Intracellular calcium movements of boar spermatozoa during 'in vitro' capacitation and subsequent acrosome exocytosis follow a multiple-storage place, extracellular calcium-dependent model

This work analysed intracellular calcium stores of boar spermatozoa subjected to 'in vitro' capacitation (IVC) and subsequent progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis (IVAE). Intracellular calcium was analysed through two calcium markers with different physico-chemical properties, Fluo-3 and Rhod-5N. Indicative parameters of IVC and IVAE were also evaluated. Fluo-3 was located at both the midpiece and the whole head. Rhod-5N was present at the sperm head. This distribution did not change in any of the assayed conditions. Induction of IVC was concomitant with an increase in both head and midpiece Ca(2+) signals. Additionally, while IVC induction was concurrent with a significant (p < 0.05) increase in sperm membrane permeability, no significant changes were observed in O2 consumption and ATP levels. Incubation of boar spermatozoa in the absence of calcium showed a loss of both Ca(2+) labellings concomitantly with the sperm's inability to achieve IVC. The absence of extracellular calcium also induced a severe decrease in the percentage of spermatozoa exhibiting high mitochondrial membrane potential (hMMP). The IVAE was accompanied by a fast increase in both Ca(2+) signalling in control spermatozoa. These peaks were either not detected or much lessened in the absence of calcium. Remarkably, Fluo-3 marking at the midpiece increased after progesterone addition to sperm cells incubated in a medium without Ca(2+) . The simultaneous addition of progesterone with the calcium chelant EGTA inhibited IVAE, and this was accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the intensity of progesterone Ca(2+) -induced peak, O2 consumption and ATP levels. Our results suggest that boar spermatozoa present different calcium deposits with a dynamic equilibrium among them and with the extracellular environment. Additionally, the modulation role of the intracellular calcium in spermatozoa function seems to rely on its precise localization in boar spermatozoa.

IL-3 controls tau modifications and protects cortical neurons from neurodegeneration

Interleukin-3 (IL-3) regulates the proliferation, survival and differentiation of haematopoietic cells via interaction with specific cell-surface receptors. IL-3 is expressed in several non-hematopoietic cell types. Studies have demonstrated the presence of IL-3 in the central nervous system, however, its physiological role in these cells is poorly understood. Previously we have been demonstrated that IL-3 prevents neuronal death induced by fibrillary β amyloid in these cells, by PI 3-kinase and Jak/STAT pathway activation. In this study, we demonstrated that IL-3 significantly reduced Aβ-promoted neurite degeneration and toxicity. Thus, this cytokine provides cellular protection against Aβ neurotoxicity in primary cortical neuronal cells, by modulating microtubular dynamics and prevention of tau cleavage and hyperphosphorylation. We also demonstrates that IL-3 is expressed in the "in vivo" mouse model of AD, Tg2576, which also expresses human AβPP with the Swedish mutation. In summary, these results suggest that IL-3 could play a neuroprotective role in AD.

332 GRANULOCYTE-MACROPHAGE COLONY STIMULATING FACTOR (GM-CSF) ENHANCES CUMULUS CELLS EXPANSION OF IN VITRO-MATURED BOVINE CUMULUS - OOCYTE COMPLEXES IN A CHEMICALLY DEFINED MEDIUM

Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that stimulates proliferation, differentiation and function in different cells types. We have previously demonstrated (Bücher DD et al. 2008 Reprod. Dom. Anim. 43 (Suppl. 3), 146 abst.) that both subunits of GM-CSF receptor are expressed in granulosa cells from antral follicles in bovine ovaries. Also, we determined that the cytokine enhances glucose uptake through facilitative hexose transporters in granulosa cells in primary culture. The goals of the present study were to characterize the expression of GM-CSF receptor in cumulus cells and oocytes from bovine antral follicles and to determine its effects on in vitro-matured bovine COCs in a chemically defined medium. To determine the presence of a and |5 subunits of GM-CSF receptor, COCs were aspirated from follicles <8 mm in diameter, fixed, and submitted to immunocytochemistry. To study the effect of GM-CSF on in vitro maturation of oocytes, COCs (n =481) were cultured using serum-free medium (SOF) containing 0, 1, 10, and 100 ng mL-1 of human recombinant GM-CSF (R&D Systems, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) for 22 h at 39°C, 5% CO2 in humidified air. Nuclear stage, cumulus expansion, cumulus cell number, and viability were analyzed after in vitro maturation. Cumulus expansion was assessed using the cumulus expansion index (CEI) (Fagbohun C and Down S 1990 Biol. Reprod. 42, 413-423). Nuclear stage was evaluated using aceto-orcein stain. To determine cumulus cell viability and number, COCs (n = 10-12 per group) were transferred into an Eppendorf tube and cumulus cells were removed by vortexing for 3 min, stained with trypan blue and counted with a hemocytometer. The study was conducted in 6 replicates. Data from cumulus expansion and cell number were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis analysis. Data for nuclear stage and cell viability were analyzed by chi-square analysis and one way ANOVA, respectively. Both receptor subunits were present in cumulus cells and oocytes from COCs. COCs cultured in 10 and 100 ng mL-1 GM-CSF had CEI scores (0.8 and 1.22, respectively) greater (P < 0.01) than controls (0.2), but the proportion of COCs displaying second metaphase did not differ (P = 0.5) among treatment groups. GM-CSF at a concentration of 100 ng mL-1 increased (P < 0.01) cumulus cell viability by more than 20% compared to the control group. Similarly, GM-CSF at concentrations of 10 and 100 ng mL-1 increased (P < 0.05) cumulus cell number by more than 20% and 45%, respectively, from the control group. The use of a specific inhibitor of PI3 kinase (Ly294002; 10 and 100 μM) blocked the stimulatory effect of GM-CSF on cumulus expansion, cell viability, and cell number. In conclusion, the results of the study suggest a plausible modulator role of GM-CSF in the metabolism and function of cumulus cells and oocytes during in vitro maturation. Funding from Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, MECESUP AUS-0005, AUS-0601, and DID D-2006-24 and from Universidad Católica de Temuco, research grant 2007 DGI-CDA-04.

Expression of the GM-CSF receptor in ovine spermatozoa: GM-CSF effect on sperm viability and motility of sperm subpopulations after the freezing–thawing process

The granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a pleiotropic cytokine capable of stimulating proliferation, maturation and function of haematopoietic cells. Receptors for this cytokine are composed of two subunits, alpha and beta, and are expressed in myeloid progenitors and mature mononuclear phagocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils, as well as in other non-haematopoietic cells. We have previously demonstrated that bull spermatozoa express functional GM-CSF receptors that signal for increased glucose and vitamin-C uptake and enhance several parameters of sperm motility in the presence of glucose or fructose substrates. In this study, we have analyzed the expression of GM-CSF receptors in ovine spermatozoa and studied the effect of GM-CSF on sperm viability and motility after the freezing-thawing process. Immunolocalization and immunoblotting analyses demonstrated that ovine spermatozoa (Xisqueta race) expressed GM-CSF receptors. In addition, GM-CSF partially counteracted the impairing action of freezing/thawing on the percentage of total motility, as well as on the specific motility patterns of each of the separate, motile sperm subpopulations of ram ejaculates subjected to this protocol. These results suggest that GM-CSF can play a role in the resistance of ram spermatozoa to environmental thermal stress.

Gluconeogenesis-Linked Glycogen Metabolism Is Important in the Achievement of In Vitro Capacitation of Dog Spermatozoa in a Medium Without Glucose1

In vitro capacitation of dog spermatozoa in a medium without sugars and with lactate as the metabolic substrate (l-CCM) was accompanied by a progressive increase of intracellular glycogen during the first 2 h of incubation, which was followed by a subsequent decrease of glycogen levels after up to 4 h of incubation. Lactate from the medium is the source for the observed glycogen synthesis, as the presence of [(14)C]glycogen after the addition to l-CCM with [(14)C]lactate was demonstrated. The existence of functional gluconeogenesis in dog sperm was also sustained by the presence of key enzymes of this metabolic pathway, such as fructose 1,6-bisphophatase and aldolase B. On the other hand, glycogen metabolism from gluconeogenic sources was important in the maintenance of a correct in vitro fertilization after incubation in the l-CCM. This was demonstrated after the addition of phenylacetic acid (PAA) to l-CCM. In the presence of PAA, in vitro capacitation of dog spermatozoa suffered alterations, which translated into changes in capacitation functional markers, like the increase in the percentage of altered acrosomes, a distinct motion pattern, decrease or even disappearance of capacitation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation, and increased heterogeneity of the chlorotetracycline pattern in capacitated cells. Thus, this is the first report indicating the existence of a functional glyconeogenesis in mammalian spermatozoa. Moreover, gluconeogenesis-linked glycogen metabolism seems to be of importance in the maintenance of a correct in vitro capacitation in dog sperm in the absence of hexoses in the medium.

