But exactly what these PLC variations do remains unclear, Kiyoko Fukami of the University of Tokyo told Reuters Health. In a study of mice, researchers led by Fukami found that male animals genetically engineered to lack one form of PLC had low fertility, but were otherwise healthy. Female mice showed no fertility problems, suggesting this form of PLC primarily affects male fertility, according to the report in the May 4th issue of Science. Sperm lacking this PLC form appear to be less able to penetrate the female egg, Fukami explained. It is possible, the researcher said, that a drug that blocks the enzyme's activity could act as a male birth control pill.
Much more research is needed, however.
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