101
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Mbizvo MT, Burkman LJ, Alexander NJ. Human follicular fluid stimulates hyperactivated motility in human sperm**Supported by a grant of the Contraceptive Research and Development Program (CONRAD), Eastern Virginia Medical School, under a cooperative agreement (DPE-2644-A-00-6063-00) with the United States Agency for International Development (AID). The views expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the views of AID.††Presented in part at the 15th Annual Meeting of the American Andrology Society, Columbia, South Carolina, April 6 to 9, 1990. Fertil Steril 1990. [DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)53834-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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102
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Fénichel P, Dohr G, Grivaux C, Cervoni F, Donzeau M, Hsi BL. Localization and characterization of the acrosomal antigen recognized by GB24 on human spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 1990; 27:173-8. [PMID: 2100992 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1080270214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
GB24, a mouse monoclonal antibody, recognizes a trophoblast-leukocyte cross-reactive antigen (TLX), which is likely identical to the membrane cofactor protein (MCP), a complement regulatory protein. GB24 reacts also with a human acrosomal sperm antigen (Fénichel et al.: J Reprod Fertil 87:699-706, 1989). By immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase, testicular, epididymal, and ejaculated spermatozoa were found to be positive after fixation by acetone. Motile, suspended spermatozoa became positive only through conditions known to induce acrosome reaction (A23187, follicular fluid, contact with oocytes). Ultrastructural studies with immunogold staining localized this protein on the inner acrosome membrane and in the acrosomal content. By SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, GB24 immunoprecipitated a unique protein of 48 kDa from capacitated and A23187-induced spermatozoa under reducing conditions. No cross-reactivity was found with mouse, boar, or ram spermatozoa. Localization of this human sperm antigen recognized by GB24 and its similarity with the TLX-MCP family antigens would suggest a possible role of this molecule during fertilization in sperm-egg binding or immune protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Fénichel
- INSERM U210, Faculté de Médecine, Nice, France
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103
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Chandonnet L, Roberts KD, Chapdelaine A, Manjunath P. Identification of heparin-binding proteins in bovine seminal plasma. Mol Reprod Dev 1990; 26:313-8. [PMID: 2171588 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1080260404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A group of four similar proteins, BSP-A1, BSP-A2, BSP-A3, and BSP-30-kDa, represent the major acidic proteins found in bovine seminal plasma (BSP). These proteins are secretory products of the seminal vesicles; they bind to spermatozoa upon ejaculation and could represent decapacitation factors. It has been shown that the glycosaminoglycans present in the female reproductive tract are involved in the capacitation of spermatozoa. Therefore, it was of interest to investigate whether BSP-A1, -A2, -A3, and -30-kDa proteins of bovine seminal fluid interact with heparin. Chromatography of alcohol precipitates of bovine seminal fluid on a heparin-Sepharose column resolved these proteins into three peaks. Peaks 1 and 2 (retarded proteins) were eluted upon extensive washing of the column with 0.05 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 (equilibrating buffer), and accounted for approximately 25% of the applied proteins. Proteins in peak 3 represented adsorbed proteins and were eluted with phosphate buffer containing 1 M NaCl. Proteins in each peak were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) under reducing conditions. Peak 1 contained proteins with molecular weights ranging from 8 to 350 kDa, peak 2 contained a single protein with a molecular weight of 14 kDa, and peak 3 contained proteins with molecular weights of 15.5, 16, 25, and 30 kDa. The proteins in peak 3 were further resolved into unadsorbed (peak 4) and adsorbed (peak 5) proteins on a gelatin-Agarose column. Separation of the proteins of peak 3 and peak 5 by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and reducing agents followed by transfer to nitrocellulose and probing with antibodies against the previously well-characterized BSP proteins indicated the presence of BSP-A1, BSP-A2, BSP-A3, and BSP-30-kDa proteins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chandonnet
- Endocrine Laboratory, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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104
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Virji N, Phillips DM, Dunbar BS. Identification of extracellular proteins in the rat cumulus oophorus. Mol Reprod Dev 1990; 25:339-44. [PMID: 2328126 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1080250405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We have examined the proteins associated with the mucous matrix of the rat cumulus oophorus and compared them to the composition of rat serum, follicular fluid, ampullary fluid, and oocyte-cumulus cell extract. The cumulus matrix was dispersed using Streptomyces hyaluronidase, and the proteins were analyzed by high-resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and compared with proteins of the serum, proestrous follicular fluid, and postovulatory ampullary fluid and extracts of oocytes and cumulus cells. In addition to albumin and transferrin, which were common to all the fluids analyzed, the cumulus material contained many proteins in common with the follicular fluid and the ampullary fluid. However, the protein extract of the cumulus matrix also contained four major proteins not present in the other fluids analyzed. Two of these proteins were acidic and heterogenous in charge and size (MW approximately 81,000 and 100,000). The other two proteins were more basic and occurred at MW approximately 90,000 and 150,000. Our results show that the extracellular matrix of the cumulus contains proteins that are not present in the fluids that surround the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Virji
- Population Council, New York, New York 10021
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105
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Salustri A, Yanagishita M, Hascall VC. Mouse oocytes regulate hyaluronic acid synthesis and mucification by FSH-stimulated cumulus cells. Dev Biol 1990; 138:26-32. [PMID: 2155146 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(90)90173-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mucification (or expansion) of the cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte is thought to depend on the direct action of gonadotropins in stimulating production and deposition of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the extracellular matrix. We now report that the oocyte is essential for this process. Either follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at 1 micrograms/ml or dibutyryl cAMP at 2 mM induces mucification of intact cumulus cell-oocyte complexes (COCs) in vitro, but fails to stimulate mucification of isolated cumulus cells. HA synthesis by FSH-stimulated cumulus cells is only approximately 3.5% of the value achieved by FSH-stimulated COCs. Isolated oocytes cultured with or without FSH do not synthesize detectable amounts of HA but induce isolated cumulus cells to increase HA synthesis approximately 13-fold in cocultures with FSH. Medium conditioned by isolated oocytes for 5 hr induces nearly the same level of HA synthesis by cumulus cells under the same culture conditions. FSH also stimulates cumulus cells to increase synthesis of dermatan sulfate proteoglycans (DS-PGs) approximately 3-fold, but this stimulation does not depend upon the presence of oocytes. The results indicate that oocytes produce a soluble factor(s) essential in combination with FSH to stimulate HA, but not DS-PG, synthesis by cumulus cells in vitro and that this factor(s) acts independently or downstream from the FSH-induced formation of cAMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Salustri
