[The significance of acrosin and proteinase-inhibitors in human reproduction].

The trypsin-like enzyme acrosin has a key function in the fertilization process enabling penetration of the zona pellucida of the ovum by the spermatozoa. Under experimental conditions acrosin inhibitors are able to prevent fertilization. In the male genital tract high amounts of low molecular weight acid-stable proteinase inhibitors are found having mainly protective functions, but may play also a significant role in the process of capacitation. Aside from biochemical and physiological investigations the presented studies are a contribution towards the clinical applicability of the acrosin-inhibitor system with special respect to its diagnostic and prognostic value for andrology. In addition, inhibition of acrosin may be an approach for an effective contraceptive method.