Expression of GM-CSF receptors in male germ cells and their role in signaling for increased glucose and vitamin C transport

We studied the expression and function of the granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor in male germ cells. RT-PCR showed expression of mRNAs encoding the alpha- and beta-subunits of the GM-CSF receptor in human testis, and the presence of the alpha- and beta-proteins was confirmed by immunoblotting with anti-alpha and anti-beta-antibodies. Immunolocalization studies showed the level of expression of GM-CSF alpha- and beta-subunits in the germ line in the testis and in ejaculated spermatozoa. Receptor binding studies using radiolabeled GM-CSF revealed that bull spermatozoa have about 105 high-affinity sites with a K(d) of 222 pM and approximately 1100 low-affinity sites with a K(d) of 10 nM. GM-CSF signaled, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, for an increased uptake of glucose and vitamin C.

The protein kinase Cdk5. Structural aspects, roles in neurogenesis and involvement in Alzheimer's pathology

A set of different protein kinases have been involved in tau phosphorylations, including glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3 beta), MARK kinase, MAP kinase, the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) system and others. The latter system include the catalytic component Cdk5 and the regulatory proteins p35, p25 and p39. Cdk5 and its neuron-specific activator p35 are essential molecules for neuronal migration and for the laminar configuration of the cerebral cortex. Recent evidence that the Cdk5/p35 complex concentrates at the leading edge of axonal growth cones, together with the involvement of this system in the phosphorylation of neuronal microtubule-asociated proteins (MAPs), provide further support to the role of this protein kinase in regulating axonal extension in developing brain neurons. Although the aminoacid sequence of p35 has little similarity with those of normal cyclins, studies have shown that its activation domain may adopt a conformation of the cyclin-folded structure. The computed structure for Cdk5 is compatible with experimental data obtained from studies on the Cdk5/p35 complex, and has allowed predictions on the protein interacting domains. This enzyme exhibits a wide cell distribution, even though a regulated Cdk5 activity has been shown only in neuronal cells. Cdk5 has been characterized as a proline-directed Ser/Thr protein kinase, that contributes to phosphorylation of human tau on Ser202, Thr205, Ser235 and Ser404. Cdk5 is active in postmitiotic neurons, and it has been implicated in cytoskeleton assembly and its organization during axonal growth. In addition to tau and other MAPs, Cdk5 phosphorylates the high molecular weight neurofilament proteins at their C-terminal domain. Moreover, nestin, a protein that regulates cytoskeleton organization of neuronal and muscular cells during development of early embryos, and several other regulatory proteins appear to be substrates of Cdk5 and are phosphorylated by this kinase. Studies also suggest, that in addition to Cdk5 involvement in neuronal differentiation, its activity is induced during myogenesis, however, the mechanisms of how this activity is regulated during muscular differentiation has not yet been elucidated. Recent studies have shown that the beta-amyloid peptide (A beta) induces a deregulation of Cdk5 in cultured brain cells, and raises the question on the possible roles of this tau-phosphorylating protein kinase in the sequence of molecular events leading to neuronal death triggered by A beta. In this context, there are evidence that Cdk5 is involved in tau hyperphosphorylation promoted by A beta in its fibrillary form. Cdk5 inhibitors protect hippocampal neurons against both tau anomalous phosphorylations and neuronal death. The links between the studies on the Cdk5/p35 system in normal neurogenesis and its claimed participation in neurodegeneration, provide the framework to understand the regulatory relevance of this kinase system, and changes in its regulation that may be implicated in disturbances such as those occurring in Alzheimer disease.