- Bone Research Branch, National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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106
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Berger T. Pisum sativum agglutinin used as an acrosomal stain of porcine and caprine sperm. Theriogenology 1990; 33:689-95. [PMID: 16726765 DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(90)90546-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/1989] [Accepted: 12/16/1989] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled pisum sativum agglutinin (FITC-PSA) was evaluated as an acrosomal stain for porcine and caprine sperm that had previously been stained with Hoechst 33258 to assess cell viability. The FITC-PSA procedure was as accurate as other procedures in assessing acrosomal presence or absence on either fresh or liquid-stored porcine sperm. Approximately half of the incubated porcine sperm with acrosomal loss maintained membrane impermeability to the Hoechst 33258; these were potentially viable acrosome-reacted sperm. The FITC-PSA procedure was significantly correlated with the assessment of acrosomal status of cryopreserved caprine sperm by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, TEM results indicated a higher percentage of caprine sperm with acrosomal loss. Ability to penetrate zona-free hamster ova was not highly correlated with the percentage of viable acrosome-reacted porcine or caprine sperm. The FITC-PSA procedure provides an estimate of viable acrosome reactions and may be a useful tool in the evaluation of sperm fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Berger
- Department of Animal Science University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
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107
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McClure RD, Tom RA, Dandekar PV. Optimizing the sperm penetration assay with human follicular fluid. Fertil Steril 1990; 53:546-50. [PMID: 2307251 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)53355-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Major limitations of the conventional sperm penetration assay are the inability to assess several aspects of sperm function (zona binding and penetration) and the absence of human ovulatory products known to influence fertilization. We therefore modified the sperm penetration assay by the addition of human follicular fluid (FF) to induce the acrosome reaction in an attempt to improve the false-negative rate of the conventional technique. In 26 patients with negative results, results became positive in 20 with human FF and the acrosome reaction increased fourfold. In 19 different men, we compared the results of the conventional and modified assays with outcome of in vitro fertilization. The false-positive rate was the same, but the false-negative rate was reduced from 40% to 7% with the addition of human FF.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D McClure
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0738
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108
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Delgado NM, Reyes R, Carranco A, Huacuja L, Merchant H, Rosado A. Glycosaminoglycan-sulfate as plasma membrane component of pig spermatozoa. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 1990; 25:121-9. [PMID: 1699501 DOI: 10.3109/01485019008987603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The effect of specific glycosaminoglycan-hydrolyzing enzymes on the ruthenium red staining of pig spermatozoa was studied. Washed spermatozoa were incubated at 35 degrees C in buffer or with neuraminidase 0.5 units/ml, heparinase 0.2 mg/ml, or chondroitinase ABC 2.0 units/ml. After incubation sperm cells were washed, stained with ruthenium red and studied under the electron microscope. Anionic sites in the surface of untreated spermatozoa follow regularly the plasma membrane, but present are numerous processes constituting what has been defined as the glycocalyx. Neuraminidase did not affect the distribution of ruthenium red on the surface of the spermatozoa, but eliminated almost completely the processes of the glycocalyx. Heparinase caused loss of the ruthenium red-stained sites on the membrane surface of pig spermatozoa with less influence on the dense processes of the glycocalyx. A similar loss of ruthenium red-stained sites was observed with nitrous acid treatment. A striking effect of treatment with chondroitinase ABC was the production of a typical acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Delgado
- División de Biología del Desarrollo, Unidad de Investigacíon Biomédica de Occidente, Guadalajara, Jal., México
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109
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Oura C, Toshimori K. Ultrastructural studies on the fertilization of mammalian gametes. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 1990; 122:105-51. [PMID: 2246115 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(08)61207-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C Oura
- Department of Anatomy, Miyazaki Medical College, Japan
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110
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Aumüller G, Seitz J. Protein secretion and secretory processes in male accessory sex glands. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 1990; 121:127-231. [PMID: 2190945 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(08)60660-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Aumüller
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Philipps-Universität D-3550, Marburg, Federal Republic of Germany
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111
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Cummins JM, Edirisinghe WR, Odawara Y, Wales RG, Yovich JL. Ultrastructural observations on gamete interactions using micromanipulated mouse oocytes. GAMETE RESEARCH 1989; 24:461-9. [PMID: 2591863 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120240412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cumulus-free mouse oocytes were subjected to zona opening by cracking with microhooks (ZC) or acid drilling (ZD) and fixed 30-90 min after insemination (10(5) pre-capacitated motile sperms/ml). Ultrastructural observations were made on serially thin-sectioned oocytes: 15 ZC and 12 ZD. The zona lesion in ZC oocytes was a clean cut, whereas in ZD oocytes it formed a patchy area of partial zona loss, with reduced microvillar height on the underlying oocyte surface. Spermatozoa were observed within the perivitelline space and partially fusing with the oocyte after 30 min in both situations. Only acrosome-reacted sperm heads were observed to fuse: acrosome intact forms were generally in contact with the zona pellucida, either with the inner or outer surface. Acrosome-intact spermatozoa were also observed deeply embedded in the zona matrix, possibly indicating surface enzyme activity preceding the membrane fusion events of the acrosome reaction proper. The observations are consistent with the need for spermatozoa to make contact preferentially with the zona pellucida during the course of the acrosome reaction.
