Finasteride Interferes with Prostaglandin-Induced CatSper Signalling in Human Sperm

The study investigated the effects of finasteride on Ca2+ signaling in human sperm, particularly through the CatSper channel. Finasteride caused a minor transient rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and inhibited PGE1-induced Ca2+ signals but did not affect progesterone-induced signaling, acrosome reaction, or sperm viability. It also reduced PGE1-induced sperm penetration into a viscous medium at higher concentrations than typically found in blood and seminal fluids. The findings suggested that finasteride might affect Ca2+ signaling in sperm by interacting with the PGE1-binding site, indicating potential implications for male fertility and the need for further research to understand its impact on fertilization and prostaglandin signaling in other parts of the body.