Hexose transporter expression and function in mammalian spermatozoa: cellular localization and transport of hexoses and vitamin C

We analyzed the expression of hexose transporters in human testis and in human, rat, and bull spermatozoa and studied the uptake of hexoses and vitamin C in bull spermatozoa. Immunocytochemical and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses demonstrated that adult human testis expressed the hexose transporters GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT3, GLUT4, and GLUT5. Immunoblotting experiments demonstrated the presence of proteins of about 50-70 kD reactive with anti-GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT3, and GLUT5 in membranes prepared from human spermatozoa, but no proteins reactive with GLUT4 antibodies were detected. Immunolocalization experiments confirmed the presence of GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT3, GLUT5, and low levels of GLUT4 in human, rat, and bull spermatozoa. Each transporter isoform showed a typical subcellular localization in the head and the sperm tail. In the tail, GLUT3 and GLUT5 were present at the level of the middle piece in the three species examined, GLUT1 was present in the principal piece, and the localization of GLUT2 differed according of the species examined. Bull spermatozoa transported deoxyglucose, fructose, and the oxidized form of vitamin C, dehydroascorbic acid. Transport of deoxyglucose and dehydroascorbic acid was inhibited by cytochalasin B, indicating the direct participation of facilitative hexose transporters in the transport of both substrates by bull spermatozoa. Transport of fructose was not affected by cytochalasin B, which is consistent for an important role for GLUT5 in the transport of fructose in these cells. The data show that human, rat, and bull spermatozoa express several hexose transporter isoforms that allow for the efficient uptake of glucose, fructose, and dehydroascorbic acid by these cells.

Expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptors in human prostate cancer

We studied the expression and function of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor in the human prostate carcinoma cell line LNCaP and looked for its presence in normal and neoplastic human prostatic tissue. The GM-CSF receptor is composed of two subunits, alpha and beta. While the isolated alpha subunit binds GM-CSF at low-affinity, the isolated beta subunit does not bind GM-CSF by itself; but complexes with the alpha subunit to form a high-affinity receptor. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed expression of mRNAs encoding the alpha and beta subunits of the GM-CSF receptor in LNCaP cells, and the presence of the alpha and beta proteins was confirmed by immunolocalization with anti-alpha and anti-beta antibodies. Receptor binding studies using radiolabeled GM-CSF showed that LNCaP cells have about 150 high-affinity sites with a kd of 40 pmol/L and approximately 750 low-affinity sites with a kd of 2 nmol/L. GM-CSF signaled, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, for protein tyrosine phosphorylation and induced the proliferation of the LNCaP cells. Immunolocalization studies showed low level expression of GM-CSF alpha and beta subunits in normal prostate tissue, with substantial expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prominent expression in neoplastic prostate tissue. Maximal expression of both subunits was observed in prostatic carcinomas metastatic to lymph node and bone. Tumor cells that stained positively with anti-alpha subunit antibodies were also reactive with anti-beta subunit antibodies, indicating that they express high-affinity GM-CSF receptors. Our data show that the LNCaP cells express functional GM-CSF receptors and that prostatic carcinomas have prominent GM-CSF receptor expression. These findings imply that both hyperplastic and neoplastic prostatic tissues may be responsive to GM-CSF.

Human erythrocytes express GLUT5 and transport fructose

Although erythrocytes readily metabolize fructose, it has not been known how this sugar gains entry to the red blood cell. We present evidence indicating that human erythrocytes express the fructose transporter GLUT5, which is the major means for transporting fructose into the cell. Immunoblotting and immunolocalization experiments identified the presence of GLUT1 and GLUT5 as the main facilitative hexose transporters expressed in human erythrocytes, with GLUT2 present in lower amounts. Functional studies allowed the identification of two transporters with different kinetic properties involved in the transport of fructose in human erythrocytes. The predominant transporter (GLUT5) showed an apparent Km for fructose of approximately 10 mmol/L. Transport of low concentrations of fructose was not affected by 2-deoxy-D-glucose, a glucose analog that is transported by GLUT1 and GLUT2. Similarly, cytochalasin B, a potent inhibitor of the functional activity of GLUT1 and GLUT2, did not affect the transport of fructose in human erythrocytes. The functional properties of the fructose transporter present in human erythrocytes are consistent with a central role for GLUT5 as the physiological transporter of fructose in these cells.