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112
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Thomas P, Meizel S. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis in human sperm stimulated with follicular fluid or progesterone is dependent upon Ca2+ influx. Biochem J 1989; 264:539-46. [PMID: 2557843 PMCID: PMC1133613 DOI: 10.1042/bj2640539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Hydrolysis of the phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate is thought to be intimately involved in agonist-induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels. Recently we have shown that human preovulatory follicular fluid, which induces exocytosis in human sperm, can stimulate a rapid, transient increase in sperm cytosolic [Ca2+] [Thomas & Meizel (1988) Gamete Res. 20, 397-411]. We report here that both a Sephadex G-75 column fraction, derived from follicular fluid, and progesterone (a component of both the G-75 fraction and whole follicular fluid) stimulate rapid hydrolysis of PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns4P in human sperm. We also report that progesterone stimulates a rapid influx of Ca2+ in human sperm. Human spermatozoa were labelled for 24 h with myo-[3H]inositol and then treated with either the G-75 fraction or progesterone. A 30-65% loss of label was detected in PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns4P within 15 s of stimulus addition; no changes were observed in PtdIns during 2 min of treatment. The loss of label from both lipids was accompanied by an increase in water-soluble inositol phosphates. Production of both InsP3 and InsP2 was seen within 10 s; however, InsP3 was rapidly removed and had reached control levels by 1 min. Similarly, formation of InsP2 reached a peak by 30 s and then began a decline accompanied by a corresponding increase in InsP. No increases in InsP4 were seen in sperm treated in this fashion. Stimulated hydrolysis of the phosphoinositides and release of inositol phosphates were both blocked by the Ca2+ antagonist La3+. Likewise, the progesterone-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ was inhibited by La3+, and phosphoinositide hydrolysis stimulated by this hormone was dependent upon the presence of extracellular Ca2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Thomas
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
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113
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Lee MA, Storey BT. Endpoint of first stage of zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction in mouse spermatozoa characterized by acrosomal H+ and Ca2+ permeability: population and single cell kinetics. GAMETE RESEARCH 1989; 24:303-26. [PMID: 2599506 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120240307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The acrosome reaction induced by the mouse egg's zona pellucida in mouse sperm has been shown to proceed in two stages as characterized empirically by sequential changes in patterns of chlortetracycline fluorescence on the sperm plasma membrane surfaces. The chlortetracycline fluorescence pattern characteristic of fully intact sperm is designated B; in sperm bound to structurally intact zonae that induce the acrosome reaction, the B pattern changes first to an intermediate pattern S and then to a terminal pattern AR characteristic of the completed acrosome reaction. In the same study, it was shown, using a 9-amino acridine fluorescent pH probe, that completion of the first stage was characterized by increase in H+ permeability such that the H+ gradient between sperm head and medium was dissipated. In this study, we show that the fluorescent pH probe 9-N-dodecylamino acridine and the intracellular Ca2+ fluorescent probe fura-2 are both localized to the anterior part of the sperm head encompassing the acrosomal compartment in intact sperm, and the fluorescence associated with each probe is lost as the first stage of the acrosome reaction is completed. Loss of the pH probe fluorescence, pattern N, corresponds to onset of H+ permeability, and loss of fura-2 fluorescence, pattern F, corresponds to onset of Ca2+ permeability. Localization of intracellular fura-2 fluorescence to the acrosomal compartment required extracellular Mn2+ to quench surface-bound fura-2 AM, the tetra-acetoxymethyl ester of fura-2 used to load the cells. Loss of acrosomal fura-2 fluorescence is due to quenching by tracer Mn2+ accompanying Ca2+. Onset of membrane permeability to both H+ and Ca2+, as seen by loss of patterns N and F, occurred in synchrony in populations of sperm bound to isolated, structurally intact zonae, with an overall time course of 210 min postbinding. The loss of pattern N in individual sperm cells bound to zonae was rapid, with a half time of 2.1 min. Concomitant with this rapid loss of pattern N was a shift in the amplitude of flagellar motion from large to small. The lag times to pattern N loss in 50 individual cells ranged from 30 to 140 min. The variable lag times determine the population kinetics; the rate of the endpoint reaction seen in the individual cells is rapid and constant. Dissipation of the H+ gradient with immediate loss of pattern N was readily achieved by addition of nigericin with no change in the time course of the onset of Ca2+ permeability of the membranes enclosing the acrosome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104-6080
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114
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Synthesis and Accumulation of Hyaluronic Acid and Proteoglycans in the Mouse Cumulus Cell-oocyte Complex during Follicle-stimulating Hormone-induced Mucification. J Biol Chem 1989. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)80077-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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115
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Osman RA, Andria ML, Jones AD, Meizel S. Steroid induced exocytosis: the human sperm acrosome reaction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1989; 160:828-33. [PMID: 2719699 DOI: 10.1016/0006-291x(89)92508-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
By a combination of organic precipitation and high pressure liquid chromatography, human sperm acrosome reaction inducing activity has been purified from the fluid aspirated from preovulatory human ovarian follicles and identified as 4-pregnen-3,20-dione (progesterone) and 4-pregnen-17 alpha-ol-3,20-dione (17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone). It is argued that progesterone is present at the site of fertilization of placental mammals in concentrations sufficient for activity, and hence provides a mechanism of inducing the acrosome reaction, an exocytotic event, in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Osman
