Separation and sequencing of the sequence isomers of pyrimidine deoxypentanucleoside tetraphosphates by high-performance liquid chromatography

Chemical synthesis of DNA fragments with a defined sequence is extremely long and complex. A simpler alternative is isolation of fragments from partially hydrolysed DNA. Mixtures of sequence isomers of pyrimidine oligonucleotides were recently isolated on a preparative scale from hydrolysates of depurinated herring sperm DNA. These, however, could not be further separated by conventional techniques. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), sequence isomers of pyrimidine di-, tri- and tetranucleotides were successfully separated and sequenced. In the present work, separation and sequencing of sequence isomers of pyrimidine pentanucleotides by HPLC was achieved, demonstrating the applicability of this particular approach in preparation of desired DNA fragments.

[Preparative isolation of deoxyriboadenylic acids from hydrolysates of oxidized herring-sperm DNA using template-chromatography (author's transl)]

The alkaline hydrolysis of oxidized DNA from herring sperm yields a complex mixture of deoxyriboadenylic acids. After the removal of the fragments containing 1-3 monomer units by column chromatography, approximately 10% of the partial hydrolysate remains. This remaining fraction which contains the fragments of higher molecular weight is separated into two fractions by the base-pairing mechanism on a PV(pT)n-DEAE-Cellulose column with a two-step temperature gradient. The first fraction eluted at -4 degrees, contains the substances (approximately equal to 95% of the sample) that undergo no base-pairing with the immobilised oligothymidylic acid units. The remaining 5% of the sample that hybridizes with PV(pT)n-DEAE-Cellulose at -4 degrees, is eluted at 30 degrees (fraction 2). After enzymatic dephosphorylation, homologues of deoxyriboadenylic acid containing up to 8 monomer units are isolated on a preparative scale in chromatographically pure form from fraction 2 using column chromatography. Purity and structure of the isolated adenylic acids are determined by paper chromatography and by enzymatic hydrolysis.

The determination of genome size in male and female germ cells of Drosophila melanogaster by DNA-Feulgen cytophotometry

The amounts of DNA in haploid and diploid cells of Drosophila melanogaster have been determined by DNA-Feulgen cytophotometry, using Xenopus laevis erythrocyte nuclei as a reference standard. The haploid male genome is estimated to be 0.18 pg DNA and the haploid female genome, 0.20 pg DNA.

[Protein composition of human sperm from oligozoo-, teratozoo-, asthenozoo- and azoospermia]

The amino acid analysis of seminalplasma and spermatozoa shows for the different andrological diagnoses that the predominant amino acids were aspartic--and glutamic acid, serine, glycine and lysine. Analytical data indicate that there were differences between plasma and spermatozoa for a lot of amino acids. No differences in the protein composition of the ejaculates were found between the various groups of andrological diagnoses.

Feulgen-DNA changes in the germ cells of the male vole (Microtus agrestis) during their development

Consistent with changes in ploidy during germ cell maturation, the quantity of Feulgen DNA in round spermatids of voles is approximately a quarter of that in primary spermatocytes. The amount increases slightly in elongated spermatids, and then declines in spermatozoa from the testis, epididymis and vas deferens, below the level of round spermatids. Simultaneously nuclear area decreases so that in spermatozoa it is about one tenth that of primary spermatocytes. The rise in Feulgen DNA in elongated spermatids above the level found in round spermatids, and the decline in spermatozoa below this level, is probably caused by altered affinity of the desoxyribose for the leucofuchsin. This may be brought about by the complex physico-chemical changes occurring in chromatin and elsewhere in the nucleus and cell as they acquire their highly specialised final form.

Fine structure of the unistellate sperm of the shrimp, Sicyonia ingentis (Natantia)

Sperm of the prawn Sicyonia ingentis were studied cytochemically and ultrastructurally. Striking cytological differences were noted between these natantian sperm and previously studied reptantian sperm. In general, the S. ingentis sperm are composed of a spherical main body that is partially encompassed by a morphologically diverse cap region, from which extends a single appendage or spike. The main body houses an uncondensed, Feulgen-positive nuclear region that is partially surrounded by a cytoplasmic band. A single layer of small, 600 A, vesicles lines the periphery of the cytoplasmic band. Large membranous vesicles extend from the inner surface of the cytoplasmic band into the nuclear region. The nucleus is separated from the cap or acrosomal complex by a dense plate and a highly organized crystalline lattice, which is composed of geometric squares that are approximately 350 A in dimension. The cap region also contains convoluted membrane pouches; a central granular core; spherical bodies; an electron-dense, saucer-shaped plate; and a large anterior granule. The convoluted membrane pouches and anterior granule are periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive. The anterior granule also demonstrates RNAase-stable red fluorescence with acridine orange staining. A spiralled spike, approximately 6 micron long, extends from the anterior end of the cap. The cap and spike are bound by a double membrane, which results from the fusion of the plasma membrane and the convoluted pouch membrane. The sperm's acrosome is thought to be composed of the two PAS-positive cap components and the spike.

