Secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) belongs to phospholipases A2 (PLA2) which is a group of enzymes that cleave fatty acids from the glycerol. sPLA2 can be expressed in different kinds of cells including mouse spermatogenic cells, spermatozoa,interstitial Leydig cells, and epithelium of the epididymis, vasdeferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate. sPLA2, which needs to be activated by Ca2+, has a role in amplifying the action of cPLA2αwhich was activated by p38 MAP kinase and ERK in the early phase and by ERK alone in the late phase in supplying arachidonic acid for eicosanoid production.