- Department of Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis 95616
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116
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Sidhu KS, Guraya SS. Calmodulin-like protein in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) seminal plasma and its effect on sperm Ca++, Mg++-ATPase. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 1989; 12:148-54. [PMID: 2524448 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.1989.tb01298.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A calmodulin-like protein (CLP) has been identified in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) seminal plasma and partially characterized. It was heat stable and had properties similar to those of the calcium-binding protein, calmodulin. It is present in relatively high concentrations in buffalo seminal plasma. When added to buffalo red-blood cell plasma membrane (RBC ghosts) it increased Ca++, Mg++-ATPase activity by 112%. The activation is counteracted by chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine, the anti-calmodulin drugs. A similar calmodulin-activated Ca++ pump has been found predominantly in the tail fractions of buffalo spermatozoa. The existence of CLP in buffalo seminal plasma may be responsible for some of the physiological changes observed during capacitation and acrosome reaction. A hypothesis has been proposed involving CLP in regulation of these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Sidhu
- Department of Zoology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
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117
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Ruknudin A. Cytochemical study of intracellular calcium in hamster spermatozoa during the acrosome reaction. GAMETE RESEARCH 1989; 22:375-84. [PMID: 2498193 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120220404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Calcium was localized by a pyroantimonate technique in hamster spermatozoa during the acrosome reaction and pyroantimonate precipitates were observed in the anterior region of the acrosome. The calcium was also localized in the postacrosomal lamina of spermatozoa undergoing the acrosome reaction. Spermatozoa, incubated in capacitating medium containing verapamil, showed denser precipitates with an increase in concentration of this drug. Ionophore A23187 enhanced binding of calcium to the acrosomal region. The sodium channel inhibitor amiloride inhibited the acrosome reaction and the pyroantimonate precipitates were absent in these spermatozoa, whereas ionophore monensin enhanced the acrosome reaction. This suggests that the Na+/Ca++ antiporter may be responsible for intracellular Ca++ regulation during the acrosome reaction in hamster spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruknudin
- Laboratory of Histology, Embryology and Cytogenetics, University of Paris VI, Faculty of Medicine, France
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118
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Sidhu KS, Guraya SS. Cellular and molecular biology of capacitation and acrosome reaction in mammalian spermatozoa. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 1989; 118:231-80. [PMID: 2691427 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(08)60876-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K S Sidhu
- I.C.M.R. Regional Advanced Research Centre in Reproductive Biology, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
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119
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Byrd W, Tsu J, Wolf DP. Kinetics of spontaneous and induced acrosomal loss in human sperm incubated under capacitating and noncapacitating conditions. GAMETE RESEARCH 1989; 22:109-22. [PMID: 2492967 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120220111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The kinetics of spontaneous and induced acrosomal loss have been studied in human sperm incubated in capacitating and noncapacitating media. Acrosomal status was quantitated using indirect immunofluorescence with a monoclonal antibody. The response of sperm to induction by calcium ionophores was time dependent reaching a maximum after 6 hours of incubation under capacitating conditions. The inducible population slowly decreased in size through the balance of a 24-hour incubation. The time-dependent development of ionophore responsiveness by sperm exposed to capacitating conditions corroborates the idea that only capacitated cells can respond to undergo acrosomal loss in response to ionophore. In contrast, only a small, constant percentage of sperm incubated under noncapacitating conditions responded to ionophore. Substitution experiments involving the addition or deletion of human serum albumin suggest that albumin is not absolutely required for capacitation but is essential for the maintenance of motility. Polyvinyl alcohol can be substituted for serum albumin, but it does not support capacitation or motility as well as HSA. These studies may provide a basis for optimizing capacitating conditions for human sperm in vitro as well as for diagnosing fertility or fertility potential based on measurements of spontaneous and ionophore induced acrosomal loss under defined culture conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Byrd
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235
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120
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YOSHIMATSU NOBUHIRO, YANAGIMACHI R. Effects of Cations and Other Medium Components on the Zona-induced Acrosome Reaction of Hamster Spermatozoa. (acrosome reaction/spermatozoa/cations/hamster). Dev Growth Differ 1988. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.1988.00651.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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121