Demonstration of 2n spermatids in carriers of the "sex reversed" factor in the mouse by Feulgen cytophotometry

The "Sex Reversed" factor (SXY) leads to development of XX males. The condition is transmitted by XY-Sxr males. The testes of XY-Sxr carriers are characterized by patches of defective spermatogenesis with meiotic failure and appearance of extraordinary large spermatids. In the present study DNA content of the large spermatids is determined by Feulgen DNA measurement using a scanning cytophotometer. The large spermatids in XY-Sxr testes are shown to be 2n.

Methylation of somatic vs germ cell DNAs analyzed by restriction endonuclease digestions

Bacterial restriction endonucleases containing the dinucleotide CpG in their cleavage sequences were used to compare the methylation patterns of primarily repeated DNA sequences in (1) bovine somatic cell native DNAs vs bovine sperm cell native DNA and (2) native vs renatured bovine liver and sperm cell DNAs. The restriction patterns of sperm native DNA differ markedly from those of somatic cell native DNAs when using Hpa II, Hha I, and Ava I but not when using the enzymes Eco RI and Msp I. Digestion patterns of germ cell renatured DNA differed significantly from those of germ cell native DNA when using Hpa II but not when using Msp I or Eco RI. The results may not be due to artifacts of renaturation of the DNAs. The results are consistent with the concept that germ cell DNA may be strand asymmetrically hemimethylated. The data also suggest that methylation of the 5'-cytosine in the sequence CCGG renders this site insensitive to cleavage by Msp I.

Protamines and related proteins from spermatozoa of molluscs. Characterization and molecular weight determination by gel electrophoresis

The spermatozoa of most species of molluscs contain a mixture of proteins with compositions related to those of histones and protamines. The various components present in the spermatozoa of Cryptochiton stellerii, Donax trunculus, Mactra corallina and Gibbula divaricata have been isolated and characterized. The results obtained, taken together with those previously found (Subirana, J.A., Cozcolluela, C., Palau, J. and Unzeta, M. (1973) biochim. Biophys. Acta 317, 364--379), show that in all the molluscs studied one or more arginine-rich components are present. The molecular weight of these proteins varies vary much in different species and is usually much greater than in conventional fish protamines. Conventional histones, as well as lysine-rich proteins of low molecular weight, have also been found in ripe spermatozoa of several species. The molecular weights have been estimated by gel electrophoresis, using polymerized iridine as a standard.

An objective method for measuring fluorescence of individual sperm cells labelled with 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulphonate (ANS) by means of photomicrography and densitometry

A method is presented for measuring the degree of fluorescence of sperm cells labelled with 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulphonate (ANS). Labelled spermatozoa were subjected to incident-light u.v. illumination and the fluorescent image was photographed. Densitometry of the photographic film yielded values for individual sperm heads, and the mean value for ten cells formed the unit of data for parametric statistical analysis. The method is both objective and precise, and was used to distinguish between treatments applied to the spermatozoa. It is believed that the method has a wide application as an inexpensive means of fluorimetry.

Amino acid content in fresh sperm and sperm stains

Seminal fluid was studied biochemically for sperm identification in stains. The qualitative and quantitative distribution of amino acids in samples of fresh sperm has been alayzed. These findings were compared to the results of a similar study of fresh samples and stains of urine, saliva, vaginal fluor, and sweat. The results obtained show a specific and relatively constant level of amino acids in each of five biological liquids. There was no significant variation in results between fresh samples and stains.

Comparison of the 95,000 molecular weight protein from Limulus sperm with muscle alpha-actinin

The 95,000 molecular weight protein (95K protein) of the false discharges of Limulus sperm, purified by means of preparative gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, was compared with a 95K protein from Limulus muscle and chicken gizzard alpha-actinin. The results were as follows. 1) One-dimensional peptide mapping using four different proteases showed differences among these proteins. 2) Two-dimensional peptide mapping using trypsin showed that about 30% of the peptides in the digest of the sperm 95K protein were similar to those of chicken gizzard alpha-actinin and about 50% of the peptides were similar to those of the Limulus muscle 95K protein. 3) The sperm 95K protein contained relatively large amounts of Gly, Pro, and Ser and relatively small amounts of Glu and Leu compared to the muscle proteins. 4) Antibodies against the sperm 95K protein did not cross-react with the Limulus muscle 95K protein or chicken gizzard alpha-actinin. These results suggest that the 95K protein of sperm is different from alpha-actinin in primary structure.

