Comparative studies on the proteolysis of fixed gelatin membranes by mammalian sperm acrosomes
✍ Scribed by Gaddum-Rosse, P. ;Blandau, R. J.
- Publisher
- Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
- Year
- 1972
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 830 KB
- Volume
- 134
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0002-9106
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✦ Synopsis
Abstract
The acrosomes of mammalian spermatozoa contain a proteolytic enzyme which may be of importance for fertilization. The release and activity of the enzyme can be visualized directly when the spermatozoa are applied to fixed gelatin membranes. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of enzyme release from the spermatozoa of a variety of mammalian species. Thin, transparent membranes of pure gelatin were prepared on microscope slides and fixed in glutaraldehyde. Spermatozoa were applied to the membranes and their proteolytic behavior observed under dark‐medium phase objectives at 37°C. In all the species examined (rabbit, bull, hamster, rat, guinea pig and man) extensive depolymerization of the gelatin substrate occurred around the sperm heads. With the exception of human spermatozoa, the onset of proteolysis was clearly identified with the posterior half of the acrosome. In the case of human spermatozoa, no such distinction could be made. It is suggested that the proteolytic enzyme of most mammalian spermatozoa is located in the posterior segment of the acrosome.