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Díaz-Pérez E, Thomas P, Meizel S. Evidence suggesting a role for sperm metalloendoprotease activity in penetration of zona-free hamster eggs by human sperm. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1988; 248:213-21. [PMID: 3199094 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402480213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that metalloendoprotease (MEP) activity is involved in somatic cell membrane fusion events and in the sea urchin sperm acrosome reaction (AR). MEP activity also has been demonstrated in human and other mammalian sperm. The present study was concerned with investigating whether a human sperm MEP is important in membrane events necessary for sperm egg fusion. Ejaculated human sperm were washed, capacitated in vitro, and preincubated with the competitive MEP inhibitors phosphoramidon (50 microM) or CBZ-L-phenylalanine (1 mM), with 100 microM diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), a heavy metal chelator, or as controls, with the appropriate solvents. The AR was initiated in vitro with preovulatory human follicular fluid and the sperm washed to dilute inhibitors and then coincubated with zona-free golden hamster eggs (zonae and cumuli removed with trypsin and hyaluronidase, respectively). Eggs were washed after 0.5 h, and the number of sperm remaining bound was counted. After 2.5 h further incubation, the eggs were stained with acetolacmoid or acetoorcein and penetration was assayed by counting the number of decondensed sperm heads per egg (penetration index) and the percent of penetrated eggs. The inhibitor treatments did not decrease the percentage of penetrated eggs (range 80-90%), but a significant reduction in the penetration index was observed. Phosphoramidon reduced the penetration index by 45%, CBZ-L-phenylalanine by 57%, and DTPA by 56%. None of the inhibitors decreased the penetration index or the percentage of penetrated eggs when added directly to suspensions of acrosome-reacted sperm and zona-free eggs at the diluted levels that would have been present after washing inhibitor-treated sperm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- E Díaz-Pérez
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
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122
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Uto N, Yoshimatsu N, Lopata A, Yanagimachi R. Zona-induced acrosome reaction of hamster spermatozoa. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1988; 248:113-20. [PMID: 2846746 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402480115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that the zonae pellucidae of mature unfertilized eggs have the ability to induce the acrosome reaction of capacitated spermatozoa. To determine if this capacity of the zona is species-specific, hamster spermatozoa were allowed to attach to the zonae of homologous and heterologous eggs and examined for the acrosome reaction. The zonae of eggs from six different species were tested and the zona of hamster egg was found to have the strongest capacity to induce the acrosome reaction of hamster spermatozoa, followed by human and rat zonae. The zonae and mouse, guinea pig, and domestic fowl eggs were incapable of inducing the acrosome reaction of hamster spermatozoa. The acrosome reaction-inducing ability of the hamster zona was found to increase during maturation in the ovary. The zona of mature unfertilized hamster eggs maintained their acrosome reaction-inducing ability even after aldehyde fixation or storage in a highly concentrated solution of ammonium sulfate.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Uto
- Department of Anatomy and Reproductive Biology, University of Hawaii School of Medicine, Honolulu 96822
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123
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Cuasnicu PS, Bedford JM. Sperm entry into zona-free oocytes in the hamster oviduct: implications for the mechanisms of acrosome reaction induction. GAMETE RESEARCH 1988; 21:85-91. [PMID: 3229723 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120210110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The possible importance of the zona pellucida for induction of the acrosome reaction (AR) and establishment of sperm/egg associations in the fallopian tube was investigated by instilling zona-free eggs into the oviductal ampulla of hamsters that had been inseminated with epididymal spermatozoa 6-7 hours previously. The eggs were recovered only 60-90 minutes later because of increasing difficulty with time of collecting zona-free eggs from the oviduct. In the zona-free group, 41 (4%) of 1,101 transferred eggs were recovered, of which 20% contained spermatozoa with decondensing nuclei (mean 4.4/egg). A similar (22%) fertilization rate (mean 3.2 spermatozoa/egg) was found among intact (control) eggs recovered after instillation into the contralateral oviduct. Mammalian spermatozoa are not incorporated even into zona-free eggs before AR occurs. These results thus demonstrate that an AR in functional hamster spermatozoa in vivo and establishment of sperm/egg associations in vivo require no interaction with the zona pellucida nor with other products of ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Cuasnicu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York 10021
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124
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Florman HM, First NL. The regulation of acrosomal exocytosis. I. Sperm capacitation is required for the induction of acrosome reactions by the bovine zona pellucida in vitro. Dev Biol 1988; 128:453-63. [PMID: 3396768 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(88)90307-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of acrosomal exocytosis in capacitated bovine spermatozoa by soluble extracts of zonae pellucidae was examined. Kinetic studies demonstrated that zonae pellucidae stimulated synchronous acrosome reactions. The t1/2 of this process was 5-10 min and response was maximal at 20 min. The apparent initial rate of exocytosis in sperm populations was dependent upon the concentration of zona pellucida protein, with an ED50 and a maximally effective dosage of 20 and 50 ng protein/microliter, respectively. Zonae pellucidae caused up to a 48-fold increase in the apparent initial rate and a 3- to 4-fold stimulation in the net occurrence of exocytosis. In contrast, solubilized zonae pellucidae did not induce acrosome reactions in uncapacitated sperm. The development of a capacitated state, as assayed by the ability of sperm to fertilize eggs in vitro, was compared to the expression of zona pellucida-regulated acrosome reactions in a series of kinetic experiments. Both activities were manifest with similar kinetics and displayed identical dependencies toward stimulatory and inhibitory agents in vitro. It is concluded that capacitation is an essential prerequisite for the induction of acrosomal exocytosis in bovine sperm by the zona pellucida.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Florman
- Department of Meat and Animal Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
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125
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Affiliation(s)
- L R Fraser
- Department of Anatomy and Human Biology, King's College London, United Kingdom
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126
