Immunochemical studies on the membrane constituents of spermatozoa of buck (Copra hircus) during epididymal maturation

Abstract

The rabbit hetero- and buck iso-antisera against testicular cells and epididymal spermatozoa were analysed for total protein, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitated serum proteins, circulating immune complexes (CIC) and sperm agglutination titre. The partially purified immunoglobulins (Ig) from hetero- and iso-antisera were reacted with detergent/protease extracted membrane constituents by immunodiffusion, rocket- (RIE) and crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE). Hetero- and iso-immunization of rabbits and bucks with testicular cells and epididymal spermatozoa induced immune response as shown by the increased sperm agglutination titre, levels of PEG precipitated proteins and CIC. The 16 to 33 per cent of protease and detergent extracted proteins are membrane bound and embedded in the lipid bilayer. Remaining portion protrude from the outer leaflet of lipid bilayer of biomembranes. The cross-reaction between these extracts of membranes and the partially purified antisperm Ig showed the presence of common antigens on testicular cell and epididymal spermatozoa. Such conserved antigens may have some functional importance. Immunodiffusion, RIE and CIE patterns indicated that during on the membranes of mature spermatozoa and also serve as better antigens. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.