[The maturation of the spermatozoa: events, consequences and possible ways of control].

Maturation of spermatozoa represents a formation of competent cell with capacity to fertilize. For the purpose of this review the morphological and functional changes of nucleus, plasmatic and nuclear membranes, tail region as well as the change of localisation and activity of enzymes have been described to illustrate the epididymis stage of maturation. Particular attention has been paid to the role of active oxygen species in the cell transformation, pro- and antioxidant balance during the maturation and to the systems controlling gametes control. The possible ways of influence on the some events of spermatozoa maturation are shown.