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Thomas P, Meizel S. An influx of extracellular calcium is required for initiation of the human sperm acrosome reaction induced by human follicular fluid. GAMETE RESEARCH 1988; 20:397-411. [PMID: 3235048 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120200402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The role of Ca2+ in the human sperm acrosome reaction was investigated using the fluorescent calcium indicator fura-2. Previous experiments have shown that a Sephadex G-75 column fraction of human follicular fluid can stimulate the human sperm acrosome reaction [Suarez SS, Wolf DP, Meizel S (1986): Gamete Res 14:107-121]. Using fura-2, we demonstrated that this Sephadex G-75 fraction also stimulates a rapid, transient increase in intracellular free Ca2+. This Ca2+ transient is blocked either by chelation of extracellular calcium or by addition of the Ca2+ antagonist La3+. We have also been able to stimulate the acrosome reaction in human sperm without significant loss of motility, using the divalent cation ionophore ionomycin. Acrosome reactions stimulated by whole follicular fluid, the G-75 fraction, or ionomycin are all blocked by removal of extracellular Ca2+. These results strongly suggest that an influx of extracellular Ca2+ is responsible for initiating the acrosome reaction in human sperm treated with human follicular fluid. This is the first demonstration in mammalian sperm that a potentially physiological stimulus can cause an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concomitant with the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Thomas
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
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127
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Yudin AI, Gottlieb W, Meizel S. Ultrastructural studies of the early events of the human sperm acrosome reaction as initiated by human follicular fluid. GAMETE RESEARCH 1988; 20:11-24. [PMID: 3235025 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120200103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
It has been suggested that the morphology of the human sperm acrosome reaction (AR) is markedly different from that of other mammalian sperm. The present study examines the fine structural events of the early stages of the human sperm AR as initiated by preovulatory human follicular fluid. Human sperm, capacitated in vitro for 6 hr at 40 degrees C (90% motility) were diluted with equal volumes of follicular fluid before fixing in cacodylate-buffered glutaraldehyde at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 180 sec. Fixed sperm were treated with either tannic acid or thiocarbohydrazine and OsO4. Over 2,000 sperm were viewed. By 5 sec, 2% of the sperm had initiated the AR. By 15 sec, 8% of the sperm were in some stage of the reaction, and after 180 sec 40% of the sperm had completed the acrosome reaction. The initial stages of the human AR are characterized by a swelling or decondensation of the acrosomal matrix. The fusion between the plasma membrane and outer acrosomal membrane begins at the most anterior tip of the head and progresses toward the equatorial segment. Fusion and fenestration ended at the equatorial segment. With thiocarbohydrazine + OsO4 fixation the fused membranes are distinct hybrid vesicles with the outer acrosomal membrane being far more electron dense. The acrosomal matrix is retained by 20 sec, but by 180 sec the matrix is completely dispersed, even when viewed after tannic acid fixation. Also by 180 sec, vesicles were being progressively lost. It is therefore concluded that the morphology of the human sperm AR, as initiated by human follicular fluid, is not unique, but is similar to that described for other mammalian sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Yudin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis 95616
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128
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Siiteri JE, Gottlieb W, Meizel S. Partial characterization of a fraction from human follicular fluid that initiates the human sperm acrosome reaction in vitro. GAMETE RESEARCH 1988; 20:25-42. [PMID: 3235026 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120200104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A human follicular fluid (HFF) fraction prepared by Sephadex G-75 column chromatography has been previously shown by this laboratory to initiate the human sperm acrosome reaction (AR) in vitro. In the present report, the apparent molecular weight (MW) of this AR activity determined by a longer G-75 column than was used in the previous work was 50,000 +/- 5,106. The G-75 Sephadex void volume fractions of some but not all HFF samples were also found to contain some AR-initiating activity. The occasional void volume activity was less potent than that of the 50,000 MW fraction and was not studied further. Further characterization of the 50,000 MW fraction was carried out. A time-course study demonstrated that maximum AR were obtained within 5 min following the addition of the 50,000 MW fraction. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by silver staining revealed that the 50,000 MW fraction was still a relatively crude preparation. Treatment of the 50,000 MW fraction with chloroform:methanol did not extract the AR-initiating activity into the lipid phase. The AR-initiating activity of the untreated 50,000 MW fraction was precipitated when it was boiled, but the activity was partially resistant to boiling after overnight incubation. Treatment of the 50,000 MW fraction with pronase E or with several glycosaminoglycan hydrolases did not destroy the activity. Pronase treatment resulted in a higher amount of boiling-resistant AR-initiating activity. The AR-initiating activity of the untreated 50,000 MW fraction was partially dialyzable, but the activity of an undialyzed fraction did not pass through an ultrafiltration membrane with a 10,000 MW cut-off. However, treatment of the 50,000 MW fraction with protease, peptide:N-glycosidase F, and to a lesser extent chondroitinase ABC yielded an active lower MW activity which could pass through such an ultrafiltration membrane. The lower MW activity released by peptide:N-glycosidase F eluted in the included volume (5,000-1,000) of a Sephadex G-25 column. Neutral hexose but not protein or peptide was detected in the G-25 peak of AR-initiating activity. These results suggest that the AR-initiating activity present in the 50,000 MW fraction of HFF: 1) is present either as two different AR factors (a high-MW factor and a low-MW, noncovalently bound factor) or as a single factor responsible for both the nondialyzable and dialyzable AR-initiating activities (the latter being enzymatically released from the former), and 2) may be at least partially associated with N-linked oligosaccharides of a glycoprotein or proteoglycan.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Siiteri
