrosome Biogenesis and Function During Fertilization. Advances in Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology, vol 220. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-30565-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-30567-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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