Abstract: Sphingolipids are ubiquitous components of cell membranes. Sphingosine-1-phosphate（S1P），one of the metabolities of sphingolipids，have important physiological functions，including regulation of cell survival，growth，proliferation and apoptosis. S1P acts as a regulator of cell function not only by binding to extracellular receptors but also by working as an intracellular second messenger. S1P could protect the ovary，oocyte and male germ cells from apoptosis induced by radiation and heat shock. Exogenous addition of S1P to the human embryo culture medium can decrease the apoptosis of the early embryo，which would improve the developmental potentiality of embryo. Thus，S1P could be used for improving the clinical outcomes of human assisted reproductive technology in future.

Key words: Sphingosine, Apoptosis, Signal transduction, Reproductive techniques, assisted, Sphingosine-1-phosphate