- Department of Human Anatomy, University of California School of Medicine, Davis 95616
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129
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Siiteri JE, Dandekar P, Meizel S. Human sperm acrosome reaction-initiating activity associated with the human cumulus oophorus and mural granulosa cells. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1988; 246:71-80. [PMID: 3385373 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402460110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This report describes the detection and partial characterization of preovulatory human cumulus oophorus and mural granulosa cell-associated activity capable of initiating the human sperm acrosome reaction (AR) in vitro. Fragments of preovulatory human cumulus (cells plus extracellular matrix) were washed 3 times, incubated for 24 hr and the spent media and washes assayed for their ability to initiate the human sperm acrosome reaction (AR) in vitro. AR activity was present in the first two washes but not the third wash; however, AR activity was recovered in the spent medium after 3 X-washed fragments were incubated for 24 hr under conditions which maintained the viability of the cumulus cells. The spent media of preovulatory human mural granulosa cells contained AR-initiating activity after 1-3, 3-6, and 6-9 days of culture. The properties of the AR activity present in spent media of human cumulus fragments included resistance to loss of activity during treatment with pronase; resistance to loss of activity during treatment with chondroitinase ABC or bacterial hyaluronidase; heat stability after overnight incubation; lack of extraction by chloroform-methanol; an apparent molecular weight (MW) of 50,000, as determined by Sephadex G-75 column chromatography; conversion to a lower apparent MW activity by incubation with pronase. These properties are also characteristic of a fraction derived by Sephadex G-75 chromatography of preovulatory human follicular fluid which also has been shown to stimulate the human sperm acrosome reaction in vitro. The AR activity from spent media of human mural granulosa cells is also found in a 50,000 MW Sephadex G-75 fraction. We propose that the sources of the 50,000 MW human follicular fluid AR activity are the cumulus oophorus and the mural granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Siiteri
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
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130
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Guérette P, Langlais J, Antaki P, Chapdelaine A, Roberts KD. Activation of phospholipase A2 of human spermatozoa by proteases. GAMETE RESEARCH 1988; 19:203-14. [PMID: 2974829 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120190210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The effect of various proteases (kallikrein, plasmin, and trypsin) on sperm phospholipase A2 activity (PA2: EC 3.1.1.4) has been studied. The addition of trypsin to spermatozoa, isolated and washed in the presence of the protease inhibitor benzamidine, increased PA2 activity optimally with trypsin concentrations of 1.0-1.5 units/assay. In kinetic studies, all of the above proteases stimulated the deacylation of phosphatidylcholine (PC); in fresh spermatozoa, trypsin showed a higher activation potential than kallikrein or plasmin. In the presence of benzamidine, the activity remained at basal levels. Endogenous protease activity due to acrosin (control) resulted in an increase in PC deacylation compared to the basal level. The maximum activation time of PA2 activity by proteases was 30 min. Natural protease inhibitors (soybean trypsin inhibitor and aprotinin) kept the PA2 activity at basal levels and a by-product of kallikrein, bradykinin, did not significantly affect the control level. Protein extracts of fresh spermatozoa exhibited the same pattern of PA2 activation upon the addition of proteases, thus indicating that the increase in PA2 activity was not merely due to the release of the enzyme from the acrosome. All of these findings suggest the presence of a precursor form of phospholipase A2 that can be activated by endogenous proteases (acrosin) as well by exogenous proteases present in seminal plasma and in follicular fluid (plasmin, kallikrein). Thus, this interrelationship of proteases and prophospholipase A2 could activate a dormant fusogenic system: the resulting effect would lead to membrane fusion by lysolipids, key components in the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Guérette
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Quebec
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131
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Huarte J, Belin D, Bosco D, Sappino AP, Vassalli JD. Plasminogen activator and mouse spermatozoa: urokinase synthesis in the male genital tract and binding of the enzyme to the sperm cell surface. J Cell Biol 1987; 104:1281-9. [PMID: 3106363 PMCID: PMC2114472 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.104.5.1281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
When ejaculated mouse spermatozoa were embedded in a plasminogen-containing insoluble protein substrate, a zone of proteolysis developed progressively, centered around the sperm head region. Lysis did not occur in absence of plasminogen or in presence of antibodies against the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA). Zymographic and immunological analyses confirmed the presence of u-PA in extracts of ejaculated mouse spermatozoa. In contrast, the u-PA activity of sperm cells obtained from testis or from vas deferens was low, although these cells were able to bind added murine u-PA. The sites of u-PA synthesis were identified by measuring u-PA activity and u-PA mRNA content in protein extracts and in total RNA preparations of various portions of the male genital tract. The highest levels of u-PA activity and of u-PA mRNA were found in vas deferens and seminal vesicles. The cells that synthesize u-PA were localized by hybridizing frozen sections of various portions of the genital tract to a u-PA cRNA probe. In all tissues examined, u-PA mRNA was predominantly located in the epithelial layer, and the strongest signal was observed over that of the vas deferens. Hence, the u-PA associated with ejaculated sperm cells is probably acquired from genital tract secretions. Sperm-bound u-PA may participate in the proteolytic events that accompany capacitation and fertilization.