Increased uptake and accumulation of vitamin C in human immunodeficiency virus 1-infected hematopoietic cell lines

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is required for normal host defense and functions importantly in cellular redox systems. To define the interrelationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and vitamin C flux at the cellular level, we analyzed vitamin C uptake and its effects on virus production and cellular proliferation in HIV-infected and uninfected human lymphoid, myeloid, and mononuclear phagocyte cell lines. Chronic or acute infection of these cell lines by HIV-1 led to increased expression of glucose transporter 1, associated with increased transport and accumulation of vitamin C. Infected cells also showed increased transport of glucose analogs. Exposure to vitamin C had a complex effect on cell proliferation and viral production. Low concentrations of vitamin C increased or decreased cell proliferation depending on the cell line and either had no effect or caused increased viral production. Exposure to high concentrations of vitamin C preferentially decreased the proliferation and survival of the HIV-infected cells and caused decreased viral production. These findings indicate that HIV infection in lymphocytic, monocytic, and myeloid cell lines leads to increased expression of glucose transporter 1 and consequent increased cellular vitamin C uptake. High concentrations of vitamin C were preferentially toxic to HIV-infected host defense cell lines in vitro.

Localization of the fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase at the nuclear periphery

The localization of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (D-Fru-1,6-)2-1-phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.11) in rat kidney and liver was determined immunohistochemically using a polyclonal antibody raised against the enzyme purified from pig kidney. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the bisphosphatase was preferentially localized in hepatocytes of the periportal region of the liver and was absent from the perivenous region. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase was also preferentially localized in the cortex of the kidney proximal tubules and was absent in the glomeruli, loops of Henle, collecting and distal tubules, and in the renal medulla. As indicated by immunocytochemistry using light microscopy and confirmed with the use of reflection confocal microscopy, the enzyme was preferentially localized in a perinuclear position in the liver and the renal cells. Subcellular fractionation studies followed by enzyme activity assays revealed that a majority of the cellular fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase activity was associated to subcellular particulate structures. Overall, the data support the concept of metabolic zonation in liver as well as in kidney, and establish the concept that the Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase is a particulate enzyme that can not be considered a soluble enzyme in the classical sense.

Expression of the fructose transporter GLUT5 in human breast cancer

The primary metabolic characteristic of malignant cells is an increased uptake of glucose and its anaerobic metabolism. We studied the expression and function of the glucose transporters in human breast cancer cell lines and analyzed their expression in normal and neoplastic primary human breast tissue. Hexose uptake assays and immunoblotting experiments revealed that the breast carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-468 express the glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT2, isoforms expressed in both normal and neoplastic breast tissue. We also found that the breast cancer cell lines transport fructose and express the fructose transporter GLUT5. Immunolocalization studies revealed that GLUT5 is highly expressed in vivo in human breast cancer but is absent in normal human breast tissue. These findings indicate that human breast cancer cells have a specialized capacity to transport fructose, a metabolic substrate believed to be used by few human tissues. Identification of a high-affinity fructose transporter on human breast cancer cells opens opportunities to develop novel strategies for early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Resolution of the facilitated transport of dehydroascorbic acid from its intracellular accumulation as ascorbic acid

We performed a detailed kinetic analysis of the uptake of dehydroascorbic acid by HL-60 cells under experimental conditions that enabled the differentiation of dehydroascorbic acid transport from the intracellular reduction/accumulation of ascorbic acid. Immunoblotting and immunolocalization experiments identified GLUT1 as the main glucose transporter expressed in the HL-60 cells. Kinetic analysis allowed the identification of a single functional activity involved in the transport of dehydroascorbic acid in the HL-60 cells. Transport was inhibited in a competitive manner by both 3-O-methyl-D-glucose and 2-deoxy-D-glucose. In turn, dehydroascorbic acid competitively inhibited the transport of both sugars. A second functional component identified in experiments measuring the accumulation of ascorbic acid appears to be associated with the intracellular reduction of dehydroascorbic acid to ascorbic acid and is not directly involved in the transport of dehydroascorbic acid via GLUT1. Transport of dehydroascorbic acid by HL-60 cells was independent of the presence of external Na+, whereas the intracellular accumulation of ascorbic acid was found to be a Na(+)-sensitive process. Thus, the transport of dehydroascorbic acid via glucose transporters is a Na(+)-independent process which is kinetically and biologically separable from the reduction of dehydroascorbic acid to ascorbic acid and its subsequent intracellular accumulation.