Immunochemical studies on the correlation between conformational changes of DNA caused by ultraviolet irradiation and manifestation of antigenicity

The conformational changes of double-stranded DNA induced during irradiation with ultraviolet, were immunologically investigated. These studies revealed that at least two distinct antigenic sites were induced in the irradiated DNA molecule, giving rise to two different antibodies specific for ultraviolet-irradiated (uv) DNA and thermally denatured DNA-like structure, and these were demonstrable using radioimmunoassay and double diffusion tests. A series of experiments, including melting profile, fluorescence intensity of the ethidium bromide complex and chromatographic behavior on hydroxyapatite, performed on the antigenically active uvDNA indicated that the duplex structure of DNA separated irregularly during irradiation. Furthermore, the data showed that the conformational determinants of uvDNA are located on the exposed single-stranded regions.

Ethanol extraction of basic proteins from ejaculated human spermatozoa

A method for the extraction of basic proteins from human ejaculated spermatozoa has been developed. It relies on the previously unreported observation that such basic protein is soluble in a solution containing 60% (v/v) ethanol. This unconventional method yields a high percentage of arginine-rich basic protein which is then able to be characterized on the basis of its amino acid composition. This method also allows comparisons to be made between single ejaculates by the banding pattern each displays when subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Replacement of protamine by F1 histone during reactivation of fused human sperm nuclei

Rabbit antisera, specific for the histones F1, F2a2, F2b, F3 and for protamine were used to monitor a possible transition from protamine towards somatic-type histones during sperm nucleus reactivation, following human sperm fusion with mouse fibroblasts. Mature human sperm nuclei were shown to contain the histones F2a2, F2b, F3 and protamine, but were missing F1 histone by immuno cytochemistry using the indirect fluorescence method. However, a gradual disappearance of protamine from fused sperm nuclei, could be observed during the first 24 h of reactivation. Subsequently, F1 histone could be detected in increasing concentrations in 60% of reactivated sperm nuclei, during the next four days. The shift from protamine towards F1 histone could also be visualized cytochemically via staining with brilliant sulphaflavine, which appears to discriminate between sperm nuclei on the basis of their F1 histone content.

Accumulation, nature, and possible functions of the malachite green affinity material in ejaculated human spermatozoa

An electron microscopic study was conducted on human sperm over an incubation period of 5 to 6 hours in Tyrode's solution at room temperature. Examination of aliquots of the cells, fixed at timed intervals, with glutaraldehyde, malachite green, and postosmication revealed that malachite green affinity material (MGA-M) was barely discernible at first but did accumulate considerably upon standing. Biochemical analysis of MGA-M, which is extractable by glutaraldehyde, revealed that MGA-M is a mixture of extractable phospholipids and of their lyso-derivatives. Some of these substances have fusogenic properties; i.e., they are able to fuse together the membranes of two different cells. The appearance and accumulation of these fusogens occurred during the incubation period of 5 to 6 hours, which was previously shown to be required to capacitate human sperm in vitro. It is probable, therefore, that human sperm, during their initial period of incubation either in vivo or in vitro, not only become capacitated and undergo the acrosome reaction but also develop the fusogenic substance(s) which are necessary for the imminent fusion of their plasma membrane to the vitelline membrane of the mature oocyte.

Denaturation map of the ribosomal DNA of Lytechinus variegatus sperm

Electron microscopy of the partially heat denatured ribosomal DNA (rDNA) from sea urchin (Lytechinus variegatus) sperm has demonstrated that it consists of repeating units of 3.6 +/- 0.2 micron, corresponding to a mol.wt of 7.2 +/- 0.4 x 10(6). Based on differential denaturability, each repeat unit is divided into 2 regions. The larger region of 2.47 +/- 0.11 micron (mol.wt 4.9 +/- 0.22 x 10(6)) corresponds in length to the ribosomal precursor RNA of sea urchins and the smaller, GC-rich, subunit of 1.16 +/- 0.09 micrometer (mol.wt 2.3 +/- 0.18 x 10(6)) is presumed to contain non-transcribed spacer sequences.

Glutamic acid concentration in human semen--its origin and significance

Glutamic acid content of semen was determined photometrically in over 400 semen specimens. Glutamatic acid content was found to increase proportionately to temperature in the first few hours post ejaculation. The glutamate estimation should therefore be performed on semen at 30 min. after ejaculation. The frequency distribution of glutamic acid concentration with 400 unselected specimens, 50 "normozoospermias" as well as 42 azoospermias is shown. The mean value of normozoospermias was 10.6 mg% (+/- 4.6 mg%) that of azoospermias 7.7 mg% (+/- 4.7 mg%). There was no correlation found between glutamic acid content and pH value. A correlation however, was demonstrated between glutamic acid and following: sperm count, citrate concentration, gamma-GT and carnitine. No correlation to fructose content was detectable. That suggests that glutamate gets to the ejaculate with the secretions from the prostate gland and epididymis whereas the seminal vesicles do not play a role in the level in the total semen.