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132
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O'Rand MG, Fisher SJ. Localization of zona pellucida binding sites on rabbit spermatozoa and induction of the acrosome reaction by solubilized zonae. Dev Biol 1987; 119:551-9. [PMID: 3100364 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(87)90058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The binding of mammalian spermatozoa to the egg's extracellular coat, the zona pellucida, is a complex process which culminates in species-specific penetration of the sperm to the egg plasma membrane. To investigate where on the spermatozoon's surface the zona binding sites are located, whole rabbit zonae were labeled with FITC, heat solubilized and used to observe the surface binding patterns on live spermatozoa. Before the acrosome reaction the zona binding sites are located either over the entire head as well as the middle piece or alternatively in patches along the apical ridge of the head. After the acrosome reaction there is a 29% loss of fluorescence and the zona binding sites are present in the posterior aspect of the acrosomal region, the anterior postacrosomal region and the middle piece. These results demonstrate the presence of zona binding sites after the acrosome reaction which would account for the sperm's ability to remain bound to the zona after the acrosome reaction. Further, we report for the first time that solubilized rabbit zonae pellucidae will induce the acrosome reaction in in vitro capacitated rabbit sperm whereas solubilized pig zonae pellucidae will not. Since rabbit sperm bind pig zonae, the induction and specificity of the physiological acrosome reaction must reside in the affinity of the binding rather than the binding itself.
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133
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Friess AE, Toepfer-Petersen E, Nguyen H, Schill WB. Electron microscopic localization of a fucose-binding protein in acrosome reacted boar spermatozoa by the fucosyl-peroxidase-gold method. HISTOCHEMISTRY 1987; 86:297-303. [PMID: 3553101 DOI: 10.1007/bf00490262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study we have examined the behaviour and the localization of the fucose-binding protein (FBP) in boar spermatozoa during ionophore induced acrosome reaction (AR) by means of normal TEM and specimen preparation in toto. During early stages of AR the FBP is first localized at the border between equatorial segment and anterior acrosome. With the propagation of the AR the FBP is dramatically expressed and visible over the entire surface of the acrosome and equatorial segment. TEM pictures of this stages show that the FBP is associated with the OAM. At later stages of AR, when acrosomal ghost formation occur, the FBP is associated with the acrosomal ghost, and equatorial segment and to a very low degree also with the IAM. It is concluded from this data that the FBP is responsible for the specific binding of the ghost-sperm unit to the zona pellucida.
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134
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Cummins JM, Yanagimachi R. Development of ability to penetrate the cumulus oophorus by hamster spermatozoa capacitated in vitro, in relation to the timing of the acrosome reaction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1986. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120150302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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135
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Suarez SS, Wolf DP, Meizel S. Induction of the acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa by a fraction of human follicular fluid. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1986. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120140203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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136
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Cherr GN, Lambert H, Meizel S, Katz DF. In vitro studies of the golden hamster sperm acrosome reaction: completion on the zona pellucida and induction by homologous soluble zonae pellucidae. Dev Biol 1986; 114:119-31. [PMID: 3514315 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(86)90388-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
We have studied the occurrence of the golden hamster sperm acrosome reaction (AR) in vitro during interaction with the oocyte investments: the cumulus cell matrix and the zona pellucida. Hamster sperm were capacitated in a defined medium that does not induce the AR. These spermatozoa were allowed to interact with the ovum vestments, the events of which were recorded using high-speed videomicrography. Frame-by-frame analysis revealed that sperm did not complete the AR in the cumulus cell matrix, but did so on the zona pellucida. Furthermore, a higher percentage of sperm completed the AR on the zona pellucida of cumulus-invested than on cumulus-free eggs. We also investigated the effect of solubilized hamster and mouse zonae pellucidae on the hamster sperm AR. Addition of solubilized hamster zonae to capacitated sperm elicited the AR within 15 min. Solubilized mouse zonae were significantly less effective, indicating that the zona-induced AR in hamster sperm may be species specific. These results suggest that the hamster zona pellucida is an inducer of the AR in the intact or soluble form, and that the majority of spermatozoa traverse the cumulus cell matrix without completing the AR in our in vitro system.
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137
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Meizel S, Turner KO. Glycosaminoglycans stimulate the acrosome reaction of previously capacitated hamster sperm. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1986; 237:137-9. [PMID: 3753998 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402370118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) hyaluronic acid and heparin were added (10 micrograms and 100 micrograms/ml to golden hamster sperm suspensions previously incubated for 4.5 h under capacitating conditions. After additions, sperm were incubated for 5-15 min and acrosome reactions (AR) assayed in motile sperm by phase contrast microscopy. Hyaluronic acid and heparin significantly stimulated AR over control levels. Hyaluronic acid did not stimulate AR 15 min after addition to sperm previously incubated for only 2.5 h. Pre-incubation of hyaluronic acid with streptomyces hyaluronidase destroyed the ability of that GAG to stimulate the AR. These results indicate that GAGs (at least one of which, hyaluronic acid, is present in the oocyte cumulus oophorous) can rapidly stimulate the acrosome reaction in motile previously capacitated hamster sperm.
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