Nuclear Sm antigens in the sperm of different organisms

Immunoblot analysis of sperm protein from several species revealed the presence of polypeptides recognised by anti-Sm sera obtained from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Immunoreactive polypeptides in human, bull, mouse and rat sperm were identified as protein B', B and D as compared with the Sm polypeptides of HeLa cells. In the sperm of rooster, the teleost fish Cyprinus carpio and the mussel Choromytilus chorus, the immunoreactive polypeptide profile was more complex. To ascertain the sperm origin of the Sm antigens, immunolocalisation with anti-Sm serum was carried out. The results demonstrated that in all the species studied staining was confined to the sperm nucleus, confirming that some polypeptides of the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex are present in the gamete.

U1 and U2 snRNA are localized in the sperm nucleus

Analysis of epididymal rat sperm RNA strongly suggested the presence of U snRNAs, especially U1 and U2 snRNA. By Northern blot analysis with radiolabeled oligodeoxynucleotide probes, the presence of U1 and U2 snRNA in rat sperm was confirmed. To precisely localize these RNAs, in situ hybridization with antisense and sense oligo probes labeled with digoxigenin was carried out. The results indicate that U1 as well as U2 snRNA are confined to the sperm nucleus.

Small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptides in rat sperm

1. Immunoblot analysis of rat sperm head proteins revealed the presence of polypeptides recognized by anti-Sm serum obtained from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. 2. Two of these polypeptides have molecular weights of 26,000 and 15,000 and they were identified as small nuclear ribonucleoprotein components present in other rat tissues. 3. When the autoimmune serum was used in the immuno-gold procedure for electron microscopy, gold particles were found only on the sperm nucleus. 4. The results indicate that some polypeptides of the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex are components of the rat sperm chromatin.

Intracellular distribution of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase in rat spermatogenic cells

The highest activity of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase was found in the testis among several rat tissues tested. Subcellular fractionation of the testis demonstrated that the synthetase was localized primarily in the nucleus and partially in the microsomal-ribosomal fraction. This result was confirmed by immunocytochemical staining with the enzyme-specific antibody. The synthetase was localized in the nuclei of interstitial cells, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes. In addition, round spermatids showed a granular staining in the cytoplasm, which was comparable in intensity with that in the nucleus. The cytoplasmic synthetase had a molecular weight of 115,000 and synthesized oligomers of ADP-ribose on itself (automodification). The synthetase activity in the isolated cytoplasmic fraction was stimulated about threefold by the addition of DNA and depressed by treatment with DNase I, suggesting the presence of endogenous activator DNA. A candidate DNA for such an activator was isolated from the microsomal-ribosomal fraction, and identified tentatively as mitochondrial DNA on the basis of its size and restriction fragment patterns.

Presence of RNA in the sperm nucleus

The RNase-colloidal gold procedure for the ultrastructural localization of RNA was used for rat testis. Along with other structures, it was found that the testicular sperm nucleus was well stained. Similar labelling was observed in the nucleus of rat epididymal sperm and human sperm. The RNA was extracted from sperm and analyzed by electrophoresis on 10% polyacrylamide gel and 7 M urea. The electrophoretic profile revealed a complex set of bands ranging in size from tRNA to high molecular weight components. On the average, a content of about 0.1 pg of RNA per rat or human sperm was found.

Characteristics of the inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase by homopolypurines

Poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase partially purified from rat testis was markedly inhibited by the homopolypurines polyG, polyI and polyA. The inhibition was competitive with respect to poly(ADP-ribose) and the Ki for polyG and polyA was 2.8 uM and 5.5 uM, respectively. This inhibitory effect of the homopolypurines was practically eliminated when 250 mM KCl was present in the reaction mixture. Moreover, the inhibition exerted by polyI or polyA was markedly diminished after hybridization with polyC or polyT, respectively.